How to clean a glass bong? 3 tried and true methods

Did you know that a dirty bong is an excellent host for many bacteria, fungi and pathogens? Continuing to smoke from a bong that has developed its own harmful ecosystem can lead to respiratory problems such as angina.

If you love and use your glass bong, you need to know how to clean it. In addition to the health problems that a dirty bong can cause, it is simply gross and disgusting to use.

There are many ways to clean a glass bong, and most of them use cleaning products and tools you probably have at home.

Let's look at a few different ways to clean your glass bong to keep it looking, smelling, and functioning like new.

Hey, what about silicone bongs?

Why do we focus on glass bongs instead of including their newer cousin, silicone bongs? There are two reasons.

First of all, silicone bongs are extremely easy to clean. You can put a silicone bong in the dishwasher and it will come out clean. They are difficult to break, so there is nothing to worry about.

Secondly, although silicone bongs are easier to clean, they are not as good or durable. Glass bongs, like those made by Grav Labs pipes, are more attractive, more durable, and perhaps even safer to use. Just because something takes a little more work doesn't mean it's not a better option!

Herb grinders

Look, we get it. You enjoy smoking your herbs and one of the last things on your mind before, during or after the process is the device you use to grind them before rolling or packaging them. However, at Brothers With Glass we believe that every part of the roasting process is as important as what you smoke and what you smoke it from. When it comes to herb grinders, we are no different. We want you to have the perfect grind, the perfect cut and the perfect smoking experience from start to finish. That's why we offer a wide range of grinders in a variety of styles to suit your needs. From classic to slot grinders and even a grinder that will automatically fill the pre-rolled connecting tube so you just twist and light it. Pretty cool, right?

How to clean a glass bong

Before trying any of these bong cleaning methods, make sure you disassemble the bong properly. Remove the bowl and lower stem and set them aside in a safe place. These pieces will also require thorough cleaning and will likely have the most resin buildup of any piece.

Now let's look at three different methods to clean a glass bong. Keep in mind that while cleaning supplies and methods may vary, you'll still want to have a drain cleaner on hand for each of these methods. Using a pipe cleaner will allow you to scrape off any stuck-on resin that won't dissolve immediately.

Boiling water

If you know your bong is strong, you can use very hot water to clean it. The risk factor is that if the water is too hot, the glass may crack, and if the water is not hot enough, the bacteria and other strange things will not disappear 100%. However, if you have nothing else on hand, this method is worth trying.

Fill a large pot (large enough to hold the bong) with water and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce it to a minimum so that it is still bubbling but not hot. After removing the bowl and lower leg, carefully place the bong into the hot water.

After half an hour, remove the bong and use a pipe cleaner to clean the softened resin. Then, at a reduced temperature, soak the bowl and the stem in the pot. You can also add fresh lemon juice to the water for a more thorough cleaning.

Salt and warm water

If you don't feel like messing with boiling water but don't have isopropyl alcohol on hand, there is another solution that involves coarse sea salt and warm water.

First, take a resealable plastic sandwich bag and fill it with warm tap water. If you don't have a plastic bag handy, you can use a bowl, but beware of the lingering resin smell.

Then pour about half a tablespoon of salt into the bowl and the fluff stalk. Place the pieces in a bag and close it, leaving for 30 minutes.

Then put about one tablespoon of coarse sea salt into the bong. Fill it about one third full with warm water.

If you have bong plugs, now is a good time to break them out. If not, use your hands to seal the mouthpiece and connector.

Keep your bong clean for better and healthier use

Knowing how to clean a glass bong is an important part of being a responsible smoker. Dirty bongs are a breeding ground for all kinds of living organisms that are hazardous to health. If your glass bong is clean, you can be sure that you are not inhaling toxins or other unwanted substances.