Keeping your equipment clean and in good condition is something every dabber should concern themselves with. Not only will it improve your experience when compared to dabbing through dirty rigs, but clean, germ-free sessions will also help to keep you and the ones you dab with healthy. Communal toking has its risks, so here’s how to keep your rig clean, and sterile for the benefit of everybody.
General Cleanliness
The first place to start with keeping your rig clean and sterile: the use of a cleaning ritual. Try to clean your rig and dab equipment as often as possible so the grime doesn’t build up. After all, we regularly clean our kitchens and bathrooms because we know they’ll become disease pits if we don’t, and the same applies to your rig. Regular cleaning will make it difficult for bacteria to colonize in the first place, and so half the battle is already won.
How to Clean Your Glass
While general cleaning of your dab gear can be straightforward, cleaning your rigs borosilicate glass needs some special attention. Cannabis resins will build up on your rig over time, and in order to remove them you’re going to need the right tool for the job: Isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl dissolves resins and you can easily use it to wipe down the outside of your rig. Plus, you can use alcohol wipes or cotton swabs with isopropyl to get to those tighter areas.
Cleaning the inside of your rig, however, can be tricky, and the best method is to use coarse grain salt. Basically, place some coarse salt inside your rig along with a good glug of isopropyl, and give it a swish around. The abrasion from the salt grains helps to remove resins stuck on the inside of the glass, and once rinsed out with clean water, will leave the inside of your rig as clean as the outside. We’d recommend this Resolution Cleaning Kit which has everything you need to keep your glass in top condition.
How to Sterilize Your Rig
If we’re just talking about a personal rig that only you personally hit, then sterilizing isn’t a big deal. But when friends come over for a sesh or a party, then it is prudent to keep your rig germ free, especially in this day and age.
While any old anti-bacterial wipe or spray will do the job, most can leave an unpleasant aroma and taste behind, so we’d recommend using a non-toxic, odorless, and tasteless sanitizer like Star San. Home brewers will know it well as it’s used to sterilize brewing equipment and bottles, and is widely available in all brew shops.
Use Replaceable Mouthpieces
If your visiting friends, at a dab party, or public event, then it can be wise to make use of replaceable silicone mouthpieces. Events like Cannabis Cup or MJ Biz Con typically involve a lot of people sharing rigs and bowls, so from now on it’s wise to take a personal mouthpiece along with you. That way, you can hit any rig you like, safe in the knowledge that you’re not spreading or contracting any illnesses.
Keeping your rig clean and sterile isn’t just about having a pristine bong to show off, it’s also important for your health, and that of the people you share your dabs with. So, develop your cleaning ritual and keep your dab sessions clean and healthy, always.
