Reddit users recommend 91% isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt to clean dab rigs. This method is fast. It takes 5 minutes. The mix dissolves resin. Shake the rig. Rinse with warm water. For bangers, use qtips and isopropyl alcohol after each dab. Do not boil glass. Do not use rice.
Materials
- 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol. 70% works but takes longer.
- Coarse salt. Kosher salt or Epsom salt. Not fine table salt.
- Glass container with lid. Or a plastic bag.
- Qtips. Cotton swabs.
- Warm water.
- Paper towels.
Steps
- Pour isopropyl alcohol into the rig. Fill 1/4 of the rig.
- Add 2 tablespoons of coarse salt.
- Cover openings with your hands or plugs.
- Shake for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes if resin is thick.
- Shake again.
- Pour out the mixture.
- Rinse with warm water. Repeat if needed.
Banger Cleaning
Reddit users on r/Dabs say to clean the banger after each dab. Heat the banger to 300°F to 400°F. Use a qtip dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Swab the inside. Do not dunk a hot banger in alcohol. Wait for it to cool to 200°F or less. Then swab. For heavy buildup, soak the banger in isopropyl alcohol for 1 hour. Use a glass container. Do not use a torch to burn off resin. That clouds the quartz.
Reclaim
Reclaim is resin that collects in the rig. Reddit users save reclaim for edibles. To collect reclaim, pour isopropyl alcohol into the rig. Let it sit for 1 hour. Shake. Pour the alcohol into a glass dish. Let the alcohol evaporate. The remaining reclaim is sticky. Scrape it with a razor. Store in a silicone container.
Safety
Isopropyl alcohol is flammable. Do not use near an open flame. Work in a ventilated area. Do not inhale the fumes. Do not boil isopropyl alcohol. Do not put glass in a microwave. Do not use boiling water. Thermal shock cracks glass. Warm water is safe. Hot water from a tap is 120°F to 140°F. That is safe for most glass.
Frequency
Change the water in the rig every day. Clean the rig with isopropyl alcohol and salt every 1 to 2 weeks. Clean the banger after each dab. Clean the nail or bowl every 2 to 3 days. Reddit users on r/trees say a clean rig tastes better. A dirty rig has a harsh taste. Resin buildup also reduces airflow.
Common Mistakes
- Using 70% isopropyl alcohol. It has more water. It works slower.
- Using rice. Rice scratches glass. Rice also clumps.
- Boiling the rig. Boiling can crack glass. Boiling can also release fumes.
- Using acetone. Acetone can damage decals. Acetone is harsh.
- Not rinsing. Leftover salt or alcohol changes the taste.