I usually clean my atty's, clearos with almost boiling water usually 2-3 times (thanks to my coffee maker), the tip I was told is to let them dry for 24 hours or take a hair dryer to them to speed the process, then dry burn them a few times (if using a manual) to get rid of any remaining taste/moisture before using a new cartridge. As for extending life, I'm sure others will have more insight then myself regarding that.