SILICONE

Silicone bongs, pipes and other smoking accessories make toking on-the-go a reality. You can go farther than ever before, as long as you’ve got enough herb stashed for the voyage. 

Whether you’re going on a hike, camping or purely on the move, the constant paranoia that your glass bong may shatter naturally takes away from the experience. Silicone, on the other hand, is extremely travel-friendly, strong yet flexible, stain resistant and easy to clean.

FAQ

Are silicone bongs safe?

Silicone bongs are safe to smoke from if made from food-grade silicone. Food grade silicone is a rubber-like material made mostly from silica (sand) that’s been approved by the FDA. This kind of silicone is safe for cooking, baking and smoking from, as in the case of bongs. It’s commonly used for making baking molds for candies and cakes. Since food-grade silicone is inert, it cannot leach into foods even under high heat.  

Are silicone bongs easy to clean?

Silicone bongs are notorious for being easy to clean when compared to glass. Most are even dishwasher safe, although we recommend other methods so that the print or design doesn’t fade. 

How to clean a silicone bong?

You can use a specialty cleaner, isopropyl alcohol, a saltwater mixture or even place the bong in the dishwasher directly. These are our recommended methods in order of preference.

  1. One of the most natural ways to clean a bong is using a saltwater mixture. It’s tough on grime without being too abrasive. Just add in a few drops of dish soap into the mixture, shake vigorously and let your bong soak for at least two hours before rinsing off.
  2. Speciality 420 cleaners are another great option, especially ones made specifically for silicone. 
  3. Rubbing alcohol is commonly used for glass bongs but can be used for silicone as well. However, if you choose to use rubbing alcohol, follow with a mixture of warm water and soap, then a final rinse. 
  4. Putting your bong in the dishwasher is by far the easiest method but we recommend washing by hand to avoid it becoming warped. 
  5. Boiling your bong is another option but should be a last resort. It’s the method that’s most likely to warp your water pipe and cause the print to fade. 

How to clean a silicone pipe?

Cleaning a silicone pipe is much like cleaning a bong. A mixture of hot water, a dash of dish soap and either isopropyl alcohol or apple cider vinegar should work. Let the pipe soak for at least two hours or overnight for a deep clean. Gently bend the silicone pipe and you’ll notice the residue crack off. Follow with a rinse of hot water and a dash of dish soap.

Can you boil silicone pipes?

It might come as a surprise but you can actually boil a silicone pipe. Food grade silicone is made to withstand temperatures as high as 600 F°. Since boiling water reaches  212 F° tops, it should be able to take the heat. That said, we don’t recommend doing this because you might damage the print.

Here’s what you should know if you want to give it a try anyways. Fill a pot with water, stick your pipe in and bring the water to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, turn off the heat and let it sit until the water cools and it’s safe to remove.

Silicone vs glass pipes

In terms of taste, many cannabis enthusiasts prefer glass over silicone. However, silicone pipes do have a few clear advantages over glass. They are more durable, travel-friendly and easier to clean. After all, the stain resistant non-stick coating makes it easier to remove stains with ease.