Vape Pens – How to Clean Them to Extend Their Life

Vaping device maintenance
hurricanehank/Shutterstock

Cleaning a vape is an essential part of using an e-cigarette, so it lasts longer and keeps performing at a high level. But there are so many different types of cleaning and all the different kinds of e-cigarette that people use, and it’s not all one, simple process. Some types of vape do not need any cleaning at all and can be thrown away. However, more expensive and advanced devices require more care and maintenance, so knowing how best to care for your favorite vape pens is important.

Table of Contents

  1. Types of Vaporizers
  2. Clean The Vape Pen
  3. Clean Dry Herb Vaporizer
  4. Cleaning Oil or Wax Vaporizers
  5. Change E-Juice
  6. Vape Tank Cleaning
  7. Ways to Clean Coils
  8. FAQ
  9. Conclusion

Table of Contents

  1. Types of Vaporizers
  2. Clean The Vape Pen
  3. Clean Dry Herb Vaporizer
  4. Cleaning Oil or Wax Vaporizers
  5. Change E-Juice
  6. Vape Tank Cleaning
  7. Ways to Clean Coils
  8. FAQ
  9. Conclusion

Recognize Your Vaporizer Pen

vape pens and tanks
nuttapon averuttaman/Shutterstock

Your vaporizer could vaporize any of the following: oil, herbs, or wax. There are diverse cleaning approaches to use when cleaning each material off of your vaporizer.
You need to understand the different parts of your vaporizer. This will definitely help you comprehend how to handle the disassembling procedure.
A majority of vape pens consist of a heating chamber, a battery, and a mouthpiece.

vape pens and tanks
nuttapon averuttaman/Shutterstock

Your vaporizer could vaporize any of the following: oil, herbs, or wax. There are diverse cleaning approaches to use when cleaning each material off of your vaporizer.
You need to understand the different parts of your vaporizer. This will definitely help you comprehend how to handle the disassembling procedure.
A majority of vape pens consist of a heating chamber, a battery, and a mouthpiece.

How to Clean Vape Pens: Step-by-Step Instructions

Check the Owner’s Manual

The first thing anyone should know about cleaning a vape pen is to consult the instructions that come with it. The owner’s manual is the best reference for anyone to find out how to clean a vape coil or how to clean a vapor tank, or how to clean a burnt coil. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed closely because they know what materials the parts are made of and will advise what cleaning materials to use or not use.

Pay Attention to Specifications

Every e-cigarette is different and has its parts and building materials. In addition, there are several different battery types, connectors, and other electrical components that users should familiarize themselves with before cleaning or repairing these types of parts. Ensure that you know all the details that come with your device and act accordingly (do not submerge batteries in water, for example).

Taking Apart Your Vape Device

After knowing what your device is made of and what kind of cleaning it requires, it is time to take it apart. First, make sure you have a clean, uncluttered workspace to put all the separate parts. Try not to have too many things on your work surface, so you are not confused about what goes where and what is what.

Begin by unscrewing the atomizer or cartridge from the battery. They should come off quickly if you have a 510-vape pen and tank combo. Set aside your cartridge and remove the mouthpiece or top cap to reveal the tank inside. Depending on the tank, you can simply insert a cotton swab with a bit of isopropyl alcohol (not water) inside the tank to remove any excess residue on the glass or plastic surface. You can also check the mouthpiece and top cap to see any clogs and use a small pin to make sure the airway is clear.

Check the Owner’s Manual

The first thing anyone should know about cleaning a vape pen is to consult the instructions that come with it. The owner’s manual is the best reference for anyone to find out how to clean a vape coil or how to clean a vapor tank, or how to clean a burnt coil. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed closely because they know what materials the parts are made of and will advise what cleaning materials to use or not use.

Pay Attention to Specifications

Every e-cigarette is different and has its parts and building materials. In addition, there are several different battery types, connectors, and other electrical components that users should familiarize themselves with before cleaning or repairing these types of parts. Ensure that you know all the details that come with your device and act accordingly (do not submerge batteries in water, for example).

Taking Apart Your Vape Device

After knowing what your device is made of and what kind of cleaning it requires, it is time to take it apart. First, make sure you have a clean, uncluttered workspace to put all the separate parts. Try not to have too many things on your work surface, so you are not confused about what goes where and what is what.

Begin by unscrewing the atomizer or cartridge from the battery. They should come off quickly if you have a 510-vape pen and tank combo. Set aside your cartridge and remove the mouthpiece or top cap to reveal the tank inside. Depending on the tank, you can simply insert a cotton swab with a bit of isopropyl alcohol (not water) inside the tank to remove any excess residue on the glass or plastic surface. You can also check the mouthpiece and top cap to see any clogs and use a small pin to make sure the airway is clear.

How to Clean Dry Herb Vaporizer

vaping dry herb vaporizers
Victor Moussa/Shutterstock

Clean After Every Use

Cleaning a dry herb vaporizer pen is a little different from cleaning a vape pen or tank. First, a dry herb device can be cleaned after every use to make sure it is in top shape all the time. Then, users can simply brush aside any excess material to prevent it from building up over time and leading to a more intense clean-up effort down the road.

Use the Tools Provided

The great thing about dry herb vaporizer pens is that many, if not all, of them, come with cleaning supplies already in the kit. Users can find everything from pipe cleaners, brushes, wire tools, and other accessories included in the starter kit so they can keep their device in the best shape possible.

Make Sure You Use the Right Cleaning Materials

A widespread tool for cleaning dry herb vaporizers is isopropyl alcohol, but it is not always necessary. You want to make sure you are not applying something that does not keep your device in good working order. Sometimes, soap and water are good enough, or even not, depending on the device. Remember that there is no right way to clean a vape, and you can use many different methods.

vaping dry herb vaporizers
Victor Moussa/Shutterstock

Clean After Every Use

Cleaning a dry herb vaporizer pen is a little different from cleaning a vape pen or tank. First, a dry herb device can be cleaned after every use to make sure it is in top shape all the time. Then, users can simply brush aside any excess material to prevent it from building up over time and leading to a more intense clean-up effort down the road.

Use the Tools Provided

The great thing about dry herb vaporizer pens is that many, if not all, of them, come with cleaning supplies already in the kit. Users can find everything from pipe cleaners, brushes, wire tools, and other accessories included in the starter kit so they can keep their device in the best shape possible.

Make Sure You Use the Right Cleaning Materials

A widespread tool for cleaning dry herb vaporizers is isopropyl alcohol, but it is not always necessary. You want to make sure you are not applying something that does not keep your device in good working order. Sometimes, soap and water are good enough, or even not, depending on the device. Remember that there is no right way to clean a vape, and you can use many different methods.

Oil or Wax Vaporizer Pens

Shannon L. Price/Shutterstock

Know Your Device

There are so many different wax or vaporizer pen types that there is no simple way to clean them all the same way. Some have removable parts that make it easier to clean, while others come as a single unit that makes it trickier to clean them. Notwithstanding all the different parts a device can feature, it also may react differently to chemical agents that could impact their performance and usage. Make sure you know how your device will react to something and avoid anything that could damage it without making sure first.

Check Individual Parts

Oil and wax vaporizers look very simple, but they use other parts and materials that could require more effort cleaning and maintaining. For example, many disposable pens do not require any cleaning, as users can simply replace the cartridge with a new one. But a reusable device that has a high-quality heating chamber needs to be cleaned to keep it in good working condition.

Let Everything Dry Before Using It Again

A concentrate or wax vaporizer pen can use several different parts and require some basic cleaning effort. Because of the material itself (sticky, gooey, etc.), it can be easy for the device to get dirty, clogged, perform poorly, and generally upset its user. That’s why it is important to regularly clean all the critical parts and then let them dry overnight or before using them again to make sure all the oils and other cleaning materials used dry up and evaporate before using them again.

Shannon L. Price/Shutterstock

Know Your Device

There are so many different wax or vaporizer pen types that there is no simple way to clean them all the same way. Some have removable parts that make it easier to clean, while others come as a single unit that makes it trickier to clean them. Notwithstanding all the different parts a device can feature, it also may react differently to chemical agents that could impact their performance and usage. Make sure you know how your device will react to something and avoid anything that could damage it without making sure first.

Check Individual Parts

Oil and wax vaporizers look very simple, but they use other parts and materials that could require more effort cleaning and maintaining. For example, many disposable pens do not require any cleaning, as users can simply replace the cartridge with a new one. But a reusable device that has a high-quality heating chamber needs to be cleaned to keep it in good working condition.

Let Everything Dry Before Using It Again

A concentrate or wax vaporizer pen can use several different parts and require some basic cleaning effort. Because of the material itself (sticky, gooey, etc.), it can be easy for the device to get dirty, clogged, perform poorly, and generally upset its user. That’s why it is important to regularly clean all the critical parts and then let them dry overnight or before using them again to make sure all the oils and other cleaning materials used dry up and evaporate before using them again.

How to Change E-Liquid

Changing e-liquid is a straightforward process, but it could be different for each type of tank or atomizer. The most typical way to change e-liquid is to let the tank run dry before filling it again with a different, or the same, e-liquid. But if you are changing the e-liquid to a new flavor or another type, you may want to clean it out first before replacing it.

If you want to clean out the tank, first:

  • Remove the tank entirely from the battery (if possible)

Some tanks and batteries are integrated into a single device, so it is impossible to remove the tank. In that case, insert a cotton swab into the tank to give it a good wipe before filling it with a new e-juice, and then let it dry out before filling it again.

Changing e-liquid is a straightforward process, but it could be different for each type of tank or atomizer. The most typical way to change e-liquid is to let the tank run dry before filling it again with a different, or the same, e-liquid. But if you are changing the e-liquid to a new flavor or another type, you may want to clean it out first before replacing it.

If you want to clean out the tank, first:

  • Remove the tank entirely from the battery (if possible)

Some tanks and batteries are integrated into a single device, so it is impossible to remove the tank. In that case, insert a cotton swab into the tank to give it a good wipe before filling it with a new e-juice, and then let it dry out before filling it again.

How to Clean a Vape Tank

clean vape tank
Borya Galperin//Shutterstock

If you have a removable tank, first:

  • Remove the tank and disassemble it

There will be plenty of parts to take apart and put back together, depending on the tank. Most standard 510-sub-ohm tanks and atomizers are fully capable of being taken apart and put back together again so users can clean them easily.
Users can take apart every part of the tank and let certain parts soak in a solution of water and isopropyl alcohol. They can also remove the coil inside the tank and remove it completely to dispose of it. Finally, they can check the drip tip to see if it also needs to be cleaned but depending on the material (Delrin, ULTEM, etc.), they should just give it a rub with a damp cloth to clean it up.

clean vape tank
Borya Galperin//Shutterstock

If you have a removable tank, first:

  • Remove the tank and disassemble it

There will be plenty of parts to take apart and put back together, depending on the tank. Most standard 510-sub-ohm tanks and atomizers are fully capable of being taken apart and put back together again so users can clean them easily.
Users can take apart every part of the tank and let certain parts soak in a solution of water and isopropyl alcohol. They can also remove the coil inside the tank and remove it completely to dispose of it. Finally, they can check the drip tip to see if it also needs to be cleaned but depending on the material (Delrin, ULTEM, etc.), they should just give it a rub with a damp cloth to clean it up.

How To Clean Vape Coil

Cleaning vape coils is not recommended or necessary in some cases. Pre-made coils that come with sub-ohm tanks and are installed into the device can be tossed and replaced with new coils rather than having to be cleaned. Coils for oils and concentrate devices that use cannabis concentrates can be washed in various ways.

Users can heat the coils and let any excess residue drip down from the coils and onto a paper towel. Users can also give them a quick wipe with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol to make sure they’re clean and unclogged. Vape coils for most devices do not need to be cleaned and should not be cleaned because they are already past their use date if they are burnt or damaged already.

Cleaning vape coils is not recommended or necessary in some cases. Pre-made coils that come with sub-ohm tanks and are installed into the device can be tossed and replaced with new coils rather than having to be cleaned. Coils for oils and concentrate devices that use cannabis concentrates can be washed in various ways.

Users can heat the coils and let any excess residue drip down from the coils and onto a paper towel. Users can also give them a quick wipe with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol to make sure they’re clean and unclogged. Vape coils for most devices do not need to be cleaned and should not be cleaned because they are already past their use date if they are burnt or damaged already.

How To Clean Replaceable Coils

Cleaning a replaceable coil is probably not worth the time and effort to only get a few more days from the coil. If the replaceable coil has already been cleaned or is already giving off sour flavor and bad vapor, it is best just to toss it and pop in a new coil, if you have one. Likewise, soaking a coil in vodka, ethanol, or other cleaning agent is not worth it. It will take time to dry without improving performance or vapor quality eventually.

How To Clean Rebuildable Coils

Rebuildable coils can require some extra cleaning effort because of their heavy-duty use. How vapers like to clean their coils depends on their preferences and what they’ve learned from years of experience and building and rebuilding their coils. Many vapers also know when to wash their coils based on the condition of the wicking materials, the overall vapor quality, etc.

Many RBA builders remove the wicking material first from their coils, which is the part that gets dirtiest and most used. Every wick material lasts for as long as it can and when exactly to change them or clean them is up to each individual. After removing the wicking material, the rest is up to the user, like they want to build a new coil or continue using the same one with new wicking material, etc.

Builders often dry burn coils to burn off excess juice residue and the like, but it may not always be enough. It is easier to remove the build and wrap a new set of coils at that point. If users like the particular build, they can wash them after removing them from their device and let them soak overnight to clean them off thoroughly.

How To Clean Burnt Coils

Evgeny Bendin/Shutterstock

A burnt coil is hard to clean, and it is better off being tossed than wasting time or resources to get out burnt taste and materials. If you have a burnt coil, try replacing it with a new one. If you only just installed the coil and it already feels burned, check to make sure it is properly installed and prime your coils (drop e-liquid on or around the core to let it soak).

If you are down to your last coil, you can try soaking the problem coil in some hot water with a specific cleaning solution (soap, isopropyl alcohol) and then let it dry out for the rest of the day. The burnt taste may be gone or not, but you can try afterward by installing the coil to see if it is still giving off a burnt taste.

How To Clean Replaceable Coils

Cleaning a replaceable coil is probably not worth the time and effort to only get a few more days from the coil. If the replaceable coil has already been cleaned or is already giving off sour flavor and bad vapor, it is best just to toss it and pop in a new coil, if you have one. Likewise, soaking a coil in vodka, ethanol, or other cleaning agent is not worth it. It will take time to dry without improving performance or vapor quality eventually.

How To Clean Rebuildable Coils

Rebuildable coils can require some extra cleaning effort because of their heavy-duty use. How vapers like to clean their coils depends on their preferences and what they’ve learned from years of experience and building and rebuilding their coils. Many vapers also know when to wash their coils based on the condition of the wicking materials, the overall vapor quality, etc.

Many RBA builders remove the wicking material first from their coils, which is the part that gets dirtiest and most used. Every wick material lasts for as long as it can and when exactly to change them or clean them is up to each individual. After removing the wicking material, the rest is up to the user, like they want to build a new coil or continue using the same one with new wicking material, etc.

Builders often dry burn coils to burn off excess juice residue and the like, but it may not always be enough. It is easier to remove the build and wrap a new set of coils at that point. If users like the particular build, they can wash them after removing them from their device and let them soak overnight to clean them off thoroughly.

How To Clean Burnt Coils

Evgeny Bendin/Shutterstock

A burnt coil is hard to clean, and it is better off being tossed than wasting time or resources to get out burnt taste and materials. If you have a burnt coil, try replacing it with a new one. If you only just installed the coil and it already feels burned, check to make sure it is properly installed and prime your coils (drop e-liquid on or around the core to let it soak).

If you are down to your last coil, you can try soaking the problem coil in some hot water with a specific cleaning solution (soap, isopropyl alcohol) and then let it dry out for the rest of the day. The burnt taste may be gone or not, but you can try afterward by installing the coil to see if it is still giving off a burnt taste.

FAQ

How do you clean a dirty vape?

There are many different ways to clean a dirty vape that depend on the type of vape being cleaned. Users should know their device and what steps it needs to take to clean safely and correctly. Usually, 510-threaded tanks and batteries need only a little maintenance, while bigger, more advanced sub-ohm and dry herb vaporizers need more care.

How do I clean my vape at home?

Cleaning your vape at home requires things like soap, water, a little isopropyl alcohol, and a few rags. Users should clean their workspace and ensure they have all the necessary parts to clean their devices successfully.

Is it safe to clean vape with rubbing alcohol?

It is common to use rubbing alcohol to clean a vape, but be careful where you use it. Plastic or glass tanks are safe, but alcohol on other materials can corrode them. Try to dilute it first with some regular water and then apply it to a problem area.

How do you deep clean a vape tank?

Doing a deep clean on a vape tank requires taking it apart completely (into all its pieces: top cap, coil base, mouthpiece, tank section) so that you can fully clean each individual part rather than keeping it assembled and wiping out the tank section with a rag or cloth.

How often should I clean my vape tank?

You should clean your tank whenever it gets too dirty, but a good rule of thumb is to clean it every week, especially if you are a heavy user. Of course, depending on the tank and how often you use it, it could also go a few days without cleaning, but check-in after a week of heavy use or e-juice changes to see if it’s in good condition.

How do I clean my vape bubbler?

Cleaning a vape bubbler can be tricky, mainly because they come in many shapes and sizes. If you have an easy-to-use bubbler that has an easy-to-manage form, then you can just run some soap and hot water through it to clean it up. But some places may be hard to clean on an intricate water bubbler so try diluting some alcohol and passing it through problem areas for a deeper clean.

How do you clean a dirty vape?

There are many different ways to clean a dirty vape that depend on the type of vape being cleaned. Users should know their device and what steps it needs to take to clean safely and correctly. Usually, 510-threaded tanks and batteries need only a little maintenance, while bigger, more advanced sub-ohm and dry herb vaporizers need more care.

How do I clean my vape at home?

Cleaning your vape at home requires things like soap, water, a little isopropyl alcohol, and a few rags. Users should clean their workspace and ensure they have all the necessary parts to clean their devices successfully.

Is it safe to clean vape with rubbing alcohol?

It is common to use rubbing alcohol to clean a vape, but be careful where you use it. Plastic or glass tanks are safe, but alcohol on other materials can corrode them. Try to dilute it first with some regular water and then apply it to a problem area.

How do you deep clean a vape tank?

Doing a deep clean on a vape tank requires taking it apart completely (into all its pieces: top cap, coil base, mouthpiece, tank section) so that you can fully clean each individual part rather than keeping it assembled and wiping out the tank section with a rag or cloth.

How often should I clean my vape tank?

You should clean your tank whenever it gets too dirty, but a good rule of thumb is to clean it every week, especially if you are a heavy user. Of course, depending on the tank and how often you use it, it could also go a few days without cleaning, but check-in after a week of heavy use or e-juice changes to see if it’s in good condition.

How do I clean my vape bubbler?

Cleaning a vape bubbler can be tricky, mainly because they come in many shapes and sizes. If you have an easy-to-use bubbler that has an easy-to-manage form, then you can just run some soap and hot water through it to clean it up. But some places may be hard to clean on an intricate water bubbler so try diluting some alcohol and passing it through problem areas for a deeper clean.

Conclusion: Why is It Important to Clean Devices?

It is important to clean all vaping devices because, over time, they get dirty, like with any other consumer product. In addition, Vaping devices take a lot of damage over time, especially if they are being used daily, which many of them are, so it is up to the user to make sure their device is always in tip-top condition.

Given the time and money that many users put into their devices, it is also upon them to take care of it unless they want to spend money to upgrade their device or gear. A good vaping device is not that hard to care for, so the effort is minimal, but the reward is more significant.

Many vaping devices are also expensive pieces of equipment that require some kind of maintenance. And like with devices that are ignored or mistreated, a lack of care and basic cleaning can lead to problems in the future that impact its performance.

It is important to clean all vaping devices because, over time, they get dirty, like with any other consumer product. In addition, Vaping devices take a lot of damage over time, especially if they are being used daily, which many of them are, so it is up to the user to make sure their device is always in tip-top condition.

Given the time and money that many users put into their devices, it is also upon them to take care of it unless they want to spend money to upgrade their device or gear. A good vaping device is not that hard to care for, so the effort is minimal, but the reward is more significant.

Many vaping devices are also expensive pieces of equipment that require some kind of maintenance. And like with devices that are ignored or mistreated, a lack of care and basic cleaning can lead to problems in the future that impact its performance.

Published: April 21, 2017 Updated: December 13, 2021


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