Indopedia All Things Marijuana
In past Sensible Sensimillias, we’ve discussed the power of isopropyl alcohol to keep your glass resin-free and super clean. But not everyone loves to use volatile solvents for cleaning. Some prefer to clean more naturally. And while little can beat the oil-busting power of isopropyl alcohol, there are a lot of natural alternatives that come pretty close.
Vinegar
Vinegar is often used as a natural glass cleaner. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties — because who wants bacteria and fungus in their bong? Pour some vinegar in your bong, or soak your glass crutches in a small bowl of vinegar overnight and it will be much easier for you to get that plant material off. Just rinse it good unless you want the biting flavor of vinegar in your next bowl.
Photo by Mike Mozart
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a common disinfectant. Fun fact, you can use hydrogen peroxide to get out tomato juice or blood stains out of fabrics. So, it should be no surprise that you can clean glass with it, too. Hydrogen peroxide consists of two hydrogen molecules and two oxygen molecules, which make it a great oxidizer. TL/DR: Bubbles. Use it like you would alcohol and let the fizz do its thing to break up remnant plant material.
This is what happens when hydrogen peroxide and luminol are put under a black light. It’s called “chemiluminescence.” Look it up. Photo by Tavo Roman
Vodka
You read it right — vodka isn’t just for Bloody Marys and Moscow Mules. It can help you clean your glass, too! Put the shot glass down and instead soak your pipe in a glass full of vodka to help break up the grime left behind. Vodka contains 40 percent alcohol so while it’s not as strong as isopropyl, which clocks in closer to 90 percent, it is still effective — and sometimes easier to find. That being said, it’s also the most expensive of your options so choose wisely.
