Does changing flavors mean changing attys?

[GSmith]

Hello ECF Vets,

I'm still new to this scene, using a Prodigy 3.1 (3.7v kit) and I am wondering if its better to just have multiple attys around for switching flavors. I know there are lots of ways to clean them out, but I wonder if doing so regularly could reduce the lifespan of an atty.

I use Menthol drops from JuicyLiquid a lot to help curb my craving for Kools regardless of the flavor and I find that the menthol sensation seems to hang around even after blowing out the atty and letting it dry.

So my question is, does regular thorough cleaning (like with vodka etc...) diminish the life of an atty, and / or is it just better practice to keep several attys in rotation?

Thanks

 

[Kurt]

I have found that vodka or PGA cleaning does shorten an atty's life, but that's just my experience with it. I probably dissolves an adhesive inside, or something, but they did tend to die faster. I use polydent denture tablet in hot water, soak the atty for 12 hours, and flush with lots of hot water. Cleans them up great, and I have not found it affects their life significantly. I generally rotate 6 or 7 attys, but I do not change attys with every flavor change. When an atty starts to get off-tasting, or boggy, it goes into a mug on my desk. When there are a bunch in the mug, I clean them all by tossing in a tablet and covering with hot water for the soak. Mints should get removed with this, but I don't do mints much.