If you vape regularly, you know that a vape coil is the heart of your device. Over time, residue from e-liquid builds up on the coil, leading to burnt taste, less vapor production, and poor flavour. The good news? You don’t always have to replace it immediately — you can clean your vape coil to extend its life and enjoy a better vaping experience.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to clean a vape coil step-by-step, share vape coil maintenance tips, and reveal the best way to clean vape coils for maximum performance.
Why Should You Clean a Vape Coil?
Cleaning your coil helps:
- Remove gunk and residue from e-liquids.
- Improve flavour quality and vapour output.
- Save money by extending coil lifespan.
- Prevent burnt hits and harsh taste.
Regular vape coil cleaning is an essential part of vape maintenance if you want the best performance from your device.
How To Tell If Your Vape Coil Needs Cleaning
Look for these signs:
- E-liquid tastes burnt or dull.
- Reduced vapor production.
- Gurgling or spitting sounds.
- Coil appears dark, crusty, or clogged.
If you notice any of these, it’s time to clean.
How To Clean a Vape Coil – Step-by-Step
1. Remove the Coil
- Turn off your device.
- Disassemble the tank and carefully remove the coil.
2. Rinse the Coil
- Rinse under warm running water to remove loose debris.
- For stubborn residue, soak in warm water or vodka (alcohol breaks down built-up gunk).
3. Deep Clean Method
- Place the coil in a small bowl of warm water, vodka, or isopropyl alcohol for 1–2 hours.
- Swirl occasionally to loosen deposits.
4. Rinse Again
- After soaking, rinse the coil under warm water.
- Gently blow through it to remove excess water.
5. Dry the Coil
- Place on a paper towel.
- Let it air dry completely for at least 24 hours before use.
Tip: Never use a wet coil — moisture can damage your device.
How To Clean a Burnt Vape Coil
If your coil tastes burnt, cleaning may help if it’s only lightly scorched. Follow the same steps above, but if the burnt taste remains, it’s time to replace it. Cleaning burnt coils can temporarily improve flavour, but it won’t reverse heavy damage.
Best Practices for Vape Coil Maintenance
To keep your coil cleaner for longer:
- Use high-quality e-liquids with less sweetener (sweet juices clog coils faster).
- Prime your coil before use (soak the cotton in e-liquid).
- Avoid chain vaping — let the coil re-saturate between puffs.
- Clean your vape tank regularly to prevent residue build-up.
Can You Clean All Types of Vape Coils?
- Replaceable coils: Can be cleaned, but lifespan is still limited.
- Rebuildable atomiser (RDA/RTA) coils: Can be dry-burned and re-wicked for better results.
- Disposable vapes: Not designed for cleaning — replace when flavour drops.
Final Thoughts – Keep Your Vape Coil Fresh
Knowing how to clean a vape coil can save you money, improve flavour, and extend the life of your device. Regular maintenance with these vape coil cleaning tips ensures your vaping sessions stay smooth and satisfying.
If your coil still tastes burnt after cleaning, it’s time to replace it. For the best replacement vape coils, check out trusted vape shops for quality and fast delivery.