Take the base off the protank there is a little post with a rubber gromit take the rubber off then carefully take that metal pin off you should then see the wicks on top there should be a couple lose wicks on top of your main wick with the coil wrapped around it? Take out one of the lose wicks put the other one(s) back on and press the pin back on then the rubber. This should help with any problems. Then fill and take 4 or 5 puffs with no power then just ease into it with the power till your getting good hits. If for any reason they still taste dry or burnt you can remove another lose wick and repeat. Hope this helps. I didnt have to wash any of mine at first.
I'm not saying your method is incorrect but personally I've never had a need to take any of the flavor wicks out.