Quick Guide: Cleaning Your Vape Coil
Let’s make one thing clear: you must regularly change your vape coils. They can develop a burnt taste, leak, or even reduce your vapor production due to frequent use and sugary vape juices. With that said, it makes sense that you’d want them to last as long as possible! And you can, within reason, with some light cleaning.
Keep reading to learn how to clean your vape coils.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Vape Coil?
Learning how to clean your vape coils is necessary, not only for better flavors and clouds, but for its overall performance. If you don’t take the time to clean your coils, you’ll shorten the lifespan of your vape and decrease the flavor quality. Signs it’s time to clean your vape coil include:
- Burnt or reduced flavor
- Reduced vapor output
- Gurgling or crackling sounds
- Muted flavors
- Flavor “ghosting” (when traces of an old vape juice affect the current one)
What Type of Coil Do You Have?
Not all coils are cleaned the same way. So, the first thing you want to do is determine your coil type. Replaceable coils can take two forms: coil heads for tanks, which are encased in a small metal chamber that has an absorbent wick, and coils for rebuildables, which require you to install and wick. Most stock coils are replaceable.
Cleaning Replaceable Coils
For replaceable coils, you can rinse them, soak them, or use an ultrasonic cleaner. It helps to save costs and time if you wait until you have several coils that need cleaning!
Method 1: Rinsing
This is the simplest method for cleaning your coils. Just keep in mind that this method may not remove all e-liquid residue from your vape products.
- Remove the coil from your vape tank or device.
- Run the coil under warm water for at least 20 seconds to help lift the outer layers of the nicotine vape juice residue.
- (Optional) Fill a bowl or container with hot water and let it soak for 30 minutes.
- Rinse your coil again and let it dry completely before reinstalling it.
Method 2: Soaking
Soaking provides more of an intensive cleaning, making it the preferred method for stubborn residue. Here’s how to clean your vape coils by soaking:
- Fill a bowl with ethanol, unflavored vodka, or white vinegar. Alcohol works as both a solvent and disinfectant, breaking down and removing residue, while also killing germs. Though white vinegar is a milder option, it will still effectively get rid of all that built-up gunk.
- Place your coil into the bowl and let it soak for a few hours. Agitate the coil(s) occasionally to help loosen residue.
- Rinse your coil in warm water and let it dry.
Alternative: You can also clean your vape coils by soaking them in distilled water. Distilled water is not only free from minerals and other impurities that can leave residue but is non-reactive. This makes it safe for cleaning a wide range of items (including vape coils!) without causing damage.
Method 3: Ultrasonic Cleaner
Ultrasonic cleaners can be extremely useful when cleaning coils. These devices use high-frequency sound waves to create tiny bubbles in a cleaning solution (or water) that gently dislodge dirt and other gunk from surfaces. And the best part is, the machine does all the work for you! All you need to do is fill the cleaner with water, place your coil inside, and let it run for a cycle or two. Make sure to let the coil dry completely before reinstalling it.
Cleaning Rebuildable Coils
The coils in rebuildable atomizers are actually meant to be cleaned to maintain flavor and vapor production! Here’s how to clean these vape coils:
- Remove the wicks from your coils. You don’t want to burn them.
- Dry burn the coils as lightly as possible.
- Remove the atomizer from your mod.
- Place it under running water and brush lightly with a toothbrush or cleaning tool.
- Rinse.
- Dry burn again to remove water droplets.
More Tips for Coil Maintenance
- Don’t Overfill Your Tank – Overfilling can make the coil get too wet and burn.
- Use Your Recommended Wattage – Check your coil’s suggested wattage range and adjust your settings to avoid residue buildup and burning.
- Prime Your Coils – Saturate your wick with e-liquid before using new or freshly cleaned coils.
- Replace Your Coils as Necessary – All coils must eventually be replaced, no matter how often they’re cleaned. If you notice a change in flavor or vapor production, even when they’re clean, it’s time to change your coils!
How Often Should You Clean Your Vape Coil?
Clean your coils at least once a week to maintain device longevity. And don’t forget to keep up with your coil maintenance and stay stocked up on vape coils!
