Why Clean Gear = Better Seshes

Let’s be real-if your bong smells like a swamp, it’s time. Cleaning your smoking gear isn’t just about making it look good — it’s about making your sesh actually enjoyable. Whether you're ripping a traditional bong, passing around a pipe, or getting competitive with a Bong Pong set, a clean piece delivers smoother hits, better taste, and safer smoke.

When you don’t clean your gear regularly, resin and tar build up, and leftover moisture can grow mold and bacteria. A Cannabis Science and Technology article noted that biofilm buildup in bongs can host pathogens like E. coli, yeast, and Aspergillus, which may be dangerous — especially for people with weakened immune systems. That’s not the vibe you want when you're just trying to relax.

Dirty pieces also affect the flavor. Instead of tasting terpenes or a flavorful strain, you’re just inhaling the ghost of sessions past. And worst of all, dirty glass can worsen the functionality of your bong. Parts like the stem and bowl become clogged quickly if you don’t maintain them.

Clean gear = clean hits = clean lungs.

Step-by-Step Cleaning for Bong Pong, Pipes, Dab Rigs, and Bongs

The good news? Cleaning your smoking essentials doesn’t take much–just the right method, a few tools, and a little effort.

What You’ll Need:

• Isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher) – Breaks down resin and kills germs.

• Coarse salt – Scrubs the inside as an abrasive.

• Plastic bags or containers – For soaking smaller pieces.

• Cotton swabs or pipe cleaners – To get into tight spots.

• Warm water – For rinsing.

• Paper towels or drying rack – For air drying.

• Randy’s- Bong Cleaner that works like magic (Optional)

How to Clean a Bong or Dab Rig

1. Dump the old water and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

2. Add alcohol and salt to the chamber. Swirl gently to mix.

3. Seal the openings with your hands, plastic wrap, or rubber stoppers.

4. Shake well for 30–60 seconds and let soak to loosen the grime.

5. Scrub small parts like downstems and bowls separately.

6. Rinse completely until no alcohol smell remains.

7. Let air dry before using again.

How to Clean a Pipe

1. Place the pipe in a ziploc bag.

2. Fill the bag with enough alcohol and salt to submerge the pipe.

3. Seal and shake vigorously.

4. Soak for 30 minutes or longer for heavy build-up.

5. Rinse with warm water and dry.

How to Clean Your Bong Pong Set

Your Bong Pong set is designed to be cleaned quickly and efficiently. Here’s the process:

1. Remove the green Catch Cups and set them aside.

2. Pour a bit of isopropyl alcohol and salt into a plastic bag filled with the bongs, stems, and bowls.

3. Seal the bag and shake vigorously, let them soak if needed

4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

5. Let air dry and reassemble.

Because Bong Pong gets passed around a lot, we recommend cleaning it after every big group sesh. It's fast, effective, and makes sure every hit is fresh and smooth.
👉 [Watch a cleaning tutorial here.]

Pro Tips and Products to Stay Clean

Once you’ve got the basics down, upgrading your cleaning toolkit makes the process faster, easier, and more thorough. These go-to products are trusted by seasoned smokers and make maintenance feel like less of a chore — whether you’re deep cleaning your rig or just refreshing your Bong Pong set between rounds.

🧼 Randy’s Black Label Cleaner

This heavy-duty liquid is a favorite for glass, metal, and ceramic. It works fast — no soaking needed — and cuts through resin with minimal effort. Just pour it in, shake, rinse, and you’re done.

🖌️ Pipe Cleaning Brushes

For those hard-to-reach spots inside downstems, bowls, and tight necks, a set of flexible pipe brushes is clutch. They come in various sizes and help scrub areas alcohol alone can’t reach.

🧲 BoroBuddy Magnetic Cleaner

This innovative tool uses magnets to clean the insides of large pieces — especially tall bongs or rigs with hard angles. One piece goes inside, the other outside, and you guide it like a joystick to scrub where brushes can’t reach.

🧽 Silicone Stopper Plugs

Seal your bong or Bong Pong bongs securely during cleaning without using your hands or plastic wrap. These universal silicone plugs fit snugly into mouthpieces and joint holes, making shaking easier and spill-free.

🧺 Drying Station Tip

Designate a small drying rack or dish mat where your gear can safely air dry after rinsing. Clean gear needs a clean place to sit — and avoiding towels prevents lint and fiber from clinging to wet glass.

Final Thoughts

If your smoking setup is part of your weekly routine, cleaning should be too. It’s fast, easy, and makes everything better — from the taste to how you feel afterward. Whether you’re packing bowls, rolling joints, or going competitive with Bong Pong, clean gear shows respect to yourself and your sesh.

So set a reminder. Get the right tools. And stop hitting out of a crusty pipe. Your lungs, your taste buds, and your friends will thank you.