Cannabis is a gray area but your bong does not have not be (pun intended). Many US states are legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana. Likewise, countries like Canada are following a regulated yet legal approach towards weed.
So, people from nooks and crannies of the world and different walks of life are getting their smoke on. Whether you are new to toking up with a water pipe or a seasoned bong smoker, regular upkeep is key for your marijuana to be mind-blowingly flavourful, and the same goes for taking care of your precious bong, as well.
If your artful glass looks gray, and ruddy, and seems to have accumulated some gunk or is giving out a stench, it is high time to get it cleaned. Needless to say, regularly cleaning your bongs increases their longevity and durability. But, there are other tangible advantages too. These include –
- Preventing Mold Growth
Mold thrives in moist environments and your dirty bond is its perfect breeding ground. Ignoring the cleaning process can culminate in mold accumulation, which not only tampers the taste but can also pose serious health risks.
- Mitigation of Bacterial Growth
Bacteria accumulation is pretty common in a bong, especially the one that is used frequently but not cleaned regularly. The bacteria buildup can create a foul odor, and bad taste and potentially harm your health.
Therefore, timely cleaning and prompt maintenance are vital to keep both you and your bong hale and healthy.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Bong: A 7-Step Guide
- Gather Cleaning Supplies
The first step in cleaning a bong is gathering the supplies, which include –
- Bong Caps – To seal the opening during cleaning
- Bong Cleaner – A commercial and specific bong cleaner can be a great choice
- Brushes – You can find a range of brush sizes to clean different parts of the bong
- Tiny Plastic Bag – You can use it to soak different parts of the bong
- Additional Supplies – Some other things you can collect include isopropyl alcohol, coarse salt, baking soda, lemon juice, white vinegar, dish soap, paper towels and warm water.
- Prepare the Bong for Cleaning
Second, rinse the bong with hot water to prepare it for cleaning. This first rinse loosens some of the bong’s muck and debris, making the next cleaning more effective. Make sure that the water is not too hot and remember to carefully swirl it around all the corners. The last step is all the more important for bongs with complex designs.
- Cleaning Techniques
The various cleaning techniques for your bong include –
- Removing Resin Buildup
Resin accumulation is a common problem with blogs. It can clog the airflow and make hits harsh. Resin buildup can be removed from the bowl or downstem with a pipe cleaner or cotton swab.
Thereafter, soak the bowl and the downstem in a cleaning solution for at least 30 minutes. (Isopropyl alcohol and salt are a good cleaning solution). Finally, rinse the bowl and downstem with lukewarm water and dry them with a clean and soft towel.
- Cleaning the Bowl and Downstem
Quite understandably, the bowl and downstem are the most vital parts of a bong, and they are equally hard to clean. They get clogged with resin and ash, which affects the airflow and makes every hit harsh.
To clean the bowl and the downstem, first take away them from the bong. Then, soak them in a cleansing solution for no less than half-hour. Thereafter, scrub the bowl and downstem with a brush or pipe purifier to dispose of any cussed buildup. Finally, rinse the bowl and the downstem with hot water and dry them with a clean cloth.
- Cleaning the Bong’s Body
The last cleaning technique pertains to cleaning the bong’s body. To do so, you have to pour some cleaning solution into the bong. One word of caution – No isopropyl alcohol for acrylic bongs. Add grainy rice or salt to the bong as an abrasive. Shake the bong aggressively to remove buildup, then rinse with warm water and dry with a clean towel.
- Deep Cleaning and Stubborn Residue
To deep clean your bong and remove rigid residue, it is best to use a bong cleaner that is marketed for the purpose. Home-made solutions are usually not the best choice if your bong looks gnarly due to zero upkeep and maintenance. But, it is never too late, and there is nothing that some advanced cleaning solution, a high-quality brush and some patience cannot solve.
- Cleaning Accessories and Attachments
When we talk about cleaning accessories and attachments, the basic supplies you need are already mentioned above. But, you can take things one step ahead by having coarse Epsom or rock salt and rubbing alcohol by your side. Tupperware containers with lids are also important cleaning accessories, as they serve as the safe haven for each of the small detachable pieces of your bond. Then, of course, paper towels and gloves are an obvious necessity.
- Drying and Reassembling the Bong
Proper care is needed when you are rinsing and drying your bong. Firstly, rinse the bond with warm water to eliminate any cleaning solution remaining. Pat dry the bong with a clean fabric and permit it air dry. Remember to store the bong in a secure area where there is no chance of it getting knocked out.
- Maintenance Tips for Regular Upkeep
After your bong is crisp dry and squeaky clean, it is time to test off a few steps for maintenance. Change the water for your bong often as it’s highly vital to maintain the bong. Likewise, store the bong in a cool and dry area and ensure that it is without any moisture before storing them.
Conclusion
So, there we’ve it, the 7-step manual to clean and maintain your bong for the best overall performance. By following the manual above, you can, without difficulty, elongate the lifespan of your bong, enjoy a higher smoking experience and keep away from any looming health dangers.