Q-Tip tech

Q-Tip tech refers to using a cotton swab to clean the nail, banger or bucket of a dabbing rig after each individual dab is taken. This swabbing removes any charred concentrate residue left over so that the flavors of each new dab come through fresh and untainted.

While the nail is still warm but not red hot, gently swab out the inside to absorb the oil slick residue. For tougher buildup in hard to reach spots, moisten the Q-tip slightly with a bit of isopropyl alcohol. Allow the nail to fully dry and cool before taking the next dab. Starting each new dab with a freshly cleaned nail helps terpenes and flavors shine through optimally.

However, some experts argue the alcohol can strip away microscopic amounts of quartz over time with repeated scrubbing. For those concerned, dry swabbing while warm may suffice, or switching to ceramic which withstands alcohol better.