A Guide to Cleaning Dab Nails and Keeping Your Quartz Banger in Perfect Condition
We all know that after dabbing, residue tends to build up even if we diligently use isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab to clean up. This reclaim not only alters the flavor of your concentrates but also shortens the life of your banger. So, let’s talk about how we can keep our dab nails and bangers clean and in perfect condition.
Why is it crucial to clean your quartz banger regularly?
Keeping our dab rig clean is essential for its longevity, but the most crucial part of the setup is the quartz banger. It’s the first surface that our fresh dab touches before we inhale it. Dabbing on a dirty nail is like eating off a dirty plate — the flavors are off, and it’s just plain gross.
When we reheat our banger with leftover residue, instead of enjoying the fresh terpenes from our favorite live resin, we end up tasting burnt oils and other harsh flavors. Moreover, our banger can get chazzed, losing its heat retention ability. Regular cleaning allows us to savor better flavors without chazzing the banger, which would force us to replace it. And no one wants to waste money like that!
Cleaning the banger after each use
We don’t need a deep clean after every dab. However, it’s essential to clean the banger after each use, ensuring the next dab tastes good and preventing chazzing from leftover oils. We should always have isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs at our dab station. After each dab, let the banger cool down to just above room temperature before using a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean it.
If the cotton swab can’t clean the black residue left by an overly hot dab, we can heat the banger with a torch to burn it away. Just make sure the banger is completely dry and not glowing red-hot, as overheating can chaz the banger or make the quartz cloudy, necessitating a replacement.
Deep cleaning your quartz banger
Over time, even with regular cleaning, we might notice reclaim building up in the neck or joint of the banger. When it’s time for a deep clean, gather the same supplies used for cleaning a bong or dab rig: coarse salt, 91-99% isopropyl alcohol, a ziplock bag, and some cotton swabs or pipe cleaners for hard-to-reach areas.
Place the banger in the plastic bag, adding just enough isopropyl alcohol to almost cover it. Add coarse salt and seal the bag. Shake the bag to distribute the salt and alcohol throughout the banger. With concentrates, allowing the banger to soak helps dissolve and saturate the leftover reclaim. Shake and soak until the banger rinses clean under hot water.
For stubborn burnt spots, wait until the banger is dry and use a torch to burn away the dark spot. Be careful not to overheat it to avoid chazzing or cloudiness. After that, you should have a perfectly clean banger, ready for your favorite concentrates. Just make sure it’s thoroughly dried before using, and you’re all set!
Keeping Your Quartz Banger in Tip-Top Shape: Maintenance Tips
Now that we know how to clean our quartz banger, it’s essential to also understand some maintenance tips to ensure it stays in the best condition possible.
1. Be gentle when torching
When heating your banger, avoid letting it become glowing red-hot. Excessive heat can cause the quartz to become cloudy, brittle, or develop tiny fractures, eventually reducing its performance and lifespan.
2. Use a carb cap
A carb cap helps control airflow, keeping your dabs at the right temperature for a smooth and flavorful experience. This also prevents the need for overheating your banger, which can lead to chazzing.
3. Rotate your bangers
If you have multiple bangers, rotate their use to reduce wear and tear on each one. This will give you more time to clean and maintain each banger, ensuring a longer life for all of them.
4. Store your banger safely
When not in use, store your banger in a safe place where it won’t be exposed to dust or damage. A padded case or a clean, designated storage area can help protect your investment.
5. Inspect your banger regularly
Regularly check your banger for any signs of wear, cracks, or chazzing. If you notice any issues, it may be time to replace your banger or change your cleaning and maintenance routine.
By following these maintenance tips, we can make sure our quartz banger remains in top-notch condition, providing us with the best possible dabbing experience. Remember, a clean and well-maintained banger ensures better flavors and longer life for our precious dabbing gear. So, keep it clean, take care of it, and enjoy the smoothest, most flavorful dabs!
