As a vaper, one of the first things you need to know about maintaining your device is that no coil lasts forever. Before long — especially if the vape juice that you use is sweetened — the coil will acquire a layer of residue that we call “coil gunk.” This residue causes the coil to produce a burnt flavor, which pretty much ruins the entire experience.

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When you reach that point, the normal next step is to replace the coil — but there is an alternative.

With time and a little care, you can clean a vape coil, removing some of that residue and restoring some portion of the coil’s original flavor in the process. Cleaning a coil can potentially double or triple its life, and that can help you save a lot of money. In this guide, I’ll explain exactly how to do it.

Here’s how to clean a vape coil.

Understanding When to Clean Your Coil

First things first, recognize when your coil needs cleaning. If you notice a burnt taste, decreased vapor production, or if your coil looks visibly gunky, it’s time for a clean-up. Some vapers prefer a routine cleaning every week or two, depending on usage.

Step 0: Have Realistic Expectations

One of the most important things to know about cleaning a vape coil is that a cleaned coil will never be the same as a new one. If you absolutely must have that “new coil” flavor, you’ll only get that with a new coil. Cleaning a coil can remove a good amount of residue, though, which can make the coil enjoyable to use for a while longer providing that your expectations are realistic. Don’t expect a coil to taste like new after you’ve cleaned it, but do expect it to taste better.

Step 1: Disassembling Your Vape

• Power Off: Ensure your device is turned off to avoid any accidental activation or damage.
• Disassemble: Carefully disassemble your vape device. Remove the tank from the battery mod, and disassemble the tank itself to access the coil. Consult your device’s manual if you’re unsure how to do this safely.

Step 2: Removing the Coil

• Remove the Coil: Gently twist and pull the coil from the tank. Handle it with care to avoid damaging the delicate parts.

Step 3: Cleaning the Coil

You have a couple of methods to choose from depending on the type of coil and the level of buildup:

• Dry Burn (for rebuildable coils only): Reattach the coil to your mod (without the cotton) and pulse the fire button a few times until it glows red. This process burns off residue but should be done sparingly to avoid damaging the coil.
• Soaking Method: For non-rebuildable coils, a gentle soak can help. You can use one of the following:
  • Warm Water: Rinse the coil under warm running water to remove initial residue, then soak it in warm water for an hour. Swish the coil periodically to help dissolve the coil gunk.
  • Vinegar or Ethanol: For a deeper clean, soak the coil in vinegar or a flavorless drinkable alcohol for a few hours, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
  • Ultrasonic Cleaner: If you own an ultrasonic cleaner, this device can effectively clean vape coils using high-frequency sound waves. Just fill it with water and run it through a cycle.

Step 4: Drying the Coil

• Air Dry: After cleaning, it’s crucial to let the coil dry completely. Leave it out on a paper towel to air dry overnight. Any moisture left on the coil can affect its performance or damage your device.

Step 5: Reassembling Your Vape

• Reassemble: Once the coil is dry, you can put your vape device back together. Make sure everything is screwed in properly but not too tight.

Step 6: Priming the Coil

• Prime: Before you start vaping again, remember to prime your coil. Drip a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wick of the coil and inside the coil head to ensure it’s well saturated.
• Re-fill and Wait: Fill your tank and let it sit for a few minutes to ensure the e-liquid fully saturates the wick.

Additional Tips

• Coil Lifespan: Even with regular cleaning, vape coils don’t last forever. Be prepared to replace your coil every couple of weeks, depending on your vaping habits. Remember that vape coils always last longer if you use unsweetened e-liquid.
• Cleaning Frequency: The more often you clean your coil, the better your vaping experience will be. However, balance is key to avoid wear and tear from over-cleaning.

And there you have it! With these simple steps, you can keep your vape coil clean and ensure your device performs at its best.