How to Clean Your Vape Tanks: A Comprehensive Guide

Maintaining a clean vape tank is essential for optimal performance and flavor. Over time, residue from vape juice can accumulate, compromising the quality of your vaping experience. Whether you’re a seasoned vaper or new to the scene, understanding how to clean your vape tank properly can significantly enhance your device’s longevity and performance.

In this article, we will explore various methods for cleaning vape tanks and coils, discuss the importance of regular maintenance, and provide step-by-step instructions to ensure your device remains in top condition. We’ll also address common questions and concerns, such as mixing e-liquids and the impact of different flavors on your device.

Why Clean Your Vape Tank?

Regular cleaning of your vape tank is crucial for several reasons:

1. Optimal Performance: Residue buildup from e-liquids can affect the performance of your device, leading to reduced vapor production and flavor quality.
2. Longevity: Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your coils and tank, saving you money in the long run.
3. Hygiene: Regular cleaning prevents the accumulation of germs and bacteria, ensuring a safer vaping experience.
4. Flavor Integrity: Cleaning helps eliminate lingering flavors from previous e-liquids, providing a pure taste with each new fill.

How to Clean a Vape Tank

Step 1: Disassemble the Tank

Begin by taking apart your vape tank. Remove the coil and any other detachable components. Pay attention to how each piece fits together to avoid confusion during reassembly. Use a small bowl to keep all the parts organized.

Step 2: The Standard Rinse

For a quick clean:

1. Rinse each part under warm running water to remove any e-liquid residue.
2. Dry the components with a paper towel and let them air dry until no water or condensation is visible.

If your tank requires a deeper clean, follow these additional steps:

1. Fill a cup or bowl with water and heat it in the microwave for about two minutes.
2. Submerge the disassembled tank in the hot water and let it sit until the water cools down.
3. Rinse the tank parts again under warm running water, dry them with a paper towel, and let them air dry.

Step 3: The PG Rinse

For removing stubborn flavors:

1. Fill a bowl with propylene glycol (PG).
2. Soak the disassembled tank in PG for an hour or two.
3. Stand the tank parts on a napkin to drip dry.

Avoid using vegetable glycerin (VG) as it is too thick and may complicate the cleaning process.

Step 4: The Cleaning Agent Rinse

For a deeper clean, use household items such as:

• Baking Soda: Mix with water to create a paste and scrub the tank components.
• Ethanol (Grain Alcohol): Soak the parts in ethanol for a thorough clean. Do not use isopropyl alcohol as it is not safe for internal tank components.
• Cheap Vodka: Soak the tank parts, then rinse thoroughly.
• Vinegar: Use sparingly and rinse thoroughly to avoid lingering smell.

Some vapers also use a mixture of dish soap or lemon juice with water. Ensure you rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residues.

Step 5: The Ultrasonic Cleaner

For the most thorough clean, use an ultrasonic cleaner:

1. Fill the cleaner with water and place all tank parts inside.
2. Run the cleaner for 10-minute cycles until the tank is clean.
3. Optionally, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the cleaner. Rinse the tank parts thoroughly afterward.

How to Clean Your Coils

Cleaning vape coils is more complex than cleaning the tank. Coils come in two types: replaceable coil heads and rebuildable coils. Each requires a different approach.

Cleaning Replaceable Coils

Replaceable coil heads can be cleaned, but it won’t completely restore their performance. Here’s how:

1. Soak the coil in ethanol, vinegar, or cheap vodka for a few hours.
2. Rinse under tap water.
3. Rinse again with distilled water.
4. Blow air through the coil to remove excess water.
5. Let the coil dry completely before reusing.

Cleaning Rebuildable Coils

If you use a rebuildable atomizer, you should clean your coils regularly. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the wicks from the coils.
2. Lightly dry burn the coils to remove residue (do not let them glow too much).
3. Remove the atomizer from the mod and rinse under running water.
4. Brush the coils gently with a toothbrush or coil cleaning tool.
5. Rinse again and perform a final dry burn to remove water droplets.

You can use a bit of dishwashing liquid during brushing, but ensure thorough rinsing afterward.

How to Change E-liquid

Switching e-liquids can be straightforward if done correctly. Here’s what you need to know:

Similar Flavors

If the new e-liquid has a similar flavor profile to the previous one, a thorough cleaning may not be necessary. Simply vape your tank empty and refill with the new e-liquid.

Different Flavors

For drastically different flavors, follow these steps:

1. Remove all e-liquid from the tank.
2. Take short-duration puffs to dry the wicks (do not take more than 3-4 puffs to avoid dry hits).
3. Optionally, blow into the mouthpiece while firing the mod at a low wattage to vaporize remaining liquid.
4. Refill with the new e-liquid.

For rebuildable dripping atomizers (RDAs), the process is simpler:

1. Remove the top cap and blow on the coils while firing the device at a low wattage.
2. Drip the new e-liquid on the coils and vape.

Using Base E-liquid

To remove lingering flavors more effectively, vape some base e-liquid (unflavored) between different juices. This works for both tanks and RDAs.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance and proper cleaning of your vape tank and coils are essential for an optimal vaping experience. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can ensure your device remains in top condition, providing you with the best flavor and vapor production possible. Whether you’re switching e-liquids or simply performing routine cleaning, these steps will help you maintain a clean and efficient vaping setup.