Guide: How To Get Reclaim Out Of Rig In Oven Safely

Have you ever looked at the sticky stuff building up inside your dab rig and wondered, “Can I get reclaim out of my rig?” or “What is that stuff anyway?” Yes, you absolutely can get that residue, called reclaim, out of your rig, and many people collect it for different reasons. This guide will show you one way to do it using your oven, focusing on how to get reclaim out of rig in oven safely. We’ll walk through each step so you can easily try the oven method for reclaim at home.

How To Get Reclaim Out Of Rig In Oven
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Learning About Reclaim

What Reclaim Is

Reclaim is the gooey stuff left inside your dab rig after you’ve used it. It’s basically leftover concentrate vapor that has cooled and turned back into a solid or semi-solid form. Think of it like the residue you might find in a conventional pipe, but specifically from dabbing wax or oils. This residue builds up on the glass parts of your rig, especially in the downstem and inside the main chamber.

Why People Collect Reclaim

People collect reclaim for a few main reasons.

It saves money: Reclaim still has some potency. While it’s not usually as strong as fresh concentrate, it can still give you an effect. Collecting it means you’re not wasting that bit of product left behind.
You can use it again: You can often dab reclaim again, though the taste might be different. Some people also use it in edibles because it’s already been heated and changed by the dabbing process.
It helps keep your rig clean: While you can collect reclaim, cleaning dab rig residue regularly is important for the best taste and performance from your rig. Collecting reclaim is part of managing that build-up.

Why Using the Oven Method

There are different ways to get reclaim out. Some people use rubbing alcohol, soaking the rig to dissolve the reclaim. Others use hot water, letting the heat loosen the sticky stuff. The oven method for reclaim is another way.

It can be easier: For some rigs with complex shapes, getting alcohol or hot water into every nook and cranny can be hard. The oven method uses dry heat, which can warm up the entire rig at once.
It’s a dry method: You don’t need liquids. This means the reclaim stays pure and ready to use once it cools, without needing to evaporate alcohol or water first.
Heating glass rig reclaim gently in the oven lets gravity do a lot of the work, causing the warm, runny reclaim to drip down to a collection point.

However, this method needs careful attention to heat and safety. Using the oven means you are heating glass, which can break if not done right.

Keeping Things Safe

Safety is the most important thing when you are heating glass rig reclaim. Glass can get very hot and can crack or break if heated too fast or too much. Broken glass is dangerous.

Here are key safety tips:

Never use high heat: You only need low heat to make reclaim flow. High heat can stress the glass or even burn the reclaim.
Heat slowly: Put the rig in a cool oven and let it heat up with the oven. Don’t put a cool rig into a hot oven. This can cause thermal shock and break the glass.
Cool slowly: Once the reclaim is collected, turn the oven off and let the rig cool down inside the oven. Do not take a hot rig out into cool air. This can also cause thermal shock.
Use protection: Always use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling the rig or the baking sheet.
Protect your surfaces: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking sheet. This catches the reclaim as it drips and protects your sheet.
Watch it closely: Keep an eye on the rig while it’s in the oven. You should see the reclaim start to move. If you see smoke or smell burning, turn the oven off immediately.

Getting Ready to Collect Reclaim

Before you put your rig in the oven, you need to do some prep work. Proper preparation helps the process go smoothly and safely.

Clean the Outside

Make sure the outside of your rig is clean. Any sticky stuff on the outside will melt and make a mess in your oven. Wipe it down with a cloth if needed.

Remove All Water

This is very important. Water turns to steam when heated. Steam expands quickly and can cause pressure that might crack the glass. Empty all the water out of your rig. Turn it upside down and let it drain completely. You can even blow air through it gently to help push out any last drops.

Gather Your Tools

You will need a few things ready for collecting reclaim easily once the rig is heated.

Baking sheet: To put the rig on in the oven.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: To cover the baking sheet. This is crucial for collecting the reclaim cleanly as it drips.
Oven mitts: For safety when handling hot items.
A collection container: A silicone container, a small glass jar, or parchment paper folded into a tray works well. This is where you will put the warm reclaim.
A dab tool or similar tool: To help scrape or guide the warm reclaim into your container.
Paper towels or rags: For cleaning up any drips outside the collection area.

Picking the Right Temperature

The safe temperature for heating rig glass to collect reclaim is low. You don’t need a lot of heat to make the sticky reclaim turn runny.

Recommended Range: Most people use a temperature between 150°F and 250°F (about 65°C to 120°C).
Why low heat? Reclaim has already been heated once when you dabbed. Heating it too much or too fast can degrade it, change its quality, or even cause it to burn. Lower temperatures make the reclaim soft and liquid enough to flow without overheating it.
Starting point: It’s often best to start at the lower end of the range, like 150°F (65°C). If the reclaim doesn’t flow after 15-20 minutes, you can slowly turn the heat up a little (e.g., to 175°F or 200°F) and wait. Do not jump to a high temperature.
Avoid Hot Spots: Make sure your oven heats evenly. Some ovens have hot spots that can heat one part of the rig too much. Placing the rig in the center of the middle rack usually works best.

Remember, the goal is just to make the reclaim warm enough to flow out of the glass. It should look like thick, slow-moving honey, not boiling or smoking.

Here is a simple guide for temperature:

Temperature Range	What to Look For	Risk Level
150-175°F (65-80°C)	Very slow flow, needs time	Low
175-200°F (80-95°C)	Steady flow, good starting point	Low
200-225°F (95-105°C)	Faster flow, works for thicker reclaim	Medium
225-250°F (105-120°C)	Fast flow, use carefully	Medium
Above 250°F (Above 120°C)	High risk of burning reclaim or stressing glass	High

Stick to the lower temperatures as much as possible. Patience is key when heating glass rig reclaim.

Step-by-Step Reclaim Extraction Guide

Now let’s go through the steps for extracting reclaim from glass rig parts using your oven. This is your detailed reclaim extraction guide using heat.

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Put a baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven.
Cover the baking sheet completely with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure the paper or mat goes up the sides a bit if possible, to catch drips.
Place your collection container (like a silicone dish or a small glass container) on the parchment paper or mat, ready to catch the reclaim as it drips. Position it under the part of the rig where you expect most of the reclaim to collect and flow down (usually the joint or lower chamber).

Step 2: Place the Rig in the Oven

Make sure your rig is completely empty of water.
Carefully place the rig on the prepared baking sheet. Position it so that the reclaim, as it melts and flows down, will drip towards your collection container. You might need to angle the rig slightly. For instance, if most reclaim is in the downstem, point the downstem opening downwards over the container.
Do NOT preheat the oven first. Put the rig in while the oven is cool.

Step 3: Set the Oven Temperature and Start Heating

Close the oven door.
Set the oven temperature to a low heat, like 175°F (80°C).
Turn the oven on. Let the rig heat up slowly as the oven heats up.

Step 4: Watch and Wait

Keep an eye on the rig through the oven door. After about 15-30 minutes, you should start to see the reclaim inside becoming soft and shiny.
Soon after, you should see it start to move and slowly drip down the glass towards your collection container. This is the oven method for reclaim working!
Be patient. This can take some time, especially if you are using a lower temperature.
If after 30-40 minutes at 175°F (80°C) the reclaim is not flowing well, you can slowly increase the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) at a time. Wait another 15-20 minutes after each increase to see if that helps. Do not go above 250°F (120°C).
Never leave the rig unattended while the oven is on.

Step 5: Turn the Oven Off

Once most of the reclaim has dripped out and collected on the parchment paper or in your container, it’s time to stop heating.
Turn the oven off.

Step 6: Let the Rig Cool Down Slowly

This step is very important for safety. Leave the rig inside the oven with the door closed as the oven cools down naturally.
Do NOT open the door or take the rig out while it is hot. Taking hot glass into cooler air can cause it to break.
Let the rig cool in the oven for at least 1-2 hours, or until the oven is completely cool to the touch.

Step 7: Extracting Reclaim and Cleaning Up

Once the rig is cool, carefully open the oven and use oven mitts to remove the baking sheet and the rig.
The reclaim that dripped onto the parchment paper or into your container should now be solid or very thick again. This is the collected reclaim.
Use your dab tool to scrape the reclaim from the parchment paper or scoop it out of the container. Put it into a small, airtight storage container (like a silicone jar). This is the process of collecting reclaim easily once it’s cool.
Any reclaim still stuck to the glass rig after heating and cooling might be harder to get out with heat alone. This might need a different cleaning method later, like using isopropyl alcohol.
Dispose of the used parchment paper. Clean your baking sheet if needed.

Tips for Getting Reclaim Out

Here are some extra tips for successfully removing concentrate build-up using the oven method:

Angles Matter: Experiment with how you angle the rig on the baking sheet. Think about where the most reclaim is and how to best position the rig so gravity helps it flow into your collection spot.
Less is More: Start with a lower temperature and give it time. Patience is better than rushing and breaking your rig or burning the reclaim.
Know Your Rig: Some rigs are more delicate than others. Thinner glass needs more care with temperature changes.
Don’t Expect All Reclaim: The oven method is great for getting the bulk of the easy-to-reach reclaim. It might not get every last drop, especially in complex perc systems. You might need further cleaning.
Clean Rig Before Heating: While heating gets reclaim out, starting with a rig that doesn’t have residue on the outside is helpful. For deeper cleaning dab rig residue inside, you might need other methods after collecting the reclaim.

Other Ways to Collect Reclaim

The oven method is just one way to get reclaim out. Here are a couple of other common methods:

Alcohol Wash: Using high-proof isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) is a popular method. You pour alcohol into the rig, shake it to dissolve the reclaim, and the alcohol turns dark. You pour the alcohol into a dish and let the alcohol evaporate over a day or two. This leaves the reclaim behind. This method is effective for removing concentrate build-up but takes time for evaporation and you need to make sure all the alcohol is gone before using the reclaim.
Hot Water Bath: You can seal the rig (tape openings) and place it in a pot of hot (but not boiling) water. The heat from the water warms the glass and can make the reclaim flow out. This is similar to the oven method but uses water as the heat source. It can be tricky with larger rigs.

The oven method stands out because it’s dry and uses controlled, low heat spread throughout the rig. This makes collecting reclaim easily without liquids possible.

Cleaning Your Rig After Getting Reclaim

After you’ve collected the reclaim, your rig will likely still have some residue or might just need a general clean. Collecting reclaim is often the first step in a full dab rig cleaning tutorial.

Isopropyl Alcohol: The most common way to clean your rig after getting reclaim is with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) and salt (coarse salt works well). Put alcohol and salt into the rig, cover the openings, and shake vigorously. The salt acts as an abrasive to scrub the inside while the alcohol dissolves remaining residue.
Specialized Cleaners: There are also cleaning solutions made just for dab rigs. Follow the product instructions.
Rinse Well: After cleaning with alcohol or a cleaner, rinse your rig many times with hot water to remove all traces of cleaner.
Dry Completely: Let the rig dry fully before using it again.

Regular cleaning, including removing concentrate build-up like reclaim, keeps your rig working its best and makes your dabs taste better.

What to Do With Collected Reclaim

Once you have your collected reclaim, what can you do with it?

Dab It: You can dab reclaim again. Place a small amount on your dab nail and heat it like regular concentrate. The taste might be different, often less flavorful, and the effect can feel heavier or different from fresh concentrate.
Make Edibles: Reclaim is already decarboxylated (heated enough to activate the compounds). This means you can simply add it to fatty foods without heating it first. Melt it into butter, oil, or mix it directly into things like brownie batter or cookies. Start with a small amount if you are new to using reclaim in edibles, as the potency can vary.
Capsules: Some people put reclaim into empty gel capsules for easy dosing. Mix it with a little warm oil (like coconut oil) to make it easier to measure and handle.

Remember that reclaim can be potent, and its effects might feel different. Start with a small amount if you are consuming it, especially in edibles.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a good reclaim extraction guide, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are some issues you might run into and what to do:

Reclaim isn’t flowing:
- Is the oven temperature too low? Slowly increase it by small amounts (25°F / 15°C) and wait.
- Is there still water in the rig? Even a little water can cool the glass and make the reclaim stiff. Make sure it’s fully dry before starting.
- Is the rig angled correctly? Reclaim needs gravity to flow. Adjust the angle on the baking sheet.
Reclaim cooled too fast when I took it out:
- Did you let it cool inside the oven completely? Taking it out while still warm is the most common cause. Always let it cool down with the oven.
- If it cooled before it all dripped, you can try the process again, but be extra careful about thermal shock. Ensure the rig is fully cool before reheating.
The rig looks dirty or smoky inside:
- The temperature might be too high, or you left it in too long, causing the reclaim to burn onto the glass. You might need to use alcohol and salt to clean this burnt residue later.
The rig cracked:
- This is likely due to thermal shock (heating too fast, cooling too fast) or a hot spot in the oven. Always start with a cool oven and let it cool completely inside the oven.

Summary: Your Reclaim Extraction Guide

Getting reclaim out of your dab rig can be a good way to save product and keep your rig cleaner. The oven method offers a simple, dry way for reclaim collection by gently heating the glass rig reclaim.

Here are the key points to remember:

Prepare: Empty all water, clean the outside, get your collection tools and parchment paper ready.
Heat Safely: Place the rig in a cool oven on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set a low temperature (175-225°F / 80-105°C is usually good). Never exceed 250°F (120°C).
Watch: Keep an eye on the rig. The reclaim will start to flow when warm.
Cool Slowly: Once done, turn the oven off and let the rig cool inside the oven completely.
Collect: Scrape the cooled reclaim from the parchment paper into a container.
Clean: Follow up with a thorough cleaning of your rig using alcohol and salt or a dedicated cleaner.

By following this guide, you can perform reclaim collection using the oven method safely, efficiently removing concentrate build-up from your glass rig. This makes for a great addition to your regular dab rig cleaning tutorial routine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is reclaim safe to use?
A: Reclaim contains the same basic compounds as your original concentrate, but it has been heated once already. This process can slightly change its makeup. While many people use reclaim, some sources suggest it might contain trace amounts of byproducts from the heating process. Ultimately, whether you use it is a personal choice. Always ensure it hasn’t been overheated to the point of burning during collection.
Q: How potent is reclaim?
A: Reclaim is usually less potent than fresh concentrate, but it still contains active compounds. Its potency can vary depending on the original concentrate and how much it was heated. Start with a small amount when dabbing or using in edibles until you know its effect.
Q: Can I use a torch instead of an oven?
A: Using a torch on your rig to get reclaim out is not recommended, especially for beginners. Torches provide direct, intense heat that is very hard to control. This makes cracking the glass or burning the reclaim much more likely. The oven method provides much more even and controlled heating glass rig reclaim.
Q: How often should I collect reclaim?
A: This depends on how often you dab and how much build-up occurs. Some people collect it weekly, others monthly. Collecting it before the build-up gets too thick can make the process easier. Regular dab rig cleaning tutorial practices help manage residue.
Q: What’s the easiest way to collect reclaim?
A: Methods vary in ease. The oven method is often seen as easy for removing bulk reclaim because gravity helps. Using a reclaim catcher attached to your rig is probably the easiest way overall, as it collects reclaim automatically during use, requiring no special heating or cleaning steps to get it out. This avoids needing to heat the rig itself for collecting reclaim easily.
Q: My rig has a lot of percolators. Will the oven method work?
A: The oven method can work for rigs with percolators, but it might not get all the reclaim out of complex percs. Reclaim needs to flow downwards. If it gets stuck in horizontal or upward-angled paths within the perc, heat alone might not move it. You might need to follow up with an alcohol wash to fully clean those areas.
Q: Can I heat my banger in the oven too?
A: It’s generally not recommended to heat your banger in the oven, especially at these temperatures. Bangers are designed for very high heat from a torch. Low oven heat won’t get them hot enough to vaporize residue, and putting them through the oven’s lower heating and cooling cycles isn’t necessary and could potentially affect the quartz or glass over time, though the risk is lower than with the main rig. Cleaning bangers with alcohol and cotton swabs while they are slightly warm (but not hot!) is usually more effective for removing concentrate build-up.
Q: Is it okay if some reclaim burns a little?
A: Ideally, no reclaim should burn. Burnt reclaim smells bad and doesn’t taste good if you try to dab it. It also makes cleaning the rig harder. Burning means your temperature was likely too high or you left it in too long. If a small amount burns, you can try to scrape the non-burnt parts for collection.
Q: Can I use a different type of paper than parchment paper?
A: Parchment paper or a silicone mat are best because reclaim won’t stick to them much, making collecting reclaim easily simple after it cools. Do not use wax paper, as the wax will melt in the oven. Aluminum foil can work in a pinch, but it can be harder to scrape the reclaim off neatly compared to parchment.

Following this guide provides a safe and effective method for reclaim collection from your dab rig, making removing concentrate build-up a manageable task and extending the value of your concentrates.