Why You Should Prioritize Cleaning Your Glass Pipes
When you use your glass pipe regularly, it's common to develop a resin buildup fairly quickly. Whether you have a glass bong or a dab rig, there are various options available to effectively clean your unique glass pipes. Written by Randy Villarba
Typically you can tell when your smoking accessories have been used a little too much. What used to be a clean and spotless glass piece is now coated with resin and burnt flower remnants, carrying with it memories of past smoke sessions. Even if your glass bowls appear clean, but the taste of your high quality flower seems off, it is probably time for a deep cleaning for your piece.
If your piece is your daily driver, it doesn't take too long to get a good resin buildup. If you’re tasting resin more than you can taste your flower, it's time to clean it. If you notice the percolator on your rig isn't drawing smooth, it's time to clean it. From glass bongs to dab rigs, here are a list of options for when it’s time to clean your unique glass pipes.
The Importance of Keeping Your Glass Clean
A glass pipe that is not properly cleaned can significantly alter the taste of your flower and may even potentially pose a threat to your health. In some rare instances, it can possibly hinder your breathing. Neglecting to clean your weed pipes, particularly bongs, can cause the growth of bacteria within a relatively short time.
It is surprising to know that within just 24 hours, a slimy biofilm can develop inside your pipe. This biofilm is not just resin but is composed of living bacteria, microorganisms, and mold. These can potentially result in respiratory issues and lung infections.
Heady Glass Cleaners
If you're looking for a cleaning solution that is specifically designed for your cannabis glassware, your local glass shop or online headshop is an excellent place to start. These stores carry a range of 420-friendly cleaning solutions that use coarse crystals to effectively remove even the most stubborn gunk and resin from your glass dab rigs and bongs. Among the trusted glass cleaning brands are Formula 420, Orange Chronic, and Reslöution.
Coarse Salt and Isopropyl Alcohol
For an easy and affordable solution, you can purchase isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt from your local grocery store or pharmacy. To use this method, add salt into the glassware before submerging it in the alcohol. For optimal cleaning results, choose an isopropyl alcohol strength of at least 91%. This soaking process is also effective for cleaning ball caps, bowls, quartz bangers, and glass hand pipes.
Choosing the right size container to soak your glassware is crucial. You can use a sealable plastic bag, a cup, or a bowl to soak your piece for at least fifteen to twenty minutes. In case of heavily soiled pieces, you can soak for a longer period. However, it's advisable to not let your glassware soak for more than twelve hours.
Ingenuity of Baristas
Baristas have discovered an exceptional and non-traditional method to clean their glassware using Cafiza espresso machine cleaning tablets,, such as those produced by Urnex. These tablets are highly efficient in eliminating dirt and grime from coffee cups and machines. You can also use these cleaning tablets for your glass pieces. They work wonders in removing resin buildup and microbial organisms from glassware without the need for alcohol or chemicals.
Handle with Care While Rinsing Your Glass
If necessary, repeat the steps mentioned above for a more thorough cleaning before rinsing. It's important to handle your glass pieces with care during the rinsing process. Use warm water when rinsing your unique glass pieces. It's imperative to avoid fluctuating between hot and cold water or using boiling water. Glass imperfections may be vulnerable to extreme temperature changes, so this can potentially damage or even crack your glass.
Brush Off Remaining Resin
If there is still any residue left on your glass pieces after soaking, some manual effort may be necessary to complete the cleaning process. After rinsing off your items, use cotton swabs, pipe cleaners, or toothbrushes to eliminate any excess resin and dirt. Pipe cleaners are especially helpful for cleaning intricate items such as chillum glass blunts and water pipes. When it comes to heady glass such as hand-blown dab rigs or Sherlock Holmes weed pipes, multiple soaks and scrubs may be required for a thorough cleaning.
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