How To Clean Your Bongs, Glass Pipes, And Bubblers The Right Way
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This post is intended for those 21+ years of age only! This site does not promote, condone, advocate illicit drug use. This site cannot be held responsible for material on its website pages, or pages to which we provide links, which promote, condone or advocate illicit drug use or illegal activities.
This site disclaims and excludes all warranties with regard to the information included in its pages. Please be mindful that possessing, using, distributing and selling marijuana are all federal crimes and that this blog is not intended to give you any legal advice, much less lead you to believe that marijuana associated products are legal under federal law. In no event shall this site be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages in connection with the information contained within these pages or pages to which we provide links.
If you’re a fan of marijuana, odds are, you use glass pieces from time to time.
They are, after all, classic ways to enjoy cannabis, no matter why you may smoke it. Many smokers choose to buy smoking pipes online, because of the incredibly wide selection that is both available and convenient for purchase, with fast delivery right to their door.
Ahead, we’ll discuss how to clean your favorite glass pieces, from bongs to pipes and bubblers.
If you own a glass piece, you may think cleaning it is a pain that you'd rather avoid. And while you may feel less motivated to clean post-smoke, we’re here to tell you it’s not that big of a chore.
In fact, skipping a proper cleaning routine means you’re inhaling potential harmful microbes in dirty water, which you can learn more about here.
Now, back to the topic at hand. Use this guide to learn how to clean your bongs, glass pipes, and bubblers the right way.
First of All, How Often Should I Clean My Glass Piece?
Excellent question! For the most part, it depends on how often you use it, the type of piece, and whether you smoke with others.
For instance, you should clean smaller glass pieces like bubblers and pipes after every use. Ideally, you should clean your bong after every use too, but since some are huge, you can get away with cleaning it once a week.
There are a couple of exceptions, however.
If you smoke with friends, no matter what the smoking device is, clean the piece after each and every use. And, clean it thoroughly! (More on that ahead.)
Also, if you use your glass piece daily, or at least a few times a week, cleaning after each use is also advisable. And always, always dump out any leftover water in the sink to allow the piece to air dry completely before the next use.
Isopropyl Alcohol and Salt
One of the most popular ways to clean your glass pieces is by using a simple mixture of isopropyl and salt.
While this is a quick and effective option, be mindful that both alcohol and salt can be abrasive on glass. In other words, opt for this method when you’re short on time and are not using your most cherished bong, pipe, or bubbler.
Be sure to use isopropyl alcohol that has a strength between 70%-91% to effectively kill germs. In terms of salt, opt for iodine-free. This ensures that you will be able to remove built-up tar and other residues.
Next, grab a plastic container and carefully pour the alcohol in. The amount will depend on the size of your glass piece. Then, add a couple of tablespoons of salt, and gently mix the solution together.
Put your glass piece in the bag and allow it to soak for about 30 minutes. As long as the device is completely submerged in the mixture, it will get cleaned and sanitized.
After the 30 minutes are up, carefully remove your smoking device and rinse it with cool water. Lay it on a clean towel and allow it to air dry.
The White Vinegar and Baking Soda Method
White vinegar and baking soda are a classic cleansing duo that you can use throughout the home. And in this case, to properly clean your bongs, glass pipes, and bubblers.
Similar to the rubbing alcohol and salt method, you’ll want to create a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda in a plastic container in a 2:1 ratio.
Depending on how dirty your glass piece is, it may take a while to thoroughly clean and remove buildup. If possible, let your piece sit in this mixture overnight and then rinse and dry the next.
The Boiling Method
You can also clean your glass piece the right way by boiling it in water on the stovetop for about 30 minutes. That should be long enough to clean and sanitize it.
Just be careful when removing it from the hot water! And be sure you can set it on a clean towel after to allow it to fully air dry.
Additional Tools
There are also a couple more tools to consider when it comes to cleaning your bongs, glass pipes, and bubblers the right way.
For one thing, cotton swabs are your best friend at every step of this journey! They are flexible and petite, getting into nooks and crannies so you can scrub away resin buildup.
Also, consider buying a specialty glass piece cleaner, such as Formula 420. Should you go this route, however, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Conclusion
Follow these methods to clean your bongs, glass pipes, and bubblers the right way.
Luckily, none of these steps are super complicated. But as always, handle your smoking device with care to ensure you don’t accidentally drop it during the cleaning process!