Draining Menthol Cartomizers?

[TrashcanCandy]

If this has been asked before, I apologize. I tried searching, and found some information but nothing that answered my question 100%. I received a bunch of sample Nuport cartos, and I really dislike the flavor. I want to drain them and completely clean the menthol flavor out to use them as blanks, though I've read that removing menthol flavor can be difficult. What would be the best method to do this? I know I should start with the reverse Taryn spin to drain the juice out, but how should I go about completely removing the remaining menthol flavor?

 

[SnowDragon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_as6puor7Z0&NR=1

Sorry, that video isn't as good as this one which is how clean my cartos. I just boiled out a dozen Nuport Menthols and it works. The only problem is with fruity flavored carts, haven't found a way to get the flavor completely out of those ones yet.

Hope this helps!

 

[TrashcanCandy]

That is a very helpful video! Thanks for posting! Does anyone know for sure that this method definitely works to erase the strong flavors like menthol, though?

 

[leeshor]

That is a very helpful video! Thanks for posting! Does anyone know for sure that this method definitely works to erase the strong flavors like menthol, though?

You are quite correct about the menthol (or mint flavors as well) being difficult to eliminate. Some people who have tried and failed because they didn't like the menthol at all were pleased with the hint of the menthol mixed with other flavors. That said, you can come really close

 

[TrashcanCandy]

You are quite correct about the menthol (or mint flavors as well) being difficult to eliminate. Some people who have tried and failed because they didn't like the menthol at all were pleased with the hint of the menthol mixed with other flavors. That said, you can come really close

Hmm, well, currently I only have strawberry flavored juice, so I'm not sure how that would wind up tasting...though it might not be so bad, as I have had gum that was strawberry with some mint to it, and that wasn't bad. I also have some violet flavored juice on the way, so maybe that would be interesting. I guess I'll just have fun experimenting if I can't get rid of the mint altogether. Thanks!

 

[JustKryssi]

I'm a heavy mint user and I usually just leave those cartos specifically for mint from the first fill to the last. There's always just a hint left in there forever.

 

[Gravity]

I did the boiling method on a bunch of cartos... the menthol ones still had a slight hint of menthol still in them even after two 15 minute boil sessions, so we did a third, and that got rid of it totally. Put a strawberry cheesecake juice into an old menthol carto and couldn't even tell it ever had menthol in it.

 

[JustKryssi]

Ok Gravity, you're making me feel lazy...3 boiling sessions? Love your persistence!

 

[TrashcanCandy]

I did the boiling method on a bunch of cartos... the menthol ones still had a slight hint of menthol still in them even after two 15 minute boil sessions, so we did a third, and that got rid of it totally. Put a strawberry cheesecake juice into an old menthol carto and couldn't even tell it ever had menthol in it.

Awesome! I'll do that then. Thanks so much!

 

[Gravity]

We had a TON of cartos from trying out a bunch of flavors, a lot we didn't like, and we wanted more use out of them.. so darn it, we were gonna get it!

A few duds came out, but it was only 3-4 out of a boiled batch of about 40-50 cartos. Not too shabby!

 

[TrashcanCandy]

I just boiled out a dozen Nuport Menthols and it works.

Oops...lol...my eyes totally skipped over that sentence somehow when I first read your post...sorry.

 

[SnowDragon]

Since the first video had that wacky pencilholder-syringe deal I edited the post with a better vid and had read your response. I'm going to give some of my fruit flavored cartos the 3-boil treatment and see if it works. I guess 3 times make a difference compared to twice.

You may find that you have to blow out the cartos a couple of times from both ends and let them sit for a day to dry out.

Carto re-use is inconsistent, some last through a dozen refills while others may only last 3 or 4. You'll know because it becomes increasing harder to draw off of and it should always be easy.

Don't know if that's you in the avatar, but whoever it is....let her know she is a definite cutie. Just a compliment from a very happily married man!

 

[ramsey2toes]

Great video...thanks for the help

 

[TrashcanCandy]

My replies are bold pinkish-purple.

Since the first video had that wacky pencilholder-syringe deal I edited the post with a better vid and had read your response. I'm going to give some of my fruit flavored cartos the 3-boil treatment and see if it works. I guess 3 times make a difference compared to twice.

Oh ok. I'll watch the new video then!

You may find that you have to blow out the cartos a couple of times from both ends and let them sit for a day to dry out.

Yeah I know they can take a long time to properly dry out. I also heard of people carefully using air compressors and things. My dad might have something useful in the garage...

Carto re-use is inconsistent, some last through a dozen refills while others may only last 3 or 4. You'll know because it becomes increasing harder to draw off of and it should always be easy.

Thank you for that tip! I'll pay attention to that.

Don't know if that's you in the avatar, but whoever it is....let her know she is a definite cutie. Just a compliment from a very happily married man!

Aww thanks! Yes, that's me. :]

 

[5cardstud]

I would try cleaning them with vodka or everclear first then boil.

 

[Arcticraven]

I personally have used the boiling method. Boil for 15 min... rinse under hot water... boil another 15 min... re rinse under hot water... blow out carts from the cap end and the water comes out of the battery end. They are fairly dry at that point but I then add them to a small zip lock bag of rice (read this suggestion somewhere on the site here) and just let them sit for a few days. Being as I usually don't need them for a while they are nice and dry before I grab them. I would be careful using an air compressor. There is a bunch of nastyness that can form in those tanks and unless its filtered air then I would suggest against using it for anything comming close to ur mouth.

Using that method, even with strong mint/menthol flavors and fruity flavors, I haven't had any residual flavors lingering. I believe the only flavors that have stuck in my carts have been some of tasty vapors stuff (AC, Geoffs Blend, and some coffee flavors). Could just be flavorings that I am sensitive to I'm not all sure about that.

As far as ease of the draw, after the wash cycle the hole in the middle of the carts sometimes tries to close up. I have fixed this usually by using something like a paper clip or anything skinny and long enough to fit in the hole and pushing it in there to open the middle hole back up. When I can see good light shining thru then I'm pretty much good to go. There has been the occasional cart that is just too stubborn to draw from at that point but as long as its seldom I'm fine.

Hope any of this helps, I just keep trying what people suggest here and find what works.

 

[TrashcanCandy]

Just wanted to report that I finally got around to draining and cleaning them. I boiled them three times (15 mins. each time), and just tried one. I detect no remaining Nuport flavor! (Granted, I did fill it with a rather strong flavor...I used TW's DV Parma Violet in 36 mg.)