On the surface, a vape kit is just an electronic device that vaporizes e-liquid to create vapour. But, under the hood, there are a lot of parts working in tandem to produce that hit. And just like any tool, it needs to be taken good care of for optimal performance and minimal downtime. A bit of TLC won’t just avoid the common problems, but also go towards increasing the useful life of your vape kit.
This comprehensive guide covers how to maintain your vaping device to get the most out of it. It involves taking care of and replacing coils, cleaning your vape pods and tanks, and exercising basic battery care. Follow these steps and your vape will not just last longer, but perform better as well..
How to Maintain Your Vape Coil
The coil is the heart of your device as it is what draws power from the battery and heats the vape juice, turning it into vapour. Its quality directly affects the kind of vapour it outputs. A bad coil can ruin any vaping session fast.
Choose your liquids carefully
When caring for coils, one factor to keep in mind is gunk. It's the sticky residue left by sweet e-liquids. Since dessert, candy, and custard flavours make use of sweeteners, these caramelize on the coil (learn more in our e-liquid guide). Over time, it coats the cotton and finally chokes it.
So, unless you absolutely cannot go without sweet e-liquids, go for clearer vape juices. It will ensure that your coil lasts at least two weeks’ worth of usage. A pasty liquid, on the other hand, might kill it in under a week.
Always prime new coils
After getting their first vape kit, not priming coils is the biggest mistake people make. You take a new coil, screw it in place, fill the pod/tank with your favourite e-liquid, and take a hit. Chances are high that it will be a burnt hit. So, always squeeze a few drops of e-liquid onto the exposed cotton holes of the coil and let it sit for a few minutes after filling.
Keep wattage in check
When using any high-powered kit, start low. If your coil range is 50-80W, start at the lower end. Take a few short, gentle puffs. The idea here is to let the coil ease into it and not burn the coil instantly by accident. Now, bump the power up in small increments and take a few more puffs. This breaks in the cotton gently.
Don’t let your pod run out of e-liquid
Run your tank dry, ruin your coil. Most pod kits nowadays come with transparent pods or at least e-liquid windows. Keep an eye on the vape juice level and don’t let it drop below the coil’s wick holes. Remember to refill it before you hit the bottom quarter. It will extend coil life massively.
Replace a coil in time
Look for the death signs as your coil approaches the end of its expected lifespan. The flavour won’t taste the same as before. It might be mixed with a slight burnt tinge. You will also see the vapour production drop. It might start to gurgle as well. All of these signs, when coupled with a distinct burnt carbon taste, mean your coil is dead. The only option now is to replace it with a new one.
Should you clean coils? For most people, no. Soaking a coil in vodka or water is messy. You rarely get the true flavour back. Water gets trapped. It leads to spitting. Your time has value. A new coil is cheap. Swap it. Enjoy the fresh taste.
How to Clean Your Vape
A dirty vape tastes bad and performs poorly. If you don’t clean your vape pod/tank, residue will start building up. This is where old liquid mixes with new, and you get muddled flavours. A simple clean can fix most of this.
First, identify your pod type. If you use pre-filled pods, do not wash the pod itself. Simply replace it when finished. Only the battery device needs cleaning. For refillable pods or tanks, you can give them a full clean every week or so.
Disassembling a vape
Turn your vape kit off, if you can. Remove the pod/tank from the device. Depending on the vape, take off its mouthpiece. Unscrew the base and take out the coil if you're keeping it. For many modern refillable pods, the coil is not removable; simply rinse the empty pod.
Washing vape parts
If there is greasy residue to be taken care of, hot water works better. You can even use a drop of washing-up liquid for stubborn, sweet gunk. Soak the parts in a bowl of warm, soapy water for five minutes. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the threading (on the 510 connector, for example). Scrub the inside of the chimney. Rinse thoroughly. For a quick clean of a refillable pod, a thorough warm water rinse may be sufficient.
Drying pods / tanks completely
Dry everything completely. This step is critical. Many of the latest kits feature pods secured by a magnetic connection. Any water on the contacts will cause connection issues. Pat the different parts with a paper towel.
Cotton buds are perfect for reaching and drying the small crevices in a pod or a tank. Pay special attention to drying the metal contacts at the bottom of a pod. Let all of it air dry for at least 20 minutes.
Wipe down your battery device. The top of your device gets sticky. E-liquid seeps from the tank. It attracts dust. Once a week, take a paper towel dampened with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol and wipe the entire exterior. This step is essential for all vape types.
Taking Care of Vape Battery
Battery negligence can lead to failures. It can be really dangerous with the noxious gases involved and the obvious fire hazard. Treat your batteries with proper care.
Use the right charger
Always use the cable that came with your device. If you lost it, buy an official replacement. Cheap, unbranded USB cables can have wrong wiring. They can deliver incorrect current. They can overheat. Never use a fast-charging phone block unless your device manual says you can. Stick to a standard 1-amp or 2-amp wall plug.
Charge on a safe surface
A hard, non-flammable surface is mandatory. A kitchen counter, a desk, a tile floor. Never on a soft surface. Never on a bed, sofa, or pillow. All of these trap heat. They are a fire risk if something goes wrong. Never leave your device charging under a blanket or in a closed drawer. It needs airflow. And on’t leave it charging unattended or overnight.
Inspect your batteries weekly
This takes ten seconds. Look at your battery wrap. That's the coloured plastic sleeve. Is it torn? Is there a nick near the top or bottom? Any dent on the metal body? If yes, stop using it immediately. A torn wrap can cause a hard short circuit if it touches metal. This generates extreme heat instantly.
Store batteries correctly
If you have spare batteries, never carry loose batteries in your pocket or bag. Keys, coins, or other metal objects can bridge the terminals. This causes a direct short. It will get very hot, very fast. It can vent toxic gas or catch fire.
If your vape kit uses external batteries, use those only from reputable brands. Buy them from trusted vendors. Counterfeit batteries are a real risk. They lie about their capacity and amp limits. They are dangerous.
Quick-Reference Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Remember To |
|---|---|---|
| Coil Replacement | 1-2 Weeks | Replace at first burnt taste. Prime without fail. |
| Tank Deep Clean | Weekly | Dry every component completely before reassembly. |
| Battery Contact Clean | Monthly | Use cotton buds on device and battery terminals. |
| Battery Contact Clean | Monthly | Use cotton buds on device and battery terminals. |
| Mouthpiece Wipe | Daily | Wipe it to prevent lip gunk and improve airflow. |
| Battery Visual Check | Before Charging | Look for damage. Store spares in a hard case only. |
| E-Liquid Residue Wipe | After Refilling | Wipe battery device connection to prevent stickiness. |
Buy High-Quality Vape Kits, Coils, and Pods
By following this vape maintenance guide, you can keep your vape kit performing at its best and for longer. And when it is time to replace vape parts or pick up a new, more advanced device, you can visit our online vape store in the UK to buy rechargeable vapes as well as replacement pods and e-liquids. Quality vape gear not only makes upkeep easier but also makes for a more enjoyable vaping experience when you are using it.
