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Get rid of wax, reclaim, and residue with these simple cleaning tips
After frequent use, your dab rig starts to accumulate residue and reclaim that can affect both the taste of your dabs and your overall health. Thankfully, cleaning your dab rig is straightforward. Just fill the rig with 91% isopropyl alcohol, add some coarse salt, and shake it up. In this article, we'll explore additional cleaning methods, discuss how often it should be cleaned, and highlight why this is so important. Keep reading to find out more!
The Most Effective Way to Clean a Dab Rig
- Empty out the dirty water and rinse the rig with clean, warm water.
- Cover the bottom of the rig with coarse salt.
- Fill the rig with 91% isopropyl alcohol.
- Seal the holes and shake the rig vigorously.
- Rinse the dab rig thoroughly with warm water.
Cleaning Steps
How to Clean a Dab Rig with Isopropyl Alcohol
Rinse the dab rig with warm water. Empty any remaining water in your rig. Then, give the rig, nail (or banger), and mouthpiece a thorough rinse with warm water to remove any loose debris and help dislodge stubborn residue.
Add coarse salt and 91% isopropyl alcohol to the dab rig. Use coarse salt (such as rock salt, sea salt, Himalayan salt, or Epsom salt) and pour enough into the rig to cover the bottom. Then, fill the rig with 91% isopropyl alcohol until the base is nearly full.
- The alcohol dissolves reclaim and other residues, while the salt acts as an abrasive to scrub away debris.
- Ensure you use isopropyl alcohol with at least a 91% concentration. Lower percentages are diluted with water, which makes them less effective at dissolving residue and sanitizing the rig.
- Tip: Heat the isopropyl alcohol to speed up residue dissolution. Heat it carefully in the microwave in 15-second intervals until it’s warm, but not boiling.
- If you plan to collect and reuse the reclaim, avoid using isopropyl alcohol, as it’s unsafe for consumption. Instead, use food-grade grain alcohol (such as Everclear), which we detail in the sections below.
Seal the holes and shake the dab rig. Cover the rig’s openings with your hands or paper towels. Then, shake the rig in all directions for about 5 minutes. This will help spread the alcohol and salt, scrubbing off any stubborn debris.
- If there’s still noticeable residue after 5 minutes, continue shaking the rig for a bit longer.
Empty the solution and clean the nail with isopropyl alcohol. Pour the alcohol and salt mixture down the sink. If the nail still has residue, soak a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and clean it thoroughly. Be sure to swab both the inside and outside of the nail to remove all the debris.
- Check for any residue around the stem and mouthpiece as well. Use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol to clean off any remaining particles.
Rinse the dab rig with water and let it dry. Give the rig, nail, and mouthpiece a thorough rinse with warm water to remove all alcohol and salt. Then, place the rig on a clean towel and allow it to air dry completely before using it again. This ensures any remaining isopropyl alcohol evaporates.
- Drying can take a few hours. To speed up the process, place the rig near a fan or use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting.
- If you still notice residue, repeat the cleaning process with fresh alcohol and salt until it’s fully clean.
How to Clean a Dab Rig with Hot Water
Heat 2 cups (473 ml) of water and use steam to loosen residue. Bring 2 cups (473 ml) of water to a simmer (not boiling) on the stove or in the microwave. Then, wear oven mitts and hold the dab rig above the steam. The steam will help loosen reclaim and any stuck residue.
- Be sure to empty any old water from the dab rig before cleaning it.
- Note: This method is great if you plan to collect and reuse reclaim, which we cover in the sections below.
Pour the hot water into the rig and add coarse salt. Let the water cool slightly until it’s still hot but not boiling, then pour it into the rig and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Once the water cools, add 1 to 2 spoonfuls of coarse salt (rock, sea, or Epsom).
- If the salt dissolves immediately, let the water cool down further.
- Warning: Avoid pouring extremely hot or cold water into a glass rig as temperature extremes can cause the glass to crack.
Seal the rig’s holes, shake the water around, and pour it out. Wear oven mitts to cover the rig’s openings or use paper towels. Shake the rig to mix the water and salt, loosening any debris. Shake it for about 5 minutes, then pour the water out into the sink.
Heat the nail with a torch to melt away reclaim or residue. To clear out reclaim and residue, use the same torch you use for your dabs to heat the nail. Once heated, either rinse out the melted residue with warm water or wipe it away with a cotton swab.
- Be sure to heat any stubborn residue around the stem and mouthpiece as well.
- If the residue persists, use a cotton swab soaked in 91% isopropyl alcohol to wipe it off.
Rinse the dab rig with water and let it dry. Rinse the rig thoroughly under warm water to remove any remaining salt and debris. Then, place the rig on a clean towel and allow it to air dry completely. This can take a few hours, so don’t use the rig until it’s fully dry.
- Allowing the rig to dry completely is crucial, as excess water can affect your next dabbing session.
- To speed up the drying process, you can place the rig near a fan or use a hair dryer on its lowest heat setting.
- If the rig is still dirty, repeat the cleaning process with more hot water and salt until all the residue is gone.
How to Clean a Dab Rig with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour baking soda and white vinegar into the dab rig. Place your dab rig in the sink, then add 1 tablespoon (20 g) of baking soda and 2 cups (473 ml) of white vinegar. The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar will cause bubbling, so keep the rig in the sink until the fizzing stops.
- The vinegar's acetic acid helps break down grime and eliminates mold and bacteria.
- Baking soda acts as a natural abrasive, helping to dissolve dirt and residue.
- Be sure to pour out any old water inside the rig and rinse it with warm water before starting the cleaning process.
Seal the holes, shake the dab rig, and pour out the solution. Cover the openings of the dab rig with your hands or paper towels. Shake the rig to mix the baking soda and vinegar solution. Continue shaking for about 5 minutes, then pour the solution out.
- Shaking the rig helps distribute the solution evenly and loosen any stuck debris.
Use vinegar and a cotton swab to clean the nail. Take a cotton swab and dip it in white vinegar. Then, use the swab to remove any remaining reclaim and residue from the nail and stem.
- Don't forget to clean the stem and mouthpiece with the vinegar-soaked swab, too.
- If preferred, you can also use 91% isopropyl alcohol to clean the nail.
Rinse the dab rig with water and let it dry. Rinse the dab rig and nail thoroughly with warm water several times to eliminate all baking soda, vinegar, and debris. Afterward, place the rig on a clean towel and let it air dry, allowing the vinegar and water to evaporate completely before using it again.
- To speed up drying, place the rig in front of a fan or use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting.
- If there is still residue, clean the rig again using more baking soda and vinegar.
Other Cleaning Methods
Hot water and dish soap Dish soap, known for its grease-cutting abilities, works wonders to remove stubborn grime inside your rig when combined with hot water. Pour hot (not boiling) water into the rig, add a squeeze of dish soap, then plug the opening and shake the rig. Afterward, pour out the soapy water and rinse the rig thoroughly.
- Let the rig air dry on a clean towel before using it again.
- For the nail, you can either clean it with a cotton swab and dish soap mixed with warm water or wipe it down with 91% isopropyl alcohol.
Commercial dab rig cleaner There are specialized cleaners available for glass dab rigs, pipes, and bongs. Simply follow the instructions on the dab rig cleaner to make your rig shine like new.
Eliminating Stubborn Residue
Remove the nail and immerse it in 91% isopropyl alcohol. Detach the nail from the dab rig and place it in a plastic bag or storage container. Pour enough 91% isopropyl alcohol over the nail to fully submerge it.
- The alcohol works to break down and dissolve dab residue, reclaim, and any other stubborn particles.
Immerse the dab rig in 91% isopropyl alcohol. Place the dab rig inside a plastic bag or container and pour in enough 91% isopropyl alcohol to cover the rig completely. Ensure that the alcohol fills the rig’s interior.
- For a more effective clean, add coarse salt to the bag and shake it to help scrub away residue.
Let the nail and rig soak overnight. Allow the nail and rig to soak in the isopropyl alcohol for a minimum of 8 hours, or overnight. This gives the alcohol time to loosen the stubborn reclaim and other debris stuck on the surfaces.
Rinse the nail and rig and let them air dry. Remove the nail and rig from the isopropyl alcohol and rinse them under warm water to wash away the loosened debris and alcohol. Place both on a clean towel to air dry completely before using the rig again.
- If residue remains after soaking, scrub it off using a bottle brush, straw cleaning brush, or cotton swabs soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
Reclaim Collection and Usage
Use grain alcohol or warm water to loosen the reclaim. Pour a high-proof, food-grade grain alcohol like Everclear, or warm water (not boiling) into the base of your dab rig. Swirl it around, then allow the rig to sit for a few minutes to loosen the reclaim.
- Avoid using boiling water, as it could damage glass rigs due to extreme temperatures.
- Reclaim is the sticky residue left in the rig after using cannabis concentrates. It’s a great way to reuse material and reduce waste.
- Note: Reclaim has a lower THC and CBD concentration than the original concentrate, so the effects may not be as potent as dabbing fresh concentrate.
Strain the alcohol or water to collect the reclaim. Place a fine mesh strainer or parchment paper over your sink. Slowly pour the alcohol or water from the rig through the strainer or onto the parchment paper to catch the reclaimed material.
- If reclaim remains stuck to the rig, flip it upside down on parchment paper, then use a torch to heat the sticky spots until they melt and drip onto the paper.
Let the reclaim dry before use. Place the reclaimed material onto a piece of parchment paper and leave it in a well-ventilated area for a few hours or up to a day to allow the alcohol or water to evaporate. Once dry, dab it or use it in edibles, like marijuana butter.
- Allowing the reclaim to dry ensures it doesn’t have a lingering alcohol taste or wet texture.
- To speed up the process, place it near a fan or use a hair dryer on low heat.
- Note: Reclaim tends to be less flavorful than fresh concentrate and may be harsher to some users.
Cleaning Frequency for Your Dab Rig
Clean your dab rig after each session, or at least once a week. For an optimal dabbing experience, it's best to clean your rig after every session. However, if that's not always possible, make sure to empty out any old water and clean the nail after each use. Some users prefer giving their rig a deeper clean every few days or once a week.
- Cleaning your rig after every use prevents reclaim and residue from accumulating, making your cleanup easier in the long run!
Why is it essential to clean your dab rig?
Cleaning your dab rig removes harmful residue that could be dangerous to inhale. Leftover water, reclaim, and other residues inside your rig can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. Using a dirty rig puts you at risk of inhaling germs that could make you sick. Additionally, smoking old wax and residue can release harmful carcinogens into your lungs.
Proper cleaning enhances your dabbing experience. By removing old residue and water, your dabs will taste fresher and more flavorful. Regular cleaning not only keeps your rig looking pristine, but also prolongs its lifespan, saving you money on replacing parts down the line.
- Avoid using boiling water for cleaning your dab rig, as extreme temperatures may cause glass to crack. Instead, heat water to a simmer or just below boiling. Tap water from your faucet is usually not hot enough to clean the rig properly.
- If you want a more efficient way to collect and reuse reclaim, consider adding a reclaim trap attachment to your rig. This will collect the reclaim as you use your dab rig.
