Many users might indeed face the situation of accidentally washing their dab pen on laundry day and need it to be clean of any damage or contamination. Dab cartridges were traditionally designed to be thick and liquid-resistant, but exposure to water with detergents can permeate the carton's surface.
What Is A Dab Cart?
A dab cart, short for "dab cartridge," refers to a small container filled with high-THC cannabis oil and vaporized in pen-like devices, also referred to as DAB PENS. These cartridges are filled with a mixture of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that can be vaped. They are loved for how easy they are to use the nearly undetectable nature and can serve as a means for users to enjoy their benefits while reducing or eliminating combustion.
Dab carts come in different flavors and strains, each blend producing a unique type of high. They are often made of glass or plastic and have a metal heating element inside. The majority of dab carts are 510-thread, which means they can attach to most vape batteries and vapes. While they might feel similar in that sense, the dab cart is simply a more convenient offering than flower-based ones due to how much cannabis oil there is compared with regular buds.
How Does a Dab Pen Work?
A dab pen works by warming the oil in the earth and excites the cart to a temperature where it disintegrates yet doesn't consume. This is accomplished by employing a small surrounding cartridge battery-powered coil or heating element. As a user, when you inhale, the battery fires up, heating your oil to produce an easy-to-inhale vapor.
Common Components of a Dab Pen
- Battery: The battery that makes the heating coil work
- Heating Element / Atomizer: This is what heats up the concentrate in your cart to turn it into vapor.
- Cartridge: Inside is cannabis oil or other concentrates.
Both novices and connoisseurs appreciate a discreet, low-effort way to consume weed - which is what dab pens offer. They offer variable temperature units, meaning that an individual can adjust the temp to get certain flavor profiles and strengths.
Will laundry soap fit in a dab cart?
It is easy to forget that a dab pen cartridge may be left in your pocket when you are doing laundry, which can lead to frustration. But could detergent really find its way into a shopping cart? Short answer, yes, they can, but it is unlikely under normal conditions. Dab carts are one such group that is sealed to be protected from the illicit flow of vaping oil. There are a couple of exceptions to this, where soap and water could leak past the cartridge:
An unsealed or broken cartridge: If the door on your water filter is cracked, damaged, or sealed improperly, air and/or soap can get through. Any existing breaks could allow liquid into the cart, and with a washing machine pressing down on top, it's going to cause a disaster.
High water pressure: The extensive spinning and tumbling within a washing machine might compel tiny bits of water or soap into the cartridge, especially if the cart is not properly sealed.
Although it is rare for a good cart to fail and allow moisture into its workings, anybody receiving this tip would do well to thoroughly look over any washed carts. Any remaining laundry soap that your dog consumes could be dangerous, so some diligent care is needed.
What To Do If I Accidentally Put a Dab Cartridge In The Washer?
If you find out your dab pen cartridge has been in the washer, this is how to put things together so they do not mess up.
Take the Cartridge out and Dry it: As soon as the cleaning time is up, take your cartridge out of the washing machine. Wipe off any dirt or excess dripping grime with a clean and dry cloth or paper towel. DON'T use heat sources. This can and probably will damage the concentration inside. Hair dryer heat, for example, is toxic.
Examine for Cracks: You should examine the cartridge slowly and meticulously so that you do not end up breaking anything by mistake. Search for any leaks or droppings of motor oil. If damage is visible on the cartridge you should not be using it at all.
Inspect the Inside for Water or Soap Residue: Shine a flashlight into your cartridge to see if there is any water or soap residue inside. If you find out that water or soap has entered, it means the cartridge isn't safe to use any longer. Swallowing soap scum may lead to respiratory problems or health issues.
Give it time to air dry: If you remove the water, even if it seems like no water is in there, let that cartridge stand for 24-48 hours in a suitable area where some moisture won't meet. Keep it in a cool, dry place during this time and
Test with Caution: If the cartridge appears undamaged and you are certain water has not penetrated it, then try reattaching it to your dab pen and test at a low setting. But, you should also be careful with it and not use the cartridge if something seems fishy or fills off during your usage like different flavors or irritations.
Contaminated Dab Cart — 7 Reasons You Should Stay Away
A contaminated dab cart can harm your health. Laundry detergent incorporates many chemical substances, including those that can cause throat irritation and coughing or heavy respiratory problems if inhaled. And now you know the risks that come with those dab carts after feeling all warm and buttery reading this.
Chemical Exposure: Breathing in vapor that is combined with a type of detergent can lead to dangerous compounds entering your body through your respiratory system.
Flavor and Effects: The detergent could potentially cause the vapor to have a different taste, which may be off-putting as well as harsh on your throat.
Health Concerns: Some of the detergents use harmful ingredients such as fragrances and preservatives, which should not be inhaled even in minute amounts.
How Can You Avoid Damage to Your Dab Pen and Cart?
However, there are various things that you can do in order to make sure this never happens, and some of the most important tips on how not to get a dab pen cart into the washing machine ever again include:
Store the Unit Safely: When it comes time to stash your dual-compatible dab pen and cartridges, place them in a safe spot, away from pockets, bags or anywhere they may accidentally end up going through a cycle of laundry.
Check Pockets Before Washing: Always remember to check your pocket of clothes before you put them in the washing machine. This can save you not only washing your dab pen but also other things like keys, money and a lighter.
Protective Cases: Buy a small case or pouch to store your dab pen and the cartridges. Not only does this shield them from the occasional drop, but it keeps them clear of any potential spilled water.
Is A Dab Cart Still Good After Being In Water?
The biggest Goddamn offense of all is when a dab cart goes into the drink or gets wet with soap – these are both no-go for any cartridge, and you essentially have ruined your product. But if the cartridge has remained dry with no water or soap elements and looks to be unopened, you might want to give it a try. It will be thus as a possible fertile ground for the following actions:
If You Know How: If you know enough about your dab pen, and it is safe to do so, take apart the different parts as best you can so they all get some fresh air.
Clean the Outside: Avoiding it from coming in contact with any oil, use isopropyl alcohol to hand clean the outside of that cartridge.
Ditch The Damaged Carts: If the cart is damaged by any part or you see moisture in it, replace the cart for safety precautions.
Conclusion
There may be nothing more annoying than washing your dab pen cartridge by accident, which also happens to be potentially dangerous as well. Now, water or soap can get to the cartridge in certain circumstances, although if some precautions are taken, it is less likely. Examine the cartridge well, allow it to dry off completely, and if in doubt of any contamination, replace it. The best cooling system is actually a prevention strategy, and that involves making sure you always put away your dab pen properly and double-checking that the pockets are empty before washing.
