Vape TLC

Maybe you’ve had your vape for a few weeks, months or even longer. Whatever time you’ve spent with your device, if you haven’t been performing proper vape maintenance, it’s likely that it just doesn’t run like it used to. Your vape is dirty and gunky, and your hits are not nearly as flavourful as they were the day you purchased your device. What’s the deal?

Turns out, vapes are like cars, iPhones or basically any other device that you use on a regular basis: The more tender love and care you put into them, the better they will serve you. In order to get the best experience, you need to be regularly cleaning your vape so it is in tip-top shape. If you’re not sure what this means, don’t worry. All newbies need a quick lesson in the basics of vape TLC. Read on to learn how to love your vape so it will love you back.

Head to Toe

First off, let’s go over the basic parts of the vape that you need to know. To be very general, a vape is made up of a few basic parts:
1. The tip: This is where you inhale the vapor.
2. The tank: This is where the e-liquid is held.
3. The heating element: This turns the liquid into vapor. It’s also called the coil or the atomizer, because the heat speeds up the atoms in the liquid, causing it to change into vapor.
4. The wick: This draws e-liquid to the heating element. Pay special attention to this piece when cleaning between flavors, as residue from past e-juice can affect the taste of new e-juice. Nobody wants to mix Loranns’ Watermelon with FlavorWest’s Buttered Popcorn Flavor (but if you do, we’re not going to stop you).
5. The cartomizer: This separates the e-liquid from the heating element in some vapes. If you clean your vape regularly and still notice a funky burnt taste while vaping, you might need to replace your cartomizer.
6. The battery: This is what powers the device.

Cleaning

A quick rinse of your vape device on a regular basis is a good idea, and especially when changing your e-juice flavor. You’ve spent the time creating your own custom e-juice, so get exactly what you asked for by following the steps below:

1. Detach and dissemble the tank, disposing of any residual e-liquid.
2. Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of dish soap, and place the tank parts into the bowl.*
3. With your fingers, gently wash tank components in water until they look clean.
4. Carefully dry off each component with a paper towel.
5. Leave parts out to air dry until they are completely dry. DO NOT reassemble your device until you are certain all pieces are dry, as this might damage your device. This usually takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.

*Note: If your device uses a disposable coil, you don’t want to soak it; instead, replace the coil and soak the other pieces.

If you’ve had your device for months and have never cleaned it, the quick rinse is not going to be sufficient. Even if you have been cleaning your device, treating your vape to a deep clean every now and then is necessary – and you’ll be glad you did it. Think about what it feels like to have your car detailed!

For a deep clean, you’re going to need a solvent that is stronger than water. Lots of people will suggest using rubbing alcohol to clean your vape, but we strongly advise against that. Isopropyl alcohol can damage your device. Instead, purchase vape-specific cleaning liquid, or use high-proof, unflavored grain alcohol:

1. Detach and disassemble the tank, disposing of any residual e-liquid.
2. Dampen a paper towel with the cleaning liquid and scrub any dirty areas until they are clean.
3. Wipe down and rinse with warm water.
4. Leave parts out to air dry until they are completely dry. Again, DO NOT reassemble your device until you are certain all pieces are dry.

Voila! Your device is good as new. Follow these steps regularly to keep your vape happy and functioning well into the future.

One last thing – if you follow all the steps above and your vapor still tastes sour, your device isn’t producing as much vapor as it used to, or your coil is visibly dark and crusty, it’s time to replace your coil and/or cartomizer. It may seem like a pain, but good upkeep of your vape will ensure a superb flavour experience, and with all the flavours we have to offer, you don’t want to miss out.