Bongs or water pipes are arguably some of the most popular devices for consuming weed. There are several reasons why people who smoke weed prefer bongs over blunts and joints. These include: 

• It is relatively safe
  Water pipes eliminate harsh smoke and filters out any carcinogenic compounds that may be present. This serves to purify the smoke, thus making it easier on the lungs. 

• Ease of use
  Bongs are a lot easier to use compared to other smoking devices. Setting up a bong takes up significantly less time and effort compared to rolling a joint. This makes it user-friendly for first-time weed smokers.  

• Efficiency
  Smoking weed can get you high much quicker than smoking a joint or regular pipe. Typically, it only takes one or two bong hits for one to get high. This makes the bong highly convenient for regular stoners, especially those who smoke several times a day.

The Anatomy of the Bong

Bongs typically come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and design. The main parts of the bong include: 

• Bowl
  This is where the weed is packed after being crushed and grounded in preparation for smoking.

• Base
  The base is the compartment that holds water in a bong system

• Downstem
  The downstem of a bong acts as a bridge between the bowl and the water at the base.

• Percolator 
  The percolator serves to aerate the smoke so that it can be cooled by water at the base

• Tube
  This compartment collects the filtered marijuana smoke, after which it can be inhaled orally through the attached mouthpiece.

So why should you clean your bong?

Since bongs tend to accumulate resin with frequent use, it is absolutely necessary that you clean your water pipe regularly. This helps to preserve the flavor of marijuana and enhances the longevity of the bong. 

Tools you Need to Clean a Bong

Some of the materials and ingredients which you require to clean a bong include: 

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Coarse salt
• 2 Zipped Plastic Bags
• Bong plugs
• Towel

Guide on Cleaning a Bong

Here are some of the steps you need to follow when cleaning your bong. 

1. Carefully remove downstem and bowl of your bong and put them in separate zipped plastic bags. This will protect them from getting damaged during cleaning.
2. Pour isopropyl alcohol into the zipped plastic bags until the bowl and downstem are entirely submerged and add a handful of coarse salt in each bag.
3. Pour out the old water from your bong to get rid of excess resin.
4. Put a handful of salt into the bong and add about half a cup of isopropyl alcohol.
5. Cover the mouth of your bong with a bong plug. Make sure the plug is fitted correctly.  
6. Shake the bong until all the resin comes off.
7. Rinse the bong, downstem and bowl with using clean water. You should rinse each individual component thoroughly to get rid of any excess alcohol.

In Conclusion

A good quality bong can serve you for many years if you keep it well maintained. In light of this, you should clean your bong regularly to prevent it from accumulating resin. This allows you to enjoy your smoke sessions and eliminate the need for deep cleaning.