Lifestyle

How to Clean a Vape Pen Thoroughly

Karen Donovan

If you regularly use a vape pen, learning how to clean it will factor into your vaping experience. A dirty and unclean vape pen won’t work correctly, not in its function or how the vape liquid is supposed to taste.

As one can imagine, there are vape pens in all sorts of sizes and shapes and with different features. The biggest difference among vape pens is whether they are draw-activated or require pressing a button to activate. Regardless, the average vape pen consists of five separate components:

  • tank
  • atomizer
  • mouthpiece
  • button
  • the battery (sometimes, it’s a removable lithium-ion battery, and in other models, it’s built into the device)

A little bit of maintenance now and again is a good thing and necessary to keep a vape pen working as it should. Keep your equipment in working order. Follow these steps on how to clean a vape pen:

1. Identify the vape pen

There are many types of vape pens. Be sure you know what your vape pen model is and its construction. You don’t want to take apart the vape pen incorrectly and accidentally damage it.

A vape pen is comprised of several individual components that fit together. The instructions for your vape pen model will outline how to disassemble the device and shine a light on recommended cleaning processes. These should be followed to a tee.

2. Remove the vape battery before cleaning

The last thing you want is to damage your vape pen battery. Most vape devices have a 18650 lithium-ion battery. If it’s possible to remove the battery before cleaning and store it in a case, do so. A damaged battery can be dangerous and will require a replacement immediately.

Be sure to avoid all moisture exposure when it comes to the battery. The exterior can be cleaned carefully with cotton swabs to clean your battery. Be sure that the battery connector is free of any residue.

3. Disassemble your vape pen

Most vape pens are threaded together. They can be screwed and unscrewed. After you understand what vape pen components you are working with, carefully take apart your pen.

Depending on the model, you may have some components that snap together through plastic pieces. It shouldn’t be difficult to take apart your vape pen, following the product’s user manual online when in doubt.

4. Clean your mouthpiece carefully

A clean mouthpiece is essential. Take a cotton swab and dab it in rubbing alcohol. Scrub the inside and outside of the mouthpiece, removing any residue.

If this isn’t working or you want to give it a deeper clean, you can soak your mouthpiece in rubbing alcohol or water for up to 1 hour. Then, afterward, scrub it. When done, set your mouthpiece on a towel to fully air-dry before reassembling your vape pen.

5. Clean your vape pen cartridge

Your cartridge is getting a lot of use in a vape pen. It’s covered in vape liquid and requires a cleaning occasionally. Once again, dab a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently scrub the exterior of the cartridge. Remove any residue from inside the vape pen cartridge.

Once clean, use a paper towel to dry the outside of the cartridge. Unlike the mouthpiece, you don’t ever want to submerge the cartridge in alcohol or other liquids.

6. Only use rubbing alcohol to clean

Other than rubbing alcohol or water, do not use other liquids or substances to clean your vape pen. If you use another liquid, it could contaminate your vape liquid and produce harsh flavours.

Vaping will become an entirely different experience when your cartridge or vape device is improperly cleaned by using another cleaner or liquid. Your vape liquid in the cartridge will be ruined.

How to clean a clogged vape pen

The tiny airflow holes inside a vape pen can get clogged. You can do lots to unclog a cartridge, including warming your cartridge carefully with a hairdryer a foot or two away at the lowest heat setting.

Gently using a toothpick or safety pin can also help to dislodge what’s causing the clog. You may need to repeat this process a few times to fully eliminate the clog. If you can’t remove the clog, you may have to replace the cartridge.

How often to clean your vape pen

You will want to clean your vape cartridge at least once a week for regular use. Some people clean theirs more frequently. As soon as you’re starting to notice residue or if your vape has something strange to its taste, it’s a good indicator that it’s time to clean your vape pen.