We all know someone affected by smelly bong syndrome.
Browning glass. Nasty odors. The dank scent of your favorite strain overwhelmed by the stench of stale bong water…
Thankfully, there are a few surprisingly simple steps you can take at home to get and keep your glass bong or pipe looking and smelling so fresh and so clean, clean.
How to Clean a Dirty Glass Bong or Pipe
Use Rubbing Alcohol and Salt: A Simple, Effective Cleaning Solution
Instead of buying expensive bong cleaners (or those loaded with chemicals), consider making your own with rubbing alcohol and salt. The salt and alcohol solution works as an abrasive to the resin and residue, removing debris without risking chips, scratches, or breaks.
We recommend a strong Isopropyl alcohol (91%) for your average cleaning, though you can use 70% for lighter cleaning or 100% acetone (nail polish remover) for heavy-duty cleaning.
Now, grab a coarse salt—Epsom or sea salt, for example.
- Empty and rinse your bong or pipe with warm water to clear out as much debris as you can.
- Fill the bong or pipe with about as much Isopropyl alcohol as you would water, then add a handful of salt.
- Cover the openings of the glass to avoid spillage. You can use cotton balls, towels, saran wrap and rubber bands, or even specially designed bong caps.
- Give the alcohol and salt a moment to soak, then shake for about one minute. Hold the glass carefully while you’re shaking so you don’t drop it!
- Empty the bong and rinse again with warm water.
If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, you can use a warm water and salt solution for a lighter cleaning. Just make the water a bit warmer or add a bit more salt.
One of the most popular and effective methods for cleaning your bong or pipe is using a mixture of rubbing alcohol and coarse salt. The alcohol acts as a powerful solvent, breaking down resin and grime, while the salt acts as an abrasive to scrub away stubborn residue. Simply pour some rubbing alcohol into your piece, add a few spoonfuls of coarse salt, and shake vigorously. The combination will work wonders, leaving your glassware sparkling clean in no time.
Let It Soak (for Heavy-Duty Cleaning): Deep Clean Your Gear
If the rubbing alcohol and salt mixture didn’t get your glassware clean, try letting it soak for about two hours before you give up and run to the store for a concentrated cleaning solution and a pack of pipe cleaners.
If your bong or pipe has a significant buildup of resin, letting it soak can make a big difference. After adding the rubbing alcohol and salt mixture, allow your piece to sit for several hours or even overnight. This extended soak gives the alcohol time to break down tougher deposits, making it easier to rinse everything away. For extremely dirty pieces, a long soak followed by a good shake can restore your glass to its original clarity.
Order Specially Designed Cleaning Solutions: For When You Need Extra Power
In a majority of cases, you simply won’t need a professional cleaning solution to get and keep your glassware pristine. If you do opt for a specially designed, pipe-cleaning solvent, look carefully at the ingredients to make sure you know what you’re putting in your pipe, and ask your budtender for their recommendation.
While rubbing alcohol and salt work well, sometimes you might need a specialized cleaning solution designed specifically for bongs and pipes. These products are formulated to tackle the unique challenges of resin and tar buildup, often containing additional ingredients that help break down stubborn gunk. Ordering a high-quality cleaning solution can make the job even easier, especially if you’re dealing with a heavily used piece.
How to Keep Your Glass Pipe Clean
Empty the Water from Your Pipe or Bong Between Uses: Prevent Build-Up and Stale Odors
Bong water smells bad, and it can allow bacteria to grow if left in the bong too long. Empty your water pipe, bubbler, or bong between uses and fill it up again with fresh water for a cleaner pipe and smoother hit.
One of the simplest ways to keep your bong or pipe clean is to empty the water between uses. Leaving water in your piece can lead to bacteria growth, stale odors, and faster resin buildup. By making it a habit to dump out the old water after each session, you’ll significantly reduce the amount of cleaning your piece needs and keep your hits tasting fresh.
Rinse with Warm Water Every 1-2 Uses: A Quick Way to Maintain Cleanliness
Rinsing your bong or pipe with warm water every few uses is a great way to keep the glassware clean without committing to a full “cleaning”.
A quick rinse with warm water every couple of uses can help maintain your bong or pipe’s cleanliness and prevent resin buildup. This simple step can wash away any loose debris before it has a chance to harden, making your deep-cleaning sessions less frequent and more manageable. Warm water is gentle enough not to damage your glass, yet effective in flushing out light residue.
Use Pipe Cleaners When “Scraping” Resin or Debris Off the Glass: Reach Every Nook and Cranny
If you are doing a deep clean on an old pipe or bong and soaking just isn’t doing the trick, pick up a pack of pipe cleaners. They’re designed to clean up moisture and debris from smoking pipes while avoiding scratches, chips, and breaks.
For those hard-to-reach areas inside your pipe or bong, pipe cleaners are your best friend. These flexible, bristly tools are perfect for scraping away resin and debris that has accumulated in narrow passages or tight corners. By using pipe cleaners, you can ensure that your piece is thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom, leaving no gunk behind to affect the taste of your next session.
Add a Few Drops of Lemon Juice to Fight Resin Buildup and Nasty Bong Odors: A Natural Deodorizer
Just a few drops of lemon juice with each change of water can keep your bong looking and smelling nicer for longer. Be careful not to add too much, though, or you may overpower the flavor and aroma of your chosen flower or cannabis oil.
Lemon juice is a natural, effective way to combat resin buildup and eliminate unpleasant odors in your bong. The acidity of the lemon juice helps break down resin, while its fresh scent can mask any lingering odors. Adding a few drops of lemon juice to your bong water can keep your piece smelling fresh and make future cleanings easier. Just remember to rinse thoroughly afterward to prevent any sour taste during your next session.
Is It Safe to Clean Bongs with Nail Polish Remover?
While it might seem tempting to use nail polish remover to clean your bong, it’s generally not recommended. Nail polish remover often contains acetone, a harsh chemical that can be toxic if ingested. Even if you rinse your bong thoroughly, there’s a risk of leaving behind harmful residues that could impact the safety and taste of your next session. Instead, stick to rubbing alcohol or specially designed bong cleaning solutions that are safer and more effective.
Can I Use Acetone to Clean My Bong?
Acetone is a powerful solvent, but it’s not ideal for cleaning bongs or pipes. Although it can dissolve resin quickly, acetone is highly flammable and can leave toxic residues that are difficult to remove completely. Using acetone on glass can also damage any decorative finishes or decals. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid acetone and opt for safer alternatives like rubbing alcohol or commercial bong cleaners, which are designed for use with glass and other materials used in smoking devices.
What Dissolves Bong Residue?
To effectively dissolve bong residue, rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is your best bet. The alcohol breaks down the sticky resin that accumulates inside your bong, making it easier to wash away. For added cleaning power, combine the alcohol with coarse salt, which acts as an abrasive to scrub off the residue. Additionally, there are specially formulated bong cleaning solutions available that can dissolve residue without leaving any harmful chemicals behind. These products are designed to tackle tough resin buildup while being safe for your glassware.
Clean Your Glass Bong At Home
What’s your go-to method for cleaning your pipe or bong? Let us know in the comments.
Stop by Karing Kind in North Boulder to browse our selection of locally produced glass pipes and other cannabis accessories.