Knowinghow to clean your vape is an important part of your vaping experience. Aside from maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your vape pen, cleaning it eliminates any residue or bacteria that can affect its durability and performance — or worse, your health.

We get it. Clean-up isn’t the most fun thing to do. A lot of vape users fail to clean their pens after purchase. Fortunately, vape pen upkeep doesn’t have to be complicated — whether you’re a vaping newbie, veteran, or somewhere in between — and we’ll show you how.

How to clean a vape pen

A clean vape pen is a happy vape pen. It also lasts longer and provides a better vaping experience than dirty ones. Here are mini-guides on how to clean your vape pen and its parts. 

How to clean a vape pen’s threading

Your vape pen’s threading, usually found between the connection of the battery and cartridge, can wrack up some dust and residue that can affect connections. To clean it, you'll need cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol.

• Make sure your vape pen is turned off and disassembled.
• Lightly moisten a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol. Make sure it’s not dripping wet with alcohol.
• With little force, carefully clean the threads with the moistened swab, removing any residue.
• Use a dry cotton swab to remove any leftover alcohol or debris.

How to clean a vape pen’s charging point

Each time you plug it in, more and more dust and debris accumulate inside your vape pen’s charging point. You'll need a small brush or toothpick and a dry cloth for cleaning.

• Disconnect it from any power source and make sure it’s turned off for your safety.
• Using a small brush or toothpick, gently clear any visible debris from the charging point. Use little to no force so you don’t accidentally bend any pins, which could affect charging.
• Use a dry cloth to remove any remaining dust. It’s important to not let your charging point come into contact with any liquids.

How to clean a vape pen’s body

You hold on to your vape pen when using it, so it’s prone to accumulating a lot of grime, oil, sweat, and fingerprints. You can clean it with a wet towel or microfiber cloth, along with isopropyl alcohol or mild soapy water, if needed.

• Start by wiping the body with a dry microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and dust.
• Put a bit of alcohol on your towel or cloth and rub away the grime. For tougher stains, lightly dampen the cloth with mild soapy water and gently wipe the surface.
• Dry the pen thoroughly with a dry cloth. Make sure it’s completely dry before reassembly or use.

How to clean a 510 thread vape battery

The 510-thread vape battery’s contact points can get dirty with use, which can affect its performance. You'll need isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs for cleaning.

• Disconnect the battery from the device.
• Dampen the cotton swap with isopropyl alcohol and gently clean the threads.
• Finish by drying the area with a clean cotton swab to make sure no moisture is left.

Tips for cleaning a vape pen

Regularly cleaning your vape pen is the key to achieving optimal performance and maximizing its lifespan. Here are some expert tips to maintain your vape pen effectively and safely.

Use the right cleaning materials

Use the right cleaning materials to get the job done and avoid damage to your device. Avoid using water since your vape pen has electrical components that may get damaged when in contact. Isopropyl alcohol is ideal for disinfecting and removing sticky residues, while cotton swabs are perfect for reaching small crevices.

Be gentle

When cleaning your vape pen, always be gentle. Harsh scrubbing or using sharp objects can damage sensitive components. Gentle wiping and careful handling of each part will prevent any scratches on or damage to your vape pen.

Avoid over-tightening

When reassembling your vape pen after cleaning, be careful not to tighten the components too much since it can cause damage to the threads and other parts. It might also make future disassembly a bit more difficult.

Dry everything first

Make sure everything’s dry first before reassembling or turning your vape pen on again. Any moisture left in the device can lead to malfunction or damage, especially in the electrical parts.

To sum it up

Understanding how to clean a vape pen is an important part of responsible vaping. Regularly cleaning your vape pen ensures its longevity and performance. A clean vape pen not only looks fresh and new, but it’s also less likely to have any leftover harmful residues that can cause health implications. Remember: a clean vape pen is not just a preference — it's a necessity for a satisfying and safe vaping experience.

FAQs

Can I use alcohol wipes to clean a vape?

Yes, alcohol wipes are great for quick clean-ups, since alcohol is excellent at dissolving grime and evaporates quickly, reducing the risk of moisture damage.

How do you clean a sticky vape pen battery?

Firstly, make sure you detach the battery from the device. Then, using a cotton swab that’s slightly damp with alcohol, gently wipe the sticky area. The key here is to not use too much alcohol. Then, use a dry swab or cloth to remove any residue and ensure the battery is completely dry before reattaching it.