How to Clean a Bong with Salt and Isopropyl Alcohol

How to clean a bong with salt and isopropyl alcohol

Pour coarse salt and 91% isopropyl alcohol into the bong, cover the openings, shake for 30 seconds, then rinse with hot water. For heavy resin, let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before shaking. Repeat if needed.

How to Clean a Bong with Lemon Juice

What you need

• Glass bong
• Coarse salt (kosher or rock salt)
• Isopropyl alcohol, 91% or higher
• Hot water
• Gloves
• Ventilated area
• Optional: pipe cleaners, ziplock bag

Steps

1. Empty the bong. Remove water and loose debris. Dump ash and resin into a trash can.
2. Rinse the bong with hot water. Fill it halfway, cover openings, shake, and pour out the water. This removes loose material.
3. Pour coarse salt into the bong. Use 2 to 4 tablespoons for a standard beaker or straight tube. Salt acts as an abrasive.
4. Add isopropyl alcohol. Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of 91% isopropyl alcohol into the bong. The alcohol dissolves resin.
5. Cover all openings. Use your hands, rubber stoppers, or plastic wrap. You need a sealed chamber.
6. Shake the bong. Hold it with both hands. Shake for 30 to 60 seconds. The salt scrubs the glass while the alcohol breaks down resin.
7. Let it sit for heavy buildup. If resin remains, set the bong down for 10 to 15 minutes. Then shake again.
8. Pour out the mixture. Empty the alcohol and salt into a sink with running water. Do not pour into a drain without water.
9. Rinse with hot water. Fill the bong with hot water, shake, and pour out. Repeat until no salt remains and the glass looks clear.
10. Check for leftover resin. Look at the downstem, bowl, and percolators. If needed, repeat steps 3 through 9.
11. Air dry. Place the bong on a towel. Let it dry. Do not use a flame near the bong.

Safety notes

• Isopropyl alcohol is flammable. Keep it away from open flames, sparks, and lit cannabis.
• Work in a ventilated area. Open a window or turn on a fan.
• Wear gloves. Isopropyl alcohol dries skin and can cause irritation.
• Do not ingest isopropyl alcohol. It is toxic.
• Do not mix isopropyl alcohol with other cleaners.

Tips for stubborn resin

• Use 99% isopropyl alcohol for the fastest breakdown.
• Add a few drops of dish soap to the alcohol. Soap helps break surface tension.
• Soak removable parts in a ziplock bag with salt and alcohol.
• Use a pipe cleaner for narrow downstems.
• Clean your bong once a week to prevent heavy buildup.