Why should I clean my vape tank and coil, and how?

Regularly cleaning your vaping device is a very smart habit to get into. It helps to ensure a more flavoursome vape along with smoother cloud production. It also guarantees your kit will last longer, so happens to be very good for your wallet.

So how do you clean a vape tank and coil? Here’s a closer look at the reasons for keeping it clean, along with our tips for getting it right.

 

Why should I clean my vape tank and coil?

 

Flavour purity

Let’s say you’re in the mood for a subtle yet satisfying juice flavour (Apple or Watermelon, for instance). You may find that it tastes a little unusual if there are remnants of Pina Colada or Cheesecake still in the mix! Cleaning the tank when you switch flavours means you can enjoy your juice at its pure best.

 

Airflow

Most tank designs incorporate a chimney running through the body up to the mouthpiece (aka ‘drip tip’). You need to keep this clear of liquid and debris, otherwise your device will start to gurgle and possibly leak. This will hinder cloud production.

 

Coil longevity

A coil that’s crusted up with juice residue will soon start to suffer in terms of flavour and vapour production. Cleaning it can often give your coil a new lease of life, saving you the time and cost of replacement.

 

Hygiene

The surface of your drip tip can accumulate dirt and debris, remember to keep it clean especially if you like to vape in public places.

 

How to clean your tank

Specific advice can vary between devices, so firstly check the manufacturer’s instructions. But, the following recommendations should apply to most tanks:

 

A routine rinse

A routine rinse is a good way of freshening up your tank when switching between flavours. You should:

• Detach your tank from the device. Unscrew and remove the coil and connector thread as well as the drip tip.
• Empty out and dispose of any juice remaining in the tank.
• Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of soap.
• Place the tank, thread and drip tip into the water. Wash carefully until clean.
• Remove each component from the bowl and rinse.
• Dry off each component with a towel. If any moisture remains, allow to air dry for 10-15 minutes.
• Reassemble your tank.

 

Deep-cleaning your tank

Cloud chasers tend to favour liquids with a high vegetable glycerine (VG) content. This is slightly more ‘gloopy’ than standard e-liquids. Over time, it can leave a residue that’s difficult to shift with just a routine wash.

If you find that water isn’t shifting the dirt, try an alcohol deep clean. Plain vodka is a good option for this: it’s readily available, it’s good at breaking down juice deposits when targeted directly, and so long as you rinse your tank afterwards, it does not leave a taste residue.

Follow these instructions to deep-clean your tank:

• Detach and disassemble your tank as above.
• Soak a cotton bud in vodka and scrub any tough areas of residue. Deposits are most likely to form around the tank base.
• Wash, rinse, dry and reassemble as above.

 

How to clean a replaceable coil

If you get a ‘burnt’ taste, or a sudden drop-off in cloud production, it’s usually a sign that your coil needs attention. Depending on how frequently you vape, a replaceable coil’s lifespan can be anything from two to six weeks, but if you clean it regularly and well, you can easily get more use out of it: a substantial saving on coil replacements over time.

This process takes a little time:

• Place your coil into a clean shot glass or similar small receptacle.
• Pour in just enough vodka to cover the coil and leave for an hour or so.
• Remove and rinse the coil.
• Set aside until the water has evaporated.

 

How to clean a rebuildable coil

For rebuildable coils, you’ll need a brush to remove the ground-in residue, you can use an old toothbrush for this. However, for the best results when tackling stubborn dirt, you should consider investing in a stainless steel-bristled coil brush.

If you experience a burnt taste or cloud drop-off, try a ‘dry burn’ first of all. You do this by removing any liquid from the tank and taking out the wicking from the coil.

Then press the fire-up button on your device a few times: this is often all that’s needed to clear away minor residue.

For thicker deposits, you should try a deep-clean approach:

• Remove the wicking material from the coil.
• Do a dry burn first of all (see above).
• After the dry burn, remove the coil from the device.
• Place the coil under running water and use your coil brush to scrub the wire.
• Rinse and towel dry the coil.
• Do a further dry burn to clear out any remaining moisture.
• Re-wick and reassemble the coil.

 

Find out more

For lots more beginner-friendly tips on maintenance, vape styles and choice of equipment, be sure to explore the Ziip Lab blog.