Steeping E-liquid: Endless Customization For Less Price

steeping e liquid
FOTOGRIN/Shutterstock

Steeping e-liquid is a common practice among many vapers to improve the taste of the e-juice and to ensure the best vape possible. There are several methods of how to steep e-liquid; some are slow but more effective while others are fast. In this guide, we will discuss the most popular ones.

Table of contents

  1. What is Steeping E-Liquid?
  2. Is Steeping E-Liquid Necessary?
  3. Do You Need to Steep E Liquid?
  4. How Can I Make My E-Juice Steep Faster?
  5. Step-by-Step E-Juice Steeping Guide
  6. What’s the Best Way For Steeping E-liquid?
  7. Final Thoughts on Steeping E-Liquid

Table of contents

  1. What is Steeping E-Liquid?
  2. Is Steeping E-Liquid Necessary?
  3. Do You Need to Steep E Liquid?
  4. How Can I Make My E-Juice Steep Faster?
  5. Step-by-Step E-Juice Steeping Guide
  6. What’s the Best Way For Steeping E-liquid?
  7. Final Thoughts on Steeping E-Liquid

What Is Steeping E-Liquid?

Steeping has a long tradition with teas, beer, and even food products to either extract all the nutrition or as is the case with steeping e-juices, to release more flavor.

Steeping e-liquid is a way of aging the e-juice to remove any harsh bottled tastes and alcohol, which are volatile. Steeping mixes the VG/PG base, flavorings, and nicotine, and then oxidizes the juice to remove the alcohol. The process of oxidation, while removing the alcohol, also darkens the color of the liquid.

What is Pre-Steeped E-liquid?

Pre-steeped e-liquid is the vape juice that has already been steeped by the manufacturer. It means that the user doesn’t need to steep it. The pre-steeped e-liquid is a great choice for vapers that don’t want to wait from one to two weeks while the e-juice is steeping.

Steeping has a long tradition with teas, beer, and even food products to either extract all the nutrition or as is the case with steeping e-juices, to release more flavor.

Steeping e-liquid is a way of aging the e-juice to remove any harsh bottled tastes and alcohol, which are volatile. Steeping mixes the VG/PG base, flavorings, and nicotine, and then oxidizes the juice to remove the alcohol. The process of oxidation, while removing the alcohol, also darkens the color of the liquid.

What is Pre-Steeped E-liquid?

Pre-steeped e-liquid is the vape juice that has already been steeped by the manufacturer. It means that the user doesn’t need to steep it. The pre-steeped e-liquid is a great choice for vapers that don’t want to wait from one to two weeks while the e-juice is steeping.

Why Steep Vape Juice?

Steeping e-liquid brings out the best flavor of the e-juice and improves the overall vaping experience. This is not a compulsory process, but when you vape an e-juice straight from the bottle, the semi-green liquid may or may not have mellowed out. If you learn how to steep e-liquid, you will enjoy a much better flavor, no matter what kind of vaporizer you are using.

Steeping is all about the age and taste quality of your juice. For a DIY e-juice, you would definitely want to steep it, or it might have a chemical taste. If you have bought a commercially prepared e-juice, it began steeping from the moment it was bottled and has been sitting and steeping ever since.

It sat at the facility waiting for you to order, it shook and sat during the travel time, it sat on the shelf until it made it to your door, and it may sit there depending on how ready you are for its use. If you taste it and it seems harsh, however, it will be a better vape if you steep and age the e-liquid.

Steeping e-liquid brings out the best flavor of the e-juice and improves the overall vaping experience. This is not a compulsory process, but when you vape an e-juice straight from the bottle, the semi-green liquid may or may not have mellowed out. If you learn how to steep e-liquid, you will enjoy a much better flavor, no matter what kind of vaporizer you are using.

Steeping is all about the age and taste quality of your juice. For a DIY e-juice, you would definitely want to steep it, or it might have a chemical taste. If you have bought a commercially prepared e-juice, it began steeping from the moment it was bottled and has been sitting and steeping ever since.

It sat at the facility waiting for you to order, it shook and sat during the travel time, it sat on the shelf until it made it to your door, and it may sit there depending on how ready you are for its use. If you taste it and it seems harsh, however, it will be a better vape if you steep and age the e-liquid.

Is It Worth It to Steep Your Own E-Juice?

There is a craft movement happening all over the world right now as people are beginning to explore taste and creativity. This has led to the higher demand for refined items that include vape juices.

Experiment with steeping e-liquid and then enjoy the nuances of a vape juice you never thought possible!

There is a craft movement happening all over the world right now as people are beginning to explore taste and creativity. This has led to the higher demand for refined items that include vape juices.

Experiment with steeping e-liquid and then enjoy the nuances of a vape juice you never thought possible!

Should I Steep My E-Liquid?

If you have a flavor that comes on too strong, perhaps something that tastes too sweet, steeping e-liquid is the answer. This process will reduce the sweetness and generally mellow the juice’s flavor. Be warned that steeping lighter flavors, however, such as kiwi, strawberry, or other light fruits, can cause them to lose their flavor altogether.

If you have a flavor that comes on too strong, perhaps something that tastes too sweet, steeping e-liquid is the answer. This process will reduce the sweetness and generally mellow the juice’s flavor. Be warned that steeping lighter flavors, however, such as kiwi, strawberry, or other light fruits, can cause them to lose their flavor altogether.

How Do I Steep E-Juice?

steeping vape juice
FOTOGRIN/Shutterstock

Generally, steeping involves heating the vape juice, shaking it to induce mixing, and exposing it to the air for oxidation. There are many approaches on how to steep e-juice, but the simplest method involves storing the liquid in a dark, cool place for a few weeks, with occasional shaking and exposure to air for oxidation.

Oxidation, in this case, is a good thing. Reduction occurs when the oxidation of certain substances happens, and when things are reduced, flavors get concentrated. This can turn a dull-tasting e-juice into a concentrated flavor bomb when done correctly.

Below are a number of popular methods. No matter which approach you choose, always use glass bottles; plastic bottles can melt and spill or ruin your vape juice.

steeping vape juice
FOTOGRIN/Shutterstock

Generally, steeping involves heating the vape juice, shaking it to induce mixing, and exposing it to the air for oxidation. There are many approaches on how to steep e-juice, but the simplest method involves storing the liquid in a dark, cool place for a few weeks, with occasional shaking and exposure to air for oxidation.

Oxidation, in this case, is a good thing. Reduction occurs when the oxidation of certain substances happens, and when things are reduced, flavors get concentrated. This can turn a dull-tasting e-juice into a concentrated flavor bomb when done correctly.

Below are a number of popular methods. No matter which approach you choose, always use glass bottles; plastic bottles can melt and spill or ruin your vape juice.

Vape Juice Steeping Methods:

e-juice steeping
E-liquid gets darker during the process.

Slow and Simple Way:

If you are wondering how to steep e-juice yet not in a hurry to the e-liquid immediately, learn this traditional method, which is the most frequently used.

  1. Remove the wrappers from the bottles.
  2. Place your bottles of e-liquid in a cool, dark place for 6-14 days. Even a shoebox will do.
  3. Shake it once per day.
  4. Don’t let the light hit the bottles or it can tarnish your vape juice.
  5. Occasionally open the bottle for short periods; the air will speed up the oxidation process. Do not leave them open for too long or the juice will evaporate.

e-juice steeping
E-liquid gets darker during the process.

Slow and Simple Way:

If you are wondering how to steep e-juice yet not in a hurry to the e-liquid immediately, learn this traditional method, which is the most frequently used.

  1. Remove the wrappers from the bottles.
  2. Place your bottles of e-liquid in a cool, dark place for 6-14 days. Even a shoebox will do.
  3. Shake it once per day.
  4. Don’t let the light hit the bottles or it can tarnish your vape juice.
  5. Occasionally open the bottle for short periods; the air will speed up the oxidation process. Do not leave them open for too long or the juice will evaporate.

How to Steep E-liquid?

This is the easiest and most common way to steep e-liquid. This method blends the contents, another plus for steeping, and also activates the molecules for oxidation.

Steeping Method #1: A Hot Bath

This is the easiest and most common way of steeping e-liquid. This method blends the contents and also activates the molecules for oxidation.

  1. Fill a deep bowl with warm water. Test for warmth with your elbow; it should not be unpleasantly hot.
  2. Seal your bottles in a zip-lock bag, and then place the bottle in the bath.
  3. When the water cools to room temperature, remove the bottle.
  4. Uncap the bottles and let the gasses dispel, then close the bottles and shake them well.

Steeping Method #2: A Bird Bath

  1. Fill a container with warm water and test the heat with your elbow.
  2. Take the cap off the bottles and place them halfway in the warm water.
  3. Let them rest until the water is cool.
  4. Replace the cap the bottles and shake well.

Steeping Method #3: Use a Slow Cooker

  1. Fill the crockpot with water.
  2. Place the e-juice bottles in a zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible.
  3. Place the crock-pot on low, and place the bottles in the crock-pot.
  4. Leave for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
  5. Uncap, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.

Steeping Method #4: Use a Slow Cooker #2

  1. Place a bowl in the bottom of the crock-pot and fill with water
  2. Place the e-juice bottles in the bowl.
  3. Set the crock-pot on low and leave for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
  4. Uncap, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.

Steeping Method #5: Use Your Car (Summer only)

  1. Pack your e-liquid bottles in a zip-lock bag
  2. Place them in the glove box for three days.
  3. Uncap, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.

Steeping Method #6: Use a Space Heater

  1. Place your space heater on the low to medium setting.
  2. Place your bottles, uncapped, about a foot in front of the heater.
  3. Cap and shake well.
  4. Repeat until you get desired results.

Steeping Method #7: Use a Space Heater # 2

  1. Place your space heater on a low to medium setting.
  2. Place the bottle in a zip-lock bag, and fill up a mason jar halfway.
  3. Place the mason jar a foot away from the heater, and place the bottle inside.
  4. Let heat until the liquid is ready.
  5. Uncap, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.

Steeping Method #8: Use your Electric Dryer

  1. Place the bottle in a zip-lock bag, and remove the air from the bag.
  2. Place the bagged bottles in a sock and seal the sock with a rubber band.
  3. Place the sealed sock in the dryer and run it on low for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Remove the bottle, uncap them, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.

Steeping Method #9: Use your Microwave

  1. Place your bottles in the microwave and run on high for 10 seconds
  2. Remove the bottles, uncap them, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.
  3. Let cool and repeat if necessary.

Steeping Method #10: Use Hot Rice

  1. Fill a microwavable bowl with dry, uncooked rice.
  2. Heat the rice in the microwave until hot.
  3. Completely cover the vape juice bottles with the rice.
  4. When the rice is cool, check the juice.
  5. Repeat until the e-liquid is ready.
  6. Uncap, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.

Steeping Method #11: Use a Coffee Mug Warmer

  1. Fill a coffee mug with dry rice.
  2. Bury the e-juice bottles in the dry rice.
  3. Place the cup on the warmer for 8 hours.
  4. Every two hours, uncap the bottle, let them breathe, cap, and shake for 30 seconds.
  5. Repeat until ready.

Steeping Method #12: Use an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

  1. Fill the jewelry cleaner device with water.
  2. Place the bottles in the water.
  3. Turn on the heater for 30 minutes.
  4. Uncap the bottles, let them breathe, then cap.
  5. Repeat until ready.

Steeping Method #13: Use a Candle Warmer

  1. Fill a coffee mug with dry rice.
  2. Bury the e-juice bottles in the dry rice.
  3. Place the mug on the warmer for 8 hours.
  4. Every two hours, uncap the bottles, let them breathe, then cap and shake for 30 seconds.
  5. Repeat until ready.

Steeping Method #14: Seed Steeping

  1. Take 10 percent of already steeped e-liquid from a recipe.
  2. Mix it in the bottle of fresh juice.
  3. Let sit for two days.

This is the easiest and most common way to steep e-liquid. This method blends the contents, another plus for steeping, and also activates the molecules for oxidation.

Steeping Method #1: A Hot Bath

This is the easiest and most common way of steeping e-liquid. This method blends the contents and also activates the molecules for oxidation.

  1. Fill a deep bowl with warm water. Test for warmth with your elbow; it should not be unpleasantly hot.
  2. Seal your bottles in a zip-lock bag, and then place the bottle in the bath.
  3. When the water cools to room temperature, remove the bottle.
  4. Uncap the bottles and let the gasses dispel, then close the bottles and shake them well.

Steeping Method #2: A Bird Bath

  1. Fill a container with warm water and test the heat with your elbow.
  2. Take the cap off the bottles and place them halfway in the warm water.
  3. Let them rest until the water is cool.
  4. Replace the cap the bottles and shake well.

Steeping Method #3: Use a Slow Cooker

  1. Fill the crockpot with water.
  2. Place the e-juice bottles in a zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible.
  3. Place the crock-pot on low, and place the bottles in the crock-pot.
  4. Leave for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
  5. Uncap, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.

Steeping Method #4: Use a Slow Cooker #2

  1. Place a bowl in the bottom of the crock-pot and fill with water
  2. Place the e-juice bottles in the bowl.
  3. Set the crock-pot on low and leave for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
  4. Uncap, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.

Steeping Method #5: Use Your Car (Summer only)

  1. Pack your e-liquid bottles in a zip-lock bag
  2. Place them in the glove box for three days.
  3. Uncap, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.

Steeping Method #6: Use a Space Heater

  1. Place your space heater on the low to medium setting.
  2. Place your bottles, uncapped, about a foot in front of the heater.
  3. Cap and shake well.
  4. Repeat until you get desired results.

Steeping Method #7: Use a Space Heater # 2

  1. Place your space heater on a low to medium setting.
  2. Place the bottle in a zip-lock bag, and fill up a mason jar halfway.
  3. Place the mason jar a foot away from the heater, and place the bottle inside.
  4. Let heat until the liquid is ready.
  5. Uncap, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.

Steeping Method #8: Use your Electric Dryer

  1. Place the bottle in a zip-lock bag, and remove the air from the bag.
  2. Place the bagged bottles in a sock and seal the sock with a rubber band.
  3. Place the sealed sock in the dryer and run it on low for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Remove the bottle, uncap them, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.

Steeping Method #9: Use your Microwave

  1. Place your bottles in the microwave and run on high for 10 seconds
  2. Remove the bottles, uncap them, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.
  3. Let cool and repeat if necessary.

Steeping Method #10: Use Hot Rice

  1. Fill a microwavable bowl with dry, uncooked rice.
  2. Heat the rice in the microwave until hot.
  3. Completely cover the vape juice bottles with the rice.
  4. When the rice is cool, check the juice.
  5. Repeat until the e-liquid is ready.
  6. Uncap, let them breathe, then cap and shake well.

Steeping Method #11: Use a Coffee Mug Warmer

  1. Fill a coffee mug with dry rice.
  2. Bury the e-juice bottles in the dry rice.
  3. Place the cup on the warmer for 8 hours.
  4. Every two hours, uncap the bottle, let them breathe, cap, and shake for 30 seconds.
  5. Repeat until ready.

Steeping Method #12: Use an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

  1. Fill the jewelry cleaner device with water.
  2. Place the bottles in the water.
  3. Turn on the heater for 30 minutes.
  4. Uncap the bottles, let them breathe, then cap.
  5. Repeat until ready.

Steeping Method #13: Use a Candle Warmer

  1. Fill a coffee mug with dry rice.
  2. Bury the e-juice bottles in the dry rice.
  3. Place the mug on the warmer for 8 hours.
  4. Every two hours, uncap the bottles, let them breathe, then cap and shake for 30 seconds.
  5. Repeat until ready.

Steeping Method #14: Seed Steeping

  1. Take 10 percent of already steeped e-liquid from a recipe.
  2. Mix it in the bottle of fresh juice.
  3. Let sit for two days.

To Steep or Not to Steep?

Everyone has their own best method of mixing and steeping e-liquid. Try a few of these steeping e-juice methods and see what produces the best e-juice for you.

Are you a slow, patient kind of vaper? By placing the e-juices in your closet and occasionally giving them a shake and a breather, you can easily cure your juice. If you are the impatient sort, who likes to vape the new flavors as soon as possible, then one of the fast steeping methods will be more in line with your style.

Some of these are very rapid and produce usable vape juice the very same day. These methods are optimal when you run out of your favorite juice and need a quick refill.

To steep or not to steep is 100% about personal taste. You may not want to bother, or you may insist that steeping e-liquid is an important part of e-liquid preparation. You may like the anticipation of waiting for that perfect hit. There are not wrong preferences, as long as you get the flavor you want from your e-liquids and the most rewarding vaping experience.

Everyone has their own best method of mixing and steeping e-liquid. Try a few of these steeping e-juice methods and see what produces the best e-juice for you.

Are you a slow, patient kind of vaper? By placing the e-juices in your closet and occasionally giving them a shake and a breather, you can easily cure your juice. If you are the impatient sort, who likes to vape the new flavors as soon as possible, then one of the fast steeping methods will be more in line with your style.

Some of these are very rapid and produce usable vape juice the very same day. These methods are optimal when you run out of your favorite juice and need a quick refill.

To steep or not to steep is 100% about personal taste. You may not want to bother, or you may insist that steeping e-liquid is an important part of e-liquid preparation. You may like the anticipation of waiting for that perfect hit. There are not wrong preferences, as long as you get the flavor you want from your e-liquids and the most rewarding vaping experience.

Published: October 31, 2016 Updated: September 7, 2021


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21 comments on “Steeping E-liquid: Endless Customization For Less Price

  • larie

    August 3, 2020 at 9:01 pm

    Thank you,very helpful will try the showbox. Sometimes it doesn’t have flavor. I’ll let you know

  • WiL

    July 22, 2019 at 6:09 pm

    You did not put the easiest way electric pad… Roll the juice up in it turn it on… No mess no water no stupidity…

  • Jen

    November 2, 2018 at 2:00 pm

    Question: It says steeping gives better flavor, but it also says steeping fruity flavors too long can make them lose flavor. What’s the deal with that? Does it increase or decrease flavor?

  • Larry

    September 14, 2018 at 4:32 pm

    I utilize a magnetic mixer with a heating element to heat the mixture as I blend. Then I steep for 5 days and it seems to taste pretty good. Magnetic mixer with heating elements are not that expensive on Amazon and you don’t need a high end one to produce results. I usually make about 400ml at a time.

  • John

    September 14, 2018 at 3:57 am

    Best – shake it up. Put bit away. Leave the cap on.

  • Natalie

    August 23, 2018 at 2:36 am

    I’m guessing don’t do some of these when they come in plastic bottles. Anyone else get theres in plastic bottles? If so do you just let yours steep by the method with them just sitting for some time in a dark place?

  • Janodien

    August 13, 2018 at 10:26 am

    How do u mean aired out like leaving the bottle open

  • William Banks

    July 8, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    I bought a make my own vape kit and it says leave in a dark cupboard for 2 to 3 days shaking twice a day. It says now your ready to vape.
    All the methods I’ve read above say leave it for longer so is mine right saying it’s ready after 2 to 3 days?

    • abefas

      October 24, 2018 at 8:37 am

      Every e-liquid is different. Technically, shake & vapes shouldn’t need to steep because well, you shake it and vape it. That said, many times the manufacturers suggest a minimum time period(5 days) that they know the flavor will be ok. Still, you can’t go wrong if you let it sit for 2 weeks.

    • Jackie Johnson

      November 20, 2018 at 2:11 pm

      I would try both ways and see which you like better. It depends on how much you are steeping at one time, and how much alcohol (if any) was used to make it, along with other factors.

  • Alisa

    June 3, 2018 at 6:44 pm

    How long do they need to b aired out?

    • johnny whited

      July 3, 2018 at 9:09 pm

      5 to 30 minutes it depends on the size of the bottle

  • Billy

    June 3, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    Fill the bathroom sink with warm water. Put your juice bottles in a zip-lok bag and put them in the water until cool. Happy Vaping

  • Jason

    May 14, 2018 at 11:13 am

    Steeping in a large coffee thermos:

    Put hot water in a large thermos, along with your E-Juice. Bring it to work, shaking the bottle every now and then. After work, open container and let e-Juice breath a few minutes – recap.

    I think the VERY gradual cooling off from the thermos really does a good job.

  • George Frederick Romasanta

    March 14, 2018 at 9:58 am

    tries the microwave…it melted the plastic.. 10 seconds is too much

    • abefas

      October 24, 2018 at 8:31 am

      Obviously you don’t put plastic on a microwave! Plus he said to put all your liquids in glass bottles so..

    • Byron

      October 28, 2018 at 7:47 pm

      Use a glass bottle it doesn’t get melt

    • Jackie Johnson

      November 20, 2018 at 2:05 pm

      He said to use a glass bottle for this exact reason :’)
      You can buy glass dropper bottles on eBay or Amazon, or you can buy an eliquid that comes in a glass bottle, and then save the bottle to steep your liquid in. It’s really handy having a few extra dropper bottles around.

  • Danny L. Co

    December 5, 2017 at 5:12 pm

    These methods are greatly appreciated, Thank you, for having these steeping methods listed as I DIY now and I guess I’m in the impatient category. I have heard of the rice and the microwave, but the time frames I did not know, so thanks once again. I will also try probably the crock pot method when I have a new batch.

  • Kelly

    November 28, 2017 at 6:13 am

    Excellent topic coverage. Very thorough. I chose fast steep method “1. I love steeped e juice. I think it makes my juice stronger, more concentrated, smoother and richer. It gets rid of the stale factory air and the alcohol.

  • Cathy Anderson

    November 25, 2017 at 3:45 am

    Thank you,very helpful will try the showbox. Sometimes it doesn’t have flavor. I’ll let you know