PBW & the Chemistry of Clean

PandaLee

PandaLee

Well-Known Member
When I get a stain on my quartz bangers that I can't remove with qtips, iso and/or crystal cleaner (doesn't really happen often, as I'm mostly low with the temps), I use PBW with a little warm water, not dissolved. I use a qtip with the pbw granules to help scrub off the stain. And it always works...but I wonder if I'm actually scratching the quartz or if it could be bad. So far they look good and smooth (not scratched!)
 
MoltenTiger

MoltenTiger

Well-Known Member
Atomic11 said:
Can anyone recommend a good brush for this type and size of bong? Thank you!

https://m.dhgate.com/product/18-quo...958FDA75629124B6F13BDA5255D767ACDC0D607B0F7F2
Click to expand...
Decent looking beaker.

With PBW, a bottle brush can speed things up but it's not entirely necessary. Multiple hot washes does a great job with a stoppered beaker.

Alternatively, a rinse with strong alcohol mixed with table salt (abrasive agent) is sometimes a good first step for cleaning.

If you do want a brush, you'll need a large sized bottle brush. You can get them in a range of sizes, and a set might be the way to go for the stem, joint and neck.
Baby bottle brushes are easy to find in stores, but will probably be too small.
Brewery supply stores, and all the usual internet outlets will have the better options.
 
Abysmal Vapor

Abysmal Vapor

Supersniffer 2000 - robot fart detection device
Sorry if this is asked but i guess PBW isnt 100% water soluable ,as it leaves stains? I am afraid that some of that fine dust is going to stuck in the glass and end up inhaling it. Salt and alcohol seems a safer way still :).
 
Abysmal Vapor,
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MoltenTiger

MoltenTiger

Well-Known Member
Abysmal Vapor said:
Sorry if this is asked but i guess PBW isnt 100% water soluable ,as it leaves stains? I am afraid that some of that fine dust is going to stuck in the glass and end up inhaling it. Salt and alcohol seems a safer way still :).
Click to expand...
It is very soluble, if you use the right amount and stir it in it fully dissolves. The solution is free rinsing and doesn't leave a trace if used properly. I'm not sure if the staining would really be much more of an issue other than unsightly, I think vinegar rinses it away anyway. I find it easier to rinse away than alcohol with plain water and careful use. Whatever works though, as long as the glass is sparkling who could complain! I have mostly been using denatured alcohol and salt recently, or just plain water and detergent (dish soap or a eucalypt based 'no bong pong') :)
 
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ataxian

ataxian

PALE BLUE DOT
Abysmal Vapor said:
Sorry if this is asked but i guess PBW isnt 100% water soluable ,as it leaves stains? I am afraid that some of that fine dust is going to stuck in the glass and end up inhaling it. Salt and alcohol seems a safer way still :).
Click to expand...
Opinion’s R like assholes.

I used PWD and ran out.
My wife used hot water from the tap with dishwasher tablet & dish soap.
She used Clean water 2-rise. (Sensitive to flavor profile)
4 a BREWERY or larger automatic conveyor’s the PWD is a product for the professionals..
KISS (keep it simple #&$*=/&$) !
 
B

BlueHueCO

Active Member
I use Iso generally, but when the supply dries up, I may need to look into PBW. Simple question, any specific brands you guys recommend? Any you don't? Thanks!
 
BlueHueCO,
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MoltenTiger

MoltenTiger

Well-Known Member
Yeah, Five Star Chemicals make a good bunch of products, all specifically for brewing equipment.
PBW is perfectly suited for deep cleaning bongs. Especially intricate percs.

Just to clarify something I wasn't very clear on before, PBW is free rinsing and is safe to be rinsed down the drain with plain water. I usually do a few washes under a hot tap before a few rinses under cold.

I was referring to removing post-PBW cloudy staining by rinsing with vinegar. It's better to simply avoid the cloudy salt forming, don't leave it to soak for extended periods, rinse and wipe the outer glass surface thoroughly. If you do soak, don't leave air gaps.
I typically flush the solution after ~10mins and refill if more cleaning is required. Doing this 3 times with freshly boiled water is more effective than a 30 min soak IME.
 
B

BlueHueCO

Active Member
MoltenTiger said:
Yeah, Five Star Chemicals make a good bunch of products, all specifically for brewing equipment.
PBW is perfectly suited for deep cleaning bongs. Especially intricate percs.

Just to clarify something I wasn't very clear on before, PBW is free rinsing and is safe to be rinsed down the drain with plain water. I usually do a few washes under a hot tap before a few rinses under cold.

I was referring to removing post-PBW cloudy staining by rinsing with vinegar. It's better to simply avoid the cloudy salt forming, don't leave it to soak for extended periods, rinse and wipe the outer glass surface thoroughly. If you do soak, don't leave air gaps.
I typically flush the solution after ~10mins and refill if more cleaning is required. Doing this 3 times with freshly boiled water is more effective than a 30 min soak IME.
Click to expand...

This sounds useful to know, thanks!
 
ataxian

ataxian

PALE BLUE DOT
Atomic11 said:
Hey guys, I love this stuff, especially during covid19 when Iso is so hard to find. Does anybody here know if PBW is safe to use with PEEK insulated things? Do people use this stuff to clean attys?

Link to item im trying to clean. People normally soak it in ISO
https://imgur.com/a/yO6kDP7

https://www.reddit.com/r/DivineTribeVaporizers/wiki/v4wiki

(not cleaning the orings)

Thanks yall!
Click to expand...
4 industrial use it work’s pretty well as a safe cleaner.
I play with pH to clean my water piece’s!
 
ataxian,
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OF

OF

Well-Known Member
ataxian said:
4 industrial use it work’s pretty well as a safe cleaner.
I play with pH to clean my water piece’s!
Click to expand...

Cool. Whatever works for you?

It's worth remembering, however, PBW is loaded with buffers (that control pH) and chelation agents (that control things like dissolved solids, which is why it works so well even in very 'hard' water). These things not only make PBW easy to use, but hard to alter. You end up fighting it? You have to exhaust or otherwise stop those sorts of chemicals before you can modify things.

Regards to all.

OF
 
ataxian

ataxian

PALE BLUE DOT
OF said:
Cool. Whatever works for you?

It's worth remembering, however, PBW is loaded with buffers (that control pH) and chelation agents (that control things like dissolved solids, which is why it works so well even in very 'hard' water). These things not only make PBW easy to use, but hard to alter. You end up fighting it? You have to exhaust or otherwise stop those sorts of chemicals before you can modify things.

Regards to all.

OF
Click to expand...
@OF you are so smart!
MECHANICAL vs. CHEMICAL
$ vs. poverty
 
ataxian,
Melting Pot

Melting Pot

Sick & Twisted
Atomic11 said:
But do you guys think it would be safe to clean the divine tribe atomizer in it?
Click to expand...
I don't think I'd put the ceramic coil in but all metal should be safe. Be sure and rinse well.
I only use it on my bangers.
Have been wondering if it was gonna affect the gold label on my bangers.
 
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SatanLovestoVape

SatanLovestoVape

Well-Known Member
I just got some PBW the other day, and have not been getting good results. The first time I use some was on my mega globe by sneakypete. I rinse the globe with hot tap water and then pour two to three tablespoons. Next, I fill the globe up with regular hot tap water, and let it soak for an hour. Finally, I empty out the globe and the results were very minor. Perhaps, I am doing it wrong. After some reading this stuff sounds like magic, but not in my case.
 
SatanLovestoVape,
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OF

OF

Well-Known Member
SatanLovestoVape said:
I just got some PBW the other day, and have not been getting good results. The first time I use some was on my mega globe by sneakypete. I rinse the globe with hot tap water and then pour two to three tablespoons. Next, I fill the globe up with regular hot tap water, and let it soak for an hour. Finally, I empty out the globe and the results were very minor. Perhaps, I am doing it wrong. After some reading this stuff sounds like magic, but not in my case.
Click to expand...

From what you say it sounds like you're using way too much PBW. I've never used more than a scant teaspoon on any bong, even huge ones long neglected. This, alone, will inhibit it. It also sound like you only kept it hot for a minute or two (let it cool)? Try much less, and putting it in a pan you continuously run hot water into to keep the piece hot the entire time.

You really should go back and read all the important information earlier in this thread. Recommended use was very well covered. Get the information first hand, rather than from some random guy on the net's memory? Besides, we all agreed to do just that (research in the thread) to see if the topic was covered before asking, right?

OF
 
SatanLovestoVape

SatanLovestoVape

Well-Known Member
OF said:
You really should go back and read all the important information earlier in this thread. Recommended use was very well covered. Get the information first hand, rather than from some random guy on the net's memory? Besides, we all agreed to do just that (research in the thread) to see if the topic was covered before asking, right?
Click to expand...
I did do research. There is no step by step directions and it seems like all the information is scattered. I watched the PBW videos and read multiple post from @t-dub. I was just posting my first hand experience from a new user of PBW. Some people had success just using a couple of tablespoons and letting it dissolve with a simple soak/rinse. Perhaps be more helpful and reference some page numbers than sounding condescending.
 
MinnBobber

MinnBobber

Well-Known Member
Less is more with PBW, less powder and less dwell time to avoid white blotch stains.
I preheat glass with hot tap water. Heat some distilled water on stove to 160 or 170 F, vigorously stir in only 1/4 tsp .
Fill glass and only soak 10 minutes.

Rinse a couple times with distilled water, 1/2 cup shaken in bubbler.
Did your PBW totally dissolve? I doubt that and that risks white splotches.
Repeat if necessary.

Less is better
Hot hot totally dissolved powder
 
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