Maintaining a vape kit is not only a good hygienic practise but also the best way to optimise performance from your vape and crucial for long-term use. Below, we explain how to maintain your vape kit and keep it clean and gunk-free for maximum vape lifespan!
1. How to Clean Your Vape Coils
The first step when cleaning vape coils is to remove the coil from the tank. You can also take the rest of the tank apart as you go, but make sure to note where each piece goes and how they fit together. You can also put all the pieces into a bowl to make sure they stay together and don’t get lost, which makes the whole process much more efficient. Replaceable coils come in two types: replaceable and rebuildable. Depending on your coil type, cleaning methods can differ greatly.
Replaceable Coil Heads for Tanks
Old, worn-out coil heads that come with sub-ohm tanks and clearomizers can technically be cleaned, but the effects of a good clean will likely only provide a few more days of use at best. Furthermore, not all the residues can be removed, and the coil will need to fully dry before you use it again. However, if you are looking to extend the life of your device, we recommend the following: Soak your coil for a couple of hours (using vinegar, ethanol, or cheap vodka). Rinse it under tap water. Rinse with distilled water. Expel water out of the coil from the wicking holes by blowing on the open side of the coil. Place it aside and wait until all water has fully evaporated before using it again. With this, you should be able to gain a few more uses out of your coil.
Rebuildable Coils
If you have a rebuildable coil (a.k.a., rebuildable atomiser) cleaning should be a part of regular maintenance and upkeep. This is essential for prolonging the life, flavour, and vapour production of your device. Follow the simple steps below to deep clean and revive your rebuildable coil and keep it working to its potential. Take the wick out of the coil. Dry burn your coils to make the remaining e-liquid flake on the coils.
You can do this by raising your wattage by 10 to 15 watts and pulsing your fire button, pressing it down for a second at a time. This process helps to loosen up gunk and the remaining e-juice. To clear away the flakes, you can either blow them away, dunk the coil into water, or put it under a running tap. If any gunk remains, lightly brush over it with a toothbrush or a coil cleaning tool. To get rid of the water from the head itself, you can use cotton or a microfibre cloth.
For the coil itself, dry burn and let the water evaporate. While regular cleaning will greatly extend the life of your vape device, you may need to invest in a new coil if at some point cleaning no longer seems to improve the flavour and vapour output of your device.
2. How to Clean Your Vape Tank
When it comes to cleaning your vape tank, there are different methods to consider. Below, we list a few of the most effective methods.
Standard Rinsing
For relatively clean tanks, a standard rinse using warm water should do the trick. Take the tank apart and separate each component. Rinse each piece under running water. Fill a bowl or cup with steaming water and fully submerge your tank to soak it. Leave it to sit until the water cools down and then give your tank a final rinse under the tap. (If your device has not been cleaned for a while, include this next step, otherwise, you can skip it). Once rinsed, dry with a paper towel . Let them air dry until no water is left. You can also use a blow dryer to speed up the drying time but be mindful that excessive heat may damage the O-rings.
PG Rinsing
If you’re looking for a cleansing method to effectively eliminate leftover flavour in your vape tank, PG rinsing is a good way to go. Simply soak your disassembled tank components in a bowl or cup of propylene glycol for 1 to 2 hours. Stand it up and let it drip dry on a paper towel or napkin. Keep in mind that while a propylene glycol rinse is a very effective method, VG liquid (vegetable glycerine) is too thick to be used in the same way.
Effective Cleaning Agents
If you’d like to use additional effective cleaning agents for deep cleaning, we recommend the following household options. Ethanol is a very effective cleaning agent. Not to be confused with Isopropyl alcohol, which you don’t want to use on the inside of your vape tank. Baking soda is an easy and effective cleaning agent. Vinegar is a highly acidic cleaning agent that must be rinsed off thoroughly to remove the lingering vinegar smell. Vodka can be bought cheaply and makes for an effective cleaning agent. Note: be sure to rinse your tank thoroughly afterwards before letting it dry.
3. Cleaning Your Vape Pen Tank & Components
Detachable Tanks
The steps mentioned above can also be applied to detachable tanks in pen-style vapes, but make sure not to get any water on the battery, charging ports, or buttons. Here’s what you should do: Unscrew the tank from the battery and coil. Be careful not to spill any remaining e-juice, rinse it away in the sink or dispose of it safely. Wash the tank with warm water and a little soap or cleansing agent as suggested above. Use a cotton swab to gently wipe the battery, coil, and tank cap. Set the tank aside and make sure it is fully dried before using it. Pro tip: change out an old coil for a new one when cleaning the tank! Vape coils last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on your vaping style, so it’s the perfect time to change it up without additional hassle later on.
One-Piece Design Pens
For one-piece design vape pens, rinsing your device even carefully is risky as you could get the battery wet. The easiest way to clean a one-piece vape pen is with a Q-tip. Using a Q-tip and propylene glycol or distilled water, thoroughly clean the inside of the tank. Go over it again with a dry Q-tip to ensure that gunk is effectively removed.