Stardusts/alcohol/pipe cleaners?

[OnnaB]

OK, against my better judgement, I just cleaned 2 stardusts with 99% isopropyl alcohol...because hot water wasn't cutting through the crud build-up on the wicks. So, I know there is gunk on the coil...and dry burning just doesn't seem to clean it well enough. Has anyone ever tried to use a pipe cleaner...gently? I may set a stardust up for possible sacrifice and see if this helps any. I am transitioning to dc tanks, but my GF likes the stardusts (as long as I clean them...lol) and I'd like to keep them as backups.
Any thoughts??

 

[icanbreatheagain]

OK, against my better judgement, I just cleaned 2 stardusts with 99% isopropyl alcohol...because hot water wasn't cutting through the crud build-up on the wicks. So, I know there is gunk on the coil...and dry burning just doesn't seem to clean it well enough. Has anyone ever tried to use a pipe cleaner...gently? I may set a stardust up for possible sacrifice and see if this helps any. I am transitioning to dc tanks, but my GF likes the stardusts (as long as I clean them...lol) and I'd like to keep them as backups.
Any thoughts??

which version? i think the new ones (v3) can be re coiled. i used the baking soda and white vinegar method and it worked pretty well, but i doubt it will do any good the next time it needs cleaning as buildup will be too thick. then ill just recoil

 

[OnnaB]

While I do enjoy some aspects of this new hobby, I am probably not going to want to re-coil. Besides, I am afraid to try to pry the plastic tank from the base...I can't afford to break 1 right now. These are CE 3's I think...small ml scale along the side, short wicks, pointed center metal hole...not flush. I'm just wondering if a pipe cleaner will fit between the coil and the metal outer core. At some point...soon...I am going to get a Vivi Nova...with the replaceable heads. That's about as close as I want to get to rebuilding right now.

 

[wolcen]

What you have are not that difficult to recoil, but there is still some investment of time, practice, and supplies so I understand.

I've heard everything from just boiling things to sonic jewelry cleaners (probably not stardust friendly) to water piks and even use of air-rifles (LOL, also probably not a good idea) for cleaning attys/coils/cartos, etc.

I dunno...I think if I were trying that hard to clean it, I'd have taken it apart to really get in there - I could be wrong, but I imagine it would be pretty tough to be productive from that top opening. At that point, I'd probably end up chucking the coil anyway. One of the reasons I got a Stardust though was a cheap way to try making coils with a cotton wick, so, I'm obviously partial to that method of rejuvenation. There are a few videos on youtube showing dis-assembly. e.g. wrap some masking tape on the claws of pipe pliers and you can get the metal ring off pretty easily with those. The inner body then comes out with minimal effort. If nothing else, the videos will help you understand how they go together and there is at least one specifically about taking it apart for cleaning purposes.

ETA: A 5ml syringe makes a workable replacement tank should yours crack.

 

[Miira]

You could try soaking them overnight in white vinegar, but dry burning works well for me and I use 100% VG juices. Are you dry burning until the coil is red? It should also stink as the crud burns off.

 

[~Sue~Feb2012]

You could try soaking them overnight in white vinegar, but dry burning works well for me and I use 100% VG juices. Are you dry burning until the coil is red? It should also stink as the crud burns off.

...and might have to re-rinse after you get the crud burned off in case any crud went down in there

 

[Reidus]

Why vinegar instead of cheap vodka? I'd think vinegar would leave a taste.

 

[SpringzVz]

By design these items only have a short lifespan. Dry burning breaks down the metal even further. Soaking wicks in alcohol, vodka breaks down the fibers. Re coiling is a pain in the rear. There have been major improvements in the clearo. Buy the Vision Version 2 and just replace the heads (coils). like 3 bucks for the heads and they screw off. very convenient. Buy a couple of your favorite colors to begin with and just order the heads from there on out very good investment.

 

[Miira]

Why vinegar instead of cheap vodka? I'd think vinegar would leave a taste.

It's mildly acidic. I never did try that method, because it would take a lot of rinsing to remove the taste and my method was working for me. I did discover they are very easy to take all the way apart for those who really want to get at the wicks and coils. I am worried that repeated disassembly would eventually lead to leaks, but for those who want to try it: Gotvapes Stardust: Taking It Apart II - YouTube

 

[Miira]

By design these items only have a short lifespan. Dry burning breaks down the metal even further. Soaking wicks in alcohol, vodka breaks down the fibers. Re coiling is a pain in the rear. There have been major improvements in the clearo. Buy the Vision Version 2 and just replace the heads (coils). like 3 bucks for the heads and they screw off. very convenient. Buy a couple of your favorite colors to begin with and just order the heads from there on out very good investment.

I have 1 one of those, and like it fine, but I have only found 1 supplier that carries them with long wicks. There are a lot of knock-offs that assemble differently. I am not ready to commit to rebuildables until 1 version wins over the rest.

 

[OnnaB]

LOL...I forgot I had started this thread! Thanks for your thoughts. I have been using my Vivi v2.5 for almost a month. I do like it, but I think I'm sticking with DC tanks. The GF is now the new owner of the Vivi...with newer heads in the mail. I think I like the airy draw of the tanks...for now. Thanks again!!!

 

[craftmath]

Once you get the hang of it, disassembly, cleaning, and rewicking and coiling takes about 15 minutes. I do this once every week or two and it works great. Many may say, "just buy a new one", but once you rewick and recoil, you will realize you actually get a better vape than the regular setup, once you get your ohms and wick size dialed in right. If you check out ivape.net, they even disassemble the regular stardust and rewick and wire, call it a King Coil and then sale them for $9. Cha ching.