How to Clean Your Bong Without Losing Your Mind
(Because dirty water kills good vibes.)
Let’s be real — if your bong water looks like iced coffee and your hits taste like a swamp monster's breath, it’s time to clean that thing.
Good news? Cleaning your bong is easier than you think, and you don’t need fancy gear or a chemistry degree. Here’s a quick, effective method that’ll have your glass looking (and tasting) brand new.
What You’ll Need
- Isopropyl Alcohol (91% or higher) – MVP of the cleaning game
- Coarse Salt – Like Epsom or sea salt. Bigger chunks = better scrub
- Hot Water – Helps loosen grime and residue
- Res Caps or Paper Towels – To plug openings while you shake
- Pipe Cleaners/Q-tips (optional) – For stems, slides, or tight spots
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Bong
1. Dump the Nasty Water
First thing’s first — empty that swamp juice.
Old bong water stinks and ruins your smoke. Dump it and rinse the inside with hot water.
2. Disassemble Everything
Remove the bowl slide and downstem.
If they’re stuck, rinse with hot water to loosen up resin.
3. Add Salt + Alcohol
- Pour a few tablespoons of coarse salt into the bong
- Add isopropyl alcohol until the inside is well-coated (but not flooded)
- Place small parts like your slide/stem in a Ziplock with the same salt/alcohol mix
4. Shake Like You Mean It
Cover all openings with res caps, your hands, or paper towels.
Shake your bong vigorously — let the salt scrub the glass clean.
Do the same with your stem and bowl in their bag/container.
5. Rinse with Hot Water
Rinse everything thoroughly with hot water until it smells clean and no longer feels slick.
Still dirty? Repeat the process until your glass is sparkling.
6. Let It Dry
Give it time to fully dry before loading it again — nobody wants a hit of alcohol vapor.
How Often Should You Clean Your Bong?
If you're a daily smoker:
- Change your water daily
- Deep clean once a week
Bonus: Your hits will taste way better, and your lungs will thank you.
Pro Tip: Keep a Backup Bowl or Stem
Nothing kills the vibe like realizing your gear is soaking in iso when you're ready to smoke.
Always keep a spare bowl or stem on deck so the rotation doesn’t stop.
Suggested Accessories to Keep It Clean
- Replacement Slides
- Extra Downstems