Keeping your Dab Tools in tip-top shape is easier than you would think! It is
good to practice maintaining your dab tools and keeping everything properly cleaned and stored to save your products in the long run. Ultimately, you are saving yourself money by maintaining what you have so it will last longer and have a prolonged shelf life vs breaking down fast and easily with constant wear and tear. Follow this blog on how you can maintain your tools!
Why Maintenance Matters?
Maintenance matters because it overall prolongs the lifespan of your dabbing equipment. It keeps your products from cracking and breaking and extends the longevity of their use. Maintaining your dab tools keeps your space clean and clear from debris and keeps contamination of germs down. This also cuts down on residue build up and prevents clogs and your tools from being burnt the next time they are heated.
Essential Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies is number one when it comes to keeping your tools maintained. This list of items will help you in the long run.
List of Supplies:
- Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) - this or a cleaning solution formulated specifically for smokers is the best and easiest thing to use when it comes to cleaning. It melts residue quickly and efficiently to prevent clogs and burning of your products.
- Cotton swabs and pads - cotton swabs and pads make for an easy and quick cleanup. You simply swab or wipe down your dirty product with an iso-dipped cotton swab or pad, and it gently removes leftover residue.
- Microfiber cloths - Microfiber cloths or a dab towel can be helpful in the same way a cotton pad can be. It allows you to easily wipe down your products and remove the residue built up on your tools gently without fear of breaking or scratching anything.
- Storage cases and containers - Storage cases and containers keep items from rolling off away from your dab station, accidental breaks or getting dirty by laying them on a random surface. This ensures everything stays safe and clean.
- Dab Mat - Dab mats can help stabilize your dab rig but also can help keep your used tools from touching other surfaces. This keeps your dab items together and in one place and without getting sticky everywhere.
- Dab Station - Dab stations help keep you organized. Dab stations can be big or small but have storage for your cleaning supplies and your dab tools so that everything is conveniently in one place.
- Banger Basket - Banger baskets are amazing for iso dunks or extremely dirty items that may need a good soak!
Most of these items can be found very cost effective and you can find them in smoke shops or with online retailers like us here at Honeybee Herb.
Daily Maintenance Routine
Cleaning Basics
After you use your banger and dab tool and carb cap, it's important to clean it afterward and in between uses! This keeps down on residue build-up. To start, you will need some iso or a cleaning solution and dunk or swab your slightly warm banger. Allow for it to dry fully before your next use. Wipe your carb cap and dab the tool off with a dab towel or cotton pad using a little bit of iso to eliminate the remaining residue. Although it's not recommended to clean your rig after each use, we do recommend changing the water out daily and cleaning it at least once a week to prevent clogging and bacteria buildup.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
It's not recommended to heat clean your banger; this means torching it until it's clean. This causes your material to weaken and chazz. Avoid heating your banger, caps, and inserts if they have the slightest bit of water or alcohol on them. The heat reacting with the leftover liquid can cause cracks and breaks. Heat can also be staining; leftover liquid can create water spots that stain your accessories.
Proper Storage Practices
Storage Tips for Longevity
It is important to keep your tools and accessories safely stored away. This helps prevent accidents and contamination of dirt and debris on your accessories.
Organizing Your Dab Station
Having a dab station is an awesome thing when it comes to dabbing. It keeps your items safely stored, your cleaning materials easily accessible, and overall gives you a nice and organized space which ultimately leads to a better sesh and experience.
Deep Cleaning Techniques
When and Why to Deep Clean
Sometimes we let things get away from us, we don't always want to clean in between, or we just have a bad habit of reusing our stuff over and over again. If this is, you than your accessories may need a deeper clean than a regular daily! If you keep burnt residue or extra build up on your tools, this next part is for you!
Deep Cleaning Methods
One of the easiest methods of deep cleaning is allowing your products to soak in iso or a cleaning solution. The longer it sits, the more residue it melts off. However, if you have stubborn burnt pieces, a soft bristle brush can work wonders. You do not want to scrub it aggressively, but you do want to work the bristles around enough to loosen the stubborn build-up. Rinse with warm water and repeat as many times as necessary, but usually, it's just a matter of having patience and using some good ole elbow grease.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Residue Build-Up: Residue is easy to notice. The hotter your concentrates get, they begin to change color, and if they start to turn dark brown or black, you have some build-up that needs to be removed before it becomes burnt to your accessories.
Cracking or Chipping: Cracking and chipping can happen for a multitude of reasons from being careless with storage, improper heating, and bad cleaning habits. If you notice cracking or chipping, its best to retire and replace your accessory as it can worsen and fully break and, in some cases, have been known to shatter if weak enough.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Performance
Upgrading Your Setup
You should always take into consideration the quality of the products you are using. Different materials have different pros and cons and can affect how your accessories hold up. If you start on the cheaper side with low quality, that is totally okay, but try something quality and notice the difference for yourself.
Optimizing Your Dabbing Experience
Proper Heating Techniques: Heating you may not think much about when it comes to dabbing, but you should. Use butane over propane, its less harsh and less chemical than propane. Don't overheat, this can cause extra wear and tear you don't want later on. Heat for at least 30 seconds and allow to cool and adjust your temps as necessary. Save your accessories and avoid heat cleaning techniques.
Tool Usage: Keep your dabber tools clean by removing any extra residue that is left over on them. You can do this quickly and easily with a swipe of an iso cotton pad or dab towel. This keeps debris from sticking to your tool and your tool from sticking to everything else.
FAQs
To keep things clean and to cut down on residue and bacteria build-up, overall prolonging the life of your equipment
Dunking in a banger basket with iso or swabbing it with an iso-dipped cotton swab.
You should replace dab tools and accessories if you notice cracks, wear and tear or if the color starts to fade or chip.
We wouldn't recommend it. Just iso or a formulated cleaning solution made specifically for cleaning your tools.
Warm water is fine but boiling water puts extra wear and tear that you just don't need.
