Down Stem Stuck In Bong? Top Answer Update

There are countless ways to clean your hookah or piece of glass. Unfortunately, one of the most common is one of the most damaging not only to your piece, but to you as well. Rubbing alcohol and salt are two ingredients to stay away from, as they are toxic, pungent, and abrasive.

Luckily we have an easy way for you to clean your hookah in just a minute – no shaking! You can use this formula over and over again, saving you more than just time and effort.

First, let’s take a closer look at why we should avoid alcohol and salt when cleaning your glass pieces.

Cleaning with alcohol leaves toxic residues.

Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, is extremely toxic to the environment. It is made entirely of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that emit toxic fumes into the environment. In some states, it’s even illegal to dump it down the drain as it’s considered hazardous waste.

Aside from that, inhaling these fumes can also be extremely harmful to your lungs. Alcohol is just too pungent to be used on something you light and inhale straight into your lungs.

Cleaning with salts is abrasive for your hookah.

Salt has been used in conjunction with a variety of household chemicals to clean pipes for years. The idea is that as the salt is shaken around in the pipe, it will push accumulated resin off the sides. In theory it’s a very nice idea, but it’s not that simple. It comes down to lots of shaking for very minimal cleaning.

Not only is it ineffective in cleaning your hookah, it can actually damage it. Grinding salt has a sandpaper-like effect. Over time, it can damage your hookah, leaving scratches and score marks. Unwanted resin can seep into the scratched grooves, making your precious glass incredibly difficult to clean. Over time, bacteria and even mold can build up in these tiny grooves. Yuck! Instead, opt for a liquid cleaner that’s gentle on your piece, no matter the material.

So how should I clean my glass pieces you might be wondering? For a deep clean that’s easy and doesn’t require shaking, we love the Resolution Gel Hookah Cleaner. Resolution Gel has only 3% VOC compared to the 100% VOC of isopropyl alcohol (those toxic fumes we don’t like). This means that it is environmentally and health friendly.

The best thing about this cleaner is that it’s reusable – after soaking it in your pipe, empty it right back into the container for next time use. Not only do you save effort, you also save a few cents.

How to use dissolving gel

You will need:

Resolution Gel Res Caps (recommended for covering openings in water line for easy shaking)

Your dirty water pipe

kitchen paper to dry

Before you begin, make sure you drain and disassemble your hookah by removing the headjoint and downstem. If you find mold in the water line, it is important to clean your water line immediately. Also remember that you can’t clean a plastic hookah with Resolution Gel, so stick with glass!

1. Shake Resolution Gel to activate.

Shake your Resolution Gel sachet for about 5 seconds to activate the all-natural, clay-based formula. Open the top of the pouch and get ready for a deep clean.

2. Add gel to your dirty hookah.

Pour between 2-4 ounces of Resolution Gel hookah cleaning kit into your dirty hookah. You just need to use enough gel to coat any areas that are visibly covered in resin. Let the gel sit in the hookah for about 20-30 seconds while shaking and swirling. Make sure the gel hits every part in your dirty piece.

Place the dip tube and headpiece directly into the bag and let sit for 30 seconds as well. You can swirl the pouch, but not much is needed.

Pro Hookah Cleaner Tip: We recommend using the Res caps to cover both ends of the hookah so you can shake without getting solution or dirty hookah grime on your fingers.

3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Remove the dip tube and bowl attachment from the bag. Then pour the solution from your hookah back into the bag. Rinse your hookah, downstem and headpiece under warm running water.

And there you have it! A perfectly clean hookah with no scratches from abrasive salts and no harmful toxins. Watch this video to see the Resolutioncolo Bong and Pipe Cleaner in action!

Many of us have had the unfortunate experience of having one of our favorite heads snapped off too tightly at the bottom and snapped off. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with this problem. Below are some of the methods that we think have the best chance of success for getting the broken piece out of your down tube and keeping your bong intact.

Note: These methods can also be used to remove a broken stem that is trapped in your bong.

1. Use a Potato: This is one of the safest ways to reclaim broken glass (this is also a great tip for dealing with broken lightbulbs). When enough glass is sticking out of the bottom stem, grab a potato and press it onto the broken glass until it sticks and just twist it out. If the piece does not rotate, see step 2.

2. Oil and Water: Dip the broken piece in oil or hot water to loosen the glass so it can twist out. If you use oil, let it sit for at least 5 minutes before attempting to remove it. For water, make sure it is hot water and run it over the area for at least 5 minutes.

3. Coat hanger: If you still can’t get the damaged glass out, straighten a coat hanger while leaving the hook on the end to make it easier to pull the piece out of the down tube. This works best in combination with a water or oil treatment.

4. Screwdriver/ Break It!: As an end result, you can try to carefully break out the whole piece, including the downstem, and then simply wash out the excess broken glass. Using a screwdriver or heavy metal tool, gently tap the inside of the broken glass until it shatters. This requires light tapping as opposed to aggressive breaking. Once broken, make sure all of the glass has been safely removed from your bong. This is an end result and should only be used when all other options to save the bong have been exhausted.

How to prevent this?: While this may not help if your head or downtube is already stuck, there are some simple tricks you can use to avoid this problem in the future.

1. Keep It Clean: You can see that cannabis oils and concentrates tend to be on the sticky sides, so it doesn’t take much for that residue to build up between the hinge and the glass base of your bong and make it stick. We recommend using one of our bong cleaners regularly to avoid this problem. Clean glass is happy glass.

Check out our complete guide to cleaning your glassware here.

2. Keep it dry: Many people are surprised that residual moisture can cause a tight seal when the cleaned dip tube is wet. Keep your chillums and bowls nice and dry before putting them back in the bong.

3. Use lube: If you can’t keep your parts perfectly dry, use a dab of olive oil, beeswax lip balm, or our favorite joint wax on the bowl or bottom where they join. Apply liberally to the entire male articular surface before connecting, rotate the joints when inserting to coat both surfaces evenly to prevent glass grinding, and then adjust the joints to the final position and you are finished.

4. Be careful!: A common mistake when handling glass is not handling your glass with care. For the best way to separate your joints and bowls, simply twist one side while pulling the joint apart. DO NOT pull the joints apart without rotating as the glass may be damaged.

If your bong pipe breaks, it’s not the end of the world. First of all, you should look at where and how big the damage is. Once you’ve done that, you can decide how to proceed with the repair.

Assess the damage

The type of material your bong is made out of matters. Bongs can be made of glass, ceramic, or plastic. However, acrylic and glass are the two most common types. Acrylic is the easiest type of material to repair. If you have a bong made out of heat-resistant borosilicate glass, it can be a lot harder to repair even if you have a blowtorch handy.

Sometimes the break is extremely serious and may not be repairable. However, a clean break, chip or tear can be repaired with a little glue.

Using tape

If there are clean breaks at the bottom of your bong, you can try duct tape. Keep in mind that this works better if you have three or fewer pieces to put back together. You should clean everything well before you start so that the tape sticks well. Then make sure it is dry.

Put the pieces together as seamlessly and tightly as possible. Take a piece of tape and wrap it tightly around each of the joints. This allows you to continue using your bong, but it’s still only a quick fix. This is especially true if you are using the piece in the water. The bottom stem of the bong will be thicker where you have the tape. In some cases you may need to take the grommet off to get everything to fit properly. However, the connection will no longer be airless or seamless as before.

Use adhesion promoters

A step up from sticky tape is to try one of the many adhesion promoters available. For example, you can search for food grade epoxy or silicone. This is a longer term solution than stem tape. This is also a better option when the piece contains multiple breaks.

Food grade silicone is waterproof and non-toxic. You can use it as a sealant, but it doesn’t offer much structural support. You can easily peel it off to remove it. The best place to use it is where the base and tube meet. You can use it to repair cracks or chips in your glass. However, if you’re dealing with the area a lot, it might not be quite as useful. You can easily place it over an adhesive that is not waterproof.

To use food grade silicone you should clean everything well and be careful with the cracks. Then follow the instructions to prepare the silicone. Gently spread it on each edge, paying attention to the cracks. Now press the pieces together and wait for them to dry.

With food grade epoxy, make sure you have smooth, clean edges near the break. If there are jagged edges, you may want to smooth them out with a file. Then you can rub them against fine sandpaper to further smooth them out.

Wipe off any remaining dust from the handle. Then lay the epoxy along the edges and press everything together. Make sure you let it dry long enough before using it. Of course, these are just some of the industrial grade products you can use to repair your stem. However, you should use them cautiously and in well-ventilated areas. They can harm your health.

Other types of glue

You can use two-part epoxy, which is made from a mixture of hardener and resin. Look for one that will bond to glass and is heat resistant. This is a permanent solution, although you should avoid leaving the bonded area submerged. This can cause it to get wet and leak. You can empty your bong after using it. It is better to use this method to fix a bong that has a clean break. If there are very jagged edges, you might want to get a glass cutter to make the break cleaner.

Another product you can use is Loctite Glass Glue. It is similar to super glue and is easy to stick on glass. It resists both heat and water.

Using a blowtorch

If you have the right equipment on hand, you can almost permanently repair your substructure with a blowtorch. One of the advantages of this method is that it also allows you to attach small chunks to the bottom of the bong. However, due to the risk of fire and extreme temperatures, this is best left to the professionals. If you decide to do this yourself, it’s important to take all the right precautions.

First you should examine the parts of the broken stem. It may be necessary to file the edges to ensure they come together neatly. Next, place part of the stem in a clamp. You can use sturdy pliers for the other piece of the stem. By aiming the blue flame at the edge of the piece, you can start heating it. Keep doing this until the glass is red.

Squeeze the pieces together and keep burning until you can see the pieces connect. If you have a small piece, you can use the same method. Let them cool at room temperature.

Keep in mind that this method can be dangerous, so be extremely careful. You should only use the flashlight on a detachable stem. Keep in mind that the water chamber may crack due to the high temperature.

Final Thoughts

The correct method of attaching your stem depends on the type of breakage. You could have this done by a professional. But that can cost a lot of money. Depending on how badly damaged it is, you might want to get a new downstem. Of course, you can also save up and get a whole new bong that’s less likely to break.

The most delicate part of a wine glass is its delicate stem. This is also the most difficult part to successfully attach as the area to be bonded is very small and therefore a strong bond is difficult to achieve.

Etched glass at Govinda’s Restaurant… Please enable JavaScript Etched glass at Govinda’s Restaurant, Tucson

Fixing broken wine glass stems is difficult and is best left to professionals. The do-it-yourselfer can try gluing a log, but the repair will seldom be effective. If the glass is of great sentimental value, it is best to take it to an experienced restoration company such as Artistry in Glass.

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Stemware wine glasses are uniquely fragile

Of all household items and collectibles, no object combines such fragility with such a high rate of use and frequent cleaning as stemmed drinking glasses.

Hot glass being formed to the base of the stem by a skilled glassworker A stemmed wine glass has three parts: the bowl, the stem and the base. This structure has obvious weaknesses – the stem, which supports the shell at the top and the foot at the base, is a major stress point that can break if handled carelessly.

This post explains the history and uses of stemmed glass, how to care for them, and how to fix them when the stems break. For the common problem of wheel rim chipping, check out this unique guide.

Why do wine glasses have stems?

If stems are so fragile, why do most wine glasses have them? What are the advantages of stems?

Read this comprehensive post to learn all about why wine glasses have stems.

Follow this link to learn more about the history and uses of stemware.

How to avoid breaking wine glass stems

Everyone knows prevention is better than cure, so jump to these sections to learn how to avoid damaging your glasses:

Why is it difficult to glue broken wine glass stems?

Gluing the broken stem is a project that can be attempted by the skillful homeowner, but the result is rarely successful due to the following challenges:

The trunk is shattered with missing chips

Wine glass stems rarely break into two easy pieces. Very often the fracture is complex, the stem is shattered and small chips are missing. In these cases, simply gluing the stem will not work.

The adhesive surface is very small

Even if you have a clean break with no missing chips, the surface area of ​​a broken step (especially a thin crystal stem) is very small. The strength of a bond is proportional to the area available for bonding – so even if you achieve a successful bond, the glass becomes a display piece – it is not safe to use for drinking wine.

The parts are difficult to balance

Even if no parts are missing, it is difficult to align and balance the two parts of the stem for gluing.

The bottom line of all gluing work is that it’s very difficult to hold two broken pieces together for the 2 to 3 minutes it takes fast setting epoxy to build without moving them. And as soon as you move the parts, the connection fails.

What are the solutions? Special tricks of artistry in glass

The two keys to successfully gluing thin glass rods are using a fast-curing adhesive and using a special balancing method.

Fast curing UV activated adhesive

The number one tip for glass bonding is to use fast curing UV activated adhesive. Go to this section for our recommended UV Adhesives and UV Lamps.

UV activated adhesive is optically clear and cures in seconds under a UV lamp or in the sun. We recommend this brand available on Amazon as the best value for money.

Special balancing process

From a stiff but flexible modeling clay such as “Plastilina” (UK = plasticine) we construct a long “stick” that allows the broken piece to have remarkable balance. (Special extra hack – Use your phone to take a close-up of the connection and examine the image closely to make sure the pieces line up.)

Trick for balancing a glass stem – We use the tightrope walker’s method to balance the glass stem. Use of modeling clay such as Plastilina as a balance bar.

When you have a stable balance, apply a small drop of UV glue to the joint – move the two pieces together, check alignment with your phone – then, if correct, expose the glue to UV light or sunlight .

The result of gluing the stem

Even if you have achieved a good bond and the stem has remained straight instead of crooked, the glass is only suitable for the display case.

Professional stem repair

If you break a glass that has great sentimental value – say an engraved wedding glass – then it may be worth taking the pieces to a professional restorer like Artistry in Glass.

The professional restorer’s secret trick

The key to stem repair is to create a large surface area and therefore a strong adhesive bond. This is done by cutting off the stem of a “sacrificial glass,” which has a stem similar in length to the broken glass. The stalk must be cut so that it encompasses part of the bottom of the dish.

Cut the stem from a sacrificial wine glass to make a new stem with a large adhesive surface. Do not attempt this at home unless you have experience with lapidary or similar work.

Cut off the damaged stem near the bottom of the bowl to create a large circular area for gluing to the new stem. Use a tile saw like this one available on Amazon.

As we polish the two cut surfaces on the diamond wheel (on the old head and new handle), we check that they are level using a circular bullseye level (like one from Amazon).

Then the moment of truth!

The new stem from the sacrificial jar is aligned with the old bowl and the two parts are glued together with UV activated glue. If successful, the adhesive bond will be strong enough to use the jar (with care – and always hand wash).

Tucson Area Customers – Bring your broken stemmed glass to Artistry in Glass for a professional repair. Insider Tip – Save money by getting your own “sacrificial” wine glass from a thrift store.

Difficult or impossible shaft repair

Decorative stems made of classic crystal glass: left “Intermezzo” by Orrefors, center – “Phalsbourg” by Lalique, right – “Marquis:” by Waterford. Difficult-to-repair stems of classic brands If you smash one of these decorative stems, you have to try to glue it, carefully assembling the fragments. It will not be strong enough to use, so it will become a display piece for the china cabinet.

If you’re unfortunate enough to break a prized Lalique, Orrefors or Waterford wine glass – why cry over spilled milk? Many classic patterns are still available on Amazon (or try discontinued replacements). Get squirting and complete your set by buying a new glass!

Phalsbourg by Lalique – fabulous quality – classic crystal glass from France for the ultimate enjoyment Orrefors Metropol wine glasses have the iconic blue flame in the stem. Designed in Sweden by Srika Lagerbielke

UV adhesives and UV lamps

UV-activated adhesives are essential for glass repairs. The ideal UV glue is absolutely clear and non-yellowing and has the very useful property that it cures almost instantly (less than 10 seconds) when exposed to sunlight or a suitable UV lamp.

Below are our recommendations for routine stemware gluing:

Our favorite lamp is USB powered, compact and powerful for curing UV glue. Quickly cure the Jdiction resin shown below. Affordable UV activated resin adhesive from Jdiction has been tested by Artistry in Glass and works well for bonding glass and crystal.

If you intend to bond glass professionally, quality (but expensive) UV adhesives from CR Laurence are available in a variety of viscosities. Choose a low viscosity (very runny) adhesive for filling fine cracks, a medium viscosity for most gluing projects, and a high viscosity for stemmed glass repair and crack filling.

The History of Stemware

The stem already existed on metal chalices used for Holy Communion. The handle allowed the priest to lift the chalice more easily for the congregation to see.

Stem drinking vessels originated in the Middle Ages when priests had to raise a glass to symbolically offer the blood of Christ to the congregation.

Venetian glassblowers developed cristallo or crystal glassware in the 15th and 16th centuries, copying the style of religious chalices to create delicate stemware.

Medieval goblets from 13th century Syria/Egypt (left), 14th century England (centre) and 16th century Siena (right) Murano crystal wine glasses from 16th and 17th century Italy

Wine connoisseurs appreciate stemmed glasses

As stemmed glasses came into vogue, modern wine lovers began to appreciate them for three main reasons:

Swirling: The wine lover holds the stem near the base and can move the wine by swirling. This oxygenates the wine and adds both flavor expression and aroma.

The wine lover holds the stem near the base and can move the wine by swinging it. This oxygenates the wine and adds both flavor expression and aroma. Maintain temperature: Warming the wine through contact with hot hands can affect the taste. Holding the glass by the stem avoids heating

: Warming wine by contact with hot hands may affect the taste. Holding the glass by the stem avoids heating. Smearing: The purist doesn’t like a wine glass bowl with fingerprints or smudges

Follow this link for more information on the fascinating topic of vine stems.

Elegant or rustic – what is your dining style?

Expensive leaded or lead-free crystal glasses are much more delicate than cheap glasses used in bars and restaurants.

If your style caters to elegant dinner parties, Waterford crystal is sure to impress your guest. Otherwise, why risk expensive broken wine glass stems? Sturdy barware matches the zeitgeist of your al fresco dining on the patio and looks more honest and authentic.

The difference between fine stemware and barware

Delicate crystal stemmed glasses have see-through rims and thin stems, making chips and breakage more likely. Sturdy barware glasses have rolled rims and thick stems, making chips and breakage less likely

Buy stemless wine glasses

Stemless glasses are more suited to today’s casual entertainment. Removing the stems makes them appear less formal and more approachable, inviting daily and occasional use.

The lack of stems means they fit better in cupboards and are easy to clean in the top rack of the dishwasher.

Godinger stemless wine glasses – Crafted in a centuries-old manufactory in the Czech Republic – from sparkling lead-free crystal. Set of 6 stemless wine glasses with a unique shape for entertaining in style. Made of clear lead-free high quality glass, strong and durable.

Tips for washing and caring for stemware

Remove rings and jewelry before washing crystal

Wash stemmed glasses in warm, soapy water – never in the dishwasher

Place a washcloth on the bottom of the sink

Hold the crystal by the head – never by the stem

Never pour very hot liquid into the crystal

Check for water stains before storing your crystal

Remove water stains with a vinegar and water mixture

Don’t store crystal stemmed glasses on their rims

Never keep one crystal glass in another

Artistry in Glass is your source for antique repairs in Tucson

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You may and may not remember how it happened, but whenever you drop your bong or hit it against a piece of furniture, a small part of you dies inside. That’s not the end of your love story with your bong, however, and it can be easily remedied with the right know-how.

The first thing you need to do is assess the damage to your bong and figure out if it can even be repaired. If you have a glass or silicone bong then look at the damage and pray it doesn’t fit that description.

If the hole in the bong is larger than the size of a pea, it cannot be repaired. If the bong is broken into ten or more pieces, it cannot be repaired. If there is a clean break, minor chips, cracks, or other minor damage that is primarily cosmetic, then you can easily repair and salvage the bong.

The best ways to fix a bong

Here are some of the best ways to fix a broken bong, and most of these materials can be found around the house or easily obtained.

duct tape

The universal fixation top Duct Tape might not be the prettiest part, but it can help you seal a crack in the bong and ensure it stays functional. You’ll need to seal cracks, mend the broken pieces, and make sure everything is airtight. Then the crack and tape can resist water longer while the bong also works.

It’s by no means a permanent solution, but it will allow you to keep your bong together and keep using it until you can visit a repair specialist.

superglue

Another household clip, ordinary super glue, or even regular glue can provide enough patch to seal cracks. Super glue won’t stick or stick to glass, but you can use it more effectively on an acrylic or silicone bong. However, the glue still seals and repairs problems in other types of bongs.

Also, everyone has a bottle of glue in their home somewhere, so it’s an easily available substance that can breathe new life into your bong.

Food grade silicone

If you have it, then this waterproof and non-toxic bong repair material is one of the best things to use. It won’t repair the structure of your bong, but you can apply it to the affected area to repair cracks or chipped parts. It creates a water and airtight patch to keep your bong operational until it can be properly repaired. You can’t cover the entire bong with food grade silicone, but you can apply it to the joints or in small areas to keep things secure.

A blowtorch

Blowtorches shouldn’t be first on your list, but they can be used to fix your bong in an emergency. Always follow safety precautions and speak to a professional before proceeding, but you can melt the glass and force the broken pieces to fuse back together, making the molten glass almost like its own glue.

Putting the jar in an oven and using an acetylene torch is one of your best options, but you should only do this as a last resort… and if you know what you’re doing. If not, don’t test your skills with your favorite bong!

When to ask for professional help

If the bong is too damaged to repair with your limited skills, or you don’t have the skills to repair the bong, then you may need to call in an expert. The cost of repairing a broken bong depends on three factors. The first is the severity of the damage, the materials used for the materials, and the repairer’s experience level.

Most glassblowers will be able to repair the bong, often using the torch and furnace method, although they will ask you to remove any temporary repairs you used. After a few days you will get your bong back as good as new.

Professional help can be expensive, but it can also ensure your bong is hooked up correctly the first time. Plus, professionals may even be able to help you avoid such damage in the future.

When to get a new bong

Sometimes the damage is too big even for a professional to fix, and sometimes doing it yourself can make the problem worse. If you’re faced with the heartbreaking task of getting rid of your old bong, then try relieving the pain with some weed from your new bong! Buying a new bong can be expensive and can take some getting used to, but once you get used to it, it will be just like the old one.

Knowing when to ditch your bong can be very difficult, especially if you’re new to the world of DIY. You just keep wanting to try that one thing, that new idea, that new patch job to keep your broken bong together. After trying about two methods and seeking professional help, you need to say goodbye to your bong.

Fixing a broken bong can certainly save you money compared to buying a new bong, so whenever it breaks or chips you need to remain calm and assess the damage. If it can be temporarily patched up or professionally repaired, you’ll need to do a thing or two to get your bong working again.

Performing some DIY repairs isn’t that hard, if you can get hold of a few common items you’ll have your bong working for you in no time. Then you can smoke out of your favorite bong again, regardless of a crack.

We’ve all been there, smoking your herb and enjoying your pizza while chilling on the couch and watching Netflix. The very last thing on your mind is that I should rinse out that dirty bong bong before all the resin gets stuck in there. Keeping your glass bong water pipe collection nice and clean is not only good for the looks, it also improves the clean taste of your bud. Not to mention that pulling out a dirty bong for guests can be quite embarrassing.

Here are 4 of the best and easiest ways to clean out your dirty bong and get it sparkling clean again

We’ve all been through that. It’s time for another smoke, but your glass bong is no longer transparent and far from odorless. In addition, every hit scratches the throat. It’s time for a big cleanse. Your lungs will thank you!

Nothing beats smoking weed from a brand new bong or pipe. Your new piece of glass gleaming on the coffee table in front of you is a sight to behold. The first hits are crisp, clear and smooth. But it doesn’t take long for this transparent work of art to turn into a tar-smeared mess. We are all guilty of neglecting our smoking accessories from time to time. Using your pipe or bong for a few days in a row isn’t a big deal, but things start to get ugly within a few weeks.

Determining when a piece of glass is ready for cleaning is easy. Silicone and wooden parts are a different story. Luckily, users of the latter can remain ignorant until they get a lungful of tarred smoke. In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s important to keep your smoking device shiny and clean. Then we explore the best ways to clean them.

WHY KEEPING YOUR SMOKING ACCESSORIES CLEAN IS SO IMPORTANT

There are a number of reasons why you should always keep your smoking gear clean. Aesthetics is a big motivator, especially when it comes to glass. What’s the point of investing in a complicated glass plant only to have it stew in ash and tar? Respect the artwork!

Regular cleaning of your smoking gear will also result in better tasting hits. If you grow your own you know how much time and effort it takes to produce high quality cannabis. It takes skill and patience to develop a tasty terpene profile. Don’t waste these exquisite flavors by smoking with a dirty bong or pipe.

A dirty bong doesn’t just ruin the taste; The buildup of tar and pitch will irritate your throat. Clean bongs offer buttery smooth hits that are a treat. Overall, cleaner equipment makes for a more enjoyable smoking experience.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR BONG, BOWL OR PIPE?

How often you clean your smoking gear should depend on how frequently you use it. If you light massive bowls every day, tar and pitch will build up quickly. If you hit a pipe or bong once a week, it will take longer for residue to form. Having said that, it is also not hygienic to leave it dirty and unused.

The more often you clean your gear, the better. Give your bong or pipe a quick rinse after each smoke to flush out some tar and resin. When the buildup is getting heavy, it’s time to properly clean your gear.

WHAT IS YOUR PIPE OR BONG MADE OF?

Different materials require different cleaning methods. You run the risk of damaging your rig if you use the wrong cleaning agent or technique. Check out how to clean different materials below.

GLASS & METAL

Glass bongs and pipes are on the sensitive end of the spectrum. Although they often look prettier, they are the most vulnerable to damage. Glass pieces can be effectively cleaned using both alcoholic and non-alcoholic methods. However, you should avoid cooking techniques. Metal pipes, on the other hand, are boil-proof.

SILICONE

Silicone bongs are the easiest to clean. Resistant to heat and cold, these pieces can handle (pretty much) anything you throw at them. You don’t have to think twice when cleaning a silicone bong or pipe.

WOOD

Wooden pipes can handle hot water, but harsh chemicals can damage them. High-proof alcohol can stain wooden pipes and also leave residue. When cleaning a piece of wood, it is best to use softer agents such as vinegar.

HOW TO CLEAN A BONG, BOWL OR PIPE

Now that you know what to avoid, let’s clean it up a bit. Cleaning your piece is a simple, step-by-step process. To start, you need to collect the following items. We will discuss specific cleaners in each method.

GEAR

Cleaning brushes/pipe cleaners

scraper/knife

Plastic tub

cotton swab

Ziplock bag

Tape with micropores

NON-ALCOHOLIC METHODS

Alcohol-free methods are effective in removing ash, tar, and dirt. These techniques use less harsh chemicals and require things you can find in your home kitchen.

VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA

bong

Use a cotton swab to wipe the residue from the bowl. You may need to use a scraper if things get too sticky. Rinse your bong with lukewarm water over a sink. Remove bowl and place in a ziplock bag. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and a dash of vinegar and fill the bag halfway with lukewarm water. Shake the bag and then let it sit. Now back to the bong. Pour a teaspoon of baking soda into the mouthpiece. Cover the mouthpiece with your hand and the hole on the barrel with microporous tape; shake vigorously. The baking soda will stick to the inside of the wet surface. Use a long cleaning brush to scrub the interior surfaces. Next, pour in a tablespoon of vinegar and fill up the chamber with lukewarm water. Cover the holes again and shake them. Pour out the solution and rinse the bong with lukewarm water. Remove the bowl from the ziplock bag and rinse under running water. Use a cotton swab to remove any sticky residue.

Pipe

Run a pipe cleaner through your piece a few times to remove any clogs. Fill a container or glass with lukewarm water. Add a tablespoon of baking soda and the same amount of vinegar. Place your pipe in the container and let it soak for five minutes. Remove the tube and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Repeat step one.

DETERGENT

Fill your sink with lukewarm water. Add a squirt of dish soap to get a bubbly solution. Use a cotton swab and scraper to remove any residue from the bowl of your bong or pipe. Gently place your piece in the water and let it soak for 20 minutes. Return to the sink armed with a cleaning brush or pipe cleaner. When cleaning a bong, use a brush to scrub the inside surfaces thoroughly clean. Use a pipe cleaner to clean your own trunk. For pipes, run a pipe cleaner through the piece 3-4 times. Between each cleaning, dip your pipe in water to rinse out the stem. Empty the sink and rinse your piece with lukewarm water.

BOILING WATER

Boiling water is an easy way to clean a piece. Remember that it is not suitable for thin pieces of glass.

Place your bong or pipe in an empty sink. Clean the bowl with a cotton swab and a scraper. Boil the kettle and fill the bottom of the sink with boiling water. Let your piece sit for 20 minutes or until the water has cooled sufficiently. empty sink. Use a pipe cleaner and brush to remove tar and debris. Rinse with lukewarm water.

ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL METHOD

Isopropyl alcohol is a harsh cleaning agent. Use gloves when handling it and avoid using it on wooden whistles. It also helps to have some coarse salt on hand when using this method.

bong

Remove the bowl and clean it with a cotton swab and a scraper. Then rinse it off under running water. Add a tablespoon of coarse salt, followed by a generous dash of isopropyl alcohol. Cover the hole in the shaft with microporous tape and the mouthpiece with a gloved hand. Shake vigorously for a total of five minutes. Empty the solution down the toilet and rinse the bong thoroughly with lukewarm water. Soak a tissue in isopropyl alcohol and wipe down the bowl and downspout. Soak a pipe cleaner in isopropyl alcohol and scrub the inside of the downspout. Rinse thoroughly.

Pipe

Use a cotton swab and pipe cleaner to remove debris from the bowl and inside of the stem. Place your whistle in a ziplock bag. Add a tablespoon of salt and enough isopropyl alcohol to cover the piece. Shake the bag for five minutes, then let it sit for another 10 minutes. Remove the piece and rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water. Scrub out the bowl and stem with a pipe cleaner and brush. Rinse thoroughly.

CLEAN BONG ROD AND OTHER HARD TO REACH PLACES

It’s important to thoroughly clean bowls, downspouts, and other hard-to-reach places. Although we mentioned it above, it’s worth repeating; You might be surprised by hidden residues. Before cleaning, disassemble your piece (if possible) and get to work with a brush and pipe cleaners to ensure your pipe or bong is delivering clean and smooth hits.

IS IT TIME FOR A SMOKE YET?

Once your piece has been rinsed and dried, it’s ready to use! Investing a little time in thoroughly cleaning your piece is well worth it. The next few hits are gonna be so damn smooth. In the future, try to clean your piece as regularly as possible. Cleaning your bong or pipe after a session or two is easy and only requires a little flushing. If you let it build up, you’ll have to scrub again!

Bongs have been around for a long time. Originating in Thailand and Central Africa, its popularity wave has spread across the world.

And with the legalization of medical marijuana, knowing how to take care of it properly is essential to enjoying it to the fullest. But how do you look after it without damaging the sensitive glass instrument?

And why is it even necessary to clean it?

Well, like any other contraption, bongs accumulate a variety of waste materials over time as the herbal substances burn and condense.

We’ll get into what these substances are below, but it’s important to realize that they can accelerate the overnight growth of bacteria, mold, fungi, and viruses.

Not only is this gross and will ruin your relaxing experience, but it can also pose a significant risk to your health by causing breathing problems in the future. For this reason, you should always drain your water after each session and deep clean 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’s so important to keep your bong clean, let’s dive into what you should be using and how you should go about it.

The one centerpiece you need is something you have tucked away somewhere in your house. The 3% hydrogen peroxide comes in a brown bottle and is available in every pharmacy these days.

It is well known for its use as an antimicrobial to treat wounds, as an oxidizing agent and whitening cream, but you may be surprised at how useful it can be for cleansing purposes.

Hydrogen Peroxide is a powerful chemical, but don’t let its 3% version fool you. It can quickly get rid of hardened wastes such as pitch and tar simply by coming into contact with them.

This not only requires minimal effort, but also saves a lot of time and hassle.

Accumulation of resin and tar

If you are a chronic smoker and are not used to cleaning your bong after each use, it is common to find resin or tar deposits, residual products of the herbal substances smoked.

Even with the addition of pure water, you will begin to see floating residue. Then you know it’s time for a washout.

As already mentioned, this is necessary not only for reasons of odor elimination, but also for health reasons. It is best to remove harmless residues before they become harmful bacteria!

how to clean it

After discussing the need for cleaning and how to use it, we’ll explain how you should use it to have a perfect, crystal clear bong ready for your next smoking session.

ingredients

All you need for this home remedy is a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water to rinse it off afterwards.

step-by-step method

Take out all the detachable parts (head, stem) and carefully put them somewhere. Take your bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide and fill your bong with it. After you’ve filled your bong, cover all openings to prevent it from spilling out and shake vigorously. Make sure the hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with all resin covered parts. If this does not clear your bong of all waste material, rinse your bong and refill with hydrogen peroxide. This time, leave the solution on for 12 hours to allow it to react. Once you have made sure all stains have been removed, rinse thoroughly with warm water and allow to dry 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 oxidizer.

Wear gloves and safety goggles each time you handle to avoid skin contact.

Do not try to cover the openings with your hands or touch the bong until it has been completely rinsed with water and dried properly, which has removed all traces of the hydrogen peroxide.

When this happens, it comes in direct contact with your skin and causes a burning or irritating sensation. Rinse under running water until the feeling wears off.

Why is it better than other remedies?

Hydrogen peroxide, also known as bleach, can get rid of all the waste at once. Because it’s cheap and readily available, it gives you the same results as a high-end cleaning solution for less than half the price. That is, if you don’t already have it at home for other uses.

The final result

Every instrument you use, for whatever purpose, needs to be washed every once in a while. Use this simple home remedy to remove pitch and tar from your bong with a 3% hydrogen peroxide wash to save time and effort.

Orange Chronic is one of the most proven bong cleaners on the market. Most people familiar with bong cleaners will know about this stuff, and for good reason.

Although Orange Chronic has been around for a few decades, it still does an incredible job for most people. It is available in most bong stores, head shops, and dispensaries in Canada and the US.

1

Looking to replace the bottom of your bong? Before you do this, you need to determine the width, length, and joints you need. Lucky for you, it’s not that difficult! We at DankStop will accompany you.

Measure the inner chamber of the bong

Insert a pencil (or any straight object) into the opening of the female cut until it is about ½ inch from the bottom. Mark the point where the object leaves the joint.

Measure the object

Get a ruler or tape measure and determine the length from the mark to the pasted end of the object. The number you find is the approximate measurement between the joint and the base, which is also the length of the sub-frame needed. Make sure the substructure you receive is no longer than this measurement, otherwise it will put pressure on itself.

Measure the joint

If you haven’t already, use the same measuring tool to determine the width of the female joint. The joint sizes of most commercial bongs are a uniform 10, 14, and 18 millimeters, with 14 and 18 being the most common. If you don’t have access to a measuring tool, you can grab a dime and see if it fits the opening. If so, then your joint is 18mm long. If not, it’s 14mm, or possibly 10mm. You want to make sure the joint you receive is EXACTLY one of these sizes: wider joints obviously won’t fit, and narrower joints won’t create the airtight seal you need.

Choose a new Downstem

Based on your measurements you can now search for a new downstem. You can find the length and width you want by shopping online head shops. The down tube you choose will also depend on the type of male head you intend to use. Like joints, glass bowls come in 10, 14 and 18mm, so you’ll need to make sure your new bottom fits your bowl. Downstems have a joint for the head and another for connecting to the pipe. Downstems come in 14mm to 14mm, 18mm to 18mm, 14mm to 18mm, and 18 to 14mm.