Written by Brandon Topp

Do you know how to clean a bubbler? Whether you do or not, check this guide for a comprehensive breakdown on how to clean your water pipe.

Is your bubbler looking grimy or getting clogged when you smoke? Proper cleaning is crucial to keeping its performance top notch so you can enjoy your cannabis properly.

Because cleaning your glass is so important, we put together this guide on how to clean your bubbler. Throughout it, we'll cover basic steps, the necessary supplies needed, and more to help you keep your bubbler in optimal condition.

Check out Mood's selection of THCa Flower for high-quality cannabis to enjoy with your clean bubbler.

Table of Contents

• Clean a Bubbler in Three Easy Steps

• Cleaning Supplies for Your Bubbler

• Disassembling Your Bubbler

  • Initial Rinse with Warm Water

• An In-Depth Guide To Cleaning Your Bubbler

• Bubbler FAQs

• Great Cannabis From Mood For Your Bubbler

Clean a Bubbler in Three Easy Steps

1. Assemble the proper cleaning supplies — i.e., isopropyl alcohol, coarse salt, or some sort of alcohol-salt solution. You also need scrubbing tools designed to reach narrow areas for an effective bubbler clean — i.e., pipe cleaners.

2. Disassemble your bubbler carefully before cleaning to ensure every part gets properly cleaned and to lower your chances of breaking it.

3. Regular maintenance, including rinsing after each use and weekly deep cleaning, will keep your bubbler in top condition and enhance your smoking experience. Even just a regular rinse with ordinary tap water and a vinegar solution can make a world of difference for clean, regular usage.

Essential Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning your bubbler effectively starts with the right supplies.

In addition to the essentials listed above — isopropyl alcohol, coarse salt, pipe cleaners — cotton swabs, and paper towels are also musts.

FYI: Isopropyl alcohol serves as a necessary and powerful solvent in the process. It dissolves resin while eliminating bacteria and viruses for a thorough clean.

Coarse salt works as a gentle abrasive, helping to dislodge stubborn resin particles from the bubbler.

Pipe cleaners and cotton swabs help you reach those narrow areas that standard tools can’t access.

People skipping out on these tools is why you rarely see a bubbler properly cleaned. There's a clean glass bubbler where all of the glass is shiny and transparent, and then there's one that has resin build up in the curves and corners of the interior. We want you to have the former.

Vinegar Solution

For natural alternatives to the alcohol solution, consider white vinegar and baking soda.

Vinegar is a natural a disinfectant that can also break down resin, and baking soda offers the same gentle abrasive value that you can find with coarse grained salt, rock salt, table salt, and so on.

Lemon Juice Solution

Mixing lemon juice with hot water is another simple, natural solution that can help in the cleaning process. Adding a little white vinegar will only make this option stronger.

Selecting the appropriate cleaning supplies and alternatives ensures the performance and longevity of your bubbler clean.

Disassembling Your Bubbler

Proper disassembly of your glass bubbler is the first crucial step before cleaning.

Take the time to reach all the nooks and crannies, and ensure you are completely clean.

Start by carefully removing the bowl, stem, and any percolators. Carefully handle each glass component to avoid breakage or cracks.

For first-timers, disassembling the bubbler may seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process that becomes easier with practice.

For complex bubblers, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or website for proper disassembly instruction.

After you've disassembled your bubbler, place all components on a clean surface, ready for the next stages.

Initial Rinse with Warm Water

Begin the cleaning process with an initial rinse using warm water. This step removes loose debris and resin, helping you clean deeper. Warm water effectively dissolves sticky residues accumulated over time.

Hold each part of the disassembled bubbler under warm running water.

Make sure water flows through all nooks and crannies, clearing loose debris.

Preparing Your Cleaning Solution

With your bubbler rinsed and prepped, it’s time to mix the cleaning solution.

Looking back on the options above, you can create a mix of isopropyl alcohol and a salt solution or mix warm water with vinegar or lemon.

Soaking and Shaking the Parts

Soak the bubbler components in the prepared cleaning solution. Remember that soaking a dirty bubbler with residue buildup in isopropyl alcohol dissolves stubborn resin for easier removal.

Place the bubbler parts in a container, ensuring they are fully submerged in the alcohol and salt mixture. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes or longer for heavily soiled pieces.

After soaking, it’s time to shake the parts thoroughly. This step maximizes contact with the solution to dislodge the remaining resin. Shake for 3-5 minutes to ensure thorough cleaning.

Seal openings with rubber stoppers or cotton balls to prevent cleaning solution leaks during shaking.

For convenience, you can use a plastic or Ziploc bag to soak and shake the glass bong pieces.

This alternative makes handling easier and ensures that all parts are thoroughly cleaned. Soaking and shaking are essential for making your bubbler spotless and ready for use.

Scrubbing Hard-to-Reach Areas

After soaking and shaking, some hard-to-reach areas may still hold stubborn residue.

Use tools like pipe cleaners and cotton swabs to tackle these spots.

Dip the pipe cleaner in isopropyl alcohol and then scrub away any remaining gunk. For stubborn spots, let the alcohol-soaked pipe cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Cotton swabs work well for cleaning narrow areas and corners. To clear clogged stems or chambers, use a pipe cleaner, or Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol. A small brush, such as a bottle brush, can also scrub away clinging residue.

Use coarse salt as a mild abrasive for particularly stubborn grime in hard-to-reach spots. Thoroughly scrubbing these areas ensures your bubbler is clean and free of unsightly salt flake scour stains.

Rinsing and Drying

After scrubbing, rinse the bubbler thoroughly under warm running water. This rinse removes any remaining cleaning solution, ensuring no residual chemicals remain. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or acetone during rinsing to prevent damage.

Place the rinsed parts on a clean, lint-free towel. Alternatively, set them on a drying rack to air dry. Compressed air helps dry hard-to-reach areas, ensuring no excess water remains. Proper drying prevents mold growth and ensures your bubbler is ready for use.

Alternative Cleaning Methods

Several natural or alternative cleaning solutions and methods are available.

Vinegar and baking soda serve as effective substitutes for isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol.

Soaking your bubbler in a vinegar and warm water solution effectively removes residue, and combining baking soda with vinegar creates a foaming reaction that cleans stubborn debris.

A mixture of lemon juice and salt is another natural option. This combination acts as a natural degreaser, cleaning your bubbler effectively without harsh chemicals. Hot water mixed with lemon juice also serves as a natural cleaning solution, and boiling water can enhance the effectiveness of this mixture.

Specialty cleaners like MJ Arsenal 420 Cleaner, designed specifically for bubblers, can be very effective. Ultrasonic cleaning devices offer an effective, low-effort method for cleaning bubblers. These methods offer flexibility and can be tailored to your preferences.

Tips for Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your bubbler in top condition. Rinsing after each use prevents residue accumulation, enhancing cleanliness. A warm water rinse removes fresh residue, keeping the bubbler in optimal condition. A quick hot water rinse after each session helps remove loose debris and prevent buildup.

Weekly deep cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt ensures optimal performance and longevity. Avoid abrasive materials when drying to prevent scratches.

A screen filter minimizes residue accumulation in the main chamber. Complete drying after cleaning prevents mold and bacteria growth. Following these tips helps maintain a clean bubbler for a better smoking experience.

Bubbler Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you clean an air bubbler?

To clean an air bubbler, rinse the airstone with fresh water, scrub off any buildup, then boil it in fresh water for about 10 minutes. Make sure to let it air dry completely before using it again.

Q: Do water bubblers need to be cleaned?

Yes, water bubblers definitely need to be cleaned regularly, ideally with disinfectant every few days to keep them free from scale and germs. It's a simple step to ensure you're drinking clean water!

Q: How often should I clean my bubbler?

You should clean your bubbler every 1-2 weeks if you use it frequently. A quick rinse with hot water and wiping down the exterior after each use will help keep it in top shape.

Q: What is the fastest way to clean a bubbler?

The fastest way to clean a bubbler is to soak it in a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and salt for about an hour, then rinse it thoroughly with warm water. This method effectively clears out resin and keeps your bubbler sparkling clean.

Q: Can I use household items to clean my bubbler?

Absolutely, using vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and even kosher salt can help you effectively clean your bubbler.

Raw sea salt and Epsom salt are additional salt solutions you can find in most homes that can clean a bubbler or any water pipe filled with dirty bong water. Give it a try for a fresh and natural clean!

Great Cannabis From Mood For Your Bubbler

Mood has an excellent selection of THCa Flower to grind up and pack into your clean glass pipe next time you want to toke up.

While keeping your glass bubbler pristine, it's worth prioritizing top-grade flower to maximize the experience, flavor, and smoothness. For this, you're going to want to check Mood's selection of Top-Shelf Flower.

Learn more on the Mood Blog today.