MATEO GONZALEZ GLASS Q TIP PILLAR

The Mateo Gonzalez Glass Q Tip Pillar is a handcrafted glass holder designed to keep your cotton swabs organized and within reach during dab sessions. Made in the USA by glassblower Mateo Gonzalez, this functional piece combines clean aesthetics with practical station organization for dabbers who want their setup looking as good as it performs.

Key benefits

• Keep your Q-tips upright and accessible — no more digging through drawers or knocking over plastic containers mid-session
• Handblown glass construction adds weight and stability — won't tip over when you grab a swab one-handed
• American-made craftsmanship means consistent quality — each piece is individually crafted, not mass-produced
• Compact footprint keeps your dab station organized — takes up minimal space while holding plenty of swabs
• Easy to clean — glass wipes down quickly and doesn't absorb residue like plastic alternatives
• Looks good on display — functional art that elevates your setup beyond basic plastic holders

Made for serious dab stations

This Q tip pillar is built for dabbers who actually use cotton swabs after every hit. If you're the type who keeps your quartz banger pristine with a dry swab followed by an iso-dipped swab, you already know how annoying it is to fumble for Q-tips while your banger is still at temp. Having them standing upright in a dedicated holder means you can grab one without looking, clean your nail, and get back to the session.

It's also a nice touch for anyone who's invested in their rig setup. You've got a quality piece, a solid carb cap, maybe a nice dab mat underneath — a handblown glass swab holder fits that aesthetic better than a CVS cotton swab box sitting on your coffee table.

How it works

The pillar design holds cotton swabs vertically, making them easy to grab individually. The glass construction provides enough weight at the base to keep everything stable — important when you're reaching for a swab with sticky fingers or in a rush to catch your banger before it cools too much.

Just drop your Q-tips in, pointy end up, and you're set. The open-top design means easy refills and no fumbling with lids. When it gets dusty or picks up any residue from nearby concentrate handling, a quick wipe with isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel brings it back to new.

For anyone unfamiliar with the swab technique: after taking a dab at proper temp, you want to clean the residual concentrate from your banger while it's still warm but not scorching. A dry cotton swab picks up the bulk of it, then an iso-dipped swab gets the rest. This keeps your quartz clear and prevents that dark carbon buildup that affects flavor on future dabs. Having your swabs within arm's reach makes this routine second nature instead of a chore.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What size Q-tips fit in this holder?

Standard cotton swabs fit perfectly. The pillar is designed around the typical 3-inch swabs you'd find at any drugstore or grab from the smoke shop. Pointed-tip swabs for precision cleaning work great too.

How many Q-tips does it hold?

Depends on how tightly you pack them, but you can fit enough for multiple sessions without constantly refilling. Most users find they can load a decent handful and be set for the week.

Is this just decorative or actually functional?

Fully functional. The pillar design keeps swabs upright and accessible, and the glass weight keeps it stable on your dab tool station. That said, it does look good enough to leave out on display.

Will it tip over easily?

The glass construction provides solid weight at the base, making it more stable than plastic alternatives. It's not going to survive getting knocked off a table, but under normal use it stays put.

How do I clean it?

Wipe the outside with isopropyl alcohol and a cloth. If the inside gets dusty, a quick rinse with warm water and iso does the trick. Let it dry completely before refilling with swabs.

Why glass instead of plastic?

A few reasons. Glass is heavier, so it won't slide around or tip. It doesn't absorb odors or residue. And honestly, it just looks better sitting next to quality glass pieces than a cheap plastic container. For more on maintaining your quartz gear, Leafly's dabbing guide covers the basics of banger care.

Is each piece slightly different since it's handblown?

Yes. Handblown glass means minor variations in thickness, shape, and overall character. That's part of the appeal — you're getting a one-of-a-kind functional piece, not something stamped out by a machine.