There are tons of nasty things you could either inhale when using your bong OR come into contact with by touching something communal. It’s always a good idea to keep everything tidied up and avoid getting sick. Using a mouthpiece when sharing with friends is also a great tip (especially with a global flu epidemic going on). Plus, you spent money on a fancy new piece, don’t you want to show it off?
You know that oil slick that is on the top of bong water? It’s kind of shimmery? This is called biofilm, and it can form overnight. This is one location where bacteria and grime can hide. Pathogens like Streptococcus and E Coli live here, and you will be inhaling them. With time and heat, fungi like Aspergillus and Black Mildew can also flourish in your bong. This is not benign. Touching or breathing in things like this can lead to a number of respiratory issues like strep throat, pneumonia and emphysema.
Think about how many water pipes you’ve used whose water has never been changed. Never, not once! Think of how many pathogens live there. Remember, not only is a filthy bong unsightly, it can also be dangerous to use. Better make double sure, and clean yours up today just in case.
The Best Bong Cleaning Methods
Resin and film (and in turn, bacteria and germies) can build up on the inside walls of all paraphernalia in short order. It’s good to know some surefire methods to make yours look brand spanking new again.
Rubbing Alcohol is Your Friend
Use a high percentage of alcohol for best results, but start with a minimum of 70% isopropyl alcohol as the active ingredient. Take out the mouthpiece and anything else removable. Soak these items in a heavy duty plastic baggie by adding them to the bag carefully and sprinkling generously with the alcohol.
Salt and Shaking are Nice for Friction
Alcohol will work wonders, and you’ll begin to see results almost immediately. The dark resin will begin to “melt” off your glass and swirl around. However, having something granular and abrasive will work even better. Add a few tablespoons of regular table salt to your bong and to the baggie. Now, cover up the holes of the bong and seal the baggie, and shake for several minutes at a minimum. You’ll see even more slime come off your implements and go into the alcohol solution.
Find a Few Extra Tools
Take a look around your home, and you will find what you need. See if you can find an old toothbrush, bobby pins, paper clips, or pipe cleaners…. Many things can work great! There’s no need to purchase anything new that will just become grimy and be tossed out. Use them to get into any leftover dark spots, and really clean them out. Any job worth doing is worth doing well, right?
Bong No-No’s
It all seems pretty straightforward, right? Clean bong equals good! However, don’t forget to peruse these common pitfalls and potential disasters:
Be Careful With Boiling Water
Boiling water is a popular method to nuke any smudge out of your bong, but you should employ common sense. If your bong is plastic, water this hot could warp the parts or create some sort of noxious seeping of harmful plastic. If it is cheap and thin glass, well, the piece will shatter entirely! On the other hand, porcelain and ceramic bongs will do just fine.
Using Harsh Chemicals
Yes, you absolutely want to get all the scuzz and filth off the walls of your bong, as well as in all the nooks and crannies of the other parts (the stem, the base, etc.). However, you do not want to use toxic stripping chemicals to do so. Remember, this is something your face comes into contact with and that you deeply inhale. Natural (but strong) products are the only wise solution here.
Now, give it a test run once the entire bong and all the components are bone dry. Tastes much better, doesn’t it? Happy puffing!!
