Cannabis oil serves as a natural remedy with a significant impact on mitigating pain and anxiety. An emerging method of administering this medicine is “dabbing,” essentially the vaporization of cannabis oil. As dabbing gains popularity within the medical cannabis community, the usage of dab rigs also increases. These are water pipes designed to vaporize cannabis concentrates.
The dab rig sifts the dense vapor via the water in its base. Generally, dab rigs are smaller than bongs, reducing drag and enabling the vapor to reach the lungs faster, thus maintaining its efficacy. Cleaning a dab rig may seem complex, particularly for those unfamiliar with dabbing. If you’re dabbing for the first time, the cleaning aspect might be a cause for concern. However, there’s no need to fret; here’s a comprehensive guide on properly cleaning your dab rig.
Cleaning a Traditional Glass Dab Rig
Follow this detailed procedure to effectively clean your dab rig using an alcohol-based solution.
Supplies:
Prior to initiating the cleaning process for your apparatus, ensure you have the following supplies at hand:
Isopropyl alcohol (Preferably 91%, as anything less potent may not effectively dissolve the salt)
Chunky rock salt or rough sea salt
Sealable plastic bags, such as Ziplock bags
Cotton swabs
A blowtorch or a torch lighter
Instructions on How to Clean Your Glass Dab Rig
1. Create Your Alcohol-Salt Solution
Fill your dab rig halfway with an adequate amount of isopropyl alcohol. Usually, 16oz or less should do the trick. Then, integrate approximately 12 to 14 cups of salt into the solution and stir until the salt is fully dissolved. Keep a small portion of the salt to add granules that will aid in the purification of the solution. For additional tips, you can refer to this helpful online resource.
2. Apply Heat to Your Nail’s Tip
Disassemble your dab rig and clean each part separately. A straightforward way to clean a nail is to heat it using a torch until all remaining carbon has been completely eradicated. If the buildup is minimal, simply torching the nail should suffice. Additionally, you can clean the surface of your nail using a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
3. Secure Your Caps or Bags
Having prepared your cleaning solution, it’s time to fasten your dab rig. This is where resealable caps and plastic bags come in handy. If you have resolution caps, just put one in each of your rig’s openings. If not, you can easily secure the opening with a rubber band and wrap a plastic bag tightly around it.
4. Shake the Cleaning Solution
Once everything is tightly sealed, shake the solution inside the rig. This action helps to kick-start the process and dislodge any significant accumulations of cannabis on your rig. This step is extremely beneficial and will hasten the soaking phase.
5. Allow Soaking Before Rinsing
Let your rig steep in the cleaning solution for at least 30 to 60 minutes, ideally overnight. Rinse your rig thoroughly with room-temperature water. Beware that water that is too cold or too hot could cause your glass to crack. Make sure to allocate enough time for a comprehensive rinse to get rid of all alcohol and resin. Occasionally, a second soak may be needed for a complete clean. If you can’t rinse your rig sufficiently with water, use pipe cleaners, paper towels, or Q-tips to remove any leftover debris.
6. Dry Your Dab Rig
While the interior dries, pay attention to the exterior using your microfiber cloth. Cleanliness being paramount, the exterior should be as immaculate as the interior. This ensures your first session post-cleaning is successful. After reaching a satisfactory level of cleanliness, dry off any residual water. Allow for your glass and rig to fully dry before using them again.
Cleaning an Electric Dab Rig
For those who possess an electric dab rig under $100, it’s important to understand that the cleaning process for your specific device differs from others. Thankfully, if you own an e-rig, you can still effectively clean each component to ensure a smooth, undisturbed dabbing experience.
Materials:
– Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol
– Cotton swabs
– Resealable plastic bags or plastic containers
Guidelines for Cleaning Your E-Rig:
Before initiating the cleaning process, refer to the cleaning recommendations provided by your particular brand. Different brands may suggest various methods for their materials.
– Detach the atomizer bowl and carb cap from your rig.
– If these components aren’t excessively dirty, you can dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and cleanse the pieces in this way. If they are heavily coated with wax residue, you can put them in a plastic container and immerse them in rubbing alcohol.
– For Mingvape Luxo owners, you can separate the glass top from the rig and likewise soak it in rubbing alcohol.
– Use another alcohol-drenched cotton swab to wipe down the rest of your rig, focusing on the parts and pieces that you can clean. Be mindful not to wet any of the electronic components.
– Once your atomizer and carb cap are clean (including your glass top for Mingvape Luxo users), remove them from the rubbing alcohol. Rinse the pieces under warm water to eliminate any residual alcohol.
– Carefully and thoroughly dry each piece.
How to Clean a Dab Rig Without Alcohol
For those who would rather avoid using alcohol as a cleaning agent, here are some alternative solutions:
- Bicarbonate Soda and Vinegar
Utilizing bicarbonate soda and vinegar is an exceptionally effective cleaning strategy. However, be prepared for a slightly disagreeable smell during the process due to the vinegar. The soaking duration is similar to that of salt and vinegar. The combination of white vinegar and bicarbonate soda will cleanse your cherished dab rig and eradicate persistent odors once it has dried. Given vinegar’s high acetic acid content, rest assured that any unwanted smells will be eradicated.
- Water and Lemon Juice
With its high acidity, is renowned as a potent cleaning agent. Yet, it happens to be the least powerful cleaning method on this list. While it emits a delightful aroma, anticipate soaking your rig overnight, potentially requiring two more soakings. If time is not of the essence and you have easy access to lemons, this method could be the one for you.
- Salt and Vinegar
This method is akin to using salt and alcohol, albeit with a less appealing smell. Additionally, dislodging the accumulated residue might take a bit longer. Nonetheless, with a minimum soaking duration of two hours, it’s not overly time-consuming.
Conclusion
In order to maintain a consistent delivery of superior quality doses over a prolonged duration, it’s crucial to master the art of correctly cleaning your dab rig. Luckily, the process is fairly simple and only necessitates a handful of basic tools and cleaning agents. Utilize this manual to aid you in meticulously cleaning your dab rig, thus ensuring a pristine rig encounter each time.
