There’s nothing like a shiny new vape device. But if you want to keep it in optimal working order and looking good, it’s important to learn how to properly clean your vape device.
Just about every device and gadget in your life, from your cell phone to your car to your coffeemaker, requires a little bit of upkeep. Your vape device is no different. Without proper upkeep, it can begin to form residue that can affect its performance...and lessen the enjoyment of your vape experience.
Not sure how to care for your vape device? No worries: by the time you’re finished reading this post, you’ll be a pro. Read on to learn the basics about how to care for your vape device and clean it properly and thoroughly so that you can keep it in tip top shape.
Why Do You Have to Clean Your Vape Device?
If you came to vaping from smoking cigarettes, the idea of cleaning your device might seem foreign.
After all, with cigarettes, once you’re done all you have to do is discard your butt (hopefully in the trash!) and that’s that. No maintenance or cleaning required.
Likewise, if you started vaping with disposable devices, you may not be used to the upkeep that comes with a reusable unit.
However, once you decide to upgrade to a reusable or more permanent vape device, maintenance needs to become part of your routine.
Just as you have to clean the crumbs out of your toaster or clean your phone screen every now and again, you need to keep your vape device clean to keep it working properly. If you don’t, chances are the device will malfunction sooner or later and you’ll need to buy a new one!
The good news is that cleaning your vape device doesn’t need to be super complicated or time consuming.
With proper care, vape devices are built for long term usage and enjoyment. Keeping the components of your device clean can also help to guarantee that you’re getting the best experience, maximum flavor, and best clouds.
How Often Should You Clean Your Vape?
If you’re new to vaping or just bought an awesome new mod, you may be wondering how frequently you need to be cleaning it.
The short answer? It depends. It will depend on your specific vape style. Different devices, frequency of vaping, and different juices will demand differing levels of cleaning.
However, a good starting point is to give it a light cleaning once a week, and a deep cleaning once a month. From there, make adjustments as needed.
For example, you may need to up the frequency of your cleanings for frequent use or if you’re using VG vape juices, which are thicker and tend to leave more residue (psst: curious about the difference between VG and PG juices? Check out this post.) But if you’re a fairly infrequent vaper, you may not need to clean as often.
Use your best judgment and common sense: if you notice things don’t seem to be working correctly or that there seems to be a residue on your device from vape juice, it’s probably time for a good cleaning. Be vigilant, and care for your device!
Another good rule of thumb? Give it a quick cleaning every time you change vape juice flavors.
Think about if you used a spice grinder to grind mustard seeds, then didn’t wash it and used it to grind cardamom pods. You’d have some pretty interesting flavors!
Not only will this help you keep your device clean, but it will also ensure the best and most flavorful vape experience.
How to Care For Your Vape Device
Here, we’ll address how to clean your vape device, as well as some other general upkeep tips.
Cleaning the Tank
The tank of your vape device is kind of like the gas tank of a car. But instead of gasoline, in this case it holds the vape juice that creates the vapor. So it’s the fuel that helps you vape!
A dirty tank can form residue that can keep the vapor from fully forming and can keep your device from working properly, so it’s important to keep it clean! Here’s how.
Quick Rinse / Vape Juice Change
If you just want a quick clean or want to clean your device between juices, you can keep it simple and just do a quick rinse.
To do this, start by detaching the tank from your mod and drain it of any remaining liquid. If relevant, take the parts of the tank apart.
Then, fill a bowl with warm, but not hot, water. Depending on if there is residue, you may want to add a small amount of dish soap, but it may not be necessary.
Submerge the tanks components in the bowl, and wash them by hand. If you’ve used soap, rinse the components thoroughly (nobody likes a soapy aftertaste!).
Blot dry, and let the parts sit on a paper towel for 15-20 minutes to dry completely. Put the tank back together and continue vaping!
Deep Cleaning
If the quick rinse is like brushing your teeth, a deep clean is like a visit to the dentist. Every now and again, you’ve got to get in there and really clean your device to keep it working well!
To do a deep clean, start by detaching the tank from your mod and drain it of any remaining liquid. If relevant, take the parts of the tank apart.
Use alcohol to clean. Rubbing alcohol or an unflavored high proof spirit like vodka will work well.
You can use the alcohol to wet a paper towel or cloth and clean manually, or for a quick fix, put some alcohol in a freezer bag with the tank and gently move it around to get in all the nooks and crannies.
Thoroughly rinse with warm water, Blot dry, and let the parts sit on a paper towel for 15-20 minutes to dry completely. Put the tank back together and continue vaping!
Maintaining Your Vape Coil
The coil is a super important part of your vape device. It’s the element that heats up and helps transform your favorite vape juice into delicious vapor! Yeah, you want to keep that in good working order!
Replacing a Vape Coil
From time to time, it may be necessary to replace your coil. Exposure to moisture can degrade the coil, and no amount of cleaning is going to revive it.
If your coil is crusty, damaged, or imparting a burnt toast kind of taste to your vapor, it may be time to replace the coil.
Additionally, if your vapor production is below what you remember, it may be time to make a change.
To change your coil, start by purchasing a new coil. Make sure that it will fit your current device, because with the many mods out there, it’s not always a one size fits all solution.
Start by removing the tank from your vape device and disposing of any leftover vape juice. Gently twist the coil to the left, removing it from the tank. Screw in the new coil to the right, and put your vape device back together.
Maintaining Your Vape Device’s Battery
The battery is what powers your vape device.
Different vape devices will have different battery setups. Without a battery, the coil won’t have power to heat. If your mod has a display, the battery also powers that.
If you begin to notice that your battery isn’t holding a charge for as long as usual, or if you notice that it’s taking longer than usual to charge, it may be time to consider a replacement.
First, start by purchasing a new battery. Once again, different mods require different batteries, so be sure to buy one that is appropriate for your device.
Since batteries can be different, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing it.
Tips for Caring for Your Vape Device
Here are some final tips for caring for your device:
§Don’t let your vape device run on empty. Just like in a car, you don’t want to let your tank run to empty before refilling. Nor do you want to overfill / top up. Be sure to keep your vape device full with a sufficient amount of liquid so that it can run optimally.
§Store your vape juice properly. Vape juice doesn’t have superhuman powers. When exposed to extreme heat or cold, its quality can be compromised. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sun exposure.
§Store your vape device in a safe place. Hey, stuff happens. But you already know this if you’ve ever dropped your phone, laptop, or vape device and had to deal with the consequences.
A storage case is a great way to preserve the life of your vape device. When you’re not traveling or not using your device, this is a great way to make sure it stays safe and sound.
The Final Word
If you’ve decided to make vaping part of your lifestyle, it’s worth purchasing a high quality vape device. A great device will help ensure the best possible vape experience!
But to ensure that your device delivers high quality performance for the long run, it’s important to properly care for it. By following the tips in this post, you’ll be able to maintain your device so that you can enjoy a great vape experience now and in the future!