Answer

99% isopropyl alcohol is the best cleaning solution for a dab rig. It dissolves reclaim. Reclaim is condensed cannabis resin. It is nonpolar. Isopropyl alcohol is polar. Polar solvents dissolve nonpolar resins. Use 99% alcohol, not 70%. The 70% version has too much water. Water does not dissolve reclaim. Warm the alcohol to 100-120°F. Warm alcohol works faster. Do not heat alcohol over an open flame. Alcohol vapor is flammable.

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How to clean a dab rig with isopropyl alcohol

  1. Pour 1-2 cups of 99% isopropyl alcohol into the rig.
  2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of coarse salt if the rig has heavy reclaim. Salt is an abrasive. It scrubs glass. Salt does not scratch borosilicate glass or quartz. Salt grains can lodge in percolators. Rinse with hot water.
  3. Cover openings with plugs or your hands.
  4. Shake for 30-60 seconds. For heavy reclaim, let it soak for 30-60 minutes.
  5. Pour out the alcohol. Rinse with hot tap water for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Repeat if needed.

Cleaning a quartz banger

Use 99% isopropyl alcohol alone. Do not use salt. Salt can leave residue on quartz. Residue burns and stains. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Wipe the banger while it is warm, not hot. Hot quartz can crack if it touches liquid. Wait until the banger is cool enough to touch. Then swab. For heavy char, use a quartz cleaner like Dark Crystal. Follow the label.

isopropyl alcohol vs specific cannabis cleaner

Alternatives to isopropyl alcohol

  • Ethanol: 190-proof grain alcohol works. It costs more than isopropyl alcohol.
  • Acetone: dissolves reclaim fast. Acetone can damage plastic parts and leave residue. Avoid acetone on rigs with plastic or silicone.
  • Commercial cleaners: Dark Crystal, Grunge Off, and 420 Cleaner. They contain surfactants and solvents. They work. They cost more per ounce.
  • Dish soap: does not dissolve reclaim. It only removes surface oil.

What to avoid

  • Boiling water: thermal shock cracks glass.
  • Rubbing alcohol with 70% isopropyl: too much water, slow action.
  • Salt on quartz: can leave residue.
  • Acetone on plastic: melts some plastics.