How to clean a bong or a water pipe?

Smokers know that the bong, like the water pipe, needs to be cleaned. The risk if this is not done is not only an unpleasant taste but also a risk of bacterial growth. It is therefore advisable to clean your bong regularly to make the most of its benefits. Here is how to clean a bong or water pipe effectively.

The different steps to clean your bong

In order to properly clean your bong, there are several steps to follow meticulously. Indeed, despite its ease of cleaning, the steps must be followed to the letter. Learn now how to clean your bong!

Disassembly

The first step is to disassemble the parts of the bong or water pipe to allow for a thorough cleaning. Each component needs to be cleaned independently of the others. The bowl and the mouthpiece require special cleaning, as they contain significant residue, as well as bacteria.

Rinsing

Contrary to all expectations, you must first rinse a water pipe before cleaning it. To do this, you need to pass all the parts under very hot water. This step aims to soften resins or residues to allow their removal. It is imperative that the water penetrates every nook of the water pipe. Let it dry on a clean cloth or a sink, for example.

Cleaning the bong

The cleaning is done in three steps.

At the beginning, you will need a 'dry cleaner', such as Epsom salt, or coarse salt or table salt, crushed rice, seeds, or even baking soda. It's up to you to see what you have and what you prefer. These products are not excessive and remain very effective for removing dirt from the walls. So pour the product of your choice into the bowl and the mouthpiece. You need to pour the same amount as the size of the bong (on average between 70 and 110 g). Shake vigorously.

The second step of cleaning consists of adding a 'liquid cleaner' onto the 'dry cleaner.' You can use isopropyl alcohol (denatured alcohol), white vinegar, Listerine, or a bio cleaning product from the brand Limpuro etc. It is best to use healthy and natural products. Indeed, they will have no effect on the taste or on your health.

Once you have completed the two previous steps, plug the ends of each part of the water pipe or bong and shake. This will allow the scrubbing and washing actions of the dry and liquid cleaners to combine. The longer and more vigorously you shake, the more interesting the result will be. Then, rinse thoroughly with hot water to remove all residue.

Normally, you do not need to start over. Your pipe or bong should be clean enough. But if you have been using it for a long time without cleaning it, a second cleaning may be necessary.

Hard-to-reach areas are sometimes not cleaned properly. For this, you can use cotton swabs or a small brush. If you do not have any, improvise by using an old wire hanger on which you slide a piece of cloth to reach the nooks and other parts of your water pipe. Before reassembling the equipment, it is recommendedto let each part dry on the sink or on a clean, dry cloth.

Tips

Regularly washing your bong or water pipe helps maintain a quality experience. The dirtier it is, the less pleasant the taste will be when used.

Do not use chemicals or dishwashing liquid for cleaning, as inhaled smoke will carry their residues! Acetone, xylene, benzene, etc., are toxic to humans, so it is better to avoid them.

It is possible to immerse each part in isopropyl alcohol to dissolve stubborn residues. Be careful, even though it is not very dangerous, it is still recommended to open the windows when using it. Likewise, be quite vigilant, as it evaporates very quickly.

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Some people prefer the old-fashioned method, that is, cleaning with boiling water in a pot. This is possible only for glass bongs, but be careful not to break them!