How to Clean a Bong Before Storing It
You don't need a deep clean after every session, but giving your bong a proper cleaning before storing it for a few days (or longer) will help reduce odors, keep your glass looking its best, and make your next session much more enjoyable.
Disclaimer: Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations for specialty glass or artistic pieces.
Step 1: Remove the Water
Start by emptying any old water from the bong.
Leaving water sitting inside for days can create unpleasant odors and make resin much harder to remove later. (Not to mention possible mold- YUCK)
Step 2: Run Hot Water Through the Bong
Run hot (not boiling) water through your bong to help loosen resin and buildup.
Pro Tip: Remove the bowl and downstem first. Run hot water directly through the downstem opening so the water flows through the entire beaker.
Do the same with the bowl and downstem separately.
This simple step makes the deep clean much easier.
Step 3: Clean the Bowl & Downstem
Place your bowl and downstem inside a resealable plastic bag.
Add:
- Isopropyl aka"rubbing" alcohol (91% or higher works best)
- A generous amount of coarse salt
Seal the bag and gently shake until the resin breaks loose.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water afterward.
Because these pieces are smaller, the bag method works incredibly well and uses much less rubbing alcohol.
Step 4: Clean the Bong
Pour a generous amount of coarse salt directly into the bong.
Next, add enough rubbing alcohol to coat the inside.
Cover both openings with folded paper towels (or cleaning caps if you have them) and hold them securely while giving the bong several firm shakes.
The salt acts as a gentle abrasive while the alcohol dissolves sticky resin.
Within a minute or two, you'll usually notice the glass becoming noticeably cleaner.
Stubborn Buildup?
If you've gone a little too long between cleanings (we've all been there), try adding a small handful of uncooked rice along with the salt.
The rice helps scrub areas that salt alone sometimes can't reach.
It's one of those little tricks longtime bong owners swear by.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Once everything looks clean, rinse every piece several times with warm water until there's no remaining alcohol or salt.
Step 6: Let Everything Dry
Before putting your bong away, allow every piece to dry completely. Storing damp glass can trap moisture and contribute to lingering odors.
If you're putting it away for an extended period, store it empty & never with water still inside.
HUSH&Co Pro Tip
Keep a gallon-sized zip-top bag, coarse salt, and 91% isopropyl alcohol together in your cleaning supplies. That way, cleaning your bong takes less than five minutes, and you're much more likely to do it regularly.