If you're new to dabbing, knowing how to clean a portable dab rig can seem difficult and complex. The best way for the dab rig cleaning solution has always been a question mark for many of us. The cleaning process seems daunting, yet we all know how quickly wax and other impurities build up inside the rig.
Electric dab rigs don't seem to be only simple smoking sets at first glance. To watch some people, torch their dabs can be a bit scary. We're here to tell more details for you.
In this blog, you'll learn how to clean mini dab rigs. Now, torch up and continue reading to become a dabbing rig expert!
What Is a Dab Rig?
Before diving into cleaning methods for dab setups, let's better precisely understand what dab rigs are.
Dab rigs are water pipes designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates. They are called vapor rigs, concentrate pipes, oil rigs, wax rigs, hash oil rigs, shatter rigs or just rigs. Devices like these pack a considerable punch! Wax concentrates are the cannabis in the most potent form.
Why Is It Important to Keep Your Dab Rig Clean?
Keeping your electric dab rigs clean is essential to maintain proper function and improve your dabbing experience for the following reasons:
Health: Residue from concentrates can accumulate in your portable dab rig, potentially harboring bacteria and mold. Inhaling these contaminants can be harmful to your lungs and overall health. A clean electric dab rig reduces the risk of inhaling anything but the vapor from your concentrates.
Flavor: A dirty dab rig can significantly affect the taste of your concentrates. Residue buildup can cause a burnt or stale taste, which can mask the natural flavors and terpenes of your concentrates. Cleaning your rig ensures you get the purest and most enjoyable flavor profile from your dabs.
Maintenance: Regular cleaning prolongs the life of your dab rig. Resin and other byproducts can be corrosive or can clog your rig, making it less efficient and potentially leading to breakage or the need for replacement parts. Keeping it clean helps maintain its condition and functionality.
Efficiency: A clogged or dirty dab rig won't perform as well as a clean one. Airflow can be restricted, and heat might not be distributed evenly, leading to less efficient vaporization of your concentrates. This means you may end up using more product for the same effect, which is not cost-effective.
Experience: A clean dab rig offers a more pleasant and satisfying experience. It's easier to use, looks better, and signifies responsible usage. Sharing a clean rig with friends is also more socially acceptable and reflects well on the user.
Safety: A dirty rig can be a safety hazard. For example, if a nail or banger is coated with residue, it may not heat evenly, increasing the risk of hot spots that could lead to accidents or injuries.
How to Clean a Dab Rig?
Whenever water is involved, the mould must be there together. Even if you pour out the water from your small dab rig and refill it each time you dab, there is still moisture inside the mini dab rig. As time passes, fungi and other bacteria will grow inside, and the last thing you want to do is use any of your dab rigs. Regular cleaning of your small dab rig and also changing out the water inside each time will help you avoid mould. Clean your dab rig is simple, and you’ll likely have experience doing it with other items. Check out the steps below.
Step 1: Prepare Your Supplies
You’ll need a handful of supplies to make the job easier when you’re cleaning your portable dab rig. We have a few recommendations on what to use for your dab rig, and here is a list of them:
A substantial amount of isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
Table salt, rock salt, or sea salt
A plastic bag
A funnel
A cleaning cloth, preferably something that’s microfiber or similar
A cotton swab(s), such as our Iso-Snaps, for hard-to-reach places
A second microfiber cloth for drying the rig (avoid using a paper towel)
With these cleaning materials at hand, it's time to dive into the task of tidying up.
Step 2: Disassemble Your Dab Rig
When you plan to clean your dab rig, prepare the cleaning solution first. Mix the solution until the salts have entirely dissolved in the alcohol and salt mixture. Then, please take your dab rig apart and fill it with the solution.
Step 3: Soak Your Accessories
Please put all of the accessories in the solution and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. That is more than enough time to get any resin dislodged from them. If there are any other unwanted substances, it will come off as well. If you cannot submerge your rig then you'll want to fill it instead and use caps to plug the mouthpiece and joint.
Step 4: Follow up with Soap & Water
Although the cleaning solution will eliminate at least 99% of the gooey substances, following up the procedure with mildly warm soapy water will ensure your rig is perfectly clean. Pour the soapy water into the rig and cap it to prevent the solution from spewing all over your kitchen. You can shake it for a couple of minutes before pouring the water into the sink.
Instead of using mildly warm water, you can use one at room temperature. That way, you can ensure that you do not risk cracking your glass because the water was too cold or hot.
Step 5: Clean the Intricate Parts
Other parts of the dab rig are hard to reach, and you may need to handle them differently. You can use a cleaning brush to get to those spots and brush the goo and resin off. And if the spots are not clean enough afterward, you can soak the cleaning swabs in isopropyl alcohol and use it to remove the substances. Either way, the results will be excellent.
You should also do the same with the accessories after removing them from the previous solution you soaked them in.
Step 6: Rinse the Dab Rig for Deep Clean
To make your dabbing tool spotless clean, you should rinse it in clean water at room temperature for at least 2 minutes. It will remove the dislodged resin and other substances from your rig if there are any left (the chances are minimal). And more importantly, it will remove any traces of the cleaner you used.
Step 7: Dry Your Dab Rig
It would be best to ensure the dab rig is completely dry before you use it again. Usually, the first time you use it after cleaning is a great experience. But you can only ruin that experience if the rig is dry. And worst still, the glass may break.
How to Clean a Dab Rig without Isopropyl Alcohol?
Cleaning a dab rig without isopropyl alcohol can be a bit tricky, but here is a method you can try using vinegar and baking soda:
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Remove all the removable parts: Just like any other cleaning process, start by disassembling your rig. Remove the nail and the downstem, and set them aside for separate cleaning.
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Empty and rinse your rig: Pour out the old water and give your rig a quick rinse with hot water. This will remove any loose debris.
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Add vinegar: Fill your rig with white vinegar, enough to submerge all the dirty areas. The vinegar will help break down the sticky resin left behind from the dabs.
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Add baking soda: Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to your rig. The baking soda will react with the vinegar, causing it to fizz and help in removing the resin.
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Shake and soak: Cover the openings of the rig and shake it a bit to mix the vinegar and baking soda. Then let it soak for about 20-30 minutes.
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Shake again: After soaking, give it another shake to loosen up any remaining debris.
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Rinse: Rinse your rig thoroughly with warm water. Make sure all the vinegar, baking soda, and loosened resin is completely washed out.
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Clean removable parts: Repeat the same process for the nail and downstem.
Remember, this method may not get your rig as clean as isopropyl alcohol would, and you may have to repeat the process for heavily soiled rigs. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid any leftover vinegar taste.
Disclaimer: Not all materials are safe to clean with vinegar and baking soda. Make sure your dab rig is made of a material that won't react negatively with the vinegar.
How to Clean a Silicone Dab Container？
Here are the steps to clean a silicone dab container:
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Empty the Container: Make sure to remove any leftover contents from the dab container.
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Warm Water: Fill a bowl with warm water.
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Add Dish Soap: Add a few drops of mild dish soap to the water.
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Soak: Place your silicone dab container in the warm soapy water. Let it soak for about 15-20 minutes.
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Scrub: After soaking, use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the container. Make sure to clean the inside as well as the outside.
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Rinse: Rinse the container thoroughly under warm running water to remove all soap residues.
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Dry: After rinsing, dry the container with a clean towel or let it air dry before using it again.
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For Stubborn Residue: If there are any stubborn residues that didn't come off during the initial cleaning, you can use a solution of isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) and coarse salt. Simply fill the container with this solution, shake it well, and then let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. After that, rinse and dry as usual.
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Regular Cleaning: It's a good idea to clean your silicone dab container regularly to maintain its quality and longevity.
How to Clean a Dab Rig Banger?
Here is a simple process for cleaning your dab rig banger:
Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you start cleaning, gather all the necessary supplies. You'll need isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher is recommended), coarse salt, cotton swabs, and a Ziploc bag. For stubborn residue, a dab tool or pipe cleaner can also be handy.
Step 2: Remove The Banger
Gently remove the banger from your dab rig. Ensure it's cool to prevent accidental burns and to avoid damaging the glass.
Step 3: Pre-Cleaning
Remove any loose debris from the banger using a cotton swab or dab tool. Be careful not to scratch the glass.
Step 4: Soak In Isopropyl Alcohol
Place the banger in a Ziploc bag, and pour enough isopropyl alcohol in to completely submerge it. Add a tablespoon of coarse salt, which acts as a gentle abrasive to help remove stubborn residue.
Step 5: Shake and Soak
Seal the bag and shake it gently, ensuring the salt and alcohol solution reaches all parts of the banger. Let it soak for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until you see the residue starting to come off.
Step 6: Rinse and Dry
Once you're satisfied all the buildup has been removed, take out the banger and rinse it thoroughly under hot water. Ensure all the alcohol and salt are completely washed off. Dry the banger completely before attaching it back to your rig.
Step 7: Regular Maintenance
To keep your dab rig banger in top condition, make it a habit to clean it after every use. A quick wipe down with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol can prevent residue from accumulating.
Happy Dabbing!
Now that you're an expert and have a better understanding of how to clean your portable dab rig and why it's essential to keep it clean, you can share your knowledge with others.
The easiest way to keep a dab rig and its accessories pristine is to clean them after every use. Of course, this can get repetitive and time-consuming, but regular maintenance keeps each component in working order. A clean dabbing rig leads to a better dabbing experience!
