Clean rigs are essential for a smooth and flavorful experience. Routine cleaning eliminates bacteria and prevents residue build-up, which can cause clogs.
To begin cleaning, you will need your dirty dab rig and nail, a torch, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, coarse salt, a plastic bag or container, and cotton swabs.
Boiling Water
A clean dab rig makes for a more enjoyable experience. Not only does it help prevent a sticky build-up, but it also helps to preserve the flavor of the terpenes and other chemicals in the concentrate. To clean a dab rig, empty it of any wax or oil residue with a dab tool or paper towel. Next, use a cotton swab or alcohol pad to wipe the nail area and joints of the rig lightly.
Once the dab rig is empty, you can use a water pipe cleaner to get into hard-to-reach places. You can also soak the rig in warm water and rubbing alcohol to help remove any leftover residue.
If your rig has a lot of residue, you can torch it until the resin or carbon is completely burnt off. You can also use a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol to get into hard-to-reach spots. Finally, you can rinse your rig with warm water and coarse salt. This will leave it squeaky clean and ready for your next dab session!
Alcohol
To clean your dab rig thoroughly, you will need the following materials: a dirty rig and nail, a torch, rubbing alcohol, coarse salt, a plastic bag or container, and cotton swabs. Any residue left behind after using waxes and other concentrates can be cleaned off effectively with rubbing alcohol. It would be best to use 99% isopropyl alcohol for the best results. If you need more help removing stubborn residue, salt is also an excellent natural abrasive that can break down the build-up and make it easier to wipe away.
If you don’t have access to isopropyl alcohol, nail polish remover can replace it. However, be careful not to overheat the nail polish remover, as this could cause it to explode. If you don’t have any nail polish remover on hand, you can also use acetone, which can be found at most drug stores. It will take longer for this solution to work, but it is still very effective. The only downside is that it will leave your rig with an unpleasant scent.
Dish Soap
Like a bong or any other water pipe device used to smoke cannabis, a dab rig filters concentrate vapor through water, up the neck of the rig, and through the mouthpiece. A rig can inhale waxes, oils, and other concentrates. You’ll need to clean your dab rig to keep it pristine regularly.
This will stop residue from accumulating and give your rig a sticky, lifeless, and unpleasant flavor. You must have a few critical tools to clean your rig correctly. You’ll also want a container or plastic bag to hold the dab rig and the cleaning solution.
You should also make sure to change your rig water frequently. Stagnant rig water can develop a film of bacteria, fungus, and yeast that is incredibly unpleasant to inhale. These substances cause serious health issues such as Strep throat and gastrointestinal distress.
Salt
Aside from regular cleaning, regularly changing the water in your rig can help prevent grime build-up. This can be done after every dab or when you need quick cleaning. This will also help your rig last longer.
Another way to clean your dab rig is to use salt and isopropyl alcohol. This solution will work like boiling water and alcohol but won’t leave the rig with an unpleasant smell.
To make the solution, put your dab rig and banger into a resealable plastic bag with isopropyl alcohol and add coarse salt to the mix. Then, shake the bag to help loosen the concentrate and oil from your rig. Once you’re finished shaking, let the rig and banger soak in the alcohol-salt solution for about 30 minutes overnight. Then rinse the rig and let it dry completely.
Warm Water
If rubbing alcohol is difficult to get or you’d like to avoid using it, there is another effective cleaning method. You can clean your dab rig with hot water, coarse salt, and pipe cleaners. This simple method works just as effectively as other dab rig cleaning solutions.
To use this method, start by disassembling your rig and gathering your cleaning supplies. You’ll need a sink or bucket, hot water, some isopropyl alcohol, and cotton swabs or pipe cleaners. Next, please put all your attachments into a large Ziplock bag with enough isopropyl alcohol. Close the bags and stop any openings with cotton balls or plastic bags. This will keep the alcohol from evaporating too quickly.
Once you’re done, remove the bags and let your rig air dry before using it again. Aim to clean your rig about every three to six months. You can spot-clean it between sessions if needed, but regular cleaning will ensure your rig continues performing at its best.