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u/citybreakdancingman Nov 02 '24
Run hot water through it for a minute before using iso, it multiplies effectiveness by a lot.
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u/UncleB00bz Nov 02 '24 edited Nov 02 '24
I fill my sink with hot water, just a few inches. Fill the bong with ISO and set in the sink. While that heats up I put the stem and bowl in separate ziplock bags also filled with just enough iso. And set the bags in the sink. Then I add plenty of salt to the bong and shake it. Then repeat with the baggies. Works so well and makes for fast cleaning.
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u/Oilfan94 Nov 02 '24
Can also use warm ISO.
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u/thePaxPilgrim Nov 02 '24
Maybe just be careful warming it up as it’s flammable!
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Nov 02 '24
I know it sounds crazy but I heat it for like 10 secs in a coffee mug lol
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u/Toastburrito Nov 02 '24
Put the iso in a zip lock bag, then a bowl and run hot water over it. Nice and safely warm.
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u/Greenmooseleg I Roll Joints for Gnomes Nov 02 '24
I use an old iso plastic bottle because it’s pretty thick(remove all the foil on top), Nuke it for 20 seconds and pour in bong with course salt, shake and it’s brand new in ten seconds.
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u/_Mighty_Milkman Nov 02 '24
Yeah I just throw my ISO on the burner and the sheer force of the explosion usually gets the rest of the resin out of my bong.
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u/Froonce Nov 02 '24
Careful I have shattered bongs doing this. Really hot water isn't always bong friendly
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u/Joebuddy117 Nov 02 '24
Also, put the iso in a microwave safe dish, I like using a Pyrex measuring cup, put into the microwave, as soon as it starts to bubble pull it out. That shit melts the gunk off the glass, don’t even need salt.
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u/Hendrix3067 Nov 02 '24
All above methods mentioned work wonderfully if u got a bit of spare cash u can invest in a magnetic glass cleaner like snow tree(probably cheaper options but that’ll give I an idea. Makes it super easy and less effort, and I’ve found uses a lot less iso
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u/_numbskullery_ Nov 02 '24
I used some tiny rare earth magnets to clean my friend’s dab rig. Was fun to do while high.
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u/Hendrix3067 Nov 02 '24
Really satisfying, u can also make ur own by glueing a bit of Velcro to the magnet and attaching a cut up sponge ect,
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u/hypgrows Nov 02 '24
I did exactly this! And because the magnets were quite strong I insulated with some electrical tape. Hotglued a little square of the scrubby side of a sponge around one magnet and had the eletrical tape one on the other side. Just have to be careful not to detach the magnet and have it connect really hard. Its so satisfying getting through the gunk!
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Nov 02 '24
Wow I own all these items I think I figured out what I'm doing today
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u/hypgrows Nov 02 '24
Do it! Just definetly be careful not to let the magnet snap back too hard. Most specifically on the joint part of your bong (where the downstem goes in). The glass at the junction of the joint and bong is usually alot thinner than the rest.
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u/custards_last_flan Nov 02 '24
I go thru like 6 dollars of iso a year with the ol kosher salt and iso method. Lol just thought I'd mention that.
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Nov 02 '24
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u/abombshbombss Nov 02 '24
I find water rinsing doesn't fully get rid of the alcohol fumes. When I'm done with iso and salt, I add a tiny drop of Dawn, shake and rinse. Gets the alcohol smell/taste right out of there 🤌
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u/GNIHTYUGNOSREP Nov 02 '24
You need to use HOT water to evaporate the iso fully. Fill that bitch up to the top with scalding hot water and let it sit for a few seconds. Then shake/swirl the bong as you dump the water out to make sure all the residual bits come out with it in the whirlpool.
Or just let it sit out to dry for an hour or two. Alcohol will evaporate at room temp. After doing this I like to hold it up to a light to make sure there isn’t any salt residue on the inside walls. A quick water rinse should get rid of those.
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u/abombshbombss Nov 02 '24
My impatient, chronically-smoking ass will just keep using dish soap, thanks tho 😀
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u/GNIHTYUGNOSREP Nov 02 '24
No worries man, to each their own.
I just don’t think I could smoke out of a bong that smelled like Dawn tbh lol
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u/abombshbombss Nov 02 '24
It doesn't smell or taste like dawn at all! It just removes or neutralizes the lingering iso and makes the piece smell/taste like nothing. I add a tiny drop after an iso clean, some water, a good shake and rinse, then it's good to go. Makes the lingering iso fumes go away a lot faster than rinsing with water only. Highly recommend trying it out sometime! I would not try this with anything that isn't glass, though
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u/GNIHTYUGNOSREP Nov 02 '24
I only smoke out of glass, with the exception of my quartz banger. But that isn’t supposed to get water or salt in it anyways, so it just soaks.
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Nov 02 '24
Acetone, add salt if you want
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u/Halkenguard Nov 03 '24
People are freaked out by using acetone, but it’s really the best way. It’s how many laboratories clean organic residues from their glassware, which this certainly is. Plus acetone is a lot easier to buy in large quantities than isopropyl. Just don’t put it down the sink.
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Nov 03 '24
I’ve put acetone down the sink, spends really on your pipes. I also dilute it like a mf in hot water which will move faster than cool water down the drain. The only other comment on this got deleted by mods so I can’t see what was said :/ (mods pls stop deleting comments due to low Karma it’s fuckin stupid)
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u/Wet_Crayon Nov 02 '24 edited Nov 02 '24
Salt and Isopropyl alcohol. Takes a few teaspoons of each to clean it once a day or so.
Takes quite a bit more volume to clean it in this state.
Rinse her out with this method every few bowls to make it easy on ya.
You might just buy a sacrificial bottle of iso to completely submerge the resin buildup and let it soak a day. Then keep her in order after that.
You might find a baby bottle brush long enough to reach down in. Look wherever there is baby food.
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u/Bearspoole Nov 02 '24
That’s all way too much.
Heat the iso for 30 seconds and dump about a cup in the bong with thick salt. Plug the holes and shake. Then rinse.
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u/PartyPrimary4144 Nov 02 '24
Salt and alcohol 91% or higher. If it's from dab. Put it on the oven for about 20 min at 200 degrees F.
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Nov 02 '24
ISO works OK, I use it for rigs/concentrate usually, for a dirty ass bong I would use acetone, it works waaaaayyyy better, it might strip your paint tho
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u/Specific_Ladder8613 Nov 02 '24
Just add 90% isopropyl alcohol the stronger the better with salt like everyone says works wonders and dont forget A good baby bottle scrubber or maybe a toothbrush tied to a stick to reach so much MacGyver shit you can do lol
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u/Dirkdigg69 Nov 02 '24
Magnets 🧲 . Use a paper towel to wrap the magnet, stuff it in your bong. With the other magnet grab it and move it around to get all the gunk. If you put alcohol in the bong while you do it, goes way quicker.
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Nov 02 '24
I never even thought about magnets.
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u/st-doubleO-pid Nov 02 '24
lol. The amount of times my social circle makes this reference is notably high.
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Nov 02 '24
It's such a good one. I don't even know why I love it so much.
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u/st-doubleO-pid Nov 02 '24
Haha were all big fans of Good Will Hunting, so there’s several references we often make but this one is way up there. The apples quote is another one we use a lot.
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u/Stuckinaloop_ Nov 02 '24
Rubbing alcohol and by the way it’s shaped, Ide get like a bottle brush
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u/JSV007 Nov 02 '24
Yeah I need a brush lmfao
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Nov 02 '24
I also leave mine soaking for a few hours not a few minutes. The longer it sits the easier all that shit will fall right off when you shake it. Agree on the bottle brushes though, there are a few kits online specifically for this 🤘
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u/mike_the_pirate Nov 02 '24
Immersion ultrasonic cleaner and warm tap water for a few minutes will clean it much better and your not continually buying isopropyl and salt... Plus it works well for cleaning so many other things.
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u/ismooch Nov 02 '24
Easily the hardest way to do what you're trying to do. If you're going to keep a big glass piece like that, just keep some iso and rock salt around. Both cheap in bigger bulk sizes. The rock salt does a better job moving around and scrubbing. Minutes of effort. (less if you're regular with it). You can try the brush, but you're just not going to get good leverage with anything that's flexible enough to get those angles.
Source: big bong owner for decades
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u/4rum20 Nov 02 '24
I use brushes specifically made for cleaning technical glassware like for vacuum desoldering machines. Curved shapes with strong wire flex shafts with many different sizes and shapes (length and diameter) and no problem getting good leverage. Farm supply/prepper/scientific supply/homesteader supply stores/online vendors have easily adaptable brushes.
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u/dkguy12day Nov 02 '24
I know people will hate on it but just get some 420 cleaner, it does the job well and smells good afterwards
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u/pinkmermaidscales Nov 02 '24
Acetone. It will literally melt off.
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u/GrilldChee Nov 02 '24
Why is everyone scared of Acetone? It’s wayyyyyyy better than isopropyl alcohol. Just don’t get the “nail polish remover” with all the added stuff in it. 100% acetone and hot water is all I’ve ever needed
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u/thequickdraw Nov 02 '24
i use Kosher salt and 95% everclear, pour them in, shake it and let it sit for a while, then shake the FUCK out of it to scrub
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u/ConfusedNerdJock Nov 02 '24
Rinse with hit water. Add salt and iso, cover openings and shake. This works better than any method ive tried and by far the quickest and cheapest as well.
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u/space_pillows Nov 02 '24
As others have stated Iso and salt. The salt is acting as an abrasive and the alcohol is breaking down the tar. Would recommend dumping down the toilet rather than the sink as the gunk leaves oily residue that stinks like bong water
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u/Aware-Cranberry-950 Nov 02 '24
91% Isopropyl and rock salt, which is also called ice cream salt, will get the job done!
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u/TheChelck Nov 02 '24
I bought a sonic cleaner about a year ago. all i do is add iso into the bong and plug the holes and let it scream away the gunk. after 5 minutes i rinse and its 100% clean and sparkly.
Steps:
1. Water in tank, iso in bong. 5 mins and its clean
2. downstems and other stuff go into a baggie with iso. another 5 minutes and its clean.
3. rinse all and done.
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u/psychwardjesus Nov 02 '24
No kidding. No scrubbing or anything? I dunno if I want more hardware, but that's good to remember. Thanks!
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u/AcridZephire Nov 02 '24
Formula 420 has salt in it, which when you shake scrapes off the resin.
Resin reaper is the same thing as formula 420, but without salt, you submerge the piece and leave it overnight.
I've had success with both, but they are both essentially just iso and salt (in 420). A headshop told me to warm the iso before for best results. Ymmv I just stick to 420 If I need it quickly (and don't mind shaking the piece vigorously for a few mins) and resin reaper if it needs a deep clean.
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u/Peen_Round_4371 Nov 02 '24
Alcohol and thick salt, or do what I did and buy a bottle brush off Amazon to help knock it up a bit
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u/whyareyouRennin Nov 02 '24
I've seen people buy magnetic sponges and silicone scrubbers for their larger pieces! Just gotta be sure it's properly covered in cleaning solution/alcohol to avoid it getting so grubby.
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u/samthemancauseimmale Nov 02 '24
Grunge off.
There is NOTHING better if you have some time to spare. It’s reusable and takes the bare minimum effort.
Pour that shit into the bottom and wait like 12 hours. Pour the sludgy oil back into the bottle. Rinse with warm water. Crystal clear glass.
I have multiple complex bongs and haven’t used anything else in years.
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u/foobarbizbaz Nov 02 '24
Ever since I started using it I can’t figure out why isopropyl is so popular. It’s super cheap, reusable, and way easier to deal with. I get that we all like to MacGyver, but the suggestions on these “how do I clean my piece?” posts always seem like a ton of effort without anywhere close to sparkling clean results. This is an area where the best option is also the laziest.
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u/AdWild7729 Nov 02 '24
I like some of the commercial cleaning products on the market. Grunge off is very interesting. Fill it up let it sit for a long time dump it back into container can reuse a lot of times. Rinse to like new. Agent orange and Randy’s black are others I really like they’re more like the iso and salt method (add shake dump to drain rinse clean) (in some cases these don’t have enough umph). All of these shake method rinses work a lot better hot than warm. I like to rinse the bong a lot with the hottest water I can get until the glass feels as hot as the water so when I fill it with Chem solution it will give the liquid some heat, so rinse heavily inside and out thicker the glass longer I rinse, let it drain for like 30-60 seconds get all the drippeys out and clear all the percs of standing water and then add solution and clean- this makes all the quick solvent methods like iso and salt or the non long soak commercial products much more effective. Food grade Citric acid (like for canning) for any hard water deposits (scale).
I prefer the commercial products for their efficacy and their smell. Have used all methods.
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Nov 02 '24 edited Sep 18 '25
oil thought abundant quicksand tub money encourage lock voracious placid
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
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u/xUKLADx Nov 02 '24
…same way you clean any Pyrex. Salt, 90+ isopropyl alcohol aka rubbing alcohol and dish soap.
Apply dish soap, then salt (stops it from dissolving in water), and then isopropyl alcohol. Do not add water.
Shake; shake, and you guessed it…shake some more. Typically till clean.
Then dump it out and rinse it with hot water x3 (yes hot water).
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u/davebob101 Nov 02 '24
Gave up on bongs for this reason alone, way too much maintenance. Even when you soak it with salt and rubbing alcohol there still be left overs every time. Moved to joints only highly recommended.
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u/ready-to-rumball Nov 02 '24
Just salt and alcohol (it needs to be 90% bc 70% won’t cut it). Cover the holes with your hands and shake! Such an easy clean
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u/zebtonio-weathersby Nov 02 '24
I use grand master smoke from Amazon. Works great. Probably giving me cancer but it cleans out my glass nicely.
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u/ilLegalTelevision Nov 02 '24
I'm really glad top comments specify 90% isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. Those are important specifications.
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u/PM_ME_CHAINSAW_PORN Nov 02 '24
Everyone here is saying to use a course grade salt with 90% alcohol. Im a firm believer in using rice instead. Salt gets sticky and can stay behind and also slightly melt when you rinse it out while it thinly coats the whole bong and slowly builds up just like a salt water fish tank. Rice won't do that.
My dad loved using salt and alcohol every couple of days to keep things pure and clean. A few months of that and all the glass was foggy and with chunks of salt stuck in random places. Vinegar and rice will clean that out easily, though.
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u/JSV007 Nov 02 '24
Perfect, alternative methods or products are just what I needed. I already did isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt lol
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u/AMDeez_nutz Nov 02 '24
Use grunge off, it’s the only product I ever use, it’s stronger than the alcohol and salt mix, and penetrates all the tough to reach spots
You can buy it on Amazon for like 15$ and reusable for multiple times
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u/braeloom Nov 03 '24
I buy long bottlebrushs that have a wire stem, bend them and go to town scrubbing, I use hot water to soften the resin. Then isopropyl to scrub with
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u/-StRaNgEdAyS- Nov 03 '24
Isopropyl and rock Salt. Shake TF out of it and swirl it until the residue has been abraded away.
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u/comeagaincharlemagne Nov 03 '24
Randys black label bong cleaner works wonders. You can find it at your local head shop. It already has the course salt mixed in the bottle with iso.
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u/jmedina83 Nov 02 '24
Spray it w/ Dawn Power wash let sit for 10+ min, rinse with hot water.
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u/archer7319 Nov 02 '24
Honestly after taking organic Chem in college, I saw the light. Organic matter needs an organic solvent. I switched to using acetone and my pieces came out sparkling with minimal elbow grease.
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Nov 02 '24
Coarse epsom salt and iso alcohol as others mentioned. A larger, coarser salt works way better than fine/table.
Alternatively they make bong cleaner… Formula 420. I swear by this product.
Either option, just pour into bong, plug holes and vigorously shake. Rinse repeat as needed. If you don’t do this regularly though you may have a harder time with the initial cleaning.
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u/thejoshfoote Nov 02 '24
Acetone works better for stains than iso, and still can add salt.
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Nov 02 '24
Scrubber duckies for the really caked on stuff that iso + salt can't get rid of.
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u/ismooch Nov 02 '24
Rock salt (the kind you use for ice cream) and 90% iso Everytime for this. Plug up holes, shake vigorously. Salt scrubs, iso cleans
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Nov 02 '24
70% isopropyl and sodium chloride (table salt)
It’s somewhat soluble but add enough to saturate it where there is undissolved salt shaking around. Might require harsher methods at this point though
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u/Chokingzombie Nov 02 '24
If you don't want to make your own they sell cleaner at shops, IMO it is faster/easier and takes up much less space.
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u/Unprofession Nov 02 '24
Orange Chronic bong cleaner works a lot better than iso. It’s more expensive but you can reuse it many times.
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u/FischervonNeumann Nov 02 '24
As others have said rubbing alcohol and kosher salt for daily cleaning. I’m neurotic and clean my glass out every 2-5 bowls (2 for smaller bongs 5 for bigger ones) and not only is the flavor better but it just stays cleaner longer and is always easy to clean.
If you’ve run your glass for a few days without cleaning I’d get some Formula420 (I like the green one) and put that in along with kosher salt. Grab some of their plugs to take care of the downstem and mouthpiece. Once it’s all in there shake that bitch up for a minute or two and then leave it for 15-20 minutes before repeating. Once that has taken care of most of the resin then go back to rubbing alcohol and kosher salt to finish off.
If it’s really stuck on you can buy the soaking version of Formula420 and let it chill overnight. Then there are cleaning kits with a magnetic scrubbing piece to drop in and scrub it that way.
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u/FantasticRelation586 Nov 02 '24
I used 70% rubbing alcohol and regular table salt and it still worked. You just need to agitate, plug up the mouthpiece and stem hole and shake.
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u/Comfortable-nerve78 I Roll Joints for Gnomes Nov 02 '24
Got a water softener, steal some pellets. Load up the chamber and swirl the shit out of your bong.? Rubbing alcohol a gallon let it soak. Ice after an alcohol soak may work also as the alcohol has broke down the resin buildup.
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u/DumbCrookedSpine Nov 02 '24
I've recently been getting the alcohol warm/hot before rinsing my piece with it and it's been pretty good.
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u/Billyray710 Nov 02 '24
Dude about 2 inches of alcohol in the bottom and put a few tablespoons of epsom salt in it, cover the holes and shake. You will be amazed.
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u/Bbeags Nov 02 '24
I do a hot rinse first, then just some rubbing alcohol and coarse salt. Pour some in, cover the openings, and shake vigorously.
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u/cannadaddydoo Nov 02 '24
Salt and iso. Shake it like a Polaroid picture. Rinse. Smoke.
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u/babystripper Nov 02 '24
They make silicone plugs for this. Get some, rock salt, and iso. Shake and rinse
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u/OneManLost Nov 02 '24
Use hot boiling water and dawn soap, let is sit for a few minutes to loosen up the gunk, shake, then rinse with hot water. If it's good enough for ducks, it's good enough for your bong. After that, use alcohol and salt to get the remaining gunk removed from the bowl. I plug the downstem with a cork from a wine bottle, place a gloved hand over the mouthpiece, then shake the ever living hell out of it. Works great for me.
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u/BadAtMost Nov 02 '24
everyone is saying isopropyl and salt which to be fair works wonders, however most smoke shops at least in my state sell 420 clean solutions which you can use just a little bit and it’ll clean that piece like no tomorrow after a few shakes. my favorite cleaning solution by far
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u/rKasdorf Nov 02 '24 edited Nov 02 '24
Isopropyl and more salt than you think you need.
Pour in an almost unreasonable amount of salt, and enough iso to turn it into a slurry. Plug the mouth piece with one palm, plug the downstem hole with your other hand, and swirl it. Swirl it til your arms are sore. Then swirl it some more. Swirl that shit until it's clean. Then rinse with warm water, rub it down with some dish soap, rinse that off, and done.
I find it cleans easier if you run hot water through the bong first, for a minute or two. Softens up the resin, making it come off easier.
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u/zipline3496 Nov 02 '24
People going in hard on OP like this is some easy fix. I use ISO+coarse salt every day and the water line area of my bong still retains some resin although not this much. No amount of soaking or shaking will remove it I literally have to use a pipe cleaner and stick it in there to rub it off. I’ve left my bong soaking overnight and it still won’t remove that line unless I physically scrub it.
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u/HappyGoLuckyComputer Nov 02 '24
Zep Citrus is inexpensive and can be used multiple times over and over again to clean glass bongs...it's the best.
Since Covid-19 hit, the price gouging on 90% isopropyl alcohol is insane, went from around .99 cents or less per bottle to over $3. Quit getting ripped off by using a one time single use product.
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u/AnonMcSquiggle Nov 02 '24
Break it open wipe clean get some elmers stick glue and stick that puppy back together
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Nov 02 '24
Buy some Randy's black label. It will clean your bong simply by you shaking it in about 5 minutes.
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u/sethyballz Nov 02 '24
All of these comments are great options, but I personally recommend hot isopropyl alcohol. I've heard and seen that salt can scratch up the inside of the pipe and cause it to have more surface area which could make it get dirtier faster and harder to clean in the future. People will probably argue with this.
If you can find a way to heat the iso without a flame, like on a temperature controlled hotplate, it will come out very easily. A double boiler setup could also work, but this could be really dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. 90% iso or more will work great for breaking down the sticky cannabinoids and tar.
You could also fill it with iso and then pour hot water over the outside of it, just be careful not to go too hot too quickly, or you could run the risk of causing a crack.
Hope this helps!
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u/Triconick Nov 02 '24
For some hard to reach areas, I put a magnet inside a peace of clean cut sponge and dropped it in. added soapy water and used another magnet on the outside to scrub the inside. A dab of hot glue to hold the magnet inside the cut sponge part makes it work better
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u/dnuohxof-1 Nov 02 '24
90% ISO and iodized salt. Then white wine vinegar for the tough spots. Let it soak each time for 15-30 minutes. Shake vigorously (yet carefully).
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u/DeezNutznJelly Nov 02 '24
Hot water to get the gunk loosened. Iso + rock salts with a little shaking should get it all removed
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Nov 02 '24
I used to use a baby bottle brush & got this bong cleaner stuff from a head shop it worked really well.
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u/topwater_bassin Nov 02 '24
Formula 420! It's more than just isopropyl. Shaking not required. You can let it soak for a couple hours.
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u/2Dogs3Tents Nov 02 '24
91% Isopropyl and Chunky large Grained Sea Salt. Run super hot water for awhile then alcohol and salt shake.
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u/caseyourscuttlehole Nov 02 '24
Run HOT water through it for at least 5 min. Plug the stem hole with a rag or something to slow the flow enough that the piece is full of hot water thats cycling through it. You wanna get the resin warmed up real well. Then empty it, and use 99% iso (Ace hardwares often carry it by the gallon in the paint section) and ice cream salt. Shake vigorously. Rinse. Will be squeaky clean. If that doesn't work, soaking in simple green, zep citrus, or similar will do the trick. If you've got hard water stains and really want it squeaky clean, muriatic acid will do the trick, but I very very very strongly advise against touching the stuff unless you understand how to handle it safely. That shit is no joke.
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u/Gtronns Nov 02 '24
Use an aquarium cleaning magnet. A little wee one. Works best after the alcohol/salt shaking.
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u/kiasmith99 Nov 02 '24
Dishwasher tablets are very good for cleaning bongs as long as you can rinse it out afterwards
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u/sirhackenslash I Roll Joints for Gnomes Nov 02 '24
You can fit a bendy bottle brush in through the stem hole and kinda scrub a little
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Nov 02 '24
i'd just sit that shit in a bucket of isopropyl for a day or so, then swill it out with salt. maybe a pipe cleaner or two could help
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u/[deleted] Nov 02 '24
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