Resin builds up fast. A dirty bong tastes harsh, smells bad and can grow bacteria and mold in the water. Cleaning it takes about fifteen minutes.
What you need
- Isopropyl alcohol, 91% or higher
- Coarse salt (kosher or Epsom)
- Plastic bags or containers for small parts
- Plugs or bungs for the openings (or your hands)
- Pipe cleaners or a soft brush
- Hot water
Step by step
- Take it apart. Remove the bowl and downstem and dump the old water.
- Rinse. Run hot water through every piece to loosen resin.
- Soak the small parts. Put the bowl and downstem in a bag with alcohol and a spoonful of salt, seal it and shake.
- Clean the main piece. Pour alcohol and a few tablespoons of salt into the chamber, cover the openings and shake hard. The salt scrubs while the alcohol dissolves resin.
- Scrub what is left. Use pipe cleaners or a brush on stubborn spots.
- Rinse thoroughly. Flush everything with hot water until no alcohol smell remains, then let it dry.
How often?
Change the water after every session and do a full clean weekly if you use your bong regularly. Keep alcohol away from flames, and never clean acrylic bongs with alcohol – use warm soapy water instead.