There are a lot of vape pens on the market, but not all have good airflow. If you have a clogged vape pen cartridge, don’t throw it away. There are some DIY ways to unclog the cart in just a few minutes.
If you’re a vaper who uses a lot, you probably have experienced the problem of clogged cart before. Obviously, you want to unclog your vape pen cartridge without having to buy another one.
Read on to learn how to unclog a cart and fix your pen with no airflow to get it puffing again with an ordinary household tool!
Table of Contents
Key Points Summarized:
- Avoid Temperature Extremes (below 45 F or above 85 F)
- Always Keep Standing Upright
- Remove Build-Up Debris Regularly
- Use a Safety Pin To Clear Airholes
- Use a Cloth with Isopropyl Alcohol To Maintain a Clean Vape Cart
How Does a Vape Pen Cartridge Clog?
A vape pen cartridge can clog for various reasons. If you live in a sunny climate, the sun can cause the oil in the cartridge to get messy and clog the pen.
However, cold weather can also make the oil thicker and more difficult to vaporize. Not priming your pen before use, or not cleaning it regularly, can also lead to a clogged cartridge.
Most Cart Keeps Clogging When There Is a Build-Up of Residue Oil
To prevent vape pen cartridges from becoming clogged, remove them and use a needle to clear the airflow holes of any residue oil. Avoid overfilling the vape cartridge as this may lead to issues with dab pen airflow.
It is also important to use it frequently, as leaving it unused for a long time can cause the oil to oxidize resulting in crusty, hard debris that will cause problems. Most clogged vape cartridges are caused by environmental factors or misuse. You can avoid a clog by following the best practices in the key points listed above. If you do get a clog, it’s essential to clear it out immediately to avoid permanent damage to the device.
Four Other Reasons Your Pens Oil Cartridge Clogged or Might Be Not Working
1. The Cartridge Is Not Compatible With the Battery Piece.
If a cartridge is not compatible with a battery, it will not be able to screw on properly or make a connection. This can be determined by trying to screw the cartridge onto the battery and seeing if it is able to make a connection, or by checking for compatibility before purchase. Most 510 thread batteries are universal and can be used with any other one that screws on.
2. The Cartridge Is Installed Incorrectly.
Incorrect installation of the cartridge can cause clogging from the two pieces “gluing” together. To avoid clogging, screw the cartridge back gently after filling it. Make sure the oil level is at least half full to prevent air from entering back through the mouthpieces and causing a potential clog from oxidation. Avoid using old or dusty cartridges as they are more likely to clog.
3. The Vape Pen Cart is Not Properly Maintained or Is Too Cold.
You should store your vape pen cartridge in a warm, stable environment. This will help to prevent clogging by avoiding temperature extremes that can change the viscosity of the liquid inside the cartridge. (recommend between 45-85 F) One common concern is leaving your vape pen in a hot car which can cause it to stop working due to excessive fluctuations in temperature. So be sure to keep it in a stable environment if possible and always keep it standing upright.
To avoid clogging, you should also regularly clean your vape pen cartridge according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to remove any build-up that could eventually lead to clogging.
4. The Cartridge Is Old and Shows a Sign of Needing To Be Replaced.
In times when your cartridge has not been used in a while, the oil may have dried up and clogged the holes. You can try warming the cartridge with a hairdryer or rubbing it between your hands to help allow the liquid an ability to clear the holes.
If you notice that your puffs are coming out without vapor, this could be a sign that your cartridge is starting to malfunction.
If you puff frequently, your vape cartridge will eventually run out of oil and need to be replaced. Depending on how much you puff, this could be every few days or every month.
Some cartridges are more prone to clogging than others. If you find that you are constantly having to clean or replace your cartridge, it might be time to switch to a different type of vape cartridge.
How To Unclog a Cart? A Few Easy Ways
There are ways to prevent clogging by using a few simple techniques however if yours is clogged right now then how do you fix a clogged vape cartridge? Below we will guide you through the process with supplies, steps, and areas to avoid mistakes.
Supplies and Ability Needed To Unclog a Vape Cartridge
- Your Own Breath
- Thin, Sterile Object. (needle or toothpick works well)
- Clean Workspace Environment
Step-By-Step Instructions How To Unclog a Cart So It Hits Again
If your vape cart is clogged, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it.
- Use your mouth to draw or pull out the clog.
- Use heat to thin out the liquid in the cart, which can make it easier to remove the clog. Be careful when using heat, as it can potentially damage your device.
- Finally, you can use a needle, toothpick, or other thin sterile object to clear the airflow holes to remove the clog, but be careful not to damage the cart in the process.
Things To Avoid When Unclogging a Vape Cartridge Problem
When unclogging a vape cartridge avoid excess force that can cause damage to the cartridge or battery. It is easy to get frustrated and cause more damage than the original problem. Remember, the goal is to get this thing working again and back to puffing strong.
How To Clean Your Cartridge
What You’ll Need
In order to clean your cartridge, you will need the ability to follow directions and work with your hands to accomplish tasks that are with small parts. Some older folks may have difficulty seeing the pinhole-sized areas that are addressed when cleaning.
Some of the items you with need are:
- isopropyl alcohol
- a cloth (This is to wipe off the cartridge exterior)
- cotton swabs (This is to get in the hard-to-reach spots)
Preparation
Before you start cleaning your cartridge, you’ll need to take some deep breaths to help avoid additional headaches. Next, prepare the cloth and cotton swabs with a small dab of alcohol. Lastly, get a hairdryer or warm gloves that will be used to add additional heat. By taking these steps, you can help keep your cartridge clean and functioning properly while lowering the stress required to clean.
Cleaning the Cartridge
- To clean the cartridge, try warming it with a hairdryer or rubbing it between your hands.
- The holes in the cartridge may be clogged with oil, and heating it will help to remove the obstruction.
- When it is still warm, use the cloth to rub away the excess oil.
- For optimal performance, this should be done every few days to a few weeks for maintenance.
Finishing Up
It is important to keep your cartridges clean in order to avoid blockages. You can clean them by regularly cleaning them with a q-tip and isopropyl alcohol. If your vape is already stuck together, try cleaning it using a q-tip and applying isopropyl alcohol near the edges to help loosen the stick. This is a wonderful method for how to unclog a cart once it has been stuck for some time.
How To Keep Vape Cartridges From Clogging?
Avoid Overtightening Cartridge to Battery
In order to maintain a vape cartridge, it is recommended that you screw the cartridge back on gently after filling it. This will help to avoid clogging. Make sure to twist the cartridge correctly in order to avoid any issues.
Use the Proper Type of Vape Cartridge
If you are using a vape cartridge, it is important to use the proper type in order to avoid clogging. The best way to do this is to follow best practices, which include clearing out any clogs that you notice immediately. If the airflow holes on your cartridge become clogged, you can clear them with a thin, sterile object. You may also need to blow into the mouthpiece to push out residual oil.
Store Cartridges in a Cool, Dry Place
To prevent your vape cartridges from clogging, it is important to store them in a cool, dry place. Vape cartridges should be stored upright to prevent clogging and residue buildup. If vape cartridges are not stored properly, they can have an adverse effect on the potency and flavor. Clogged cartridges can cause bad burns and low-quality vape hits.
Avoid Using Tap Water To Clean Cartridges
Water will do more damage than it is worth. Water can cause problems with the electrical current in the cartridge and battery. Using alcohol on the other hand will be able to help more with getting excess oil off the device.
Use A Soft Cloth To Clean Cartridges
If your dab pen cartridge is clogged, there are a few things you can try to clean it. First, you can try warming the cartridge with a hairdryer or rubbing it between your hands to loosen the oil and clean the holes. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a soft cloth to clean the cartridge with a little bit of alcohol.
Replace the Cartridge When Clogging Becomes Severe
A vape cartridge can become clogged for a variety of reasons. If the airflow holes are clogged, the first step is to try and clear them out. If that doesn’t work, try blowing into the mouthpiece of the vape to force out any residual oil. In most cases, a clogged cartridge can be fixed and reused. However, if the cartridge is severely clogged or you just cant figure out how to unclog a cart, it may need to be replaced.
Why Is My New Cart Not Hitting?
If you’ve just gotten a new vape cart and it’s not working, don’t worry! There are a few reasons why this might be happening.
First, make sure that your cart is properly attached to your battery. If it’s not screwed in all the way, it won’t work.
Second, check to see if your battery is charged. If it’s not, then obviously your cart won’t work. Try charging it for a few hours and then trying again.
Lastly, if your cart still isn’t working, there may be something wrong with the cartridge itself. Sometimes they can be defective right out of the package. In this case, you’ll need to contact the company you bought it from and see if they’ll replace it for you.
In Conclusion: How To Unclog a Cart?
If you are having issues with your vape pen cartridge, make sure to check the airflow, and do not hesitate to try one of these methods how to unclog a cart. Most of the time, the problem can be easily fixed by unclogging the cartridge with heat and a small thin object. With a little bit of knowledge and these simple steps, you can keep your vape pen running smoothly.
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