Bongs have been around for a long time. Originating from Thailand and central Africa, their wave of popularity has spread all over the world.
And with the legalization of medical marijuana, one should know how to maintain it properly to enjoy it to its full potential. But how do you do its upkeep without damaging the delicate glass instrument?
And why is it even necessary to clean it out?
Well, like any other apparatus, bongs accumulate a variety of waste substances over time due to the burning and condensation of the herbal substances.
We’ll touch on what those substances are below, but it’s essential to know that they can accelerate the growth of bacteria, mold, fungi, and viruses overnight.
Not only is that disgusting and ruins your relaxing experience, but it can also pose a significant risk to your health by causing respiratory problems in the future. That’s why you should always dump out your water after every session and thoroughly clean it at least once or twice a week to be safe.
Why Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean a Bong?
Now that we’ve talked about why it is crucial to keep your bong clean let’s move on to what to use and how to go about it.
The one core item you need is something you’ll have stored away somewhere in your house. The 3% hydrogen peroxide comes in a brown bottle and can be found at any retail pharmacy nowadays.
Hydrogen peroxide is a potent chemical agent, but don’t let its 3% version fool you. It can quickly get rid of hardened waste materials like resin and tar by simply coming into contact with them.
Not only does this require minimal effort, but it also saves a lot of time and hassle.
Accumulation of Resin and Tar
If you’re a chronic smoker and aren’t in the habit of cleaning your bong after every use, it’s usual to find a resin or tar build-up, leftover products from the smoked herbal substances.
You’ll start to see floating residue even with the addition of pure water. That’s when you know it’s time for a wash-out.
As mentioned before, this is necessary not just to remove that particular odor but also for health reasons. Best to clean out harmless residue before it becomes health-altering bacteria!
How to Clean It?
Seeing as we’ve gone over the need to clean and what to use, we’ll explain how you’re supposed to use those to get a perfect, crystal clear bong ready for your next smoke session.
Ingredients
For this home remedy, you simply need a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water to rinse it out afterward.
Step-by-Step Method
- Take out all removable parts (bowl, stem) and place them somewhere gently.
- Pick up your bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide and fill your bong with it.
- After you’ve filled your bong, cover all openings so it doesn’t spill out and shake vigorously. Make sure the hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with all resin-covered parts.
- In the event this does not rid your bong of all waste materials, rinse out your bong and fill it up again with hydrogen peroxide. This time, let the solution sit for 12 hours, giving it time to react.
- Once you’ve made sure all the stains have been removed, rinse it thoroughly with warm water and let it dry out completely.
Precautions
3% hydrogen peroxide is made specifically for home use, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be harmful. Always remember to take safety measures before using this powerful oxidizing agent.
Wear gloves and safety goggles each time while handling it to avoid skin contact.
Do not try to cover the openings with your hands or touch the bong until completely rinsed with water and dried properly, removing any traces of the hydrogen peroxide.
In this case, it comes into direct contact with your skin and causes a burning or irritating sensation. Rinse it under running water until the sensation subsides.
Why It’s Better Than Other Remedies?
Hydrogen peroxide, also known as bleach, can easily do away with any waste materials in one go. Being cheap and readily available, it provides you with the same results as a high-end cleaning solution would in less than half the price. That is if you don’t already have it at home for other purposes.
The Bottom Line
Every instrument you use, for any purpose, needs a wash now and again. Use this simple home remedy of clearing resin and tar from your bong with a 3% hydrogen peroxide wash to save time and effort.
