Can You Put a Bong In The Dishwasher? Learn Which Ones & How To Do It Safely

The short answer is “yes” a person can put a bong in the dishwasher, however, not all bong materials are suitable for a dishwasher. Plastic or silicone bongs are generally safe when exposed to high heat. However, be cautious when cleaning glass bongs in a dishwasher as they might crack if heated excessively.

However, if your bong is made of high-end 5mm thick borosilicate glass, the chances of it shattering in a dishwasher are low.

Furthermore, because dishwashers are one size and bongs come in different sizes, it can be hard to fit a tall bong in a dishwasher. Unless, of course, you have a modular bong that can be taken apart so that each individual part can fit the dishwasher.

When washing a glass bong in the dishwasher, choose the delicate cycle to avoid high pressure or heat which could damage your bong. To avoid unwanted tastes, use a regular detergent without bleach or citrus additives.

To prevent your items from hitting each other in the washing machine, use special plastic clips for stemware. These simple devices hold fragile items securely and protect them from jostling around too much in a dishwasher [3].

Once the wash cycle finishes, take out all the bong components and set them aside to cool down. This is to prevent thermal shock, which can lead to cracks in your bong.

After removing the pieces, give them a thorough rinse under cool water. The aim here is to get rid of any remaining detergent that could affect your smoking experience. Then let all parts air dry completely before reassembling. 

Plastic bongs are durable and less prone to breakage compared to glass ones. However, the high heat and intense water pressure from dishwashers can warp or even melt them. This is because most plastic bongs aren't designed to withstand such conditions.

To keep your plastic bong clean without risking damage, consider hand washing instead.

Here's how:

• Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse each piece under warm tap water. Avoid hot water—it can warp the plastic over time.

  
  

• Salt & Alcohol Scrub: Pour some rubbing alcohol into each part of your bong, add a handful of coarse salt, cover all openings then shake gently but thoroughly.

  
  
• Rinse Again & Dry: Rinse again with warm water until there’s no trace of salt or alcohol left then leave the bong out to air dry completely before reassembly.

If you don't want to clean by hand or the resin won't come off, you can use special cleaning solutions for smoking accessories instead of a dishwasher. Brands like Orange Chronic or Green Glass Clean offer non-toxic, easy-to-use cleaners that won’t damage your plastic bong.

Silicone pieces are durable, but they still require gentle cleaning to maintain their longevity. Silicone bongs, unlike their glass or plastic counterparts, can handle the rigors of a dishwasher. But there are some tips to make sure your silicone bong comes out clean and ready for use.

When placing your silicone bong in the dishwasher, aim for an upper rack placement if possible. The heat source is usually at the bottom of most dishwashers so keeping it further away can help prevent any potential warping issues.

The type of wash cycle also matters. Choose a gentle cycle that doesn't exceed 140°F (60°C). Extended exposure to high heat can harm or distort your silicone items, potentially causing damage. 

Once cleaned, remove all parts and air-dry them completely before putting them back together. Drying thoroughly will reduce the chances of mildew formation, which can affect taste during usage later on.

If needed, additional hand-drying using a microfiber cloth might be useful as well, especially around crevices where water tends to accumulate easily.

Apart from these, a routine inspection post-cleaning will help you spot any signs of wear and tear early on. This is vital as it lets you replace individual parts before they cause more serious issues. 

First, check that your dishwasher settings do not have high-heat drying or sanitizing options which could harm your bong. To avoid damage, don't use harsh detergents that can leave residues and deteriorate plastic and silicone.

1. Begin by disassembling your bong removing bowls and downtems carefully so as not to cause breakage.

   
   

2. Rinse each part under warm tap water first, removing any loose particles of ash or residue.

   
   

3. If there’s stubborn grime left over after rinsing use some pipe cleaners or scrubbing tools before proceeding further.

   
   

4. Place your bong in the dishwasher away from direct heat exposure with smaller bong parts (like bowls) going in the utensil holder.

   
   

5. Run the dishwasher on a gentle wash cycle on a low heat if possible. Do not exceed 140°F (60°C).

   
   
6. Once the wash is complete, remove your bong and allow it to cool before rinsing with warm water to remove washing liquid residue.

• It's best not to wash your bong with other dishes or silverware. Leftover food particles may get into your bong and resin residue from the bong might stick to the dishes.

  
  
• Make sure to use the correct dishwasher liquid or tablets. Do not use a bong cleaning solution in your dishwasher if you are using it to clean your bong.

You’ll want to let all parts dry thoroughly after washing before reassembling. Ensure there's no leftover moisture as this can affect future use or even damage your bong. Moisture also promotes bacterial growth which can pose a health risk [4].

By now it's obvious; "can you put a bong in the dishwasher", yes you can but is it the best way to clean your bong? It may be quick and easy but what impact will it have on the bong's lifetime? Are there long-term health risks to cleaning bongs in a dishwasher?

Cleaning a bong can be messy and time-consuming. The thought of simply loading up your dirty piece into the dishwasher alongside your dinner plates is indeed tempting.

Using a dishwasher to clean your bong could save you time and effort. It also reduces physical handling, lowering the risk of accidental breakage.

Moreover, it’s easy and convenient. Simply load up your disassembled parts (for modular designs), run your regular dishwashing cycle, and voila. You've got yourself an almost hands-free cleaning method.

The major downside is potential damage to delicate components due to heat or mechanical action inside the machine. Modern dishwashers use gentler cycles than older ones, but there’s still a risk for delicate glass bongs.

Dishwashers might not reach every nook and cranny of complex percolators either. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. Factors like convenience, cleanliness, safety, and durability play a role. 

What are some alternative cleaning methods? We have always found cleaning our bongs by hand is the best way to walk away with a sparkling cleaning bong, especially if it contains percs. They require more time and special cleaning requirements, like cotton swabs, but in our opinion, there is no better way.

Use bong cleaning solutions to get a deep clean that in our experience beats dishwasher cleaning every time! 

So, to sum it all up, can you put a bong in the dishwasher? The answer is yes, but it depends on your type of bong and your willingness to experiment carefully with settings.

Not all bong materials are dishwasher-friendly. Glass bongs are delicate but can handle gentle cycles. Plastic and silicone bongs could warp under high heat.

For all bongs, you should avoid harsh detergents. Moreover, it might be challenging to fit larger bongs in a standard dishwasher, unless they're modular and can be disassembled. Even then, a dishwasher might not fully clean your bong, especially if it has stubborn, sticky terpene residues.

We have found the ideal way to keep your smoking device sparkling clean is by using specialized bong cleaners. These solutions are designed specifically for removing resin and other build-ups from all types of smoking devices without causing harm. Plus they tend to leave no residue behind ensuring each smoke session tastes as fresh as the first.

So, while it might be tempting to just toss your bong in with the dishes after a long day, consider cleaning it by hand instead. This way you'll ensure that your investment lasts longer and stays looking great.