If your bong smells like a swamp and your dab rig hits like burnt popcorn — it’s time for a clean. Nothing ruins a sesh faster than filthy gear. Whether you’re a weekend toker or an everyday dabber, keeping your glass spotless is key to better flavour, better airflow, and a better time.
The Bong Baron’s here to walk you through every part of the cleaning process, from the tools you’ll need to pro tips for keeping your setup looking (and smelling) brand new.
Why Clean Your Bong or Rig?
We get it — bong cleaning is a chore. But dirty bongs are more than just gross. Here’s what happens when you let grime build up:
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Flavour goes out the window
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Mould and bacteria thrive in stagnant water
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Clogged percs and downstems ruin airflow
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Your gear degrades faster
Long story short? Clean gear = better sesh. Every. Single. Time.
How Often Should You Clean Your Bong or Dab Rig?
The rule of thumb: clean your bong once a week, or after every few sessions if you’re a daily smoker.
Dab rigs, on the other hand, should be wiped down after every use and given a deep clean at least weekly — especially if you care about flavour. Residue from concentrates builds up fast and can gunk up your banger or reclaim joint like no tomorrow. Dab cleaners are essential for keeping your glass clean
For a detailed explanation see: How Often Should You Clean Your Bong or Rig?
What You’ll Need: Essential Cleaning Products
Before you dive into scrubbing, stock up on these basics:
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Isopropyl alcohol (preferably 91% or higher)
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Coarse salt (like Epsom or sea salt)
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Cleaning caps or plugs
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Pipe or bong brushes
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Q-tips or swabs (for dab rigs and bangers)
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Cleaning solutions (like Formula 420 or natural plant-based options)
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Hot water and paper towels
Want a full breakdown? Head over to 5 best ways to clean a bong.
How to Clean a Bong: Step-by-Step
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Empty the water and remove all parts (downstem, cone piece, etc.)
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Rinse everything with hot water
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Fill the bong with isopropyl alcohol and a few tablespoons of coarse salt
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Seal the openings with plugs or your hands
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Shake it like you mean it for 30–60 seconds
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Rinse thoroughly and inspect for leftover resin
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Repeat if needed, then dry with a clean towel
Don't forget to soak your downstem and cone piece separately — these clog up fast.
For a more detailed explanation see: How to Clean a Bong for Best Flavour and Function
How to Clean a Dab Rig: Step-by-Step
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Remove the banger and rinse everything with hot water
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Soak your rig in isopropyl and salt, shake it up, rinse, repeat
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For your banger or nail:
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Use a cotton swab and alcohol after each dab
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Deep clean by torching off excess residue, then soak if needed
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Let everything air dry before your next use
Want a deeper dive? See How to Clean a Dab Rig Without Damage for more care tips, especially if you’re rocking quartz or ceramic gear.
Cleaning Tricks from the Bong Baron
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Use boiling water with caution — never pour it into cold glass
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Don’t skip plugs — cleaning caps save mess and make shaking easier
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For quick jobs: microwave a mix of vinegar and lemon juice to soak parts
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Clean your bong water daily — even if you don’t do a full scrub
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Soak dirty cone pieces in isopropyl overnight if they’re totally clogged
Preventing Build-up: Keep It Clean Longer
Here’s how to spend less time scrubbing and more time blazing:
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Use ash catchers or pre-filters to reduce debris in your water
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Empty and rinse after every session — even a quick swish helps
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Avoid sugary liquids like juice or soda (yes, people really do this)
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Keep a small cleaning kit handy for regular maintenance
Conclusion: A Clean Bong Is a Happy Bong
Cleaning your bong or dab rig might not be the fun part of the sesh, but it’s the part that makes the rest better. Better flavour, smoother pulls, healthier lungs — it’s all in the clean.
So give your gear a little TLC and enjoy the payoff with every single rip.
See also: Why Keeping Your Bong Clean Actually Matters
Signed, your friendly neighbourhood Bong Baron.
This post is part of our master guide: What Are the Different Types of Cannabis Accessories?
