Some odd things with cleaning cartos... SOS?

[ddirtyvapes]

Hey all... I've been using volcano's cartomizers on and off (meaning I tend to use tanks or dripping much more frequently). When I clean them, I use boiling water and let them soak for a while, then gently blow out the worst of the water still in them and leave them to dry for quite some time. Since cartos aren't my primary method of vaping, I can usually let them dry for at least 24 hours, sometimes longer. When I go to fill them, however, they seem to hold less liquid than when they're new... as if water is still stuck in there. They also take FOREVER to get going again. Is this normal, or am I doing something incorrectly? Also, roughly how much liquid should I be able to get in each? The other peculiar thing is when they're new, I can comfortably get .8 mL in them (I tried a full mL once and it was WAY too much for these particular cartos) but after cleaning if I try to put in the same .8 mL it starts dripping like crazy out the bottom... big waste of juice. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Z

 

[kelleymcm]

I have tried to clean carto's too, I can get them clean but drying them is the problem ...I have found the easiest way to get them totally dry is to tie them up in a CLEAN DRY sock & throw them in the dryer w/ load of clothes . They seem to get totally dry that way...but as you said they seem to never hold the initial fill amounts again ...IDK they JUST aren't designed to be cleaned ... I guess ?? I'm sure it's just that the filler changes somehow thru use & is just not as absorbent after cleaning.. ya know just like how your fluffy pillows get lumpy after ya wash them ??

 

[Adrena]

I soaked one carto once. It worked, though the draw was tighter and it never held the same amount of liquid .
I find no need to use water or alcohols ever. I find better performance in blowing them out gently every night. And on occasion I straighten the center tube out with a large safety pin carefully when draw get tight. At the moment I'm vaping off a 4 week old carto at 5v that admittedly has been in rotation with 2 others.

 

[mianker]

I rarely use cartos prefering attys. When I do use cartos I pretty much consider them disposable and once they are not performing well I throw them out. I am way too concerned about the potential of bacteria growing in the filler.

 

[IOU]

I am cleaning them in an ultrasonic bath of vodka, then let them sit to dry for a day. Seem to hold the same amount of juice (20-25 drops). They do sometimes take a little bit to get going again, I think this is mostly due to being a little too wet.

 

[Adrena]

Propylene Glycol (PG) has antiseptic properties. Is used in hospitable to treat the air you breath while your there?
1 .5 g in 100 ml water; sol. in alcohols, glycerol, propylene glycol, ... hospital disinfectants.
further studies showed inactivation of diverse bacteria, influenza virus, and Penicillium chrysogenum (previously P. notatum) mold fungus using various glycols, principally propylene glycol and triethylene glycol.

 

[berger]

most liklely the problem is they are not dry completely. Just like fiberglass insulation they don't readily pass air so they depend solely on wicking to dry out. You can speed that process with heat but it may affect the filler. Best to switch out several and let them dry for several days minimum and see if that improves your results.

 

[proax9]

Have you seen this method on YouTube.

I use it and it works great, and takes 2 minutes per carto.
I let it dry over night, and ready to go!
YouTube - KR808D-1 Carto Cleaning: Quick-n-Easy.

Hopefully I included the link correctly.

 

[proax9]

Has anyone noticed a correlation between poor air flow and the PG/VG blend you are vaping?
It seems that a 70/30 PG/VG blend has poorer air flow, than 100% PG, in the same carto.
(Could be my imagination...?)

 

[Adrena]

Not you imagination. VG is thicker and thus make draw harder. but VG adds more "cloud" the the vaping experience and sweetness. Ever use the ce2 cartos use more pg the juice wicks better.

 

[proax9]

I have my first ce2s coming next week- can't wait to try them. Hopefully the (re)filling is not as bad as some people say.
BTW- are clearomized and fluxomizer the same thing / different mfg? I know the newest version of the Fluxo has 1 larger wick and supposidly stronger plastic in the tube.

 

[earthpig]

Bacteria is certainly not an issue with PG but also if boiled or soaked in alcohol (the drinking kind).
I boil and re-use KR808D-1's on a regular basis. Key is to get them really dried out. I have radiator type heat, so I set them on a kitchen plate after blowing them out well, and let them sit a solid 12 to 24 hours. They hold as much fluid as original when done.
I haven't done 510's yet. It seems the batting is a little different (fuller) but the same should work. Maybe more drying time.