We absolutely recommend emptying the water from your bong after every session and rinsing it with hot water. Do not leave it sitting stagnant with dirty water. This will help to prevent settling and buildup of soot and resin, and even algae growth if u nasty. Additionally, try dissolving salt into your water before use - it is thought to grab micro particles from the smoke and keep them in the water vs sticking to the inside of your piece.
Soot and resin buildup comes with the territory, but it cleans off easily using a home mixed solution of isopropyl alcohol and course salt. Commercial glass cleaners are available at smoke shops, but they are basically this same recipe. We have also had success soaking with Dr. Bronners Castile soap. We do not recommend boiling or microwaving your piece.
How to clean your bong:
- Remove bowl and set aside (see below). Rinse your bong thoroughly with warm water
- Fill the chamber with isopropyl alcohol until it is about 2/3 of the way up the downstem
- Add coarse salt, at least 2-3 tablespoons
- Put your hands over the bowl hole and mouth piece to prevent spillage, and sHaKe It uP!
- Let sit and soak for 5-10 minutes
- Repeat this process a few times
- Dump contents & give inside of piece a thorough wipe with a paper towel— or better yet scrub it with a bottle brush.
- Rinse and shake a few times with clean hot water
- Clean exterior with soap and a soft sponge
How to clean your bowl or pipe
- Clear any loose debris with a narrow pointy tool
- If cleaning bowl, you may remove the rubber seal by pulling it backwards
- Fill a bowl with isopropyl alcohol and 2-3 tablespoons of coarse salt
- Stir and submerge item in solution
- Let sit and soak for 5-10 minutes
- Dump all contents into a plastic bag
- Seal bag, including some extra air
- sHaKe It uP! Repeat a few times
- Rinse piece with a strong stream of hot water
- Pick out any remaining stuck particles with a pipe cleaner
- Repeat as necessary