How to clean bongs and pipes

Cleaning bongs and pipes is an extremely important task for any smoker since the accumulation of waste and dirt may affect the flavors and smoke quality, apart from being unhygienic and unhealthy. However, to know how to clean bongs and pipes, there are some different cleaning methods to choose from.

Types of Bongs and Pipes

There are many types of pipes and bongs out there. Each of them will require different cleaning methods depending on their material. However, the most common ones are:

• Glass bongs and pipes: they can be cleaned with or without alcohol, and they must never be boiled.
• Silicone: really easy to clean thanks to the versatility of this material.
• Metal pipes: similarly to those from glass, the use of alcohol is optional.
• Wood: they are quite fragile as chemicals may damage or even bleach these smoking items, that’s why the best cleaning method is to use hot water and gentle agents such as vinegar.

How to clean bongs and pipes

To know how to clean a bongs and pipes, one must follow this step-by-step guide:

Cleaning tools

First of all, we will be needing some specific tools in order to perform the cleaning, which we are going to describe right below:

• Isopropyl alcohol, vinegar, or detergent (depending on the bong’s type).
• Cloth towel
• Bowl or container
• Pipe cleaner or cleaning brush
• Scraper or knife
• Cotton swabs
• Tape
• Gloves

Pre-cleaning

Before getting started, it is important to previously prepare all the necessary materials in order to perform an effective cleaning of your bong or pipe.

Clear the bong or pipe

First, you’ll need to clear your bong or pipe, as they may contain waste inside. For that, you can use a cleaning brush or cotton swab to remove any burnt dry or ashes left that could get accumulated in the bowl.

Disassemble the parts

Once you’ve cleared your bong or pipe, you must disassemble all the parts. If you have a bong, it is advisable to remove the bowl, downstem and any other accessory attached to it. In case you are cleaning a pipe, just remove the bowl and any other removable component.

Cleaning methods

Cleaning a bong or a pipe is a very important task to guarantee a healthy and pleasant smoking experience. Some of the existing methods to do so are:

Alcohol

This is one of the most commonly used methods for cleaning bongs or pipes. To use alcohol for cleaning, you’ll have to follow the steps described below:

• Collect the necessary materials to begin: isopropyl alcohol, rock salt, hot water and a cleaning brush.
• Place the disassembled parts of your bong in a container.
• Pour enough isopropyl alcohol into the container to cover all the pieces.
• Add a tablespoon of rock salt and stir gently to dissolve it.
• Let the pieces soak for at least one hour.
• Use a cleaning brush to rub the parts and remove any dirt.
• Rinse the pieces with hot water and let them dry.

Hot water

Using hot water is an economic yet effective way to clean bongs and pipes. However, this method is not suitable with thin, fragile glass materials:

• Put your bong or pipe in the sink. Clean the bowl using cotton swabs and a scraper.
• Then you’ll have to boil water and fill the sink with it.
• Let the pipe or bong soak for 20 minutes (or until the water has cooled down).
• Empty the sink and remove any waste left using a brush or pipe cleaner.
• Rinse with warm water.

Vinegar and baking soda

In case you’re looking for a less-aggressive method, you can use vinegar or dish soap. To do so, you’ll need to:

• Use cotton swabs to eliminate debris from the bowl. If needed, use a scraper.
• Rinse the bowl with warm water and remove the bowl, as well as the other detachable parts of the bong or pipe.
• Put the removed parts in a container, add a teaspoon of baking soda and a little vinegar.
• Likewise, add a teaspoon of baking soda into the bowl through the mouthpiece by covering it with your hand, and put some tape on the stem hole.
• Next, shake it and use a long cleaning brush to rub inside.
• Add a tablespoon of vinegar and fill the chamber with warm water. Cover all the holes again and shake vigorously.
• Empty and rinse with warm water.
• Dry the bowl with a towel and rinse under the tap. Use cotton swabs to remove any debris left.

For more information, click the video below about how to clean bongs and pipes.

Drying and assembling the bong

Once your bong or pipe is clean, it is important to dry it properly before assembling all the parts again. If there’s any water left in the device, it may cause damage to the metallic or glass parts, as well as affecting the smoke flavor.

To dry your bong or pipe, it is recommended to use a clean, dry cloth. Dry carefully every part, making sure that there isn’t any water remaining in any piece or crack. If you want to speed up the drying process, you can use a hairdryer on the cold setting.

When all the parts are completely dry, you can assemble your bong or pipe again. Make sure that all the parts are well placed and adjusted to avoid air or water leaks.

Regular maintenance

To keep your bong or pipe under optimal conditions, it is important to perform regular maintenance; this way, your device will last longer. Here, you’ll find some tips to do so:

• Change the water chamber daily to prevent resin and other elements from accumulating.
• Clean after every use with a soft cloth or paper towel.
• Use specialized cleaning products.

As we’ve seen, it is essential to learn how to clean bongs and pipes to guarantee a pleasant and healthy smoking experience, maintaining them under optimal conditions and increasing their lifetime.