Electronic vaporizers, commonly referred to as vapes, exist in various forms. From the sleek and slender vape pens to the more substantial vape mods and heavy-duty pod mods, alongside tanks and other intriguing contrivances, the options seem endless. Despite their divergent appearances and functions, these devices share a common need: regular cleansing. However, cleaning and maintenance are not typically at the forefront of the minds of many vape enthusiasts.
These diminutive marvels exude an air of sophistication and self-regulation, leading users to inadvertently overlook the meticulous care required by their intricate components. Fear not, for in our invaluable guide, we shall unveil a holistic approach to preserving the cleanliness, efficiency, and stability of your vape.
All vapes consist of distinct constituents. The fundamental elements include a tank, a coil, and a battery, each capable of independent separation, thereby streamlining the cleaning process.
Cleaning the Vape Tank
To maintain optimal performance and prolong the lifespan of your vape device, it's crucial to clean your vape tank regularly. Simply wiping the exterior won't suffice, as vapes consist of intricate components that are prone to accumulating dirt.
Step 1: Draining the Tank of E-liquid
Commence by dismantling your vape device and meticulously removing any remaining e-liquid from the tank. Appropriate timing is paramount to prevent the squandering of usable juice. Ideally, cleanse your vape tank after depleting an entire e-liquid pod to evade unwarranted wastage. Ensure thorough emptying of the tank, including residual droplets from the cartridge.
Step 2: Removing the Coil from the Tank
If you desire a swift cleaning process, focusing solely on the tank, coil, and battery will suffice, allowing you to limit the disassembly to these essential elements. However, for a comprehensive and reassuring endeavor, it is advisable to dismantle the entire device.
Step 3: Thoroughly Rinsing the Tank with Warm Water
Thoroughly cleanse the tank by rinsing it under warm water, while being mindful to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures that may harm its interior. Conduct a meticulous rinsing procedure to eliminate as much residue buildup as feasible, resulting in a pristine tank that enhances your vaping journey. In cases where the tank exhibits minimal contamination, employing warm water alone can prove effective in achieving the desired cleanliness.
Step 4: Cleaning Alternatives
- Soaking the Tank for Deep Cleaning
In the case of tanks burdened with significant dirt accumulation, an extra measure should be contemplated. Begin by filling a cup or bowl with water and microwaving it for approximately two minutes. Simultaneously, rinse the tank components under the sink to commence the cleaning procedure. Once the cup or bowl has been heated, carefully position the disassembled tank (excluding the coil and battery) inside and allow it to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes, up to a few hours. Subsequently, conclude the process by giving the tank a final rinse under the sink.
- The PG Rinse
As an alternative to water, you have the option of immersing the tank in propylene glycol (PG). Fill a bowl or cup with PG and submerge the disassembled tank in it for a duration of one to two hours. It is advisable to refrain from using vegetable glycerin (VG) since it possesses a denser consistency and proves more challenging to cleanse. Once the tank has completed its PG soak, position it upright on a napkin to allow for drip drying. This method efficiently eliminates any residual flavors, as propylene glycol serves as an exceptional flavor carrier.
- Optional Use of Cleaning Agents
For a comprehensive cleanse, contemplate the utilization of gentle cleaning agents, such as vinegar, baking soda, or dish soap. Let's delve into their specific attributes:
- Baking soda serves as an excellent cleaning agent, restoring tanks to a sparkling condition.
- Ethanol, also known as grain alcohol, proves to be another highly effective substance for cleaning purposes. Please avoid mistaking it for isopropyl alcohol, which should not be used on the inner surfaces of your tank.
- While not a common household item, inexpensive vodka can be readily found at grocery stores and efficiently fulfill the task without burdening your budget.
- Vinegar, known for its highly acidic properties, can be a potent cleaning agent. However, thorough rinsing is essential to prevent any lingering odors.
- Some vapers opt for a mixture of dish soap or lemon juice with water. It is important to rinse everything meticulously with clean water if you choose to use the same.
To apply these cleaning agents, utilize a small amount on a non-abrasive scrubber and gently cleanse the tank, effectively eliminating any remaining residue and buildup. For enhanced cleaning, an old toothbrush can be employed to reach intricate areas and ensure a thorough scrub.
- The Ultrasonic Cleaner
To achieve the utmost thoroughness in cleaning, it is highly recommended to utilize an ultrasonic cleaner. Although any ultrasonic cleaner will suffice, models capable of running 10-minute cycles are considered ideal. Fill the cleaner with water, carefully position all the tank parts inside, and activate the cleaner until the cleaning process is complete. While it is optional, you may choose to add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to enhance the cleaning efficacy. Subsequently, rinse the tank with water to remove any remaining cleaning agents, and allow it to dry completely.
Step 5: Ensuring Complete Drying
Once the tank is clean, wipe all components with a dry cloth and allow them to air dry fully. Natural airflow aids in effective drying. Avoid overcomplicating this step and allocate sufficient time for the tank to dry thoroughly. While a blow dryer can speed up the process, be cautious not to expose the O-rings to excessive heat, as it may cause damage.
Cleaning the Vape Coil
The vape coil, a vital component within the device, acts as the filament responsible for generating the energy required to vaporize the e-liquid. While the desire to clean these coils is understandable, the process itself presents challenges. Coil types can be categorized into two groups: replaceable coil heads and rebuildable coils. Each requires a distinct approach to achieve optimal cleaning results.
- Replaceable Coil Heads
Coil heads found in sub-ohm tanks can be technically cleaned, but it won't restore them entirely. At best, cleaning may provide a few additional days of use for weary coil heads. However, due to the presence of wicks, soaking and rinsing alone will not eradicate all residue. Moreover, the evaporation process after rinsing can be time-consuming. For those still keen on cleaning their replaceable coil heads, the traditional soak and rinse method can be followed:
Step 1: Soak the Coil in a Cleaning Agent
Immersing the coil in a cleaning solution is the initial step to combat the stubborn buildup of gunk. Opt for household cleaning solutions like ethanol or vinegar, avoiding harsh industrial chemicals.
Step 2: Thoroughly Rinse the Coil
Once the coil has soaked, thoroughly rinse off the accumulated grime. With gentle scrubbing, a gleaming shine should emanate from the coils.
Step 3: Pay Attention to the Wicking Holes
This crucial step is often overlooked. Before setting the coil aside to dry, carefully examine the wicking holes. The wick serves as the absorbent material that soaks up the e-liquid, which the coils subsequently vaporize. Considering the atomization process's potential messiness, remnants may clog the wicking holes. Ensure a thorough rinse and scrub to restore their cleanliness.
Step 4: Allow Ample Drying Time
Blow on the coils, pat them dry, and then leave them to stand for several hours until completely dry. Although sunlight or gentle heating can expedite the process, patience remains necessary. It's worth noting that despite the improved appearance of the wicks, coil heads will still require replacement in the near future.
- Rebuildable Coils
To keep your rebuildable atomizer coils in top condition, it's essential to clean them regularly. Over time, residue buildup can affect their performance and reduce flavor and vapor production. Start by removing the wicks to prevent burning. If the coils have only a little residue, a gentle dry burn should do the trick. Simply pulse the fire button a few times to eliminate any remaining liquid, let the coils cool, and then re-wick them. However, if dry burning doesn't work due to heavy use, you'll need to give them a deeper cleaning. Follow these instructions for a more thorough cleanse:
- Remove the wicks from the coils.
- Lightly dry burn the coils, ensuring they do not glow excessively.
- Detach the atomizer from your mod.
- Rinse the coils under running water.
- Gently brush the coils using a toothbrush or coil cleaning tool.
- Rinse the coils once more.
- Conclude with a final dry burn to eliminate any residual water droplets.
If desired, a small amount of dishwashing liquid can be used while brushing the coils. However, ensure thorough rinsing with hot water afterward. Should your coils remain encrusted or exhibit a significant decline in flavor production, it signals the time to rebuild your atomizer.
Cleaning the Vape Battery
The battery contains crucial electronic components that compose the heart of the electronic cigarette. As we all know, water and electricity are a hazardous combination!
Step 1: Clean Hands Are Essential
When dealing with vape device batteries, it's crucial to handle them with care and separately from the rest of the device. Make sure that your hands are completely clean and free from any traces of soap, water, or cleaning agents before handling the battery. Any residue left on your hands can potentially compromise the battery and cause it to lose its potency or even short-circuit. Remember that submerging batteries in water can be risky and lead to malfunctions or fire hazards. Always prioritize maintaining impeccable hand hygiene while handling batteries.
Step 2: Gentle Battery Removal
When removing the battery from your vape device, take the same care you would when cleaning your hands. It's important to avoid compromising the battery, which could potentially cause a short circuit in your vape. To ensure that your cleaning session doesn't result in a costly mistake, proceed with the utmost caution.
Step 3: Cleaning the Battery's Connection Areas
For this task, you'll need a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. Make sure to moisten the cotton swab lightly with rubbing alcohol and gently clean the areas where the battery connects to the tank and atomizer. There tends to be a buildup of juice residue in these areas, and it's important to break it down to ensure that the battery is placed optimally.
Step 4: Don't Overlook the Air Holes
After ensuring that the battery is clean, it's important to focus on the nearby air holes to ensure proper airflow. You can use a small, pin-like object such as a toothpick or thumbtack to tackle any buildup that may be obstructing the airflow. Keep in mind that vape pens don't always regulate airflow automatically, so it's important to pay attention and remove any obstructions to ensure optimal performance.
Step 5: Wiping the Battery's Exterior with Rubbing Alcohol
To clean the battery, it's important to consider the size of your device. The amount of rubbing alcohol needed will depend on whether you have a vape pen or a mod. Mods have a larger surface area occupied by the battery, while vape pens have a more concealed, slender battery. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the battery surface, and make sure it's completely dry before reinserting it into your vape.
Conclusion
Maintaining your top-tier vape device is crucial to ensure that it performs at its best for a long time. If you've experienced a decrease in performance or a sticky residue buildup after months of use, don't rush to replace your device just yet! Instead, consider giving it a thorough cleaning.
