I don't burn mine to clean. I'm a baby... like my attys without a burned flavor, ha. Good way to scorch the wicking under the bridge I think. Besides that, there is a small plastic air funnel inside the 510 atomizer (near the battery end under the pot) and you risk melting and warping it when you dry burn (and your atty will be like trying to suck a bowling ball through a straw for a draw!). Many people do it and recommend it (but I have to wonder how many attys die or get a hard draw that they don't tell you about). No thanks...
I use Pure Grain Alcohol (PGA) to clean my attys. Soak 2 to 24 hours or so if really bad. It will rid a flavor out of an atomizer and it evaporates so no need for long drying time. Just blow out after the soak, and then I shake it out (like a thermometer) until I can't feel any more liquid coming out of it. Prime with your liquid (4-6 drops usually depending on the model you have) and start vaping... add more prime drops to the bridge if necessary.
If I clean a bunch of them, I'll put a few drops of PG on them to keep them wet while stored.
I have to admit I don't clean them often, but when I do, there are bits of black gunk in the PGA and they vape like a champ afterward. All my attys run great, many 7 plus months old and I've never lost a 510.
Kackourey it sounds like you need a few more atomizers!! I have an atomizer dedicated to each flavor I vape (usually 3) and several (ok, over 200) *grin* as back ups in the cabinet. It is my to hell with the FDA stock up!
Keef, LOL... the thought of vaping menthol, coffee and fennel made me gag.