How to Clean a Dab Rig
We get it. When you’re riding the wave of bliss following a dab of your favorite Dabstract product, the last thing that you want to think about is cleaning your dab rig…
particularly since concentrates are notoriously difficult to remove from surfaces (be it your fingers or the glass of your rig.)
But cleaning your rig is an important step to a future of beautiful dabs, and it doesn’t have to be impossible. The more frequently a dab rig is cleaned, the easier it is to clean. However, even a rig that has the residue from a few dozen hazy highs can be cleaned so don’t not clean your rig just because you think it’s past the point of hope. The key is 1) having the right materials, 2) consistency, and 3) patience. We’ll walk you through each of these and give you the exact steps to a sparkling clean dab rig, but first some background on why it’s worth the effort.
Although dab rigs don’t have as much resin buildup as bongs, they do see a buildup of carbon and something called reclaim, which is basically a sticky residue from the concentrate products. This reclaim is not something you want to become a permanent part of your rig because it effects the flavor of your dabs and causes clogging issues. To get the maximum enjoyment out of your products, clean your rig regularly so that the experience is not hampered by reclaim buildup or the energetic downer of dirty tools.
Depending on your type of rig, cleaning it should be a relatively simple process. For best results, you’ll want to have the following:
Rubbing alcohol (ideally 99% - the higher alcohol percentage the better)
Coarse salt
A plastic container or ziplock bag
Cotton swabs
To begin, heat the nail with your torch until any reclaim or other residue burns off. This should do the trick for nails that are routinely cleaned, but if it’s been awhile since your last cleaning you might need to also take an alcohol-saturated cotton swab to the surface of the nail. If that doesn’t work, remove the nail and immerse it in alcohol in the plastic container/bag. Add some salt and allow it to soak, agitating it from time to time. You can add in your dabber and any other small tools.
Next, empty the water from the rig and replace with alcohol. If it’s been awhile since the last cleaning, cover the base with a layer of sea salt first. Let it soak for 30-45 minutes, shaking it occasionally (with the holes covered, of course!)
When it looks like all of the reclaim has come loose or dissolved, rinse your rig and nail thoroughly with warm water, and allow them to dry. If you notice any remaining residue, repeat the salt and alcohol soak. The reclaim can be collected and reused, but we only suggest this if your rig has an attachment that collects the reclaim, not if alcohol is being used to remove it.
Tips for consistently great dabs:
Clean your rig regularly – lightly clean the surface of your nail with alcohol and a cotton swab after each use, with less frequent deep cleans
Keep your rig’s water fresh