Bongs are the most popular smoking device amongst cannabis lovers, and deservedly so. They are an excellent choice for a good time, whether you’ve been smoking for a while or just starting to get into it.
However, you don’t want to deal with a smelly bong that diminishes your smoking experience. The reasons behind the smell can be plenty; however, the solutions are pretty simple.
Keep reading to find out why your bong stinks and how to fix it.
Reasons for the Smell
There are three leading causes for the smell emitting from your bong, and each is relatively easy to deal with as long as you’re thorough and consistent with the cleaning process. Let’s explore the reasons in detail.
Water
The water in your bong is essentially the filter for your smoke. Like any other filter, it gets dirty with time and usage. The longer you let your bong water stagnate, the more bacteria it accumulates, which in turn causes a bad smell.
While most smokers believe it’s enough to change the water daily, that is incorrect. To keep your bong clean and your experience smooth, you should change the water after every smoking session.
Another benefit of regularly changing the water is that you’ll maintain the quality and aesthetic of your bong for much longer.
Bong Material
The material your bong is made of can play a significant part in your smoking experience. If you opt for a plastic bong, you should be prepared for a bad smell.
Plastic bongs are known to smell even when they are brand new, and their condition worsens once used a few times. Instead, invest in a glass bong and enjoy.
Resin Build Up
Resin builds up in bongs, whether we like it or not, and it is just a normal part of the experience. However, whether you let the resin start to smell and ruin your smoking enjoyment is entirely up to you.
There are a few ways to deal with resin build-up, including isopropyl alcohol, salts, and bong cleaning kits which are available to buy online on a prime headshop.
Cleaning Process
Following these step-by-step instructions will ensure that your bong is clean, without odd smells, and can facilitate a good smoking session.
Pour Out the Water
First, you need to get rid of the old bong water. After all, that is the primary reason for the smell. Make sure you pour it down the drain and not into another container where it will continue to smell. The removal will also prevent stains on the bong and allow it to keep its freshly-bought look.
Disassemble the Bong
The bong consists of several different parts, all of which are in use during your smoking sessions. That means they will all require a thorough cleaning – not just the bowl. So, remove all the joining pieces, and set them aside in separate containers or baggies to prevent damaging them.
After that, add an abrasive of your choice (salt or baking soda) and create the cleaning solution (alcohol, vinegar, or lemon juice). The combination will start the cleaning process only if all the parts are correctly submerged.
Add the Cleaning Solution
Once you’ve created a cleaning solution, which most experienced smokers prefer to make out of alcohol and Epsom salts, you can add it to the base of the bong. While you don’t need to place the base in a bag, putting it in a larger container is a good idea.
Shake the Parts
Once all the bong parts have been in the cleaning solution for a few minutes, you can start shaking them. Doing this ensures that the solution gets into every crevice and cleans them properly.
Of course, the bong’s removable parts and base need to be shaken carefully. Repeat the shaking motion for at least a few minutes to ensure the cleaning solution is working.
Rinse
If you are confident that the solution has had time to do its job, you can carefully pour it out and start rinsing each part individually with warm water. As you rinse, inspect all the elements for any smudges, stains, or residue that might have stuck around.
If you find any, you need to pour another dose of the cleaning solution and repeat the shaking motion for 5 more minutes. You can also take a brush from your bong cleaning kit and carefully scrub the residue.
Drying
After cleaning the bong, it is best to let it air dry, which won’t take a long time; this way, you will avoid scratching or otherwise damaging the glass. However, if you are in a hurry, you can get a soft towel and wipe the bong carefully.
Bong Kits
If you don’t want to bother with making the cleaning solution, rinsing, and toweling your bong, there is an alternative. An average bong cleaning kit will come with a cleaning solution, pipe cleaners, screens, cleaning caps, and cleaning wipes.
Those are all the tools you will need to clean your bong from the stagnant water and residue properly.
Cleaning Solution Alternatives
Not all smokers like to use the same stuff when maintaining their bongs, and that’s okay. There are plenty of different options to consider. The clear favorite is the alcohol and Epsom salts combination, but people also use olive oil to clean out the resin and vinegar as a substitute for alcohol.
Because of its acidity, vinegar doesn’t need to be combined with anything else. However, it needs to stay in the bong longer to start working. The same can be said for lemon juice, which is highly effective but needs more time to take effect.
Take Care of Your Bong
The state of your bong can make or break your entire smoking experience. A clean, well-maintained bong will give you a rich, smooth, and enhanced taste. On the other hand, avoiding cleaning your bong will expose you to bad smells, tastes, and potential bacteria. Use our guide and follow every process step to ensure your bong is long-lasting.
