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One of the latest trends to hit the smoking scene is silicone bongs. Up until now, bongs were mostly made of ceramic or glass.
So what is special about a silicone bong? Not only does silicone come in a variety of patterns and colors, but it's also less expensive than glass. You may know how costly and annoying it is to replace a bong.
But are silicone bongs safe?
A silicone bong has a lot of advantages over the traditional glass or ceramic bongs and pipes out there. If you want to learn more about purchasing a silicone bong, then read on to find out more about how safe they are to use.
What is Silicone?
Silicone (also known as polysiloxane) is a synthetic substance made up of silicon and other elements including oxygen and hydrogen. You will see it in either liquid form or as a rubber-like plastic substance. The medical industry uses silicone for products such as implants and contact lenses.
You may have also seen silicone listed in some of your personal care products such as shampoos and shaving creams.
Are Silicone Bongs Safe?
Yes, silicone bongs are non-toxic and safe to use. Silicone bongs do not react to most other chemicals, and is resistant to heat. It is inert, which means it is chemically inactive and non-toxic. Most of the silicone used for silicone bongs are food-grade and BPA-free thus safe for human use.
Silicone is even used in lots of baby products. Various manufacturers use silicone to create safe and easy to clean products.
The silicone used for silicone bongs are often non-toxic, food graded, and are flexible and durable. Plus, they are easy to clean.
Easy to Clean
Food-grade silicone is hypoallergenic and easy to clean. It is a non-porous material which means it does not absorb any of the substances around it. This makes it ideal for the water chamber in the bong! A silicone bong is also less likely to hang onto strong odors.
Most silicone products are antimicrobial which prevents the growth of bacteria. Make sure you check the bong you are purchasing to make sure it is food-grade. Some silicone bongs and silicone weed pipes are even dishwasher safe which makes them even easier to clean!
Heat Resistant
Do silicone bongs melt? Although it's not advisable to smoke at high temperatures, silicone bongs are heat resistant up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Accidental exposure to heat and flames will not damage the silicone.
Flexible and Durable
Silicone bongs are shatterproof. If you aren't careful with a glass or ceramic bong they can break when dropped. The last thing you want to do when you are smoking is pick up broken glass. A strong silicone bong is much safer and less likely to break when dropped.
How to Clean a Silicone Bong
Silicone bongs are much easier to clean than glass or ceramic bongs. Glass bongs come in one piece whereas silicone bongs are flexible and can be made in several parts. This makes them much easier to clean!
The Hand Wash Method
To clean your silicone bong, all you'll need is:
- A bottle brush
- Running water
- Dish soap
The best time to clean your bong is right after you use it. Remove the herb slide and discard the bong water. Run hot water through it for a few minutes before pouring a generous amount of dish soap in and around the bong. Push your bottle brush inside the bong and give it a scrub.
Silicone bongs are flexible, so you can twist and bend them to make sure you clean those hard-to-reach areas. Rinse off the soap with warm water and leave the bong on a dish rack upside down to dry.
The Freezer Method
If all this sounds like too much work after you have used your bong, you can try the freezer method. Remove the slide or down stem and rinse your silicone bong with warm water. Shake the bong dry but leave it damp. There should be just enough water left on the bong to coat the inner walls and not freeze into a block of ice.
Place the bong in the freezer for 4-6 hours or overnight. Take the bong out of the freezer and twist it to dislodge the icicles. This will remove any residue inside the bong. Rinse and leave to dry upside down.
The Dishwasher Method
For a quick and easy way to clean your bong, put it in the dishwasher! Before you start, remove the fragile parts of your bong and set them aside. Set the temperature to medium-high and run a short cycle of around 5 minutes.
Make sure you let the bong and down stem cool before you remove it from the dishwasher. Clean your dishwasher regularly to avoid a build-up of resin and to prevent odors.
The Best Silicone Bong
Choosing the best silicone bong can be tricky when there are so many out there. Whether you choose a silicone water bong or a silicone pipe, bongs come in various colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes so it can be hard to find the best silicone bong for you.
If you want a durable, easy-to-clean bong then choosing a silicone bong or pipe is the way to go. A silicone bong is even portable which makes it perfect if you like to travel. When choosing your bong, make sure you select high-quality food-grade silicone. If you are unsure, ask the supplier for more information.
For assistance choosing the perfect silicone bong, visit INHALCO for tips, tricks, and a collection of top-quality smoking accessories.
*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All products are intended for legal usage. Before consuming cannabis in any form, please consult with a licensed health care provider, smoke at your own risk.
