Silicone bongs are just like glass bongs in that they need to be cleaned regularly. Giving yours a regular scrub-a-dub is worth it for both the sanitary and maintenance benefits it has. Who wants to smoke from a nasty, residue-lined, and dirty silicone bong? No one does, so don't be that guy at the party.
Do I Have to Clean My Silicone Bong?
This is likely the question you've been reluctantly asking yourself as you watch your silicone bong become progressively icky. The answer is yes, you do need to clean it if you want to continue enjoying your smoking experience. Over time, residue and bacteria will build up on the inside of your bong and make it harder to draw smoke through. Plus, no one enjoys the taste of old resin every time they take a hit.
How to Clean a Silicone Bong
Doing dishes always sucks, whether it's the pile of plates in the sink or your beloved silicone bong that needs a good cleaning. But with the importance of hygiene being stated, there's no getting around every smoker's responsibility to keep their bong clean.
These seven steps are simple and easy enough for anyone to follow:
1. Gather Your Supplies
First thing's first - getting some cleaning supplies together. Some smokers have specific preferences in terms of the cleaning solutions they use. Hot water, salt, and alcohol are go-to's that almost everyone has handy. But it's important to recognize that the last one, alcohol, isn't ideal when cleaning silicone bongs. Long-term exposure can cause dryness and cause the material to degrade faster.
Dish soap is the next-best alternative to use alongside water and salt. No brand is particularly 'best' for cleaning silicone bongs, although you might want to consider Dawn given its gentle formula. If it's good enough for ducks, right?
A bottle of silicone bong cleaning solution or silicone dab rig cleaning solution is worth the investment if you want to ensure your piece stays equally intact and pristine. These solutions are specifically formulated for silicone and will be more effective at removing grime and buildup.
The brush you use to clean your silicone bong is also important. Soft-bristled brushes or pipe cleaners are ideal for gently scrubbing away residue without causing damage to the material. Avoid using metal brushes, as they can scratch and ruin the silicone.
2. Disassemble Your Bong
Next up, Grey's Anatomy. You'll need to dissect your silicone bong piece by piece to get all of its cracks and crevices clean. For some pieces, this may be as simple as removing the silicone bowl or downstem. Other silicone smoking accessories are more elaborate. Always look up product-specific disassembly instructions when in doubt.
3. Begin Cleaning Silicone Bong Pieces
Bath time! Start by filling a large container, like a sink or bathtub, with warm water. Then add in your preferred cleaning solution according to the instructions on the bottle. Make sure all silicone pieces are completely submerged in the solution.
Let your pieces soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will loosen up any tough residue and make it easier to remove.
4. Scrub Away Residue
After soaking, use your soft-bristled brush or pipe cleaner to gently scrub away any remaining grime. It's nasty, but ultimately necessary to prevent long-term staining. The amount of work you have to put in here will be whatever is due based on how long it's been since your silicone bong was last cleaned. More stubborn cases may require a second round of soaking and scrubbing.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Once you're satisfied that all of the residue has been scrubbed away, it's time to rinse and dry your pieces. Give each piece a thorough rinse with warm water to ensure there is no cleaning solution left behind.
6. Dry With Soft Towel
This step is optional - if you ironically don't have a clean towel handy, air will do the job of drying the bong for you. But it's still a good idea to pat each piece down if you can. Doing so will avoid the creation of water spots.
7. Reassemble and Enjoy
Once everything is dry, reassemble your bong and enjoy a clean hit!
There you have it - seven simple steps to keeping your silicone bong clean and in top condition. With regular maintenance, you can ensure that your bong not only looks good but also functions properly for a long time. And remember, prevention is always better than cure - try to keep up with regular maintenance and clean your bong after each use to avoid any stubborn build-up. Happy smoking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Any lingering questions about cleaning silicone bongs? This section has answers to some of our customers' most common.
Can you use dish soap to clean silicone bongs?
Yes, you can use dish soap to clean your silicone bong. Just make sure to rinse it thoroughly afterwards to avoid any soapy residue that could affect the taste of your hits.
How often should I clean my silicone bong?
It is recommended to clean your silicone bong after every use, especially if you notice a buildup of resin or debris. This will help maintain the flavor and quality of your hits and prevent any unpleasant odors.
Can I put my silicone bong in the dishwasher?
While some silicone bongs may be labeled as dishwasher safe, it is still not recommended to put them in the dishwasher. The high heat and pressure of a dishwasher can potentially damage or warp your bong.
