So, if you are reading this, you either just joined the vaping clan, or maybe you happen to be a veteran in the field, but one who is not always keen to clean his apparatus.
Well, if you are one of the latter, nodding and admitting your guilt, then the title grabbed your attention. Good, you came to the right place as we will help you understand better the cleaning methods, processes and maintenance in the simplest way possible.
How Often Should Vapes Be Cleaned?
Who doesn’t want a consistent, crisp vaping experience? To always attain this, your vape must be well-maintained and clean. If you are encountering any trouble like inconsistent airflow or unpleasant tastes, do not immediately rush to the nearest vape shop in a state of panic just yet; it might only be that your beloved vape needs a thorough cleaning. Yeah, most probably, you will find out that those are signs that your vape is screaming for help.
So, what is the correct cleaning frequency for a vape? Well, it depends on where you store it and how much you use it. If you want a rule of thumb, though, let us say that it would be ideal to always clean it up whenever you charge it.
Okay, maybe we shocked you a bit there, but hear us out; it will not take much of your precious time. If you keep some supplies where your charger is, like some cotton swabs and paper towels, you will see cleaning as an easy step. Come on, let us be honest now; it will not take long to give the tank or mouthpiece a light cleaning.
If you manage to do this and keep up with your light cleaning, then you can afford to deep clean your vape only once a month.
Cleaning Your Vape – 4 Steps
Now, if you are using a refillable vape, routine cleaning will ensure a satisfying, flavourful draw every time. This will also extend the lives of the coil and the battery; thus, you will be saving some cash in the long run.
When thorough cleansing time arrives, start by disassembling your device so the tank, mouthpiece, and battery are separated. Then, gather the following cleaning supplies:
- paper towel
- cotton swabs
- Isopropyl alcohol
- warm water
1. Cleaning the Vape Battery
It is a good method to start with the battery, so you can put it aside and charge it while you are cleaning the remaining parts.
To remove any fingerprints or accumulated grease, do not use water on the battery; just use a dry paper towel to wipe it down. Then, to make sure it is free from any gunk buildup, run a cotton swab over the point where the battery and tank connect. Do not leave any cotton remains, like fluff, on the battery connection, as these could damage your device.
2. Cleaning the Clearomiser Tank
Vape will require you to wipe the inside using a clean cotton swab and paper towel. Obviously, first you will need to get rid of any remaining e-liquid, so pour that out. Use warm water to rinse the tank thoroughly and wipe it down again.
After leaving it to dry for around 10 minutes, check if there is any oily residue left on the inside. If you do see some, repeat the process until you are satisfied with its cleanliness.
Coils are a separate matter, since you cannot clean them properly as they are located inside the clearomiser tank, and that is why we suggest replacing coils at least once a month. If not, there is a chance that the airflow suffers since the wick in the coil breaks down.
3. Cleaning the Mouthpiece
You should clean your mouthpiece every time you charge your vape. Just swiftly run a cotton swab along the inside to pull out any accumulated gunk or lint.
For a deeper cleanse, remove the mouthpiece from the tank. Then, using isopropyl alcohol, dip a cotton swab in it, and run it across the exterior and interior surfaces of the mouthpiece. This will eliminate any developing bacteria.
Close the process by rinsing it with warm water, then pat it with a paper towel, and leave it to air dry for circa 10 minutes.
4. Reassembling Your Vape
If your device has O-rings, make sure that they are intact and clean, since a frayed O-ring can cause poor connections with the battery and airflow problems.
Once you are satisfied that all parts are free of grime and dry, reassemble the vape, making sure to thread all the screws precisely to attain the perfect fit. Remember that your device will function better and get less dirty if you manage to tighten all the connections as they should be. Finally, use a dry paper towel to rub everything down to get rid of any grease and/or fingerprints.
That is all! If you follow these steps, by the time you start speeding up the process, you will be the proud owner of a shiny vape, spotless and ready to use.
We hear you; cleaning must sound and feel like a chore at first, but as you may appreciate by now, it doesn’t take that long, and if you manage to keep up this routine, you can expect your vape to last a long time.
Closing off with a couple of pro tips:
- 1. Store your vape correctly – avoid grimy or spaces with lint, ideally buy a carry case
- 2. Keep your vape tank filled but not overfilled – overfilling can cause an oily buildup
- 3. Be sure to keep your e-liquid away from sunlight – avoid evaporation and/or condensation, and keep it in a cool cabinet out of children’s and pets’ reach. Keeping it in a car dashboard/glovebox could be dusty and/or dangerous as it gets hot, especially during the summer months.
Switching Off
We grew up learning that cleaning is important and hygiene is essential, from our bodies, to homes, cars, and yes, even our vapes. Keeping them tidy and well-maintained means that we are inhaling only the good stuff, nothing else. Moreover, it reduces the risk of clogging and increases the lifespan of a vape.
Therefore, it is imperative that, just as we service our car regularly, because if not, it will leave us stranded, we make it a must to take good care of our vapes too, if we want optimal performance and longevity.
