Yes, you can wash your coil by rinsing it with warm water to remove excess e-liquid and residue. Let it dry completely before reusing. However, coils have a limited lifespan. Remember, it’s a temporary fix; it cannot restore the original performance of the coil.

What causes vape leakage?

Vape leaks happen when the coil is not installed correctly, when the tank is overfilled, or when the O-rings are worn out. Always put the parts together tightly and store the device on its side.

How long does a vape coil last?

It lasts around 1-2 weeks. The length of time a vape coil lasts depends on how often it is used, the type of e-liquid used, and the wattage. If the flavour or vapour level drops, you should replace it.

What’s the best way to store a vape?

Stand your vape up in a cool, dry place out of the sun. If the tank isn't used for a long time, take it out to stop leaks.

How often should I clean my vape?

To keep the vape working well, keep it clean, and make sure the flavours stay good, clean it every couple of days or after changing the e-liquid. Cleaning regularly stops residue from building up and stops leaks.

How to Maintain Your Vape: Cleaning, Battery Care and Troubleshooting

November 14, 2025 Azim Aleem

Updated on 5 November 2026

Regular vape maintenance removes liquid buildup, reduces leaks and helps identify worn components. Refillable pods, sub-ohm tanks and prefilled devices require different cleaning methods. Never rinse or immerse the battery section.

Check vape coils and replacement pods when the performance of your device dips. Cleaning will not repair burnt cotton or a damaged battery.

Quick vape maintenance schedule

Component	What to do	How often
Mouthpiece	Wipe with a clean, dry cloth	Daily, or when visibly dirty
Pod exterior and battery contacts	Remove condensation and e-liquid with a dry cotton bud	Weekly and after leaks
Refillable tank	Disassemble and rinse suitable parts	Around weekly, when changing flavours or coils
Coil	Check flavour, vapour and wick condition	Regularly; many need replacing after 1 to 2 weeks
Filling seals and O-rings	Check for splits, stretching and poor fit	At each refill or tank clean
Charging port and battery casing	Inspect for dirt, damage or moisture	Before charging

These are guides, not a fixed timetable. See how vape coils work and how long vape pods last.

What do you need to clean a vape?

Use a dry cloth, dry cotton buds, a soft brush and warm water for washable tank parts. Mild washing-up liquid may help with residue on glass or metal, but rinse thoroughly. Keep water and alcohol away from battery housings, USB ports and electrical contacts.

How to clean a refillable pod kit

Many pod kits are fitted with sealed, integrated coils.

Switch off the device if it has a power control button, then remove the pod. Disconnect any charging cable.
Wipe the mouthpiece and outside of the pod. Use a dry cotton bud to remove condensation or leaked liquid from the pod bay and visible contacts.
Check the fill port, seals and pod for cracks. Reattach the pod securely once every surface is dry.
If the flavour remains burnt or weak after checking the liquid level and battery, replace the pod. Never wash a sealed coil or try to open a sealed cartridge.

With separate-coil pods, replace only the coil if the pod is undamaged. Always check replacement pod compatibility.

How to clean a sub-ohm vape tank

A removable vape tank can usually be cleaned more thoroughly. Follow its instructions.

Turn off the mod, remove the tank and empty remaining e-liquid safely. Keep the battery device away from the sink.
Remove the coil and separate the glass, mouthpiece, base and other washable sections. Keep track of small O-rings.
Rinse suitable glass and metal components in warm water. Use a little mild washing-up liquid only if needed, then rinse thoroughly.
Dry every part completely, including airflow channels and threads. Inspect the seals before reassembly.
Fit a compatible new coil if the old one is worn. Fill the tank without exceeding its limit and allow a new wick to saturate for at least ten minutes before vaping.

Can you wash a vape coil? It is not recommended. Replacing a failing coil is usually better. Never dry-burn cotton-wicked coils. See the complete guide to vape coils for more detail.

Big Puff and prefilled vapes: what can you clean?

Big Puff and prefilled devices contain sealed liquid components. Wipe their exteriors and accessible contacts dry. Never open or wash sealed pods, or refill parts not designed for it. Replace empty pods or refill assemblies while keeping the rechargeable battery unit. See the Big Puff vape guide for more.

Troubleshooting: common vape problems

Symptom	Possible cause	What to check or replace
Vape leaking	Overfilling, loose coil, damaged seal or cracked pod	Refit parts, clean residue and replace damaged seals or pods
Burnt taste	Low liquid, dry wick, worn coil or excessive power	Check liquid and wattage; replace burnt coil or built-in-coil pod
Weak vapour	Low battery, blocked airflow or ageing coil	Charge safely, wipe airflow openings and assess coil condition
Gurgling or spitting	Condensation or flooded coil	Wipe mouthpiece, check fill level and ensure components fit properly
Vape not charging	Faulty cable, wet or obstructed port, worn battery	Stop if wet or damaged; inspect visually and try a manufacturer-approved cable if safe

Never probe charging ports with metal objects or open sealed batteries. Contact the manufacturer if faults persist.

Vape battery care and safe storage

Lithium-ion batteries need particular care. London Fire Brigade advises against leaving vapes charging unattended or overnight. Use a suitable charging cable and relevant power supply. Charge on a flat, hard surface away from bedding and other flammable materials; unplug once your device is fully charged. Avoid extreme temperatures, water and loose metal objects. Store intact devices upright where practical, away from children and pets.

If the battery becomes swollen, unusually hot, starts hissing, leaks or gives off an unusual smell, stop using and charging it immediately. Do not puncture, open or attempt to repair it. Contact a suitable recycling service for safe handling advice. If it smokes or catches fire, leave the area and call 999.

Vapes and batteries do not belong in household rubbish or ordinary recycling. Use an approved take back scheme or an electrical waste collection point. Find local facilities through Recycle Your Electricals.

Vape maintenance checklist

Wipe the mouthpiece and check the e-liquid level.
Look for leaking, cracks and worn seals.
Clean pod contacts with a dry cotton bud.
Rinse removable, water-safe tank parts and dry fully.
Replace burnt coils or integrated-coil pods.
Inspect the charging cable, port and battery casing.
Charge while present, then unplug.
Store upright, cool and dry; recycle failed equipment properly.

Replacement parts and compatible devices

For replacements for worn parts:

Vape coils

Replacement pods

Vaporesso GTX Mesh Coils (pack of five)

Uwell Caliburn G Coils (pack of four)

SMOK RPM Coils (pack of five)

OXVA Xlim Top Fill V3 Replacement Pods

For more, see:

Aspire PockeX AIO Kit

Vape starter kits

Sub-ohm vape kits

Consistent cleaning can preserve normal performance, but it cannot make damaged parts safe. Replace worn components, follow the manufacturer's instructions and recycle failed electrical devices correctly. Nicotine products are for adults aged 18 and over; nicotine is addictive.

Frequently asked questions

Can I clean a Big Puff or prefilled vape?

Only clean the outside, mouthpiece and accessible contacts. Do not wash, dismantle or refill sealed liquid compartments. Replace pods or refill units as directed by the manufacturer.

Why is my vape not charging?

A damaged cable, moisture or dirt in the port, or an ageing battery could be responsible. Inspect the device and use only approved charging equipment. Do not charge a wet, swollen or damaged vape.

Why does my vape taste burnt after cleaning?

Cleaning the tank does not restore a burnt coil. Check that there is enough liquid, use the correct wattage and replace a burnt coil or integrated coil pod.

Is it safe to leave a vape charging overnight?

Absolutely not. Fire-safety organisations advise against overnight or unattended charging. Charge on a suitable surface while present and disconnect once charging finishes.

What should I do if my vape gets wet?

Switch it off if safe, disconnect it from power and do not charge it. Dry the outside and keep it unused until completely dry.

Can I use alcohol wipes on my vape?

Only on external surfaces where the manufacturer permits them. Keep alcohol away from battery contacts, charging ports, coils and internal seals. Allow treated surfaces to dry completely before reassembly.

Back to blog

Your cart is empty

Your cart

Estimated total