How to Clean a Bong with Household Items and Bong Cleaning Kits

Want to enjoy your bong to its fullest? We’ve got a tip for you: Keep it clean! Of course, keeping your bong tidy on a consistent and regular basis isn’t just about making it look nice (although that’s a plus). A well-washed bong gives you smoother hits, better flavor, and a healthier overall experience—which we at Sunrise Dispensary are definitely champions of!

Below, we’ve compiled all our favorite tips, techniques, and products for keep your bong sparkling clean. We’ll walk you through cleaning step by step, discuss store-bought and DIY homemade bong cleansers, and more. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a longtime weed connoisseur, this bong-washing guide will keep your setup in tip-top shape.

Why Cleaning Your Bong Matters

Caring for your bong may seem like a boring to-do item, but it’s actually a smart way to get the best results when smoking weed. Cleaning a bong regularly gives you several benefits:

It ensures your bong setup is free of anything unhealthy, like mold, which can start to grow if dirty bong water is left for too long.
A tidy bong is free of any lingering residues or debris that could interfere with the weed’s taste. In other words, you’ll get the purest, most pleasant flavor. (And don’t you want that?)
Caring for a bong by regularly washing it will ensure it performs at its best for as long as possible, so you get your money’s worth from your setup.

What You’ll Need to Clean Your Bong

To properly clean your bong, start by gathering the essentials. We’ve broken this down for you to make it easy:

Household Items

First of all, yes — you really can care for your bong with a DIY setup, if you are diligent about it. To clean a bong with household items, you’ll need to create a homemade solution of:

Isopropyl alcohol — This is the base of your DIY bong cleaner, so you want it to be strong. Choose one that’s 90% or higher for the best sanitary results.
Epsom salt — Or if you don’t want to use Epsom, look for another type of coarse, gritty salt.
Dish soap — If your bong is made of silicone or plastic instead of glass, alcohol and salt may be too harsh. Dish soap is acceptable as an alternative in this case.

This combination of salt and isopropyl alcohol creates an effective DIY cleansing solution that has enough grit to get rid of stubborn resin stains.

Even if you decide to get store-bought products, you’ll also use these household items for the cleaning process (described below), so make sure you stock up on:

Paper towels — You’ll be wiping down your bong setup, and either these or a microfiber cloth will give you a dry, debris-free bong.

Q-Tips — You’ll need these (or pipe cleaners or a small bristle tool) to clean tight, hard-to-reach spots.
Plastic bags — Choose a brand with a zip-lock seal. You’ll use these to more easily clean small bong parts. If your bags don’t have an airtight seal, you can close them tightly with a rubber band or hair tie.
Rubber gloves — Since the rubbing alcohol-salt mixture or commercial cleaning product can be harsh on sensitive skin, wearing rubber gloves can help.

Store-Bought Supplies

Purchasing products that are specifically designed just for bongs can make your life a little easier, since you won’t have to mix a DIY solution. As you visit your favorite store (like ours!), ask what cleaner for bongs the budtenders recommend. Popular options you’ll come across include:

Cleansing solutions specifically for bongs are helpful for safely washing glass pipes.
Glass wipes are handy as a quick, on-the-go tool you can use between more thorough cleanings.

How to Clean a Bong (Step-by-Step Instructions)

If you’re wondering how to clean a bong the right way, not to worry! We’ve put together a handy step-by-step guide to make the process simple:

Step 1: Empty and Disassemble the Bong

Before the cleaning process can start, you’ll need to disassemble all the pieces so you can wash them individually and with care. Head to your bathroom or kitchen counter and disconnect the bowl, down-stem, and base.

Step 2: Add Cleaning Solution or DIY Mix

Rinse each part of the disassembled bong with hot water. Next, add a good portion of either a store-bought bong cleanser or your homemade isopropyl alcohol-salt mixture into plastic bags, and slide each piece of the bong into its own bag.

Step 3: Shake and Soak the Pieces

For the smaller pieces like the bowl and down stem, make sure the plastic bags are firmly sealed (either by securing the zip-lock closed or tying a rubber band tightly around the open end of the bag). Shake the bags for 30 seconds (or more) to evenly distribute the solution. Then, let everything soak for a while.

If the main part of your bong is too large to slide into a plastic bag, you can pour cleanser directly into it. Then, don rubber gloves and place your palm over any openings, or cover the openings with plastic bags and secure them with rubber bands. Shake the bong so the cleanser can go to work.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Setup

Once the cleaning solution has loosened up any residue on the bong pieces, you can dump the solution. If you notice any remaining residue or want to double-check any hard-to-reach spots, grab a Q-tip, pipe cleaner, or a tiny bristled brush, dip it into some cleaning solution, and wipe those narrow areas down.

Next, rinse everything thoroughly with hot water. Some people prefer distilled water for this process. Use paper towels or a microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry each piece (to prevent unwanted mold or bacteria growth from excess moisture).

Finally, reassemble the bong so that each piece is securely fitted into place again. And you’re done!

Best Bong Cleaner Options to Try

The best bong cleaner is a product that is carefully made and thoroughly tested to give you quality results.

Natural vs Chemical-Style Solutions

Natural cleaners (which may include vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, etc.) are eco-friendly and gentle on your setup, though they may not get rid of stubborn residue or kill mold and bacteria.

Chemical-based solutions may not have that “natural” feel but they’re effective. Be sure to use an approved bong cleanser so that you’re getting something safe for human consumption. Test out the solution in a small way to make sure you’re not allergic to it.

Top Bong Cleansers to Conside

Some favorites in the cannabis and weed community include:

Solimo 99% isopropyl alcohol – For added peace of mind, this brand of isopropyl alcohol is just about as strong as you can get.
Formula 420 — This brand offers a safe, non-toxic, biodegradable solution that effectively cleans glass, ceramic, and metal bogs.
Orange Chronic — People enjoy this brand for its all-natural makeup and its reliable performance.
Snowtree — This magnetic cleaning system, which some people swear by, is a good companion to the homemade isopropyl alcohol-salt cleaning method.
Organyc cotton swabs — This brand of Q-tip-type swabs is a more natural product, free of plastics and other chemicals.
Zen pipe cleaners — Handy for getting at those tough-to-reach spots, these pipe cleaners are made from environmentally friendly natural fibers.

Need help deciding what to choose? No problem!

Stop by Sunrise anytime to ask us about our favorite bong gear, including store-bought bong cleaning solutions and kits. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and show you what we recommend.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Bong Cleaner Longer

How Often to Wash Your Bong

Maintaining your bong properly includes more than just choosing a good bong cleaner. You’ll also want to get into a consistent routine. We recommend doing a quick cleaning with bong wipes after daily use, and then do a more thorough washing weekly.

Avoid Too Much Resin Buildup

Regular care will make the entire cleaning process less labor intensive, and it’ll help prevent unwanted residue, bacteria, and mold growth too. Remember that when you have too much resin buildup, it can block airflow and make it harder to enjoy a smooth hit. The resin will impede the taste too—making your weed harsh and unpleasant. Proper cleaning eliminates that problem.

How to Store Your Bong Properly

When you’re not using your bong, it’s important to store it in a tidy, dry area so that it won’t gather dust or moisture. Invest in a protective case or bag so that everything stays clean after you’ve washed it.

Visit Sunrise Dispensary for Cannabis Accessories & More

Ready to keep your gear fresh and your weed sessions smooth? We’re here to help! Our experienced budtenders will be happy to walk you through all your options for bong cleaner solutions, bong cleaning kits, tips for cleaning a bong and storing it, and any other cannabis-related questions you’ve got.

Visit Sunrise Dispensary to find the best cleaning accessories, top flower strains, and expert budtenders ready to serve you. Shop now, or learn more about our amazing team, and contact us anytime as you enjoy your cannabis journey.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects research, personal opinions, and reports from other sources. Sunrise Dispensary does not provide medical advice and makes no claims about the efficacy or safety of cannabis for medical or recreational use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of the information provided in this blog. Cannabis products should be used responsibly and in compliance with local laws.

Sources:

How to Properly Clean Your Bong – Rolling Stone Magazine
How to Clean a Bong – Esquire Magazine