What if we told you that most of your vape atomizer issues were completely preventable? With a couple super simple maintenance hacks, you don’t need to worry about ever troubleshooting or fixing your vape. The longevity of your atomizer depends on the care you take of it, so if you’re experiencing any of these common vape atomizer issues, you might want to rethink your vape hygiene habits!
1. Burnt Taste
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Residue buildup on the heating element can lead to a burnt or stale flavor—and that is never the vibe. This buildup occurs naturally over time, and more quickly the more often you use your vape. The more this stuck on residue gets heated, the more “overcooked” it’s going to get, and it’ll make your hit taste that way. This is why, for devices like the Ooze Onyx Atomizer, it’s crucial to keep the Azul ceramic clean.
If you are experiencing this burnt taste, give it a deep clean. Add a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to the ceramic as if loading a dab. Heat the device until all the alcohol evaporates. This process allows the alcohol to penetrate the ceramic’s pores, eliminating the residue that’s causing the burnt taste. Repeat until the ceramic is blue again. Ensure the ceramic is wet with alcohol before heating; heating a dry coil can cause damage, making cleaning ineffective.
2. Weak Vapor Production
Blockages in the device’s airway or residue buildup can restrict airflow, making your hit sad and weak. Again, sticky product in the connection is probably what’s causing the reduction in vapor output. Even a little buildup in the wrong place along the threads of your atomizer could result in weak vapor production.
To restore those glorious big hits, simply remove the atomizer and inspect for any seepage or sticky residue, especially around the threads. Use a micro swab to clean these areas thoroughly. For devices like the Ooze Booster or Electro Barrel, you can stick a micro swab right down into the airway to push out any residue. This is why we love the Resolution micro swabs—they’re slim enough to get into just about any crevice in your devices. Regular cleaning ensures unobstructed airflow and consistent vapor production.
3. Connectivity Problems
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Just like producing weaker hits, dirty or even misaligned connections can prevent the device from recognizing the atomizer.
Again, use a micro swab to clean the threads of both the atomizer and the device to remove any residue. This should resolve most connection issues you might be experiencing. But, sometimes it may just take some extra concentration to perfectly line up the atomizer so it can screw in properly. If connectivity issues persist, consider reaching out to customer support for further assistance.
When to Change Your Vape Coil
How do you know if your atomizer is bad? Because if it is, cleaning won’t do much to remedy whatever problem you’re having with it.
It’s time to change your vape coil altogether if you’ve wiped down the threads and deep cleaned the atomizer, and you’re still experiencing a persistent burnt taste, weak vapor production or frequent connectivity issues. If these issues continue after thorough cleaning and maintenance, it may be time to replace the atomizer. You can always grab a replacement pack if you use the Onyx atomizer or any of the C-Core products.
Best Practices for Atomizer Maintenance
The best way to keep your atomizer in tip-top condition is with regular cleaning. Simply use a micro swab around the threads immediately after a smoke sesh. It’s way easier to wipe away warm residue than to chip away at hardened gunk.
It’s also important to make sure you fully vaporize the last of the dab sitting in your atomizer before ending your session. This will help to prevent seepage and hardening of excess residue so you don’t have to clean the atomizer as often.
Additionally, make sure you’re storing your device properly. Always try to store it upright, which will help minimize leakage into the airway and around the threads. If you like to take your vape with you on the go, put it in a small pocket inside your bag so it can remain upright.
By following these guidelines, you can enhance your vaping experience and extend the life of your atomizer. For more detailed information on how to give your atomizer a deep clean, check out How to Clean Your Onyx Atomizer.