Keep It Clean! How to Clean a Bong Step-by-Step

Bongs are one of the more iconic methods of smoking cannabis. But they come with a few extra responsibilities if you wish to maintain a superior consumer experience. 

Keeping your bong clean may be the most essential step when seeking an optimal smoke session. Thankfully, cleaning your bong doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Read on to learn why you should clean your bong, how often, and a step-by-step process for how to clean your glass, silicone, or plastic piece.

Why You Should Clean Your Bong

Dirty bongs don’t just smell and look terrible – they’re potentially dangerous to your health. 

Cannabis plants host many types of bacteria and fungal organisms. Stagnant, used bong water can also host various bacteria, fungi and other unwanted elements. When left uncleaned, and if used by more than one person, your bong may become more contaminated than a public toilet seat.  

And this can increase your risk of exposure to various health concerns, including: 

• Pneumonia
• Sepsis
• E. coli and other adverse outcomes
• Increased coughing risks and other lung issues

How Often Should You Clean A Bong? 

There's no exact science regarding how often you should clean your bong, as your frequency of use, the type of bong, and several other factors can all sway the answer. 

In most cases, your best bet is to clean your bong at least once every week (if not after every smoke session). 

You may want to shorten that timeline if you're a heavy smoker. The more you use the bong, the more contaminants you will likely be exposed to. Weekly cleanings will probably be fine if you're only ripping your bong once or twice a week. If you're smoking several times a day or almost every day, you may want to clean your bong daily (or multiple times a week). In either case, it’s recommended you discard the water after each session. Or if you're using a homemade option like a waterfall bong, you can discard the whole device after your next smoke session.

If you ever lose track of the last time you cleaned your piece, check your bong's waterline. If the water line shows any sign of grime, murkiness or other residues, then it's high time you get to cleaning. 

Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning A Bong

The best methods for how to clean a bong will depend on your bong’s material and the cleaning supplies available. Until you find the approach that works best for you, here are a few popular methods you can use to clean your glass, silicone, or plastic bong.

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How to Clean a Glass Bong (Alcohol and Salt)

What Will I Need?

1. Disposable Gloves (optional)
2. Isopropyl Alcohol (above 90%)
3. Salt (Himalayan, sea, Epsom, etc.)
4. Bottle brush

*Remember that vinegar and lemons can act as substitutes for alcohol.

Step 1: Place your empty bong in the sink or on a slip-proof surface, then pour a handful of salt into your bong chamber. 

Step 2: Fill the bong with the alcohol. Use enough to adequately cover the bong chamber without overflowing during later steps. Typically one-quarter cup to two cups should be enough, depending on your bong's size.

Step 3: With the alcohol covering the salt in the bong, lightly swirl and shake the bong. The alcohol and salt will combine to remove residue from the bong's inside walls and components. Feel free to shake more vigorously but be careful not to lose your grip on the piece. 

Step 4: Continue shaking and swirling until the residue appears to have been removed. Afterward, run the bong through hot water and clean the inside with a bottle brush to remove any lingering residue. 

Pro Tips for Cleaning a Glass Bong

When cleaning a glass bong, look out for the following opportunities to make the process easier and more efficient.

• Are Any Pieces Detachable? If you can, detach each bong piece for easier cleaning. You'll be amazed at how much easier it is to clean a bong bowl without the neck in the way. The same goes for other parts of the piece, especially those with more intricate components where residue can get stuck. 
• Rinse Your Piece In Hot Water. Prior to cleaning, give your glass a run-through under a hot tap. The water should help loosen the residue before introducing other cleaning elements to the mix.
• Use Cotton Swabs or Pipe Cleaners On Tight Spaces. A bowl brush will help on larger bong components, but pipe cleaners and cotton swabs will be the heroes when you need to clean out a smaller, tighter space. 

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How to Clean a Silicone Bong (Dish Soap)

What Will I Need?

1. Bottle brush (not too harsh)
2. Liquid dish soap
3. Running water

Using this method is a lot like cleaning your dishes and glass.

Step 1: Place your bong in the sink, and add dish soap to the chamber.

Step 2: Fill the bong with warm water.

Step 3: Use your bottle brush to scrub the bong. Continue until the bong appears clean.

Step 4: Once free of residue, dry with a paper towel.

Pro Tips for Cleaning a Silicone Bong

Remember that what works on a glass bong may not be best for your silicone piece. 

• Avoid Cleaning Agents. Silicone can absorb chemicals, meaning popular cleaning products could remain in your piece long after cleaning. If so, you could risk exposing yourself to chemical inhalation. 
• Avoid Harsh Cleaning Brushes. Tougher brushes and items like steel wool can cut up the inside of your silicone pipe, making it easier for residue to get lodged in your bong. 

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How to Clean a Plastic or Acrylic Bong (Vinegar or Lemon)

What Will I Need?

1. Bottle brush
2. Vinegar or Lemon
3. Salt (Himalayan, sea, Epsom, etc.)

While not as strong as alcohol, vinegar or lemon can help remove residue from bongs:

Step 1: Place your bong in the sink or a non-slip surface. Pour a handful of salt into the chamber.

Step 2: Fill the vinegar (or lemon juice) into the bong. Use enough to adequately cover the bong chamber without overflowing during later steps. Typically one-quarter cup to two cups should be enough, depending on your bong's size.

Step 3: Shake and swirl the bong until the residue is gone or primarily removed from the bong's walls, nooks and crannies. 

Step 4: Run the bong under hot water. Use a bottle brush to remove any remaining residue. 

Step 5: Towel dry once residue is removed.

Pro Tips for Cleaning Acrylic/Plastic Bongs

• Use Alcohol With Caution. Certain types of plastic, especially an acrylic bong, may develop minor cracks and chips thanks to exposure to alcohol. If you insist on using alcohol in your cleaning, use diluted alcohol under 70%. You can buy your own or dilute it yourself using roughly one cup of water to every cup of alcohol used. 

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Tips for Keeping a Clean Bong

Use a Bong/Bottle Brush or Pipe Cleaners

Bottle brushes are optional in theory, but most people will tell you how essential they are to cleaning a bong. Think of them as large pipe cleaners – and bowl smokers know how vital a pipe cleaner is!

A bottle brush allows you to pick up any remaining residue with greater reach and flexibility than most other tools (so you can get into the bong’s many crevices). 

Don't Smoke With Stagnant Water 

Used, old water is breeding grounds for contaminants. And leaving water in the piece between uses can increase residue and staining. Empty your bong after each use, and use only fresh water when smoking. 

Clean Your Bong's Mouthpiece

Don't forget that the mouthpiece is a hotbed for contaminants. Be sure to include it in your cleaning. Some companies, like Moose Labs, have created detachable mouthpieces you can use to avoid germ exposure when sharing with friends. 

Consider A Dissolving Salt

Any salt can do, but a dissolving salt helps minimize cleanup and reduce any lingering salt particles that you can’t get with your brush. 

Store In A Clean, Cool, Dark Place

All cannabis products stay freshest when stored out of direct sunlight and oxygen exposure. The same applies to bongs that may see contamination grow when they’re left out exposed to UV rays. When in doubt, store your gear in a cool, dark place. 

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.