What Is The Brown Stuff In My Bong?

When you're using a bong for smoking, you might notice a brownish substance accumulating in the water chamber, on the stem, or around the bowl.

While it might look a bit off-putting, this substance is not resin but reclaim. Here's what reclaim is and why it occurs.

What Is the Brown Stuff?

The brown residue in your bong is primarily a mix of tar, resin, and other organic compounds created when you burn your smoking material.

As cannabis or tobacco is heated, it releases chemicals that get caught in the smoke.

These particles cool, condense, and stick to the inside of your bong.

This buildup is called *reclaim*, and it contains leftover cannabinoids and terpenes, which means it can be reused and re-smoked.

If you prefer not to smoke it, reclaim can also be cooked with or eaten to experience its effects.

Why Does It Turn Brown?

The brown color is a result of the chemical changes that occur during smoking.

When you inhale, the heat from the flame or lighter causes the plant material to break down, and the substances within it undergo oxidation.

This process darkens the color of the tar and resin over time.

The longer you use the bong without cleaning it, the darker the build-up becomes.

How To Get Reclaim Out Of A Bong?

Step 1. Disassemble the Bong

Start by removing the bowl or slide from the downstem.

Carefully take out any extra parts, like percolators.

Be gentle to avoid breaking them.

Step 2. Soak in Isopropyl Alcohol

For most cleaning, people use a mix of isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt.

Some prefer soaking parts in white vinegar and rice for tough stains.

Isopropyl alcohol is best for dissolving resin.

The salt helps scrub away the buildup.

If you plan to consume the reclaim, opt for grain alcohol instead.

Step 3. Scrape the Reclaim

For smaller parts, put them in plastic bags with your cleaning solution and shake them well.

Use a pipe cleaner or cotton swab to scrub tight spots and percolators where resin builds up.

A toothbrush works well for persistent stains.

Step 4. Shake and Rinse

Once cleaned, rinse each part with warm water.

Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and all alcohol, salt, and reclaim are gone.

Rinse each piece separately to avoid residue buildup from commercial cleaners.

Step 5. Dry and Reassemble

Air drying is the simplest. Lay the parts on a clean surface to allow natural air to dry them.

For hard-to-reach areas, use cotton swabs or pipe cleaners to absorb moisture.

Once completely dry, carefully reassemble your bong.

Gently connect the bowl and downstem.

Be careful not to tighten too much, especially with glass.

For water bongs, make sure rubber seals and O-rings are in place to avoid leaks.

Conclusion

The brown stuff in your bong is a natural byproduct of smoking and can be easily removed with regular cleaning.

By understanding what it is, why it appears, and how to clean it, you can keep your bong in great shape and enjoy a better smoking experience.

Remember, regular maintenance is key to preventing the build-up of residue and keeping your bong hygienic.