Cleaning a bong with percs may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.
If you’ve ever struggled with getting all the nooks and crannies of your bong spotless, you’re not alone!
Thankfully, with modular bongs, the cleaning process becomes much easier. These bongs allow you to disassemble each part, making cleaning more efficient and less time-consuming.
So, what makes modular bongs so great for cleaning?
They allow you to access every part of your bong, ensuring that no area is left behind. This means you’ll be able to enjoy smooth, fresh hits every time you light up. Plus, a clean bong enhances the flavor of your smoke, keeping it pure and pleasant.
The beauty of modular designs from Vitae Glass is in their simplicity. With bongs made from borosilicate glass , known for its durability and clarity, maintenance is a breeze. This type of glass is non-porous, which means it won’t absorb odors or residues, keeping your smoking sessions fresh and your bong looking great.
And let’s not forget, these bongs are robust enough to handle frequent cleaning without risk of damage.
If you’ve been wondering how to clean a bong with percs, don’t worry
The process is straightforward once you know what to do. By following this step-by-step guide, you can keep your bong in pristine condition, ensuring a cleaner, smoother smoking experience with every use.
In this blog, you will learn:
How to clean each part of your bong, especially the percs
The best supplies to use for an efficient clean
Tips to maintain your bong and keep it in top shape for longer use
Let’s find it out!
Table Of Contents
Understanding Your Bong
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to understand the structure of your bong, especially if it has percolators (percs) .
Understanding how these pieces work and where residue builds up is key to proper maintenance. This knowledge will ensure you clean it thoroughly, preserving the smoothness and flavor of your hits.
Different Types of Percs
You might be asking, what exactly are percs, and why do they matter?
Percolators are an essential feature in many bongs because they filter and cool the smoke before it reaches your lungs, making for a much smoother inhale. There are several types of percs, each with its own unique function and benefits.
For example, tree percs resemble a tree with multiple branches, each providing a separate chamber for the smoke to pass through. This multiple-chamber filtration helps cool the smoke even more effectively. If you’ve ever used a tree perc bong, you know how it provides a cleaner, cooler hit compared to a standard bong.
On the other hand, honeycomb percs use a flat disc with many small holes, creating numerous tiny bubbles . These bubbles increase the surface area of the smoke in contact with the water, offering excellent filtration.
Honeycomb percs are known for their efficiency in cooling smoke while ensuring you get a nice, smooth hit.
Importance of Regular Cleaning
Now, why is it so important to clean your bong regularly?
You might be thinking, can’t I just clean it every once in a while?
The answer is no.
Regular cleaning is crucial for a number of reasons.
First, residue buildup can significantly alter the flavor of your smoke.
As resin accumulates, it can cause your bong to taste stale or harsh, which nobody enjoys. Plus, a dirty bong can lead to clogs in the percs, reducing their effectiveness and making your hits less smooth.
Second, a clean bong ensures that the percs and other components are functioning at their best. If the percs are clogged with resin, they can’t filter the smoke properly, and that means you’re not getting the full benefit of your bong’s filtration system.
And here’s something to think about:
regular cleaning also extends the life of your bong. Bongs, especially those with custom designs , are meant to last, but they’ll only do so if you take care of them. Cleaning regularly helps prevent long-term residue buildup, which can damage your bong and affect its performance over time.
Before You Begin
Before you dive into cleaning your bong, it’s crucial to prepare everything you need for a successful clean.
Are you ready to clean your bong the right way?
Let’s take a moment to gather all the necessary supplies and make sure your bong is properly disassembled. This ensures that you get a thorough clean, leaving you with a fresh, smooth smoking experience every time.
Gathering Necessary Supplies
What supplies do you need? Well, you don’t need anything too fancy, but a few key items will make the process much easier.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Isopropyl alcohol (preferably 90% or higher) – This is the cleaning agent that will break down the resin and other residues inside your bong.
Coarse salt – The salt acts as an abrasive that helps scrub away stubborn residue.
Cleaning brushes or pipe cleaners – These are great for getting into the nooks and crannies of your bong, especially around percs.
Q-tips – Ideal for small, detailed cleaning around areas where the brushes can’t reach.
Paper towels or cloths – To dry your bong after cleaning, prevent moisture buildup.
Having all these supplies ready will save you time and make the cleaning process a lot more efficient. You’ll also need warm water for rinsing and soaking.
So, now that you know what you need, let’s move on to disassembling your bong!
Disassembling the Bong
Have you ever tried cleaning a bong without disassembling it first?
It can be frustrating because you can’t properly clean all the parts. For a thorough clean, it’s essential to take your bong apart.
Start with the bowl and downstem , and then carefully remove any percolators (percs). If your bong has a modular design, this process will be much easier. Modular designs allow you to take the bong apart into its individual pieces, ensuring that every part is cleaned thoroughly.
When disassembling, take care to handle your bong gently.
Some pieces, like percs, can be more fragile, and you don’t want to risk breaking anything during the process. Taking your time to carefully remove each part ensures that the cleaning process is as efficient as possible.
For instance, when you remove the downstem, make sure you gently twist it out to avoid damaging the seals. Similarly, when dealing with percs, ensure that you carefully detach them to get access to all the hard-to-reach areas that can accumulate residue.
Cleaning the Percs
Now that you’ve gathered your supplies and disassembled your bong, it’s time to tackle the percolators (percs)—the part of the bong that needs the most attention when cleaning.
Why are percs so important?
Well, they are the key to ensuring that your smoke is as smooth and filtered as possible, so keeping them clean is crucial for maintaining those flavorful, clean hits.
Soaking the Components
Begin by disassembling your modular bong.
Take out the percolator parts and fill a container with enough isopropyl alcohol to submerge them completely. This is a highly effective solvent for breaking down resin and other residues.
For added effectiveness, add coarse salt to the alcohol. Its abrasive nature will enhance the cleaning. Let the components soak for at least 30 minutes. This is important for softening buildup, making it easier to scrub later.
Scrubbing the Percs
After soaking, rinse each piece with warm water to remove any dislodged grit.
Then, use pipe cleaners or small brushes to penetrate the percs' intricate designs. Focus on cleaning the slits and chambers thoroughly, as these areas can accumulate significant residue.
For stubborn spots that don't come off easily, apply isopropyl alcohol with your brush or pipe cleaner until they clear up. If your bong includes cleaning caps, use them to seal the ends while shaking the piece with salt and alcohol inside.
Deep Cleaning Process
If your bong is starting to look a little cloudy or isn’t performing as smoothly as it used to, it’s probably time for a deep clean.
Why is deep cleaning so important?
Well, it’s the best way to ensure your bong stays in top condition, providing you with cleaner hits, better taste, and a longer lifespan for your piece.
Using Solvents
For deep cleaning , it’s crucial to have the right solvents.
Start with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher), a powerful cleaner that breaks down stubborn resin. Combine it with coarse Epsom salt to work as an abrasive. This mixture helps scrub away tough stains and build-up inside your bongs.
Pour the cleaning mixture into each section of your bong. After sealing the ends with cleaning caps, shake well for several minutes.
This targeted cleaning approach can help maintain the bong’s aesthetic and functionality.
Rinsing and Drying
After using solvents, it’s vital to rinse each part of the bong thoroughly to remove traces of alcohol and salt. Use hot water to break down any remaining residues.
Make sure to rinse multiple times to ensure all parts are completely free of cleaning agents.
Drying is equally important.
Let the pieces air dry completely to prevent mold and moisture. With modular bongs like those from Vitae Glass , drying can be more efficient as you can separate and lay out each piece individually. This ensures your next session is perfect and flavorful.
Maintaining a Clean Bong
After putting in the effort to clean your bong thoroughly, you’re probably thinking, how can I make sure it stays clean for as long as possible?
The key is regular maintenance.
By keeping your bong in top shape, you’ll not only preserve its smooth performance but also ensure that each hit is as fresh and flavorful as the first one.
Post-Cleaning Assembly
After cleaning, you must reassemble your bong correctly for the best performance.
Start by making sure that all components are dehydrated. Water left in the parts can cause residue to build up faster. Place each piece back into its spot, ensuring a snug fit. This provides a seamless flow without leaks.
Remember, each connection should be secure to keep your bong stable. This process is key to maintaining the integrity of your smoking device.
Preventive Measures
Routine cleaning will keep your bong in perfect condition.
Regularity helps avoid stubborn residue buildup. After each use, rinse parts with warm tap water to remove loose debris.
Consider using specialized cleaning caps to further simplify the process. This approach enhances your experience, preserving the quality and taste over time.
Finally, establish a cleaning schedule that fits your usage.
Frequent users should clean weekly, while occasional users might opt for bi-weekly cleanings. This ensures your bong always stays fresh, prolonging its lifespan and the enjoyment it provides.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When cleaning your bong with percolators, a few issues can arise.
One common problem is blockages in the percs, which can happen due to resin build-up. To fix this, use a pipe cleaner or soak the bong in isopropyl alcohol and salt. Swish this solution around to dislodge any residue.
Another issue might be stuck downstems . This can occur if you don't clean your bong often enough. If your downstem is stuck, running warm water over the joint can help.
Gently twisting while applying heat can loosen the seal. Alternatively, you can refer to useful guides on removing a stuck downstem.
Leaking seals can occur in bongs that have modular designs. Ensure all parts are tightly fit together and recheck the seals for signs of wear or damage to prevent leaks.
If cleaning doesn't help with improving the smoke quality, resin might be lodged in harder-to-reach areas inside the percs. Submerging the bong in a cleaning solution and using a brush can help.
Regular maintenance and choosing parts from durable brands like Vitae Glass will preserve your bong's function and appearance.
Our TOP Picks
23" Voyager + Dual Perc Bong : Get the most bang for your buck, this 3-piece set is 2 great bongs in 1. Our prized Voyager base comprises an inline downstem and a large honeycomb disc perc assembled inside a beaker base. If that's not enough, now you can add a dual percolator of your choice on top, and lastly finish it off with another UFO mouthpiece.
18" Swiss UFO Bong : Featuring our two best pieces in one killer combination. The Swiss Sphere is one of the most eye-catching pieces in our collection, topped with the smooth-hitting UFO mouthpiece. Together, they will take you to cloud 9 in no time. Oh, by the way, the base is great for dabs too.
20" Voyager + Mini Perc Bong : Get the most bang for your buck when buying a 3 piece set, you basically get 2 bongs in one. This is our best selling 16" Voyager UFO and converts into a 20" work of art by adding the mini percolator of your choice to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning a bong with percolators can seem like a bit of a process, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty simple. That said, there are some common questions that come up along the way. Let’s tackle some of the most frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your bong-cleaning routine.
What are the most effective cleaning solutions for a bong with percolators?
A common choice is isopropyl alcohol combined with coarse salt. This combination helps to dissolve and scrub away resin and other residues efficiently. For those who prefer not to use alcohol, a vinegar and baking soda mixture can also be effective.
Can you describe the step-by-step process to clean a bong with multiple percs?
Begin by disassembling the bong, and separating all possible pieces. Rinse each piece with warm water. Use a solution of isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt as a cleaner. Fill the bong and its parts with this mixture, then shake each part. For stubborn spots, use pipe cleaners to scrub. Afterward, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
What methods work best for removing resin from bong percolators?
Soaking the percs in isopropyl alcohol helps dissolve the resin. A good shake with a mix of alcohol and salt further loosens the residue. Using pipe cleaners to reach areas within the percolators can also be helpful for thorough cleaning.
How can I effectively dry a bong after cleaning its percs and chambers?
After thoroughly rinsing, place the bong parts on a towel to air dry. Avoid using excessive heat, as it can stress the glass. A fan can help speed up the drying process by ensuring air circulates around the parts.
Is it possible to clean a percolator bong without using isopropyl alcohol, and what are the alternatives?
Yes, you can use a vinegar and baking soda mixture as a natural alternative. This mix helps break down gunk and neutralize odors. Another option is commercial bong cleaning solutions specifically designed for glass, which ensures your bong remains safe and clean.
What's the purpose of percs in a bong, and how does it affect the cleaning process?
Percolators enhance diffusion, making smoke smoother and cooler. They create small bubbles that increase surface exposure of the smoke to water, cooling it down. More percs mean a more intricate cleaning process since intricate structures can trap residue more easily.
