11 Tips for Cleaning a Vape Pen

A vape pen is a discreet, user-friendly device used to vape e-juice, cannabis, CBD, and other products, depending on the type of pen it is. While they are very easy to set up, they also require maintenance. Wear strong hygiene habits when using your vape pen and regularly clean it. 

These routine cleanings are key to keeping equipment safe and avoiding clogs.

Research Your Specific Vape Pen

Every vape pen is different. If you don’t have a user manual or manufacturer’s booklet, research your vape pen online. 

There may be clear instructions and tips for cleaning a vape pen specific to that model, ensuring it and its components are protected. Look up the vape pen’s name, brand, and model number if there is a model number.

How Vape Pens Are Constructed

For new vape pen users, it typically has five parts—a battery, a tank, an atomizer, a mouthpiece, and a button to turn it on/off. They come in different shapes and sizes and with varying features and functions. Your vape pen may not have a button; it may be draw-activated. Additionally, the battery may not be removable; it may be built in.

Remove the Vape Pen Battery Before Cleaning

If it is a removable battery, remove it before cleaning. Most vape pens use lithium-ion batteries that vary in voltage and milliamp hours. Most of them are 18650 lithium-ion batteries removable from open-system vaporizers. 

Take it out and store it in a closed case to ensure it doesn’t get wet. Any wet or damaged battery can be dangerous. Err on the side of caution.

Check What Type of Vape Pen Cartridge You Have

Your vape juice or oil is stored in a cartridge, awaiting vaporization. Depending on the style and construction, your cartridge can be disposable and pre-filled with oil, meaning you can just get rid of it, or it can have refillable tanks that need cleaning. Just like the mouthpiece you want to clean, it must be cleaned if it’s a refillable tank.

Before Cleaning, Take Apart Your Vape Pen

Disassemble your pen to spread out the individual components. Many vape pens are threaded together so they can be screwed or unscrewed apart. If they are not threaded, they may snap together. Ensure you disassemble your vape pen according to the manufacturer’s instructions and completely remove it before cleaning.

Clean Your Vape Pen

To clean a vape pen, use warm water, dish soap or rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, and warm water. It does not require a special cleaner, and no other product should be used on it.

Soak Your Mouthpiece and Scrub It Gently

Because it comes into contact with your mouth, your mouthpiece will be one of the dirtier pieces of the vape pen. Soak your mouthpiece in warm water or rubbing alcohol, then scrub the inside and outside with a cotton swab or cloth. Leave it out to air dry afterward to disinfect it and eliminate any bacteria or gunk attached.

Scrub Your Vape Pen Cartridge

Your vape pen cartridge should never be submerged in anything. When you submerge it, and if it doesn’t properly dry, it will contaminate the vape oil and produce a harsh flavor. 

Instead, dab cotton swabs in rubbing alcohol and gently scrub the cartridge, removing any residue. Then, use a paper towel to dry it thoroughly.

Scrub Your Vape Pen Tan

Clean your vape pen tank by emptying all residue. Drain it into paper towels and discard. Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton swab and gently remove the residue. Then, soak the tank in rubbing alcohol and water for up to an hour before wiping it down with paper towels. If your vape pen uses cartridges over tanks, skip this.

Allow Your Vape Pen to Fully Dry

After your vape pen is cleaned, allow it to fully dry. You don’t want what you’ve done with cleaning to influence your vape flavors in the future. While you can accelerate the process with paper towels and clothes, it’s important to let it air-dry. This may take a few hours or overnight to fully dry.

Routine Cleaning Schedule

Try to clean your vape pen at least once a week if you vape regularly. This will prevent any residue from sticking to the inside of your mouthpiece, cartridge, or tank. This will avoid the terrible sensation of ruining the taste of your next vape.