Atty's, is it even worth cleaning them?

[d.dutton9512]

Hey everyone, I've now been using my 401 for over a week and I'm reading up on cleaning my attys. Every night I let them drain on a paper towel but I'm considering one of the cleaning tricks on here.

I'm a bit scared to do so though. I've read a lot of threads where someone tries to clean them and they just fry. Obviously I want to extend their lives as much as possible but money is tight for the next two weeks and I only have two.

Is it worth the risk? Are any cleaning methods considered "safer?"

Thanks!

 

[snap6cat]

From my experience there is NO reason to clean an atty or remove it overnight. If it floods you blow it out, that is about it. Please treat yourself to some new ones so you are not dissapointed.

 

[doots]

Hi d,
I never really clean mine. They last me about a month on average. Usually. Not always.
When they diminish I just put on a new atty.

 

[d.dutton9512]

Thanks for the advice. Since they're only 7-8 bucks I think you guys are right. Although, and this could just be in my head, it seems like when I blow mine out and let them drain overnight they work better in the morning.

 

[doots]

Thanks for the advice. Since they're only 7-8 bucks I think you guys are right. Although, and this could just be in my head, it seems like when I blow mine out and let them drain overnight they work better in the morning.

It doesn't hurt to blow them out and keep it as clean as you can!

 

[BradSmith]

If it gets such a nasty flavor that you can't stand it. Then I would clean it other wise nope. I would leave it alone.

 

[jj2]

I only clean when vapor production declines---at that point there is little to lose. Then I do a few dry burns and let it sit in some vodka for a bit.
Here's a link to all sorts of different opinions. I pretty much agree with the last one that appears on page 2.
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/group.php?do=discuss&group=&discussionid=458

 

[J-ShaZzle]

I had one original atty that got all gunked up (juice getting to crispy, i guess?). I have let this one sit in a shot glass of vodka overnight. Let it air dry for 24 hrs, then a quick dry burn. Came out nice and clean. Tasted really dry and airy at first, but seems to be doing fine.

I plan on doing this with my LR atty too b/c it is getting gunked up. Only after a week of use too. It is losing vapor production and flavor.

I do drip and it may be that I flooded my original atty to much at first. I purposely flood my LR atties b/c they can handle it, plus I really don't feel like dripping every 3 draws.

I wouldn't have cleaned any of them if it wasn't for the gunk/loss of vapor/loss of flavor. I guess the only time to clean them is when production gets to the point that it is time to replace or clean. Wouldn't hurt any to clean an atty that's almost toast. Worst case scenario is you have to buy a new one which you were probably going to do anyway.

 

[Annastasia]

I blow mine out when they feel cloggy or don't perform as well as I think they should, but for the most part I consider them to be disposable. I buy a couple every month or so. Still way cheaper than smoking analogs.

 

[m401 user]

I dryburned my attys when started to perform slowly, most of the time it helped. But sometimes even cleaned atty doesn´t work better, sometimes it´s even worse. I think excessive heat can melt the solder, which leads to underperforming.
Have had attys that worked grat for three months, suviving 2-3 dryburns, and another one rendered them too weak for use. Plus it ruins batteries.
H2O2 inplace boil does remove gunk without overheating, but can leave nasty taste which is hard to get rid of.
Soaking in acids and Cola stains metal parts, so i consider them unsafe to some extent.
CrestPro Health soak does clean the mesh, but not the coil.
There was big debate on cleaning atties here on ECF some time ago, but then everyone started to state " forget cleaning they´re disposable" and i agree.
Proper maintenance is everything you can do to prolong their life, blowing it, ocassional PGA soak, there´s nothing more you can do safely.IMHO.

 

[Quix]

Have been using the M-401 setup almost exclusively now for a bit over 2 months and still have my original 6 attys for 6 different flavors. When the draw gets harder or feels generally gunky (about every three days for my darker everyday liquids) have had excellent results leaving them immersed in 90proof vodka for 30minutes-to-overnight.

When convenient, will let em dry out before using, but have also just taken directly out of the vodka and paper-towel dried em and fired em up. Add 3 drops of juice... let fizzle a bit to work off the vodka... add another drop or two (i dip)... and enjoy.

Luv the little M401 attys. Best hit have found for my taste buds.

 

[prof beard]

I never clean atties - I use them 'til they drop then start on a new one

 

[crand]

I blow them out to remove the excess at the end of the day but that's it. I've found that the more I 'fiddle' with them the shorter their lifespan.