there is no need to dry them first, i actually started my own thread on this last week and found out that it doesnt matter if you dry them first. as long as you freeze the trim it will all be good. after all, the trim is gunna get wet again as soon as you put it in the bucket with water. i just did it today and it worked fine. i got my bags from ebay they are crystal king bags, i did like 3 runs with the same trim/water and got a good amount each time, so dont toss your trim and water after one run with it.