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A percolator bong is a great addition to maximize your smoking experience, where its ability to cool and filter the smoke before you inhale a hit can do wonders. However, keeping your perc in tip-top condition is absolutely crucial if you want to keep enjoying these premium hits - a dirty bong will not do you any favors at all!
Of course, with all the intricacies of a percolator, we understand that the task of cleaning it might be a daunting one - such as, where to even start?! In this article, we've demystified the percolator cleaning process for you, so you can follow a few manageable steps that even the most novice bong-smoker could achieve.
We've also outlined a few basic facts about percolators, including the different types available on the market. So, read on and discover how to clean a percolator bong in the best way possible, ensuring your hits stay smooth and fresh for days to come.
What is a percolator bong?
Percolators, also known as percs, are small glass water chambers that add another layer of filtration to your smoke whenever you take a pull from your bong. They are commonly located in the tube of your bong, and help to filter and cool the smoke when it passes through instead of simply letting it pass through the water in the bowl, ensuring a more purified, flavorful hit. Some bongs come fitted-in with percs, others have detachable ones or can easily be fitted with additional percolators depending on the
Why is it important to clean percolator bongs?
We cannot stress enough how important it is to clean your percolator bong regularly - and you'll thank us for this. As a rule of thumb, you should be cleaning every part of your bong on a regular basis to negate the build-up of residue, which could even turn into mold or bacteria if left long enough and compromise your health.
Cleaning your perc is especially important, as the smoke you inhale passes directly through it, and a dirty perc can reduce the overall quality of your smoking experience, giving you a nasty, harsh taste. You can also increase the longevity of your bong if you clean your percolator regularly, as it decreases the chances of gunk and resin getting stuck and clogging the glass.
And of course, nobody wants to be smoking a bong that looks filthy in the first place – so when you keep your perc nice and clean, it can still act as an impressive decorative piece in your room that you and your friends actually feel invited to smoke!
Types of percolators
Because of the way percs can noticeably enhance the smoking experience, they have grown vastly in popularity and there are now numerous types available on the market that suit a varying range of smokers' preferences and tastes. Some of the most popular types include:
- Honeycomb Percolator: These are some of the most popular types of percs due to their compactness and efficiency. They are made up of stacked, flat discs that have many holes which create multiple chambers in the bong, and they sit flat on the base. You can add more than one honeycomb perc to a bong, which further increases the filtration.
- Diffused Downstem Percolator: A good choice for beginners, these percs are usually built directly into the bong and extend vertically into the bowl with slits at the base.
- Tree Percolator: Similar to diffused downstem percs but with additional tubes instead of just one, tree percolators earn their name for having a build which looks like roots.
- UFO Percolator: Shaped like their namesake, UFO percolators have a flared base with slits at its base. There is more room for the smoke to diffuse and cool due to the large amount of space they possess, plus they are super easy to clean, making them a popular option. Our Classic UFO Bong is a great choice for those who want optimum filtration.
How to clean a bong with a percolator
Despite the vast array of percolator bongs you can choose from, there are still simple ways to clean all these different models with ease. Do note that the more percs you add to your bong, the more frequently you will need to clean them to ensure each piece is completely void of residue, such as with double percolator bongs. The more time and effort you put into cleaning, the better your bong rips will be, which is why it’s important to make a habit of this process! Below is how to clean a percolator in an efficient yet thorough way.
Supplies Needed
Before we get started, you will need a few key staples to clean your bong properly. Make sure you have the following products:
- Isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol (Tip: use one with a high concentration of alcohol, at least 91% or higher)
- Coarse salt or Epsom salts
- Rubber/cork stoppers OR plastic wrap and rubber bangs (to seal the openings of the bong)
- Pipe cleaners and Q-tips (for small, hard-to-reach crannies)
- Ziploc bags (to soak smaller components of your bong)
Step-By-Step Percolator Bong Cleaning Guide
Now it’s time to get down to business! Follow the below steps for a foolproof way to get your perc clean each and every time.
- Disassemble your bong (if applicable) : Carefully take your bong apart, piece by piece, removing all the detachable parts such as the percolator, bowl, and stem.
- Rinse with warm water: Give each piece a preliminary rinse to loosen up the residue inside.
- Mix your cleaning solution: Combine around 1 cup of isopropyl/rubbing alcohol and a handful of salt directly inside your bong, and disperse evenly between Ziploc bags for the smaller bong parts to sit in. There is no need to mix anything.
- Secure your bong: Cover the openings of the bong with rubber/cork stoppers or plastic wrap secured with rubber bands, and make sure your Ziploc bags are sealed closed. If you have a VITAE glass piece, seal your ends with the included cleaning caps.
- Give everything a shake: Once you’re sure all parts of your bong are sealed, give it a good shake forward and backwards. The cleaning solution will react with the residue built-up in the bong, removing all the nasty gunk and shaking it loose so you can pour it out later. Do the same for all the pieces inside your Ziploc bags.
- Get rid of remaining residue: After you shake the bong and its pieces, let them sit for a while to settle. Then, you can pour out the cleaning solution before using your pipe cleaners or Q-tips to scrub off any residue that remains in any of the parts, especially the smaller crevices that are harder to reach.
- Rinse, dry, and use: Once you’re sure all the residue has been cleaned, you can give your bong and all its parts a final rinse in warm water. Dry each piece gently with a soft cloth, then leave them to air dry before reassembling them, ready for your next use!
Shop Percolator Bongs with Vitae
If you’re on the hunt for a percolator bong that offers fantastic, filtered hits but needs minimum cleaning, look no further than Vitae Glass. We have a range of top-quality products guaranteed to take you to space, including build-your-own bongs or those already put together, such as our popular 16in Voyager Bong.
Want more ideas for what to buy? Check out what our customers are saying on our bong reviews, so you can get insight from other smokers around the world to find your perfect piece.
Happy shopping!
Here are some other blogs you might be interested in:
How do Clean a Bong Like a Pro
How to get a Stuck Downstem out of a Glass Bong
The Voyager bong - The best and smoothest bong
