Short answer
Use 91% isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. Pour 1 to 2 cups of alcohol into the main chamber. Add 2 tablespoons of coarse salt. Cover the openings. Shake for 60 seconds. Rinse with warm water for 2 minutes. This removes resin, ash, and mineral film from glass.
What you need
- Isopropyl alcohol, 91% or higher
- Coarse salt, such as kosher or rock salt
- Warm tap water
- Pipe cleaners for the bowl and downstem
- Nitrile gloves
- A sealed jar for used alcohol
Coarse salt works as an abrasive. Table salt dissolves in alcohol in seconds and scrubs less.
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Steps
- Empty the water into a trash bag, not a sink. Resin hardens in pipes.
- Remove the bowl, downstem, screens, and ash catcher.
- Rinse each part with warm water to loosen surface ash.
- Pour 1 to 2 cups of 91% isopropyl alcohol into the main chamber.
- Add 2 tablespoons of coarse salt.
- Cover the mouthpiece and the downstem hole with stoppers or your palms.
- Shake for 60 seconds. Use 90 seconds for heavy buildup.
- Pour the alcohol into a sealed jar. It can be reused 2 to 3 times.
- Scrub the bowl and downstem with a pipe cleaner dipped in alcohol.
- Rinse every part with warm water until no alcohol smell remains.
- Air dry on a towel for 10 minutes.
Heavy buildup
Soak the bong in alcohol for 30 minutes. Add salt. Shake for 60 seconds. Repeat the soak once if resin remains at the water line. For percolators, fill each chamber, cap the openings, and shake in short strokes so the salt reaches the slits.
how to clean a bong with alcohol
How often to clean
Change the water after each session. Clean the bong every 3 to 7 days with daily use. Clean it every 2 weeks with occasional use. Water left standing for days supports bacterial and mold growth.
how to clean a bong with alcohol
What not to do
- Do not use boiling water on thin glass. Thermal shock cracks it.
- Do not use acetone or paint thinner on acrylic bongs. Acetone melts acrylic.
- Do not use rice or pasta as an abrasive. Pieces jam in the downstem.
- Do not pour resin water down a drain.
- Do not mix bleach with alcohol. The mix releases toxic vapor.
- Do not clean with alcohol near an open flame. Isopropyl alcohol is flammable.
Acrylic, silicone, and metal parts
Silicone takes hot water and dish soap. Acrylic scratches, so use warm water, dish soap, and a soft brush. Isopropyl alcohol clouds some acrylic. Metal bowls and screens handle alcohol and salt. Replace screens when the mesh bends.
Cleaning small parts
Put bowls, screens, and glass stems in a zip bag. Add 1/4 cup of alcohol and 1 tablespoon of salt. Seal the bag. Shake for 60 seconds. Rinse under warm water. This keeps resin off your hands.
Storing the bong
Drain all water before storage. Store upright in a cabinet. Dust collects inside an open mouthpiece, so cap it or place it in a case.