A burnt-tasting vape is one of the most common—and frustrating—problems for vapers. That unpleasant charred flavor happens when the coil inside your vape overheats and scorches the cotton wick, leaving you with a bitter, harsh hit.

While you can’t always undo permanent damage, there are several steps you can take to “unburn” a vape, improve the taste, and prevent it from happening in the future.

Why Does a Vape Taste Burnt?

Before fixing the issue, it helps to understand the cause. A burnt taste usually comes from:

• Dry hits: The wick inside the coil isn’t fully saturated with e-liquid.

• Chain vaping: Taking repeated puffs without giving the wick time to re-soak.

• High wattage: Using power settings that are too strong for your coil.

• Old or worn coil: Cotton and metal degrade over time, even with careful use.

• Thick or sweet e-liquids: These can clog coils faster and lead to burnt residue.

Steps to Fix a Burnt Vape

1. Stop Using It Immediately

If you notice a burnt taste, stop vaping right away. Continuing to puff will worsen the damage to the coil and wick.

2. Check and Re-Prime the Coil

If your coil isn’t completely burnt, re-priming might help:

• Remove the tank and coil.

• Drip a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton ports.

• Reassemble the device, fill the tank, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before vaping again.

3. Clean the Coil (If Reusable)

Some vapers extend coil life by cleaning:

• Remove the coil and rinse it under warm water.

• For stubborn buildup, soak it in vodka or grain alcohol for a few hours.

• Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before use.

Note: Cleaning can help with mild residue but won’t reverse a truly burnt coil.

4. Lower the Wattage

Check your device’s recommended wattage range for the coil you’re using. Staying near the lower end reduces heat stress and prolongs coil life.

5. Refill or Thin Out the E-Liquid

Make sure your tank has enough liquid at all times. If you’re using very thick (high VG) juice, consider thinning it slightly with a few drops of PG-based liquid for better wicking.

6. Replace the Coil (When Necessary)

If the burnt flavor persists after cleaning and re-priming, the coil is likely beyond saving. Replacing it is the only option—and often the quickest fix.

Preventing Burnt Hits in the Future

• Always prime new coils: Saturate the wick with e-liquid before first use.

• Wait after refills: Give the cotton a few minutes to soak up fresh liquid.

• Avoid chain vaping: Pause between puffs to let the wick re-saturate.

• Match wattage to coil: Don’t exceed the recommended power range.

• Use quality e-liquids: Very sweet or syrupy juices gunk up coils faster.

• Stay topped up: Never let your tank run almost dry.

Final Thoughts

While you can sometimes “unburn” a vape by cleaning or re-priming the coil, often the only true solution is replacing the coil altogether. The best strategy is prevention—prime carefully, use the right wattage, and keep your tank filled. With a little care, you’ll avoid burnt hits and enjoy smoother, more flavorful vaping sessions.