Sterilizing Hardware

[JimmyJet]

Hey Folks,

My question concerns sterilizing hardware in an ultrasonic cleaner. Specifically, I am referring to this ultrasonic cleaner...

Ultrasonic Cleaner - Great Deals on Ultrasonic Cleaners at Harbor Freight

I have been using this ultrasonic cleaner for a while and am happy with the results. But, I have been using straight Everclear as the cleaning solution and do not like the flavor Everclear leaves in the hardware, especially cartomizers.

My question is, if I use distilled water instead of Everclear, will the hardware still be sterilized? Cleaning is one thing, sterilizing is another. Or maybe I should use 50/50 to reduce the bad taste of the Everclear?

Thanks in advance, JJ

 

[ancient puffer]

I've been using vodka as my cleaning solution. Taryn spin to remove it when its done in the Ultrasonic Cleaner, then let it dry overnight. If you're very sensitive to the taste from Everclear, you can rinse with water after cleaning, then do the spin and let dry for at least a day (water evaporates slower than alcohol)

Some folks have been using Crest Pro Health mouthwash, but it requires a soak overnight in water to get rid of the minty taste. And no, water won't "sterilize", and, in fact, won't clean quite as well as alcohol.

 

[StormFinch]

As far as needing sterilization, both PG and nicotine are antimicrobial and anti-fungal, so personally I don't worry very much about disinfecting the insides of my attys and carts. Instead, I just use water, unless I'm trying to remove built up juice. I do wipe the outside and mouthpieces/drip tips with alcohol, or a 10% bleach solution during the winter cold and flu season, and then let air dry. Just remember that if you rinse the inside of cartos with water you NEED to dry them, either in a low setting oven for half an hour or wrapped in a sock in the dryer. Water damp carto filler is prone to mold and mildew growth when left to sit too long.

 

[CBB]

The only parts that would need to be sterilized would be parts that go into your mouth and if it is only going in your mouth it doesn't need to be any more sterile than your silverware. I recommend drip tips even with cartos as a mouthpiece. Drip tips and carts can be washed in hot soapy water.

 

[JimmyJet]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your insight. I suspected I was worrying too much about sterilizing everything.

Good day, JJ

 

[MickeyRat]

If you want them sterilized, boil them in distilled water. I don't worry about it though. My immune system needs to be exercised now and then.

 

[player30]

To clean the outside of things, I just use iso alcohol & a cotton ball.