Tips for Keeping Your E-cig and E-liquid in Top Condition
Posted by Raven on Jul 20th 2016
A good device and a flavor you actually like will only get you so far. Even well-built hardware picks up wear, and e-liquid loses its edge if you store it badly. A few minutes of upkeep keeps the draw clean, the flavor true, and your coils lasting longer. Here is how we keep our own gear in shape.
Keep your e-cig running well
Don't let your e-liquid run too low
On bottom-coil clearomizers, the wicking ports sit low in the tank. When the liquid level drops below those holes, the coil can't pull in enough juice and you get a dry hit. It tastes harsh, and it cooks the coil early. Top up before you hit empty.
Keep your battery terminals clean
A dirty 510 connection throws off performance and can stop the battery from making solid contact with the tank. Wipe the terminal with a dry cotton swab, and clean the matching thread on the base of the clearomizer the same way. Do it every week or so and you'll avoid most "my mod won't fire the tank" headaches.
Keep the coil and wick saturated
Whenever you install a fresh coil, prime it first: put a few drops of juice straight onto the exposed cotton, fill the tank, then let it sit five to ten minutes before vaping. A soaked wick is the single biggest thing that prevents a burnt first hit and stretches the life of the coil.
Mind the airflow holes
The air holes on a clearomizer feed airflow across the coil and keep the vapor at a comfortable temperature. Leave the device upside down for long and liquid can creep toward those holes and weep out. Store it standing up to keep the airspace from flooding.
Keep the drip tip clear
Dust settles in a mouthpiece fast and chokes the vapor path. Pull the drip tip off and blow through it, rinse it under water, or run a tissue through it. Quick to do, and it brings the draw right back.
Clean your clearomizer and atomizer
Regular cleaning keeps flavor sharp and gets more days out of every coil. Run through it weekly, and always before you switch to a new flavor so the old one doesn't bleed into the next:
- Take the clearomizer off the battery.
- Disassemble the tank and remove the mouthpiece.
- Rinse the parts under warm water. For stubborn, gunked-up residue, warm water and a small brush clear it out.
- Let everything air dry completely before you reassemble and refill.
Store your e-liquid the right way
Heat, light, and air are what degrade vape juice over time. Keep bottles sealed tight, standing upright, and tucked somewhere cool and dark like a cabinet or pantry, away from windows, radiators, and direct sun. Stored that way, most e-liquid holds up well for a year or two. If a juice has turned much darker than it started or smells off, it has oxidized and it's time to replace it.
Store the device the same way it likes to be used: upright, away from water, direct sunlight, and high heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does e-liquid last in storage?
Kept sealed, upright, and in a cool dark spot, most e-liquid stays good for one to two years. Heat, light, and air shorten that. If the color has darkened a lot or the smell is off, replace it rather than vape it.
Why does my coil taste burnt so soon?
Usually the wick wasn't fully saturated. Prime a new coil with a few drops of juice on the cotton and let it sit five to ten minutes before the first puff. Running the tank too low, chain-vaping, and exceeding the coil's wattage range all burn coils early too.
Can I clean a coil and reuse it?
You can rinse a tired replaceable coil under warm water to clear some residue, but it only buys you a few more days at best. Coils are wear items. When the flavor goes weak or muddy, swap in a new one, typically every one to two weeks depending on use.
How often should I clean my tank?
About once a week for regular use, and always before changing flavors so the old one doesn't carry over. Take the tank apart, rinse with warm water, and let it dry fully before refilling.
Should e-liquid be stored in glass or plastic?
The plastic bottles juice ships in are fine if you'll finish them within a month or two. For longer storage, glass holds flavor better because it doesn't react with the liquid the way plastic can over time.
Why is my device leaking?
Most often it's been left lying down or upside down, which lets liquid migrate to the airflow holes and seep out. Store it upright, don't overfill past the fill line, and make sure the tank is seated and the seals are seated correctly.
These products are intended only for adults 21+. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. This article is general product information and is not a smoking-cessation claim.