What you need
Isopropyl alcohol (ideally 90%+), coarse salt (kitchen or sea salt), hot water and something to plug the openings (silicone caps or your hands). The salt acts as an abrasive, the alcohol dissolves the resin.
Step-by-step cleaning
1) Empty the water and rinse with hot water. 2) Pour in a couple of spoons of coarse salt then the isopropyl alcohol (enough to cover the dirty walls). 3) Plug the openings and shake vigorously for 1–2 minutes: the salt scrubs off the build-up. 4) Soak for a few minutes if it's very dirty, then shake again. 5) Empty and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until every trace of alcohol and salt is gone.
For small parts (bowl, downstem) you can put them in a bag or container with alcohol and salt and shake them separately.
How often to clean it
Change the water after every use: it's the single thing that makes the most difference. A full clean with alcohol and salt every 1–2 weeks (depending on use) keeps the glass clear and the draw clean.
Tips and maintenance
Use clean filters and fresh water to reduce build-up. Handle borosilicate glass with care: it's heat-resistant but not indestructible. Avoid thermal shock (don't pour boiling water on cold glass).
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FAQ
How do you clean a bong quickly?
Pour coarse salt and isopropyl alcohol into the bong, plug the openings and shake for 1–2 minutes: the salt acts as an abrasive and the alcohol dissolves the resin. Then rinse well with lukewarm water.
How often should I clean the bong?
Change the water after every use and do a full clean with alcohol and salt every 1–2 weeks, depending on how much you use it.
Can I use boiling water on the glass?
Better to use hot, not boiling, water and avoid thermal shock: borosilicate glass resists heat but thermal shocks can damage it.
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