The Cola Method Taken to Another Level That Works
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I used the regular Nu Calgon, not the nickel-safe stuff. The two bad attys weren't really that old - maybe a month of moderate usage on each.
I may resoak the one that didn't come back completely to see if it does. I also want to try the H2O2 boiling, but I need to make a manual switch first.
As far as this being a solution, I'm convinced (if they still stay strong over a few days). Guess we have to wait and see.
I may resoak the one that didn't come back completely to see if it does. I also want to try the H2O2 boiling, but I need to make a manual switch first.
As far as this being a solution, I'm convinced (if they still stay strong over a few days). Guess we have to wait and see.
Why not just use ALCONOX? It's a powerful detergent often used for Ultrasonic cleaners. I'm a Tattoo artist, and this is what we use for pre-cleaning newly soldered needles and bars to remove burnt residue, with the addition of distilled vinegar to neutralize the flux.
It's also used to remove ink,blood and built up petroleum jelly from the tubes that hold the needles before being autoclaved.
If someone doesn't end up trying to use this detergent that can be used for a soaking solution before I do. I'll let you all know the results.
We often soak the needle configured bars for anywhere between 3-6 hours...sometimes overnight. The longer the better of course, depending on how burnt in any residue has become.
I have an industrial Ultrasonic cleaner with heating elements to ofcourse increase the effectiveness...but you can add the solution to removed boiled water and get the same effect.
I haven't yet tried this, since my first E-cig has yet to arrive and I have no filthy atomizers to test this on. But you can easily go to the ALCONOX site and find the many different grades they have.
I've also seen this detergent on ebay, for reasonable prices...but be sure your getting the Powdered Precicion Cleaner if you attempt to use this technique.
It's also used to remove ink,blood and built up petroleum jelly from the tubes that hold the needles before being autoclaved.
If someone doesn't end up trying to use this detergent that can be used for a soaking solution before I do. I'll let you all know the results.
We often soak the needle configured bars for anywhere between 3-6 hours...sometimes overnight. The longer the better of course, depending on how burnt in any residue has become.
I have an industrial Ultrasonic cleaner with heating elements to ofcourse increase the effectiveness...but you can add the solution to removed boiled water and get the same effect.
I haven't yet tried this, since my first E-cig has yet to arrive and I have no filthy atomizers to test this on. But you can easily go to the ALCONOX site and find the many different grades they have.
I've also seen this detergent on ebay, for reasonable prices...but be sure your getting the Powdered Precicion Cleaner if you attempt to use this technique.
Have you tried anything else (less extreme) to clean atomizers that had moderate usage? I don't like the idea of using this stuff for maintenance unless it is really necessary...
Anyone try Pepsi Natural? I don't know if it's any use for cleaning attys but it tastes good 
Yes - I explained that a couple posts back. Nothing has worked for me until now.
This stuff isn't that bad as far as acids go - like it's been said, it's food safe and is designed to wash away clean with no residue, and it doesn't give off toxic fumes.
It should be fine to use as long as you don't touch it or drink it, and make sure to flush the atomizer completely a few times after use. Personally I feel a lot safer using this than I would deep fryer or popcorn maker cleaner, regardless of how food safe they are. Those types of cleansers need to be boiled away and properly flushed, while this stuff only needs cold water to cleanse it - no heat needed.
I really don't see how it wouldn't be perfectly safe if used properly. Dilute this acid enough and you get what they put in pop - can't say the same for popcorn maker cleaner.
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I've only used PG based liquids - mostly various JC and the cash cola flavor from puresmoker (whatever brand that is).
OK, i held off on posting because I wanted to try all the atomizers before I gave my results. Here is what I found:
I used the nucalgon for 8 atomizers. 2 of them were regular 801s that I had been using on my penstyles (can't say how long though because I had more or less put them aside when I got my mini pipe). But I had been using those 2 for months and cleaning them as needed with 99% rubbing alcohol prior to this.
The other 6 were mini pipe atomizers that I had used everyday for about 1 week each (I was alternating between 2 a day then).
I mentioned in my first post about it that the solution was a really yucky brown with stuff floating around in there. I had not rinsed them beforehand though and my filters are usually brown when I change them. Ever see an ashtray filled with water? That is exactly what that solution looked like when I got done. It was gross!
So the results: I first tried the 2 801s. One worked great....pretty much like new. Because I got my other 2 pipes, I mostly vape them but did use that atty on my kb pen intermittently throughout the day. Well it lost vapor again today....so I used it that way about a week....and I guess I have to clean it again. Because I didn't use it as much as my pipes, I really had expected it to last longer.
The second 801 never stood a chance....very little vapor, pretty much the same as it was before I cleaned it with the nucalgon. I can't use it like this so I am going to try to clean it again too.
As far as the 6 attys....I had not had to use them until today. Went to change them over and looked inside first (from the cart end). They all looked clean except one looked like it had some type of buildup around the wick. I tried to blow it out...nothing happened.
So I took a mail opener and tried to pull it out. I found it wasn't hard...rather, it kind of pulled apart. The biggest piece I was able to pull out was kind of "rubbery".....like I was able to roll it into a tiny ball between my fingers. I ran it under very hot water to see if it would dissolve....and no it wouldn't. Right now I have it soaking in hot water to see if it will come loose on its own or if I have to try to pull it out again. It was a light tannish color....and I have no idea what it was. The other 5 do not have this.
I got company so was not able to finish replacing my pipe attys....so I can't say how they work yet.
Now here's my question: Some time ago, I read that you could put white vinegar in a cup in a room to get rid of odors. I did try that and even took it one step further. I used one of those cup warmers and when I was home, I put the cup on there. When I left, I turned it off (yes, it does help btw...especially since I was smoking heavily then).
Anyhoo...my question....is there something we could soak the attys in on one of these heaters so whatever is in there will stay warm and possibly contribute to loosening some of the gunk? I am willing to try this....but what would be the best? Vinegar, coke, alcohol (maybe not with heat on that one), lemon juice, or what? And I could try it for 24 hours...or 48...whatever.
Any ideas?
Oh also....I use PG based juice but do have some mixes I have made with VG.
Lu
I used the nucalgon for 8 atomizers. 2 of them were regular 801s that I had been using on my penstyles (can't say how long though because I had more or less put them aside when I got my mini pipe). But I had been using those 2 for months and cleaning them as needed with 99% rubbing alcohol prior to this.
The other 6 were mini pipe atomizers that I had used everyday for about 1 week each (I was alternating between 2 a day then).
I mentioned in my first post about it that the solution was a really yucky brown with stuff floating around in there. I had not rinsed them beforehand though and my filters are usually brown when I change them. Ever see an ashtray filled with water? That is exactly what that solution looked like when I got done. It was gross!
So the results: I first tried the 2 801s. One worked great....pretty much like new. Because I got my other 2 pipes, I mostly vape them but did use that atty on my kb pen intermittently throughout the day. Well it lost vapor again today....so I used it that way about a week....and I guess I have to clean it again. Because I didn't use it as much as my pipes, I really had expected it to last longer.
The second 801 never stood a chance....very little vapor, pretty much the same as it was before I cleaned it with the nucalgon. I can't use it like this so I am going to try to clean it again too.
As far as the 6 attys....I had not had to use them until today. Went to change them over and looked inside first (from the cart end). They all looked clean except one looked like it had some type of buildup around the wick. I tried to blow it out...nothing happened.
So I took a mail opener and tried to pull it out. I found it wasn't hard...rather, it kind of pulled apart. The biggest piece I was able to pull out was kind of "rubbery".....like I was able to roll it into a tiny ball between my fingers. I ran it under very hot water to see if it would dissolve....and no it wouldn't. Right now I have it soaking in hot water to see if it will come loose on its own or if I have to try to pull it out again. It was a light tannish color....and I have no idea what it was. The other 5 do not have this.
I got company so was not able to finish replacing my pipe attys....so I can't say how they work yet.
Now here's my question: Some time ago, I read that you could put white vinegar in a cup in a room to get rid of odors. I did try that and even took it one step further. I used one of those cup warmers and when I was home, I put the cup on there. When I left, I turned it off (yes, it does help btw...especially since I was smoking heavily then).
Anyhoo...my question....is there something we could soak the attys in on one of these heaters so whatever is in there will stay warm and possibly contribute to loosening some of the gunk? I am willing to try this....but what would be the best? Vinegar, coke, alcohol (maybe not with heat on that one), lemon juice, or what? And I could try it for 24 hours...or 48...whatever.
Any ideas?
Oh also....I use PG based juice but do have some mixes I have made with VG.
Lu
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Lu--glad to hear you got some results. You could give Vinegar, coke, alcohol, lemon Juice, citirc acid, backing soda, all a go in a crock pot on low heat--I gave it a go--the latest being the citric acid and got zero results. No visiable signs of removing the residue. The only thing that has worked for me that I have actually scene visible results is with this solvent. I have on order the popcorn kettle cleaner FDA approved--and will post those results when I have them. ---Sun
Thank god for the Nu-Calgon success stories, I had already ordered my non-Nickel safe, good to know it might work!
Lu - not sure i understand -- you don't want to use NuCalgon with the cup warmer, or none left?
Any of lemon juice. vinegar or cola. These work much better if the atomizer is quite new; otherwise might not work well.
Any of lemon juice. vinegar or cola. These work much better if the atomizer is quite new; otherwise might not work well.
I was afraid of the nucalgon wafting into the air in the house like that (I have birds and 2 cats too). Would that be safe?
My pipe attys are quite new....but I use them daily....and for a week at a time. All my others are quite old but still worked after prior cleanings. I imagine there would be a fair amount of buildup on those though.
With my use...what about the pipe ones?
Lu
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That was with the nucalgon, right? I actually wouldn't mind trying it again....but that rubbery stuff concerned me a bit. I am waiting for you to try the kettle cleaner too. Sounded promising.
So nothing else worked, huh? Not even in a crockpot? (Never thought of that one...lol)
Well, I can wait a bit before I have to clean again so maybe something will show up with the kettle cleaner (fingers crossed).
Lu
Lu - the nucalgon will not cause any fumes. If it cannot boil (or dry out) should be no problem.
If the pipe attys do not have reduced function, you could try one as a preventative measure (and perhaps mark it so you remember which one it is). Not sure if nucalgon is paint-safe though.
If the solution is warm to hot it will work much faster, if not also better.
If the pipe attys do not have reduced function, you could try one as a preventative measure (and perhaps mark it so you remember which one it is). Not sure if nucalgon is paint-safe though.
If the solution is warm to hot it will work much faster, if not also better.
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Well then, maybe I'll give it a shot. It can't boil on that and I won't let it burn dry. I was thinking there might be some unseen fumes and since it's acid, I wasn't sure of its safety.
And that's allright....not too concerned about the paint job at this point...if it works!
And that's what I was thinking about the heat....might help break it up faster. Thanks Kin.
Lu
What would happen if you used the Nu Calgon like they do with the H2O2 and boiled a couple drops on the atomizer?
Maybe mix a few drops of Nu Calgon with H2O2 and then drip it on the hot atomizer?
Maybe mix a few drops of Nu Calgon with H2O2 and then drip it on the hot atomizer?
MoonMan, the difficulty is getting the drops onto the coil; just putting them onto the metal mesh will not be useful. If you can, i suggest one then the other, or a few drops of each then activate the atty. But not to mix them beforehand (Exogenesis has tried these things and can tell you more). Even vinegar, say, works best with the heat-in-place technique; it all depends if you can get it onto the coil.
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