If you buy a particular strain for a particular taste, you want to have your smoke have that taste. However, it takes a clean bong to fully enjoy that taste. And, a clean bong not only enhances your smoking experience but also promotes better health by reducing the risk of inhaling harmful residues. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the functionality and aesthetics of your bong. When you purchase a bong from us, we want you to be able to enjoy it for a long time. That is why we are going to guide you through the steps to clean your bong properly and highlight common cleaning issues you might encounter.
Big Mo’s Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Bong
- Formula 420/710 OR Isopropyl alcohol (we recommend at least 91% or higher)
- Coarse salt (rock salt or Epsom salt) if using Isopropyl method
- Warm water
- Pipe cleaners, cotton swabs, or brushes
- Resealable plastic bags or containers
- Rubber stoppers or caps (optional but highly recommended we like the ones made by Formula 420)
- Carefully take apart the different components of your bong, including the bowl, downstem, and any percolators or attachments.
- Start by rinsing all components with warm water to remove loose debris and ash.
- Fill a plastic bag or container with isopropyl alcohol and add a generous amount of salt. The salt acts as an abrasive to help scrub away resin and buildup
OR - Fill a plastic bag or container with your desired Formula 420/710 and follow directions on bottle for proper dilution quantities
- Place the disassembled components in the bag or container
- For stubborn buildup, let the components soak for a few hours or overnight.
- Hold the bag or container securely and shake it vigorously to dislodge the residue. For stubborn spots, use pipe cleaners, cotton swabs, or brushes to scrub the interior surfaces.
- Ensure you cover all the crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
- Empty the alcohol and salt mixture (OR 420/710 Cleaner) and rinse all components with warm water until they’re free of alcohol and salt (OR cleaner residue)
- Allow the components to air dry completely.
- Reassemble your bong once everything is dry and secure.
Common Ceaning Issues and Their Respective Solutions
1. Stains and Residue: If your bong has persistent stains or residue, consider using a higher concentration of isopropyl alcohol or try using an alcohol-based cleaning solution specifically designed for glassware.
2. Percolators:Cleaning percolators can be challenging due to their intricate designs. Use long, flexible brushes or pipe cleaners to reach into the small chambers and crevices. Some percolators can be removed for easier cleaning.
3. Fragile Glass:Be gentle when cleaning, as bong glass can be fragile. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as extreme hot-to-cold or cold-to-hot transitions can cause the glass to crack.
4. Neglected Bongs:Neglected or heavily soiled bongs may require multiple cleaning sessions. Be patient and persistent to restore your bong to its former glory.
