Table of Contents
- KEY TAKEAWAYS
- WHAT ARE VAPE TANKS AND COILS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
- HOW DOES THE VAPE DEVICE AFFECT THE REQUIRED MAINTENANCE?
- HOW DO YOU CLEAN YOUR VAPE TANKS?
- HOW DO YOU CLEAN THE VAPE COILS?
- HOW TO CLEAN YOUR VAPE TANKS AND COILS - CONCLUSION
- FAQ: HOW TO CLEAN YOUR VAPE TANK AND COILS
- Q1: How often should I clean my vape tank?
- Q2: Can I clean my vape coils?
- Q3: What’s the easiest way to clean a vape tank?
- Q4: How do I know when my coil needs replacing?
- Q5: Does cleaning really make a difference?
- REFERENCES
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Regular cleaning keeps your vape fresh – Washing your tank and coils helps maintain flavour quality and prevents residue build-up.
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Simple tools do the job – Warm water, paper towels, and a gentle rinse are often all you need for routine cleaning.
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Clean coils last longer – Proper care can extend the life of your coils and save you money on replacements.
Cleaning, fixing and fiddling around with your vape device is perhaps the least enjoyable part of , but if you have a refillable vaporiser then it’s important to know how to get the most out of your tanks and coils.
However if you are using one of our pre-filled E-cigarette or VAPE starter kits, or a pod kit, then congratulations, you don’t need to read anymore! Disposable vapes also require minimal cleaning, but it's still important to keep the mouthpiece clean to ensure good hygiene.
As the pre-filled pods are designed to only be used once they do not require deep cleaning or dips in ethanol to work correctly, just screw a refill on and puff away. The pre-filled refills are designed to be as easy to use and simple as possible, so you won’t have to give them a deep clean.
For those people who do use e-liquids though, today we are going to explain how you can clean your device to get the most life out of them.
WHAT ARE VAPE TANKS AND COILS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
On a pre-filled e-cigarette there are only two parts, the refill and the battery. However on a refillable vaporiser there are three main parts to look out for and clean. They are:
The Battery: The power source of the vaporiser. This can come in all shapes and sizes (1), and in some cases might even be removable from the actual hardware. In most cases though the battery is the main hardware of the vaporiser, and is the part you charge and what is sending energy into the coil. The main body of the device, which houses the vape battery and other electronic components, should be cleaned with care, similar to how you would clean a mobile phone or other electronics.
The Coil: A heating element held in the tank that vaporises the e-liquid into vapour. The coil (sometimes known as vape coils) is made up of a housing and a wick that sucks up the e-liquid from the tank (2). Electricity is passed from the battery into the wick and coil, which heats the wick inside, and vaporises the e-liquid.
The Tank: The tank (sometimes known as the vape tank) holds the e-liquid and typically also holds the coil inside. Normally there is a mouthpiece on the tank that you will then puff on to get the vapour. In the UK, vape tanks are limited to a maximum volume of 2ml. (3) The tank is made up of several components, such as the glass tube, airflow ring, and drip tip. Some tanks feature an adjustable airflow ring, which regulates the amount of air entering the tank and can affect the vaping experience. The drip tip is the mouthpiece and should be cleaned regularly for hygiene. Regular cleaning of drip tips is important to prevent dirt and bacteria build-up, ensuring a safe and optimal vaping experience.
Each component or tank part—including the battery, coil, and all tank components—should be disassembled and cleaned separately to ensure optimal performance. Paying attention to cleaning all components and tank parts, especially the airflow ring and drip tip, helps maintain the device and ensures a better vaping experience. The electronic components inside the vape battery should never be exposed to water and require careful maintenance to avoid damage.
HOW DOES THE VAPE DEVICE AFFECT THE REQUIRED MAINTENANCE?
Unlike a pre-filled cartridge which always starts off clean and without any old e-liquid to clean, if you refill your device then you will need to make sure to clean your vape as a dirty tank can affect the flavour and overall performance. Dirt and residue build up can accumulate on tank components, impacting hygiene and device function. Regular maintenance of your vape kit and vapes is essential for optimal performance and longevity.
Although the ingredients in e-liquids don’t generally stain, residue of the vegetable glycerin (VG) and the Propylene Glycol (PG) can build up over time. Eventually this residue will start to affect the flavour of the new e-liquid you put into your tank or stop the coil from working properly. Gunked up coils can reduce vapour production and negatively impact your vaping experience. Regular cleaning helps prevent residue build up and maintains flavour quality.
Vegetable glycerin (VG) is perhaps the worst offender for this as the most viscous ingredient and if left unchecked can gunk up your coils. If you use a high vg e-liquid this can cause the coil to work less effectively than it should (so less vapour), give your vapour a burnt taste and generally give you a less satisfying vape experience than normal. (4) Tank cleaning and keeping your vape tank clean helps maintain the full range of e liquid flavour and ensures you get the best taste from your favourite e liquid.
Residue from old e-liquid can also stick inside the tank, coating the inside creating a layer of congealed e-liquid. This can obviously affect the flavour, even if it is the same e-liquid every time. If you like to change flavours then it is doubly as important to wash your tank as the remaining e liquid can contaminate the new flavour, creating a new less inviting flavour. Cleaning your vape tank and performing regular tank clean routines helps prevent e liquid remaining from contaminating new flavours.
Generally we suggest giving the tank a quick clean at least once a week, and a deep clean once a month to make sure your coils are running as effectively as possible and there is no old e-liquid to pollute the new e-liquid. The process of regular cleaning involves rinsing the tank, removing dirt and residue, and drying thoroughly, which extends the lifespan of coils and tanks. Clean vape tanks and regular tank cleaning are crucial for peak performance and satisfying vaping needs. Clean a vape and clean your vape tank routines are important for maintaining the quality of your vaping experience. If cleaning is not effective, replacing coils or tanks may be necessary to restore optimal performance.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN YOUR VAPE TANKS?
Cleaning your tank is fairly simple:
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Make sure your tank is completely empty of e-liquid.
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Disassemble your tank, removing all possible parts. For some devices that will just mean removing the coil, for other more complicated tanks there might be more to it. Separate all tank parts for thorough cleaning.
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Hold the tank under warm running clean water for about a minute to remove any remaining e-liquid residue. Rinsing with clean water helps prevent cross-flavour contamination and maintains optimal flavour.
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If you notice stubborn residue that won’t come off with rinsing, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the tank parts. Scrubbing helps remove stubborn residue from hard-to-reach areas, but be careful not to damage delicate components.
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Make sure there is no e-liquid still sticking to the tank; if there is, rinse and repeat.
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Use a piece of kitchen towel or a soft cloth to gently dry the tank parts as much as possible. You can also use paper towels to absorb excess moisture from the tank components.
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Leave the tank for around ten minutes to air dry and let any remaining moisture evaporate.
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Take a cotton bud or a screwed up piece of paper towel and dry any remaining water which might not have evaporated. For stubborn residue inside the tank, a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol can be used to clean and remove buildup.
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Ensure all tank parts are completely dry before reassembling to prevent leaks or damage. Coils should not be left wet, as this can ruin them.
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For electronic parts that should not get wet, use a damp cloth to carefully wipe away any residue. You can simply wipe the exterior of the device with a cloth or paper towel for quick maintenance.
Sometimes though a quick clean isn’t enough, and you will need to give your tank a deeper clean. This can be because you have been using your tank a lot, are using a particularly thick e-liquid or you are using the tank again after a long time.
To give your tank a deeper clean, follow the same way as the steps above, but instead of holding your tank under running water, place it in a bowl of hot water and leave it to soak for a couple of minutes. Soaking in hot water can help loosen and remove stubborn residue from the tank parts. For a more thorough clean, tank parts can also be soaked in rubbing alcohol or warm water. If needed, use an old toothbrush or toothbrush for scrubbing after soaking. After soaking, make sure to wipe down tank components to remove any loosened dirt and residue.
If your tank is still dirty after all this, or you just really want to make sure it is clean, then you can add some extras into the bowl or replace the water in the bowl to make sure the tank is clean.
Washing up liquid - Add a few drops into the water, stir and leave for a few minutes
Baking soda - sprinkle into the warm water and leave for a few minutes
Ethanol, aka grain alcohol or Vodka - we would suggest very cheap vodka (as why waste good vodka on cleaning?) and replace the water with the alcohol
Vinegar - An age-old cleaning chemical, it will dissolve your old liquid in just a few minutes. Make sure to only leave your tank in there for a few minutes to prevent its smell and taste from lingering.
Make sure to thoroughly rinse your tank after using any of these chemicals with clean water!
Apart from the washing up liquid these chemicals are non-toxic, however you do not want to turn any of them into vapour. At best you would get a disgusting flavour, and at worst you might feel ill.
To make sure you have washed away all the chemicals you can dip the tank back into clean water for a few minutes after you rinse the tank under water.
Lastly if you are finding that you are needing to deep clean your tank a lot, or just don’t want the hassle of going through this every time you might want to buy an ultrasonic cleaner. Normally these are used for cleaning jewellery and precious metals but many people with intricate tanks are starting to use them to give their devices a proper clean.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN THE VAPE COILS?
The cleaning process for your vape device continues with the vape coil, which can be a bit trickier due to the wide variety of coil types. Replaceable vape coils that come with sub ohm tanks and clearomizers (if you use vape pens these will be the ones you use) can be cleaned, but it won’t do too much. By cleaning them you can get an extra few days out of a tired coil.
It can be useful though if something has gunked up the coil, or you are waiting for your order of a wick and coils and you need to make them last for a few days extra. Just keep in mind that vaping with burnt coils has been observed to be toxic, potentially causing acute respiratory distress and myocarditis. (5)
One of these vape coils normally lasts a week or two (depending on how much you use it of course) so if you do want to clean them then halfway through their life would be best. Most vape coils are not designed to be cleaned and should be replaced every 2-4 weeks to maintain flavour quality and vapor production. If you notice a burnt taste or see dark, gunked up coils, it’s time to replace the coil.
If you have rebuildable coils though (for those with vape mods), cleaning your coil and wicking material is highly suggested, even mandatory. Cleaning rebuildable coils involves removing the coil and wicking material, using the fire button to burn off any residue, and then reassembling with new wicking material. This process helps restore flavour quality and device performance. For the rebuildable coil try burning the coil, which means taking the wick out and turning the vape on for a few seconds should clear it. If that doesn’t work you can then move onto the steps below. Maintaining the wicking material in rebuildable coils is essential for optimal performance.
For either type though there are a few ways to clean them:
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Soak your coil in ethanol, vinegar or cheap vodka for at least a couple of hours
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Rinse under warm water
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Rinse once more with some distilled water
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Blow air on the open side of your coil to force water to the wicking holes
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Leave it out until the water has evaporated. Putting your coil near a heater or in the sun can speed this up
Giving your coils a good clean can extend their lifespan and maintain flavour quality.
When cleaning, avoid getting the vape coil too wet, as excessive moisture can damage it. Always ensure the coil is thoroughly dried before use.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR VAPE TANKS AND COILS - CONCLUSION
Happy vaping and happy cleaning!
FAQ: HOW TO CLEAN YOUR VAPE TANK AND COILS
Q1: How often should I clean my vape tank?
It’s best to clean your tank every time you change flavours, or at least once a week if you vape regularly.
Q2: Can I clean my vape coils?
Yes, but only to remove light residue. Coils don’t last forever, so even with cleaning, they will eventually need replacing.
Q3: What’s the easiest way to clean a vape tank?
A simple rinse with warm water and a dry wipe with paper towel is usually enough. For stubborn build-up, soak the tank in warm water or a mild cleaning solution.
Q4: How do I know when my coil needs replacing?
If you notice burnt taste, weak flavour, or reduced vapour, it’s time to swap out your coil.
Q5: Does cleaning really make a difference?
Absolutely – regular cleaning keeps your flavours fresh, extends the life of your device, and ensures a smoother vaping experience.
REFERENCES
(1) Design Features in Multiple Generations of Electronic Cigarette Atomizers
(2) Coils in a Nutshell: A Review of Coil Physical Properties
(3) E-cigarettes: regulations for consumer products
(6) Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation
Last updated 18/08/2025
