How To Clean A Bong
To properly clean a bong, use the right cleaning products and methods to remove tough buildup without damaging any of the bong parts. Check out this guide from our My Bong Shop experts for practical tips on keeping your bong fresh and always ready for use.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T CLEAN YOUR BONG?
Grime and resin naturally build up over time if your bong isn’t cleaned regularly, which can affect the taste and make your smoking sessions harsher. This also results in dirty bong water, which can dull the flavour and lead to bacteria growth.
Regular bong cleaning helps prevent this resin buildup. It also keeps your water pipe in good condition, which makes it easier to maintain and reduces the chance of dealing with blocked airflow or tough stains.
MY BONG SHOP'S TOP RECOMMENDED BONG CLEANERS
We’ve put together a list of the best bong cleaners to make maintaining your bong easier. Each product is designed to help you get rid of stubborn buildup and keep your bong clean.
See the table below for our experts’ top recommendations.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR BONG?
If you use your bong regularly, it’s a good idea to clean it after every few sessions to keep your smoking experience smooth. Over time, gunk and grime start to form, so if you use it less often, a weekly clean should keep your bong in good shape.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO CLEAN A BONG
Cleaning your bong regularly keeps it functioning well and helps extend its lifespan. With the right tools and cleaning products, the process is quick and easy.
To get started, gather everything you need and follow this step-by-step guide to a clean and fresh bong:
Disassemble the bong into its parts
Take apart all the bong parts, including the mouthpiece, downstem and any other removable pieces.
Rinse each part with warm water
Give everything a good rinse with warm water to clear away any loose debris and start the cleaning process.
Fill the bong and parts with a cleaning solution
A bong cleaner works best, but if you're cleaning a glass bong, you can mix isopropyl alcohol with coarse salt to break down residue. Use a cleaning cap to seal the openings before shaking the solution. You can also use rubbing alcohol with rock salt or a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice as alternatives.
Scrub hard-to-reach areas
Use cotton swabs or a bottle brush to get into the tight nooks and crannies. For the downstem, pipe cleaners work well.
Rinse thoroughly and let the parts air dry
Rinse everything with hot water or finish with dish soap for a final clean, then let the pieces air dry completely before you reassemble the bong. Use a paper towel to wipe down the exterior if needed.
Following these steps will help keep your bong in great condition. For smaller pieces like the mouthpiece, soaking them in a ziplock bag or any sealed plastic bag filled with bong cleaner or isopropyl alcohol and salt helps break down any buildup.
WHAT IS THE BEST CLEANING SOLUTION FOR A BONG?
A bong cleaner is the best option for breaking down resin and grime quickly. These cleaners use powerful solvents that tackle tough buildup, which leaves your bong clean and fresh without much effort.
If you don’t have a bong cleaner handy, you can try some household alternatives. A mix of Epsom salt and isopropyl alcohol works well to scrub away residue. For lighter grime or mildew, baking soda and white vinegar can get the job done. Use Q-tips to reach the tight areas and make sure everything is thoroughly cleaned.
HOW TO CLEAN A DIRTY BONG WITHOUT ALCOHOL
You don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of the grime and residue that builds up over time. A natural cleaning method can do the job just as well, using ingredients you likely already have at home.
To clean your bong without alcohol, follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have it looking fresh again in no time:
1. Start by disassembling the bong. Remove the downstem, bowl and mouthpiece so each part can be cleaned separately.
2. Rinse each part with warm water to wash away any loose residue before moving on to deeper cleaning.
3. Place the bong and its parts into a plastic bag, adding a mix of baking soda and white vinegar. This combination will fizz up, which helps break down any tough buildup inside.
4. Seal the plastic bag and shake it to make sure the cleaning solution reaches every corner. Use a bottle brush or pipe cleaner to scrub any areas that need extra attention.
5. Rinse everything with hot water and let the parts air dry completely before putting the bong back together.
HOW TO CLEAN A GLASS BONG
Since glass is more fragile, you’ll want to use a gentle cleaning method to avoid scratches or damage. Start by disassembling the glass bong or glass pipe and giving each part a thorough rinse with warm water. For a deeper clean, use a bong cleaner or a natural mix of isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt.
Glass can build up residue in hard-to-reach areas. Using tools like a pipe cleaner or bottle brush is helpful for scrubbing without being too rough on the material.
HOW TO CLEAN A SILICONE BONG
Cleaning a silicone bong is straightforward and low-maintenance compared to other materials like glass. Silicone is flexible, durable and heat-resistant, making it easy to handle during the cleaning process. The material also doesn't hold onto resin and grime as much as other bong types, so keeping it in good condition doesn't take much effort.
To clean your silicone bong, start by taking it apart and rinsing each part with warm water. Silicone can handle a deeper clean, so feel free to use a bong cleaner.
Unlike glass, silicone won't crack or shatter, which gives you more freedom to use stronger cleaning methods without worrying about damage. After scrubbing any tough spots with a brush or sponge, rinse the bong thoroughly and let it air dry.
HOW TO REMOVE TOUGH RESIN FROM A BONG
Dealing with tough resin in your bong can be a hassle, but with the right approach, it’s easy to clean. A bong cleaner is the best choice, as it’s made to break down thick resin without damaging your gear.
If you don't have one on hand, mixing isopropyl alcohol with coarse salt also works well. The salt acts as a scrubber, which helps loosen the sticky buildup as you shake the mixture around inside the bong.
For areas that are hard to reach, use a pipe cleaner or brush to gently scrub the resin away. Once the resin is removed, rinse everything with hot water to wash away any residue.
HOW DO YOU KEEP A BONG CLEAN?
Give your bong a quick rinse with warm water to clear out any residue after each use. For a deeper clean, use a bong cleaner or a mix of isopropyl alcohol and salt to break down stubborn buildup.
Whether you have an acrylic bong, a percolator bong or any other bong type, sticking to a simple cleaning routine will keep your clean bong in top condition and help it last longer.
At My Bong Shop, we offer a range of bong cleaners designed to make the job easier. If you need more information, read our FAQs. Shop at My Bong Shop today and make sure your bong stays in great shape.