Glass bongs have become almost an integral part of the ritual for many vape enthusiasts. As aesthetically pleasing additions that make toke so pleasing, these additions require regular attention to keep serving properly and to last well. But is it safe to clean the glass bong in a dishwasher?
Why Does A Bong Get Dirty So Fast?
Cannabis smoke contains residual amounts of its own natural waxes and fatty acids due to the herbal makeup. These burn off to ash as one uses it, which starts building up on a bong after just the very first hit, and then continually. It may not always be immediately recognizable, but when the sessions exceed more than, say, a dozen uses, visibility begins to rear its head.
How to Identify a Dirty or Damaged Bong
Cleaning your bong regularly will uncover several problems that can compromise its performance and safety. The most common ones include:
- Resin buildup: like discoloration in glass or plastic and buildup.
- Surface damage: getting worse with time.
- Clogging: resin buildup through the stems and bowls blocks the airways.
- Odor: If this keeps happening, it probably needs deep cleaning.
Are Glass Bongs Dishwasher Safe?
Most of the glass bongs are fairly resilient and heat-resistant enough to be washed in a dishwasher. Here are some factors to think over:
- Ornamented ones could have specific inlays or attached decorations that might not tolerate such water pressure with great heat in a dishwasher.
- Plastic and Rubber Parts: These may include gaskets or plastic additions that can easily degrade throughout the cycle of cleaning.
- To avoid these from happening, it is always advisable to follow the manufacturer's care instructions and, where possible, remove any components that could be sensitive to temperature or pressure.
Common Cleaning Supplies to Clean a Bong
You shall need the following supplies for cleaning your bong:
- Isopropyl alcohol (90%) or bong cleaner.
- Coarse salt to function as the 'elbow grease' agent in scouring.
- Long-handled cleaning brush.
- Ziplock bags or jars for soaking of smaller parts.
- Cotton swabs or pipe cleaners for hard-to-reach areas.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Bong
Cleaning a bong may require some time, but the results are well worth it for a cleaner, safer smoking experience. Follow these steps:
- Prepare Your Materials: Gather your cleaning supplies, including alcohol, salt, and a suitable brush. For plastic bongs, warm water and soap may be a better choice.
- Drain the Bong: Take out whatever old water or mess is in that chamber.
- Stem and Bowl Cleaning: Take a brush and soak it in alcohol or warm water if the item is plastic. Scrub off resin buildup. Add coarse salt to help scrub residue.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Run clean water through all the parts multiple times to get rid of any remaining cleaning agent residue.
- Dry and Reassemble: When all parts are cleaned and totally dry, reassemble your bong.
Care Tips for Different Bong Materials
Not all bongs should be cleaned the same. Adjust your cleaning according to the material in question:
- Glass Bongs: Use a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt, taking care not to scratch. Rinse well to make sure no residue remains.
- Ceramic Bongs: Warm water and mild soap is OK, but nothing too abrasive that could scratch the ceramic surface.
- Plastic Bongs: Warm water and soap, nothing more. Alcohol will degrade plastic over time. Do not use abrasive tools, they scratch.
How to Store Your Bong
You want to take good care of your bong and keep it in good working order. Here are some tips:
- Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Store all the parts well and safely, out of the reach of children or pets.
- Silica gel packets are to be put inside the storing container to prevent moisture and mold.
- Periodically check for damages or wear and take necessary action if needed.
Conclusion
While glass bongs can go in the dishwasher, some wear and tear can happen to decorations or plastic parts of the bong. Always follow any instructions that are given by the particular maker so quality and functionality aren't lost for your bong; hand cleaning will make a much better, but rather gentle, option of cleaning this way. With proper maintenance, your bong will eventually become your very good buddy so that smoking ritual becomes lots of fun.