MJ Arsenal Column Mini Dab Rig on a wood countertop near a white sink

How to Clean a Dab Rig

There’s nothing like a fresh hit from a dab that sends you to new heights. However, dirty rigs can spoil a good session fast. No one likes old stains or stale flavors cutting into their dab session. For fresh, flavorful hits, it’s important to clean your dab rig regularly.

In this step-by-step guide from MJ Arsenal, we’ll walk you through exactly how to clean a dab rig, what banger cleaning products to use, and how to maintain the longevity of your dab rig.

Give your dirty rig the shine it deserves. Read on to learn how to clean a dab rig.

Why a Clean Dab Rig Matters

For those new to dab rig etiquette or who need a refresher, there’s more to dab rig cleaning than just aesthetics. Dirty setups may affect your rig's performance, harm your health, and contaminate the flavor of your hit. 

Grimy rigs tend to create harsh vapors that hit harder on your throat. Residue in your rig can also restrict airflow, while dirty water doesn’t cool and filter vapor well. A clean setup functions better and allows for smoother hits. 

Moist residue left in your dirty rig for too long can start to mold or lead to bacterial growth. This poses a health risk you don’t want to ignore.

Leftover residue in your rig can overpower the natural flavor profile of your concentrates the next time you dab. Buildup gets reheated each time you dab and can cause a harsh, burnt flavor.

A clean setup leads to a better functioning rig, a healthier experience, and a more flavorful hit.

The glass MJ Arsenal Gemini Dab Rig, all parts labeled

Understanding the Different Parts of a Dab Rig

Dab rigs have a few key components, and understanding each part will make the cleaning process easier.

Here’s a quick rundown:

The Rig: This is the main body of your setup. It houses the water chamber that cools and filters your vapor.

The Banger: A bucket-shaped attachment where you apply heat and load your concentrates. This part gets the dirtiest. 

The Downstem: The tube that connects the banger to the water chamber. Residue often collects here and restricts airflow

The Carb Cap: This piece sits on top of the banger. It traps heat and directs airflow.

Terp Pearls: Small balls that sit inside the banger and spin as you draw in vapor from your dab. Terp pearls are an optional accessory that helps distribute heat evenly across your concentrates for a more consistent hit. 

If you want to learn more about a dab rig and all the parts that make it work, read our Complete Guide to Dab Rigs.

Step-by-Step Dab Rig Cleaning

Cleaning a dab rig with iso is simple. Here are the steps:

  1. Empty the water chamber of old and dirty water.
  2. Disassemble your rig and rinse with warm water.
  3. Add isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt to the chamber. Plug any holes with your fingers or cleaning plugs and shake vigorously.
  4. Soak your rig in a plastic bag filled with isopropyl alcohol for 30-60 minutes.
  5. Rinse everything with warm water.
  6. Let your rig air dry completely.

How Often to Clean a Dab Rig

Regularly cleaning your dab rig keeps your flavor fresh, your rig functioning properly, and your setup free of any unwanted bacterial growth. 

Give your rig a quick wipe-down after each dab with a clean cotton swab or terp wipes. If you use it daily, we recommend deep-cleaning your setup at least once a week.

How to Clean a Dab Rig Without Alcohol

If you don’t have iso on hand or prefer not to use it, here’s a step-by-step way to clean a dab rig with coarse salt and hot water instead:

  1. Rinse out your rig with hot water (but not boiling) to remove any loose residue. 
  2. Add coarse salt and more hot water. 
  3. Cover all openings with your fingers or cleaning plugs. 
  4. Shake vigorously. The hot water softens any buildup, and the coarse salt scrubs away hardened residue. 
  5. Let your rig sit and soak for a few minutes. 
  6. Empty and repeat if necessary.

How to Collect Reclaim (And What to Do With It) 

Reclaim is concentrate residue that gradually builds up in your rig. Unlike resin in a dry pipe or bong, reclaim is considered reusable. It still contains active compounds that weren’t fully vaporized during your dab. 

However, because the terpenes (the compounds responsible for flavor) are mostly burned off after a dab, reclaim tastes harsh and is less flavorful than fresh concentrates.

If you choose to discard reclaim or collect it for reuse, it’s important not to let it continue to build up in your dab rig. Here’s how to collect reclaim:

  1. Gently heat your dab rig.
  2. Let the reclaim loosen.
  3. If discarding, pour the reclaim onto parchment paper and discard in the trash.
  4. If reusing, pour the reclaim into a silicon container for later use.

MJ Arsenal Apex Mini Rig on a wooden table in a clean, cozy home

Keep Your Rig Clean with MJ Arsenal

Regularly cleaning your setup is an important part of dab rig maintenance and care for better performance, flavor, and longevity.

At MJ Arsenal, we offer several dab rig cleaning products to help keep your setup sanitary and your vapor fresh. Whether you’re looking for Formula 710 Cleaner, iso stations, or quartz bangers, MJ Arsenal offers dab rigs and accessories that give you a clean hit. 

Shop our products.

FAQs | How to Clean a Dab Rig

How often should I clean a dab rig?

Regularly cleaning your rig keeps your hits fresh and your setup shining. We recommend giving your rig a quick clean after each use by emptying it and rinsing it with hot water. 

For more stubborn stains, use a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol or one of our Terp Wipes. This helps to prevent residue buildup.

If you’re a daily user, give your dab rig a deep clean once a week. A habit of regularly cleaning your setup helps your rig perform at its best and keeps the flavor of your hits pure.

Do you need alcohol to clean a dab rig?

Isopropyl alcohol is the gold standard when cleaning a dab rig. It dissolves residue fast and evaporates cleanly, leaving nothing behind.

However, if you don’t have isopropyl on hand, there are other ways to clean your setup. You can invest in a dab rig cleaning kit or use a classic household solution of coarse salt and hot water. 

Simply rinse your rig with water. Then add coarse salt and warm water to the chamber and shake vigorously to remove residue. Rinse and repeat as necessary.

How do I clean a banger?

The banger is often the dirtiest part of a dab rig. And keeping it clean is very important for a smooth, flavorful hit. Here’s how to clean a banger:

After every dab:

  1. Let the banger cool slightly.
  2. Use a dry cotton swab to wipe out remaining concentrate
  3. If residue is still visible, use an iso-soaked swab to clean stubborn spots.

For a deep clean:

  1. Let the banger cool completely.
  2. Soak in isopropyl alcohol for 30-60 minutes.
  3. Use a cotton swab or pipe cleaner to scrub residue from the bucket.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
  5. Let it air dry completely before your next session.

Knowing how to clean a quartz banger after each dab and regular deep cleanings helps keep your rig functioning properly and your hits smoother.

What do I do with reclaim?

Reclaim is the concentrate residue left after you dab. It can coat the inside of your rig over time, particularly in the neck, water chamber, and downstem. 

Dab reclaim is still active and can be reused. However, it can have a harsh taste and is less flavorful than fresh concentrates.

Whether you choose to reuse it or not, don’t let it build up on your rig indefinitely. Gently heat your rig (a hairdryer works well here) and let it drip onto parchment paper. Don’t pour it down the drain. It can solidify and clog pipes.

Is it safe to clean my dab rig in the Dishwasher?

You shouldn't clean your dab rig in the dishwasher. The harsh detergents can damage your rig and the heat can risk cracking it. Instead, clean it by hand using isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt for a safe, effective clean that won't harm your piece.

How can I eliminate the strong smell of isopropyl alcohol after cleaning?

Rinse your dab rig thoroughly with warm water. If the smell persists, soak your rig in a mixture of warm water and lemon juice before rinsing again.