How to Clean Your Vape Pod

Keep your vape pod in top condition with these simple cleaning tips that can save you time and money. 

If your vape pod isn’t performing as well as it used to - whether it’s leaking vape juice, producing dull, muted flavours, or giving off that dreaded ‘burnt hit; taste - it might be time for a little maintenance. Cleaning your vape pod is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to extend its life and enjoy a better vaping experience.  

While vape pods are designed for convenience, even the most advanced systems can suffer from residue build-up or e-liquid leaks if they’re not properly cleaned. This blog will walk you through how to clean your vape pod, whether it uses a fixed or replaceable coil, and share tips to help your pods last longer and work more efficiently. 

Key Takeaways 

• Regularly cleaning your vape pod can extend its lifespan, improve performance, and help prevent leaks and burnt hits. 
• Fixed-coil pods can be cleaned, although replaceable-coil systems tend to be easier to maintain. 
• Cleaning helps to neutralise lingering e-liquid flavours when switching, but for a truly fresh experience, a new pod is always best. 
• Expect up to 10 days of coil life with regular use and maintenance.

What Are Refillable Vape Pods? 

Refillable vape pods are a staple of modern vape kits, prized for their convenience and versatility. Unlike prefilled pods or disposable systems, refillable pods allow users to fill the pod with their favourite e-liquids, offering more flexibility and cost-effectiveness. These pods typically fall into two categories: fixed-coil pods and replaceable-coil pods. 

Fixed-Coil Pods (“Closed Pod System”): These pods have the coil built directly into the pod, meaning the entire pod must be replaced when the coil burns out or becomes ineffective. Although fixed-coil pods offer simplicity and ease of use, their ‘closed’ nature means that they should not be exposed to water which can damage the coil, which makes them harder to maintain. 

Replaceable-Coil Pods (“Open Pod System”): In contrast, these pods allow you to remove and replace the coil when it starts to degrade, while the pod itself can be cleaned and reused for longer. This makes cleaning more straightforward and gives you more control over your vaping experience. 

Both types of pods benefit from routine cleaning to remove built-up e-liquid residue and to maintain optimal flavour and vapour production.

Best Practices for Switching E-Liquid Flavours 

Switching e-liquid flavours in the same pod can sometimes lead to residual flavours lingering in the pod or coil. While cleaning your pod can help reduce the impact of leftover flavour, it's important to understand that it’s difficult to completely eliminate previous e-liquid tastes. If you’re prepared to live with a little flavour overlap, however, this can be an effective way to extract all the use from a pod that you can, especially if you’ve run out of a particular e juice and have a different flavour on hand.

Here are some tips and best practices for switching flavours effectively: 

1. Clean the Pod Between Flavours 

If you’re planning to switch to a significantly different e-liquid flavour, especially one that contrasts with the previous flavour (e.g., switching from a dessert flavour to a menthol), it’s a good idea to clean your pod thoroughly. Follow the steps outlined earlier for cleaning both pods with fixed coils and pods with replaceable coils.

2. Clean the Coil (If Replaceable) 

For pods with replaceable coils, you can lightly wipe the coil with a moist – but not wet – cloth or cotton swab to remove some residue. However, it’s important to note that rinsing a coil in water is not advised.

3. Be Realistic About Residual Flavour 

Even after cleaning, some residual flavour from the previous e-liquid may still linger, especially in the coil. It may take a few puffs for the new flavour to fully come through. While cleaning helps to reduce this issue, switching to a fresh pod or coil offers the best chance of experiencing a clean, crisp flavour transition. 

4. Use Separate Pods for Strong Flavours 

Some e-liquid flavours, such as very sweet fruits, menthols, mints, or tobacco, tend to cling to the pod and coil more than others. To avoid flavour crossover, consider using separate pods for these stronger flavours. This will help preserve the integrity of your lighter or more delicate flavours, like fruits or desserts. 

5. Switch to a Fresh Pod for Optimal Results 

For the cleanest possible experience when switching between vastly different flavours, the best option is to use a fresh pod and coil. While this may incur more cost, it’s the only way to guarantee a completely untainted flavour. 

6. Prime the Coil with New E-Liquid 

Whenever you switch flavours, remember to prime the coil properly with the new e-liquid. After filling the pod, give it a few minutes to soak into the coil before you start vaping. This helps to prevent dry hits and ensures the new flavour comes through more smoothly. 

By following these best practices, you can enjoy the best possible flavour experience when switching e-liquids while extending the life of your pod and coil.