How to Clean Vape Pods: Step-by-Step Guide

For those with a pod vaping system, the benefits of this type of device are clear – enhancing your vaping experience to new levels. Utilizing a pod system becomes essential, especially if you enjoy high-strength nicotine salt e-liquids commonly preferred by newer vapers. Not only are pod systems compact and stylish, but they are also budget-friendly.

Although purchasing a pod vaping kit may be inexpensive, some may be surprised when their pods wear out faster than expected. Vape pods can be costly, and extending their lifespan and refilling them multiple times are ideal.

This article will guide you on a vital aspect of owning a pod vaping system: the proper method to clean vape pods. When a pod starts producing a burnt taste, it often indicates residue accumulation rather than a faulty coil. By removing residue, you can revive the pod’s original flavor, saving it from premature disposal.

Let’s start by exploring the composition of the residue causing your vape pods to burn out before delving into cleaning methods.

 

Reasons Behind Vape Pod Residue Formation

Vape pod residue forms due to incomplete conversion of certain e-liquid ingredients into vapor upon heating. Ingredients failing to vaporize adhere to the pod’s atomizer coil over time, forming a thick residue that eventually engulfs the coil’s heating surface entirely. This results in a deeply caramelized, or even burnt, flavor during vaping.

Vapers refer to this buildup as “coil gunk,” which impedes the effectiveness of the coil’s wick. As the residue layer thickens, it may start to burn when vaping, leading to constant “dry hits” despite ample e-liquid in the pod.

 

Preventing Coil Gunk Build-up in Vape Pods

Various e-liquid flavors cause coil residue, with the primary culprit being the sugar-free sweetener sucralose. Sweet e-liquids are immensely popular among vapers, leading sucralose to be a prevalent ingredient. The absence of sucralose in an e-liquid might even be deemed unusual due to its widespread use.

Hence, if your e-liquid offers a candy-like taste, leaves a sugary residue on your lips, it likely contains sucralose. This sweetener accelerates pod deterioration as it doesn’t vaporize cleanly under heat, forming a caramelized layer akin to sugar on the coil. Opting for unsweetened e-liquids significantly slows residue formation, extending pod lifespan to several days or more.

If you prefer sweetened e-liquids, you may reconsider your choice to prolong your pod’s durability. Otherwise, you’ll continue to face issues like frequent pod replacements due to rapid residue build-up.

Are you satisfied with the flavor of your current vape juice and wish to maintain your vaping experience as is? This leads us to the focal point of this article: how to clean vape pods.

 

Step-by-Step Guide for Vape Pod Cleaning

Ever wondered about the importance of knowing the proper way to clean a vape pod? The burnt flavor from your pod is not due to a faulty atomizer coil but simply a result of e-liquid residue. By cleaning this residue, your pod’s coil can function like new again.

Keep in mind that certain pod vaping systems have non-replaceable atomizer coils integrated into the pod, making it challenging to clean due to a single small filling hole. Cleaning becomes simpler if the coil is detachable. Some popular pod systems with removable coils include:

• Innokin Sensis
• Innokin EQ FLTR
• Innokin Kroma Z

Let’s delve into the process of cleaning your soiled vape pods.

• Prepare a sizable bowl with hot water, making sure not to boil it to prevent plastic degradation or melting since vape pods are plastic-made.
• Unseal the filling hole of your vape pod. If the pod features a detachable coil, remove it before placing both components in the water. The pod might float due to being hollow; ensure it’s submerged for effective cleaning.
• Swirl the pod and coil in the water to create motion and dislodge residue. Allow them to soak before swirling again. You might notice dark specks in the water or inside the pod if it has a non-removable
• Swirl the pod around in the bowl to agitate the water and dislodge residue from the coil.
• After noticing the absence of dark flecks in the water, the coil is considered clean; rinse the pod under the faucet if necessary to remove leftover residue.
• Retrieving the pod and coil from the water, tap the pod on a paper towel to eliminate excess water before allowing them to air dry for hours.

If conventional hot water cleaning is ineffective, consider using alcohol like vodka as a solvent. Ensure thorough rinsing after cleaning to remove any residual alcohol.

For stubborn contaminants in challenging areas, delicately scrape them with a toothpick to dislodge the grime.

For a more thorough cleaning approach, employ an ultrasonic cleaner, similar to ones used for jewelry, for a faster and more comprehensive clean of your coils.

Can Cleaning Always Resolve Burnt Vape Pod Issues?

Note that cleaning tackles burnt flavors caused by coil residue, not by a damaged wick; in the latter case, replacing the pod or coil is advisable.



Ensure the wick is fully saturated before vaping to prevent it from burning, as a dry wick can lead to a burnt flavor.

Distinguishing between coil residue and a burnt wick helps make informed decisions on maintaining and replacing pod components.