How to clean a bong

Clean a bong with isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher) and coarse salt. Disassemble the bong. Rinse each piece with warm water. Add alcohol and salt to the main chamber. Cover openings. Shake for 30 to 60 seconds. Rinse with warm water. Repeat if resin remains. This process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

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Supplies

  • Isopropyl alcohol, 91% or higher. 99% works faster.
  • Coarse salt, such as kosher salt or Epsom salt.
  • Warm water.
  • Pipe cleaners or cotton swabs.
  • Plastic bag or container for soaking.
  • Gloves and a well-ventilated space.

Step-by-step cleaning

  1. Remove bowl, downstem, and any other removable parts.
  2. Empty water and ash into a trash can. Do not pour resin down a drain.
  3. Rinse all parts with warm water to remove loose debris.
  4. Fill the main chamber with 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol and 2 tablespoons of coarse salt.
  5. Cover the downstem hole and mouthpiece with your hands or stoppers.
  6. Shake the bong for 30 to 60 seconds. The salt scrubs resin from the glass.
  7. Pour out the alcohol and salt. Rinse with warm water.
  8. For small parts, soak in a bag with alcohol and salt. Shake the bag.
  9. Use pipe cleaners or cotton swabs for hard-to-reach spots.
  10. Rinse all pieces with warm water until no alcohol smell remains.
  11. Let parts air dry on a clean towel.

Cleaning methods by material

Glass bongs

Glass handles alcohol and salt. Avoid boiling water. Thermal shock can crack glass. Use warm water only.

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Silicone bongs

Silicone can absorb odors. Use warm water and mild dish soap. Avoid alcohol on silicone for long soaks. Alcohol can degrade silicone over time.

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Acrylic bongs

Acrylic scratches with salt. Use warm water and mild soap. A soft brush works. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cloud acrylic.

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How often to clean a bong

Clean a bong after every 5 to 10 uses. Daily users should clean every 2 to 3 days. A dirty bong changes taste. It also grows mold and bacteria. These can cause lung irritation. The CDC reports that sharing smoking devices spreads infectious diseases. The American Lung Association states that smoking marijuana can cause chronic bronchitis. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that marijuana smoke contains irritants and carcinogens.

Safety notes

  • Work in a ventilated area. Alcohol fumes are flammable.
  • Do not smoke or use a flame near alcohol.
  • Wear gloves. Resin stains skin.
  • Do not use boiling water on cold glass.
  • Do not pour resin down a sink. It clogs pipes.
  • Replace a bong if it has cracks or persistent mold.