From isopropyl alcohol to kosher salt or hot water, you’ve different options to clean your dirty Water Pipe and maximize its performance. When you smoke tobacco using a glass Water Pipe, the residue slowly builds up. If you don’t clean that debris over time, it will discolor the water, and a muddy taste and aroma will come from it.
So, to help you clean and maintain a Water Pipe, we’ll discuss all the key things you need to know about the cleaning process, materials, and frequency. Get ready to enjoy every hit to the fullest with a fresh-smelling Water Pipe!
Why Should You Clean a Water Pipe?
You should clean a Water Pipe to enjoy refreshing and smooth smoking at every hit. Here are 5 key reasons highlighting the importance of cleaning a bong:
- Contaminants: When you use Water Pipes and do not clean them properly, they can accumulate bacteria, mold, and other pollutants. All those contaminants can be inhaled along with the smoke when you vapor using a Water Pipe. So, to avoid respiratory infections and other health problems, cleaning the Water Pipe regularly after use is essential.
- Resting buildup: A sticky or tar-like substance builds up inside the Water Pipe over time. Also, it can clog your bong’s downstem and percolators.
- Poor air quality: A dirty Water Pipe is filled with higher levels of harmful substances and leads to serious health problems. It also reduces airflow, which makes it harder to smoke properly. By cleaning, you can restore your Water Pipe’s functionality and ensure smooth, easy hits and optimal performance.
- Better flavor: When resin and tar build up inside a Water Pipe, a muddy taste and aroma come after each hit. So, to enjoy the refreshing and true taste of Tobacco, you must clean your bong properly.
What Materials Do You Need to Clean a Water Pipe?
To effectively clean a glass Water Pipe, there are different key materials and tools, such as:
- Isopropyl alcohol: Dissolves resin and kills bacteria.
- Salt: A coarse abrasive for scrubbing.
- Baking soda: It acts as a mild deodorizer and abrasive.
- Vinegar: It works as a natural cleaning agent.
- Large zip-lock bag: A container for soaking small bong parts.
- Dish soap: It breaks down oils and residue inside the bong.
- Warm water: It helps to rinse and loosen up residue.
- Rubber gloves: Protect your hands from the cleaning solution and prevent any irritation.
- Paper towels or microfiber cloths: These are necessary for drying your glass Water Pipe after cleaning.
- Q-tips: The cotton swab end of q-tips is ideal for getting into small nooks and tight spaces in the bong to remove residue.
What are the Best Water Pipe Cleaning Products Available in Stores?
90% Isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt are the best bong cleaning products suggested by Water Pipe manufacturers. Other popular and accessible products for cleaning a new bong or used ones are:
- Coarse/Epsom salt
- Pipe cleaner
- Universal cleaning caps and plugs set
- Cotton swaps
- Large straw brush
- Heavy-duty beakers
- Glass wipes, and many others.
How to Clean a Glass Water Pipe at Home?
The best way to clean a glass Water Pipe at home is to use alcohol, cleaning solution, salt, or hot water. Here are the best step-by-step instructions to clean a bong!
Step 1: First, pour Water Pipe water into a sink and use warm water to rinse out.
Step 2: Detach all loose parts of the Water Pipe and use a Ziploc or plastic bag to soak those removable parts of the Water Pipe.
Step 3: Apart from using hot water, you can use other cleaning solutions, alcohol, or salt to prevent debris buildup.
Step 4: Fill your Water Pipe base with alcohol and add 1-2 tablespoons of any salt like rock or Epsom salt.
Step 5: Shake thoroughly and rinse out the cleaning solutions from the Water Pipe.
Step 6: Dry the Water Pipe properly using a clean towel.
How to Remove Resin from a Glass Pipe?
To remove resin from a glass pipe, you’ll need:
- Zip-toe bag
- Salt (optional)
- Cotton swabs (optional), and
- Isopropyl alcohol (90% preferably & 70% minimum)
After collecting all the necessary products, follow our step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Pour the pipe with a teaspoon of salt (per four inches of pipe) and isopropyl alcohol. If you don’t have coarse salt, you can use Epsom/rock salt.
Step 2: Seal the holes with your fingers before shaking the pipe for up to 2 minutes. You can also use a small zip-top bag to prevent any spillage while shaking.
Step 3: Pour the mixture and check how much buildup has been washed out. If you notice any debris, repeat the process.
Step 4: If you find out that this method isn’t working as you planned, then you can soak the piece in the mixture for a few hours or overnight.
Step 5: Once the pipe is cleaned properly, rinse it under warm water and dry it with a clean towel.
How to Clean a Water Pipe with Hot Water and Salt at Home?
Here’s the easiest 6 ways to clean a Water Pipe with hot water and salt at home:
- Like other cleaning processes, take apart your Water Pipe attachments like downstem, bowl, and others.
- Fill the Water Pipe’s base with hot water and leave some space at the top.
- Now, add a generous amount of salt to the water.
- Cover the openings of the Water Pipe with your fingers and shake thoroughly.
- If you have a pipe cleaner or a soft brush, you can use it to clean hard-to-areas debris.
- Empty the Water Pipe, rinse it with clean water and set it aside to dry it properly before reassembling it.
How to Clean a Water Pipe with Kosher Salt and Isopropyl Alcohol at Home?
To clean a Water Pipe with kosher/coarse salt and isopropyl alcohol, you’ll need 4 essential supplies:
- Ziplock bags (1 for each Water Pipe you want to clean)
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Kosher salt, and
- Bottle cleaners/brushers (for harder-to-reach parts and stubborn stains).
Now that, you’ve all the essential supplements in your hand, follow our step-by-step guide:
- At first, fill the ziplock bag with enough isopropyl alcohol to submerge the loose part and Water Pipe.
- Add a couple of tablespoons of kosher salt into each bag and seal up. Make sure there’s not too much air trapped inside to avoid moisture.
- Shake it carefully to avoid hitting the counter. The salt rubs against all parts of your piece constantly.
- Now, let the mixture sit aside for about 5 minutes or so, considering how dirty it is.
- After that, take a bottle of cleaner and scrub every nook and cranny until all the gunk has been loosened and removed from your piece.
- Now, put all those parts from each bag into the sink and rinse them with warm water properly.
Isn’t it cool and the best way to clean a water Water Pipe? Just look at its aesthetic and enjoy a refreshing hit at every puff.
How Often Should You Clean a Water Pipe at Home?
You can clean a Water Pipe once a week at home if you’re a light smoker (smoke only 1-2 bowls a day). On the other hand, bong manufacturers suggest cleaning twice a week who vape frequently (at least 5-10 bowls per day). Also, you must replace your Water Pipe's water often after every smoke session to avoid mold.
Here, we’ve highlighted the top 5 tips that help you to maintain a clean Water Pipe:
- Change Water Pipe water frequently: Try changing the Water Pipe water after each use to prevent bacteria or mold growth. You can use filtered or distilled water rather than stagnant water to reduce mineral buildup.
- Rinse after each use: After each smoking session, use hot water to clean your Water Pipe. It helps to prevent residue even if you use a bong more frequently.
- Use ash catchers or screens: Try to use brass screens or ash catchers that prevent ash and debris from getting into your Water Pipe.
- Avoid harsh cleaning products: Harsh cleaning products can be harmful when heated and cause health hazards.
- Store your bong properly: When not in use, store your Water Pipe in a clean and dry area (protective case or bag).
Frequently Asked Questions for Cleaning a Water Pipe
What are Common Mistakes You Need to Avoid During the Water Pipe Cleaning Process?
The 5 most common cleaning mistakes you need to avoid during the Water Pipe cleaning process:
- Don’t use too much cleaning detergent
- Don’t use harsh chemicals
- Avoid using too much hot water
- Ensure you rinse out all residues of cleaning agents
- Avoid using tap water; rather, use distilled or home-filtered water
Can I use Hydrogen peroxide to Clean a Water Pipe?
Yes, you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean only a glass bong. Whenever you use hydrogen peroxide, you must wear gloves.
Conclusion
Wrapping the article: how to Clean a Water Pipe - isn’t it as simple as it sounds? A clean means means tastier hits and proper airflow across the bong. Don’t forget to keep your bong clean frequently by using the right materials and following our step-by-step.
Feel free to share your thoughts and don’t forget to mention your favorite cleaning process with us!
