One of the most enjoyable ways to smoke concentrates is with a dab rig. When looking at all the components that make a dab rig setup, some people may find themselves overwhelmed with how to clean a dab rig. However, there is no need to worry. The crew here at Lime has your back! With a short read and a few simple steps, you will clean your glass and enjoy your concentrates’ terpenes like a true pro. But, before we dive into our simple process for a sparkling clean dab rig, let’s cover why it’s crucial to dab from clean glass.
Why Clean Your Rig?
One of the most beautiful things about cannabis concentrates is the flavors consumers can experience through the variety of delicious terpenes in cannabis flowers. A clean dab rig and accessories will ensure that consumers get the most out of their dabs. Fresh glass and water are keys to any dabber’s enjoyment.
Another important reason to clean and change the water in your dab rig regularly is to avoid any possibility of mold buildup, especially if your rig has sat for a while without use. If left unkempt, the stagnant water can start growing things you don’t want to inhale. The best practice is just to establish a habit of cleaning your rig at least once a week, rinsing with hot water, and changing the water daily.
How to Clean a Dab Rig
Here you’ll find the important stuff, our recommended process for ensuring a foolproof method to keep your dab rig shining bright and ready to facilitate unique terpene combinations found in cannabis strains like the day you bought it. Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll be teaching others how to clean a dab rig.
Gather Supplies
You’ll need to get a few things together to make cleaning your dab rig a breeze. First, find the highest possible percentage of rubbing alcohol you can buy. Ideally, you’ll want to grab some 99% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Next, find a smaller Tupperware or two. This is where you’ll soak your accessories. Finally, make sure you have some paper towels or a microfiber cloth handy to dry and shine your glass, quartz banger, and accessories.
Take the Rig Apart
Remove your room temperature banger from the dab rig and place it in the Tupperware you set aside earlier. Next, empty the water from your dab rig, getting as much out as possible.
Fill the Rig with Cleaning Solution
Now that you separated your banger, carb cap, and terp pearls and placed them in the Tupperware, fill your rig and cover your accessories with the isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Make sure to put as much rubbing alcohol in your dab rig as possible and completely cover all of your accessories in the Tupperware to ensure maximum cleaning potential.
Soak
Soak your rig and accessories in the isopropyl alcohol for at least 30 minutes. This method doesn’t require any shaking. The rubbing alcohol, especially in the 90% range, is super effective at stripping reclaim from the inside of your dab rig and accessories.
Rinse and Dry
After you give your dab rig and accessories a good soaking, it’s time to give them a thorough rinse and dry. First, rinse your items with warm water for several minutes to ensure that any residual rubbing alcohol is rinsed off before drying. Finally, use a paper towel or microfiber cloth to dry your dab rig, banger, and carb cap. Microfiber cloths, like the type used for phones and glasses, are great for drying and shining your glass.
How to Clean a Dab Rig Banger
Cleaning a quartz banger for a dab rig should be done after each dab and along with the rig when it’s soaked for a weekly cleaning. Using a cotton swab to remove any residual dab left after your hit will keep the quartz from getting darkened when heated up for the next hit. Make sure to swab the entire inside of your banger, removing any leftover concentrate. When it comes time to clean your dab rig, as stated above, make sure to soak your banger in a Tupperware filled with rubbing alcohol along with the rest of your dab accessories.
Can You Clean a Rig Without Alcohol?
Absolutely! The steps above are just what we like to recommend to our customers. It is by no means the end-all-be-all of dab rig cleaning methods. There are a wide variety of options available at smoke shops everywhere for dabbers to clean their glass and dab accessories. Some are even scented, if that’s your thing!