If there’s a nasty smoke stench swirling out your uptake, the bong water’s brown and there’s unidentifiable gunk floating around the chamber… let’s face it, it’s probably time. Clean your bong, dude.

Did you know passing around an unclean piece means inhaling all kinds of bacteria, fungi, and other gross microbes? A dirty bong’s a buzzkill - not only does it put your health at risk, it ruins the taste of each hit and stinks up the place with every exhale. Don’t be that guy. Clean your bong for a good, fresh hit every time.

Bong connoisseurs know to change their water at least daily - it’s the best way to prevent excess resin buildup and keep your herb actually tasting like herb. But even if you change your bong water often, your glass will need a little love too eventually.

Cleaning your glass efficiently (and frequently!) is the best way to improve your overall herb-smoking experience. The best hit comes from a clean piece, and luckily it’s easy to get that “new piece feeling” in just a few minutes if you learn to clean your bong the right way. We’ve got you covered.

Old school smokers all know the old isopropyl alcohol and salt trick. But in this day and age, there are plenty of better ways to get your glass clean. Follow these steps to ditch the smelly drags and have some good, clean fun with your glass.

Check out Resölution Non Toxic Reusable Cleaning Gel - this natural, clay-based formula breaks up tar and resin and is free from any abrasive salts that could scratch your glass. Simply pour the gel down the uptake, making sure there’s enough to cover your ice catcher or percs, if your bong has any. This gel features a resealable pouch so it’s ideal for future cleanings.

Grab some Formula 420 Cleaning Caps. You’ll need to rigorously shake your bong to break up tar and resin, and you’ll want to keep that cleaning gel trapped inside. These caps come in two sizes - one for the mouthpiece of the bong and the other for the open hole of the downstem. Use caps for the cleanest experience possible.

Go crazy! The more you shake your bong, the harder the cleaning gel scrubs the inside of your piece. Yeasts, fungi and other microorganisms thrive in dirty bong water and, if left uncleaned for too long, can seep into the glass. Shake on and off for ten minutes for best results.

Note: Pieces like our Glasscity Beaker Ice Bong with Double Tree Perc might require a bit more love. Be sure to shake well to ensure the cleaning gel makes its way in and out of the percolators.

Take off the cleaning caps and admire your work. We recommend dumping the dirty cleaning solution outdoors to keep the stink at bay. Your dirty stench days stop here.

Rinse out the gel with hot water and learn to love your bong again. Repeat as needed.

For routine maintenance, grab a tub of Crud Bud Dual Tip Cotton Buds. These small but mighty swabs are perfect for cleaning your mouthpiece - ideally every time you hit your bong. Dip the tip into isopropyl alcohol and swab away germs and resin. It’s that simple.

If you’ve repeatedly cleaned your bong and the glass seems permanently stained brown, it’s likely time to part with your piece. All good things must come to an end, and it’s important to remember the best smoking experience comes from not just good herb, but clean pieces.

We’re always stocked with the latest, most innovative bongs to suit every smoking style. Find your next piece in our collection of bongs and water pipes, from standard beaker base bongs to honeycomb bongs, mini pieces and everything in between. Just remember to change your bong water often and keep your glass as squeaky clean as you can