Quick Tips
Look, we’ve all been there—you take a deep pull from your bong, expecting a smooth hit, and instead, you get a mouthful of resin-flavored regret. The water looks like something that should be quarantined, and the inside is coated with tar-like buildup that could probably be used to pave a driveway. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to learn how to clean a bong properly.
A dirty bong isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and other unpleasantness that can make you sick. Plus, built-up resin and tar can ruin the flavor of your herb. Whether you’re a daily user or an occasional toker, a clean bong means a better smoking experience. Let’s get to it.
What You’ll Need to Clean Your Bong
Before you get started, grab the following supplies:
- Coarse salt – This acts as an abrasive to scrub off the resin.
- Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) – The higher the percentage, the better it dissolves gunk.
- Rubber stoppers or plastic wrap and rubber bands – To seal the openings while shaking.
- Pipe cleaners, cotton swabs, or small brushes – For those hard-to-reach areas.
- Warm water – To rinse everything thoroughly.
- Dish soap (optional) – Helps remove any lingering alcohol residue.
- Gloves (optional but recommended) – Resin is stubborn and will cling to your hands.
How to Clean a Bong (Step by Step)
1. Empty and Rinse Your Bong
First, dump out the nasty water. Yes, it smells awful. Yes, it will probably splatter. Accept your fate and pour it out. Rinse the bong thoroughly with warm water to loosen up any surface gunk.
2. Disassemble Your Bong
Remove all removable parts—bowl, downstem, percolators (if possible). Set them aside, as you’ll clean them separately. If your bong is one solid piece, don’t worry—you’ll just have to be a little more strategic with your scrubbing.
3. Add Salt and Isopropyl Alcohol
Pour a generous amount of coarse salt into the base of your bong and follow it up with enough isopropyl alcohol to submerge the gunk inside. The salt acts as a scrubber while the alcohol breaks down the resin and tar.
4. Plug the Openings and Shake Like Your Life Depends on It
Seal all openings with rubber stoppers, or cover them with plastic wrap secured by rubber bands. Now, shake the bong vigorously for at least two to five minutes. You should see chunks of resin breaking loose. If it looks like a horror movie prop, you’re doing it right.
5. Scrub the Stubborn Spots
For particularly gross areas, use pipe cleaners, cotton swabs, or small brushes to scrub away lingering resin. Pay extra attention to percolators and small crevices.
6. Clean the Bowl and Downstem Separately
Place your bowl and downstem in a separate container filled with isopropyl alcohol and salt. Let them soak for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing with pipe cleaners or small brushes.
7. Rinse Thoroughly with Warm Water
Alcohol and salt are great for cleaning, but you don’t want to inhale their residue. Rinse everything multiple times with warm water. If you want to go the extra mile, use a bit of dish soap for an extra clean finish.
8. Let It Dry Before Using
Water spots might be annoying, but what’s worse is inhaling alcohol fumes. Let everything air dry completely before reassembling your bong.
How to Clean a Bong Without Alcohol
If you don’t have isopropyl alcohol (or just don’t like using it), here are some alternative methods:
- White vinegar and baking soda: Pour vinegar into the bong, add baking soda, and let it foam up. Let it sit for a few hours, then scrub and rinse.
- Boiling water soak: Submerge your glass bong in hot (not boiling) water for 30 minutes, then scrub with salt.
- Lemon juice and coarse salt: The acidity of lemon juice helps break down resin, and it leaves your bong smelling fresh.
How Professionals Clean Bongs
If you ever take your bong to a professional glass cleaner or a high-end smoke shop, here’s what they do differently:
- Ultrasonic cleaning: Many pros use ultrasonic cleaners that create tiny vibrations to break up resin buildup without harsh scrubbing.
- Specialized cleaning solutions: Professional cleaners use non-toxic, biodegradable solutions that dissolve resin and tar more effectively than DIY methods.
- Glass-safe tools: Instead of scratching the glass with coarse salt, they use non-abrasive tools to prevent damage over time.
If your bong is high-end, consider taking it to a professional every few months to keep it looking (and hitting) like new.
How Often Should You Clean Your Bong?
- Daily: Change the water after each use to prevent bacteria and resin buildup.
- Every 2-3 days: Give it a quick rinse with warm water and mild soap.
- Weekly: A full deep clean using alcohol and salt (or another method of choice).
- Monthly: If you’re lazy (we get it), at least commit to a deep clean once a month.
Final Thoughts
A dirty bong is a bad time. It makes your herb taste gross, it can make you sick, and let’s be honest—nobody wants to smoke out of a bong that looks like a science experiment gone wrong. Cleaning your bong regularly will keep it looking fresh, tasting great, and functioning properly. So, take the time to clean it—you (and your lungs) will thank you.
Keep your bong clean, and your hits smooth.