How to Clean Silicone Bongs and Pipes Fast

Silicone bongs are fantastic. They don't break, they're cheap, and usually have super fun colors. One of the difficulties with cleaning is they typically aren't see-through. This can make it hard to tell if you got all the resin/gunk out. Stay tuned to find out how.

Silicone is a weird material; unlike glass, it will oil up a lot more. Today I will share my knowledge and experience in cleaning silicone bongs and pipes using various methods.

Image from: Top 10 Anime Bongs of 2022 (Silicone Pokemon bong)

See More Anime Bongs HERE!

How Often Should I Clean My Silicone Pipes?

This depends on how much of a weird resin, tar, and smoke odor you can handle. For ease of cleaning and to avoid stubborn resin, you should clean it after every use.

You probably have experience with egg yolks. It washes off quite easily if it's "fresh" on a plate. If it's been sitting for a day, it is way more challenging. Resin works the same way.

How Often Should I Clean My Silicone Bongs?

Same as with silicone pipes. Same day or within 12-24 hours of use is recommended. I'm not saying you should clean it straight after you hit it; I get it. That is your chill time. The longer it sits, the harder it will be.

Cleaning Methods for Slightly Used Silicone Bongs

Dishwasher Method

It sounds funny, but the dishwasher makes the cleaning process so much easier. And it won't leave your dishes smelling yucky if your silicone pipe or bong is only slightly used.

Silicone is very heat resistant and can endure very high temperatures. This makes it dishwasher safe unless specified otherwise. Remember that a dirty bong needs a deep cleaning, and the dishwasher is not a form for deep cleaning.

This works best with bong/dab rigs for cannabis oil and/or wax. This won't necessarily make your equipment dirty, only oily.

Another great perk with the dishwasher method is that you can start it five minutes after your sesh without needing to concentrate or apply any elbow grease.

Dishwashing Soap and Warm Water

This technique is quite honestly shit. I mean, it works, and I'm writing about it for those of you who don't want to try the other methods, but it is not a method I would recommend, as many of my other suggestions work better. That is my opinion. This is one of the fastest but worst ways to clean a silicone pipe.

To clean a silicone bong with dishwashing soap and water you:

• Dump out all water and ash (if any)

• Rinse the bong using warm water a few times.

• Add dishwashing soap and rinse carefully with pipe cleaners or a bottle brush. (bottle brush necessary to clean resin)

• Rinse with clean water

• Let dry on paper towels.

A solid reason for me saying this method is shit is that it works only straight after a smoke session. While everything is still hot, I don't want to spend my high time cleaning, but if you do. Salute! You now have a clean bong, and you're high.

Cleaning Methods for Lightly Used Silicone Pipes

Same as the bongs, I can add that you might want to add some dish soap directly to the pipe or bong before putting it in. A little extra soap on the inside won't do any harm. However, mild soap is preferred to any soap containing harsh chemicals.

Cleaning Methods for Medium-Used Silicone Bongs

The Lemon Juice/Vinegar Method

Prepare a:

• Pot big enough for your silicone bong

• A lemon chopped in two

• A few tablespoons of vinegar

• pair of washing gloves and a washing brush

Start by boiling water and then transfer the hot water to your pot of choice.

Put your bong in the bowl with the water and ensure it is completely submerged.

Add vinegar or lemon (or both) and stir for a few seconds.

After 10 minutes of chilling in the water, put on your gloves, give it a proper scrub, and let it completely dry. You should air dry it for the best results.

If your bong still smells funny or you can still see the remaining resin or oil, you can repeat the process until you are satisfied. This is a reliable way to clean a silicone bong and will not damage it in any way.

The Baking Soda Method

Prepare:

• Baking soda (a small amount)

• Washing Gloves

• Piece of cloth or kitchen towel

• One metal bowl (big enough for your bong)

Step 1: Put your silicone bong and/or bong accessories in the metal bowl with hot water.

Step 2: Remove the bong, wet your cloth or towel, and dip it in baking soda.

Step 3: Rub the baking soda onto your bong's entire surface until small bubbles appear. Don't worry too much about the hard-to-reach places yet.

Step 4: Put the bong back into the metal bowl, and add the rest of your baking soda. Soak it for a couple of hours.

Step 5: When your bong has been soaking for 2-3 hours, remove it from the water and thoroughly clean it under running water. Give it a good rinse.

Step 6: You're done!

The Freezing Method (No Cleaning Solution Required)

This will remove all gunk and resin but probably not smell. The reason we can freeze silicone pipes and bongs is their flexibility.

1. Remove the metal or glass bowl.

2. Soak in water and remove most of it.

3. Freeze it for 4-24 hours.

4. Take it out of the freezer and massage it to remove the frozen bits of water and resin.

5. Shower it with cold water to not make the resin residue sticky on its way out.

Cleaning Methods for Medium-Used Silicone Pipes
Same as the medium-used silicone bongs. Using these methods requires some elbow grease to be applied, but not a lot, and will supply you with a nice thorough cleaning.
Silicone pipe cleaning is usually easier than bongs due to their size.
Cleaning Methods for Very Used Silicone Bongs
If you have come to this point, extreme approaches are all you got left. No more easy mc chill. There are various methods to deep clean a silicone bong. OBS! They don't all work with glass pipes or glass bongs.
I recommend trying the other methods first; these are last resorts.
The Boiling Water Method
Boil the shit out of your silicone bong.
Simply plop your bong into a pot. Put the pot on the stove, and when it starts to boil, set a timer for 10 minutes.
When you spot dark material (tar, oil, etc.) floating to the top, you know you're doing it right.
Boiling water is not supposed to damage your silicone pipes or bongs, but I would urge you to double-check with the manufacturer beforehand. This is the most effective way to get a clean silicone bong.

DONT try this with a glass bong, bowl, or pipe. Glass is not heat resistant like silicone unless otherwise stated. Never assume glass will withstand boiling water.

The Isopropyl Alcohol Method

If you own a glass bong or glass pipe, you probably have this lying around as it is considered one of the best ways of cleaning these. Silicone will not necessarily handle rubbing alcohol. Medical and food-grade silicone will, with ease, be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. Rubbing alcohol will, however, permanently damage low-grade silicone.

However, with the good stuff, cleaning with rubbing alcohol is a breeze and safe!

Step 1: Remove all water and ash (if any)

Step 2: Place the bong and bong accessories (metal or glass bowl) into a zip lock back and pour in isopropyl alcohol. Make sure it covers the entire bong, and make sure it fills it up completely.

Step 3: Shake hard while massaging the silicone. If you opted to include a glass bowl, be careful not to drop the bag, risking breaking glass with your bong or silicone pipe. After shaking, to ensure clean silicone, let it soak for 30 mins in the cleaning solution (rubbing alcohol).

Step 4: Take it out of the bag, inspect it, and use a soft brush (for bongs) or pipe cleaner (for pipes) to scrub out the rest. Rinse, and you're done.

How to Clean Very Used Silicone Pipes

Same as very used silicone bongs.

If Nothing Worked...

If nothing worked, your best bet is probably to throw it in the trash can. Poor quality silicone can be almost impossible to deal with, as well as very neglected good quality silicone.

Silicone Pipe for sale

You could buy a new one. Both these options are from Hemper and are made with medical and food-grade silicone.

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Totally radical octopus bong with super trippy colors.

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How to Make Silicone White Again

You can use a silicone cleaner product if you have to get your silicone white. Available at most hardware stores or at Amazon.

I can't recommend this as it contains potentially harmful chemicals. If you do decide to use it, wash and rinse it like a god when done. This does not replace the cleaning process for gunk and resin. It will only work as a whitener and should be done on a clean pipe or bong.

DO NOT USE THESE PRODUCTS!

Do not use:

• Bleach

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Acetone

• Other cleaning products (Windex and countertop cleaners)

These may leave trace amounts behind and are not meant for body absorption. It may be harmful to your health.

Also, use non-abrasive cleaning tools. Towels, kitchen cloths, etc. DO NOT use abrasive tools like steel wool, as they will damage your silicone pipe or bong. It will look scuffed, and you will lose that smooth, clean silicone look.

Silicone or Glass Pipes? Differences

Durability:

Silicone: Unbreakable, flexible, and ready for action! Drop it, twist it, and take it anywhere without worry. Perfect for those on-the-go smoke sessions and outdoor escapades.

Glass: Like a delicate piece of art, these beauties demand care. Handle with love, and they'll reward you with a refined smoking experience. Fragile but oh-so-elegant!

Portability:

Silicone: Roll it, fold it, collapse it! These bongs are all about fitting into your pocket or bag effortlessly. Adventure-friendly and ever-ready to join your escapades.

Glass: Handle with care! These bongs prefer a little more TLC when it comes to transportation. Great for home use or calm gatherings where their delicate nature can be appreciated.

Heat Resistance:

Silicone: They can take the heat, but beware of the residual warmth! Silicone retains heat more than glass, so keep those fingers cool and avoid unexpected "ouch" moments.

Glass: Cool to the touch, even after extended smoking sessions. Feel the smoothness as you inhale, knowing your hands are safe from accidental burns.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

Silicone: Not a fan of cleaning chores? Silicone's got your back! Though it may require a bit more elbow grease, specialized cleaning products will keep your bong looking fresh and ready for the next adventure.

Glass: Easy-peasy cleanliness! Glass surfaces don't hold onto grime or odors, making them a breeze to clean. Use isopropyl alcohol or dedicated bong cleaners, and voila! Sparkling and ready for action.

Aesthetics and Customization:

Silicone: Bright, bold, and full of personality! While they may not match the artistic finesse of glass, silicone bongs come in a range of vibrant colors, adding a touch of fun to your smoking routine.

Glass: A masterpiece in your hands! From intricate designs to mesmerizing colors, glass bongs double as eye-catching art pieces. Show off your refined taste and impress your smoking buddies.

Good Luck!

Good luck with your cleaning adventures! Cleaning bongs and pipes can be a pain, but it is necessary to maintain them and keep them working properly for a long time. To best preserve your silicone pipes, store them in a cool, dry area after they are completely dry.

If you ever find out you're done with bongs and pipes, try a cross joint. They are super fun and make for a great smoke session.

I hope you have learned how to clean silicone bongs! <3

Good Luck!

-Freddie