Using the boiling method to clean MaxxFusion cartos

[pmos69]

I've gone almost 4 months and saved over $300 bucks reusing the same 20 cartos. I'm glad I've just ordered more, though, since it's turning out that a LOT of my cleaned cartos are just too deteriorated to use anymore.

I don't know if it's from extended use, or my cleaning method, or complications from dirty batts, but I'm finding that the majority of my carto stock have bad seals now. They won't hold liquid and are probably flooding my batts, and taste empty even directly after "filling". Hopefully the very few vapable ones I have left will hold me until my order arrives.

It's the filer fiber that loses its ability to hold liquids.
That and the coil getting covered with "caramelized" liquid are the main reason for the loss of performance from cartos after several refills.
How quickly the performance decreaces depends on the carto quality and on the liquid you are using.

No cleaning method is very effective to change any of the 2.

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

 

[zotzer]

One thing I have learned with the clearomizers is that repeated 4 second dry-burns are a sure way to get rid of the burnt-on crud. I am going to attempt this with a carto, but the disadvantage is that you can't see what's going on in there.

So, with the mouthpiece off, it turns out that you CAN see what's going on in there.

In dim light, you can see straight down the middle chamber to the glowing coil. Just went through dry-burning about 40 cartos (after my usual boiling regimen). The longest I would let a carto fire on the manual battery was five seconds. Basically, I would do this in 2-5 second bursts until I could get 2-3 bursts in a row where the coil lit up bright red within two seconds. Some cartos were very stubborn, but eventually, all but one came alive (I threw the problem carto in the trash).

Having seen the glop on the atomizer coils close up (thanks to Fuzznut's experiments and outstanding photos), I am much happier knowing I have dry-burned the gunk off. Cartos are vaping great too!

 

[VanGogo]

Thanks for the tips Zoster!

Now that I have a couple of manuals I'll have to try this when I get a carto acting up.

So far the vodka in an ultrasonic cleaner has been keeping them all working fine.

 

[want to quit]

So I collected a bunch of cartos (65) over the past months which ended up in my used stuff box. on Friday I had nothing to do so I went ahead and boiled them all. 15 minute boil then rinse then boil again for 15mins in fresh water. Blow the water out put them in the oven at 150 for 2 hrs and those bad boys are as good as new.

 

[zotzer]

Thanks for the tips Zoster!.

Update....Some of them have a smidge of a burnt taste for the first 2-3 puffs. I imagine this is from the burnt-off crud dust on some of the more stubborn ones. But, get those first drags overwith quickly, and these dry-burned cartos vape like brand-spanking new!

 

[xoYOmamaox]

I see all that has went into cleaning cartos now and can only think of the times i have had a pot sit in the frig for two weeks and did not want to clean it so i just chunked it in the trash so i think i will stick with red on the whole put a new one on it and wait for the pictures of the new lables you guys make when you burn the ones you have off

 

[rolandpibb]

I thought boiling was bad for cartos? I remember reading about how carto filler doesn't hold as much juice after a boil.

I have had success with very hot tap water. I tie the cartos together with an elastic band and run them under the tap. Works for me.

 

[shooter59]

After boiling and baking, I can get a full 30 drops in them using the condom method.
Plus I think the agitation of the boiling water gets a little more of the juice out of them. IMO.
BUT, just like some people like RY4 and some don't, whatever method works for you is cool...

I thought boiling was bad for cartos? I remember reading about how carto filler doesn't hold as much juice after a boil.

I have had success with very hot tap water. I tie the cartos together with an elastic band and run them under the tap. Works for me.

 

[rolandpibb]

After boiling and baking, I can get a full 30 drops in them using the condom method.
Plus I think the agitation of the boiling water gets a little more of the juice out of them. IMO.
BUT, just like some people like RY4 and some don't, whatever method works for you is cool...

I'm looking forward to fuzznut's results of ultrasonic cleaning. Cartos are much cheaper than smoking, but there's just something hard about throwing one away

 

[fuzznut]

I'm looking forward to fuzznut's results of ultrasonic cleaning. Cartos are much cheaper than smoking, but there's just something hard about throwing one away

Yeah, especially when you go through 1 a day like I do. I did buy that Walmart "sonic" cleaner but it's a pos. Not an ultrasonic cleaner at all (not piezo driven), it's more like a vibrator. Didn't clean worth a darn. Tomorrow I'll be at the place where they invented the transistor, and try to get some testing done with a real ultrasonic cleaner.

 

[rolandpibb]

Yeah, especially when you go through 1 a day like I do. I did buy that Walmart "sonic" cleaner but it's a pos. Not an ultrasonic cleaner at all (not piezo driven), it's more like a vibrator. Didn't clean worth a darn. Tomorrow I'll be at the place where they invented the transistor, and try to get some testing done with a real ultrasonic cleaner.

I was reading through the ultrasonic thread linked earlier, and many said it doesn't seem to work at cleaning the "baked on" gunk on the coils and were posting about still having to dry-burn. It seems like kind of a waste of time if it doesn't clean the coils.

 

[emus]

I was reading through the ultrasonic thread linked earlier, and many said it doesn't seem to work at cleaning the "baked on" gunk on the coils and were posting about still having to dry-burn. It seems like kind of a waste of time if it doesn't clean the coils.

First thing to do w/ ultrasonic is to verify it makes pin holes in Aluminum foil; an indicator its working.

Next thoroughly clean ultrasonic b4 cleaning atty/cartos w/ fresh solution.

My ultra sonic does not remove all coil gunk.

It is a convenient way to clean several attys/cartos/bottles/droppers at one time.

Ultra sonic is very good for removing flavors and some types of grime.

 

[want to quit]

I tried so many cartos cleaning methods and all ended up in either the carto doesn't work anymore or the carto had still the taste of old juice in it. Boiling it for twice 15 mins gets really everything out of them and if you bake them nice and crisp for 1-2hrs at 150 and let them dry for a day or two they perform as good as new.

Attys just come in a glass of Vodka for 2 days and then let them dry and they perform as well at 90%.

 

[emus]

I tried so many cartos cleaning methods and all ended up in either the carto doesn't work anymore or the carto had still the taste of old juice in it. Boiling it for twice 15 mins gets really everything out of them and if you bake them nice and crisp for 1-2hrs at 150 and let them dry for a day or two they perform as good as new.

Attys just come in a glass of Vodka for 2 days and then let them dry and they perform as well at 90%.

Sounds good ... some components will melt so make sure they don't get close to heating element.

My attys have survived 212F boil.

Not sure what temp clear cartos can handle?

 

[Valdrak]

Just a small note... that I have not seen anyone mention yet... Hydrogen Peroxide. Many use it as a disinfectant and sterilizer.
Hydrogen peroxide - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hydrogen Peroxide has a natural bubbling technique when exposed to anything and I think it would work in this case. (in the low 3% that you can buy from local stores is not of a big concern if you read all of the bad applications of it, that is only happening at 50% or more concentrations)

I've used it for cuts and scrapes and those little white sores that some times people get in their mouth, commonly known as Canker sore.
Aphthous ulcer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It can decompose organic tissue fairly quickly, and I believe that it may work for our crud problem if soaked for I would suggest 5 hours.

Warning: Do not boil Hydrogen Peroxide(H2O2), it will cause it's natural oxidation to happen more quickly and can be harmful if inhaled in excess.

I plan to use hydrogen peroxide and soak a few cartos with out taking them apart and a few that I have taken apart to see their various effects. I will update this post as soon as my tests have been completed.

Oh and... if you try this method yourself, make sure to flush the cartos with tap water and then perhaps even boiling in water for a bit, before you begin to dry them.





Fun Facts:

1. Hydrogen Peroxide can strip the acidly burned parts of Canker sores of all the dead tissue, effectually removing the hurt and relieving the pressure of the stretched and acidically burnt skin.
(canker sores are effect a sort of acid burn in your mouth)

2. Hydrogen Peroxide breaks down in direct contact with light, beginning it's oxidation process slowly over time, converting it to a natural standing H2O... I.E. Water. This natural process also happens when exposed to air.

(If the zombie apocalypse comes and you have no more bottled water, simply pop open some Hydrogen peroxide and let the sun get to it and the air, and with in 20 hours you will have nice clean water.)*This effect also happens regardless if the bottle is opened or not over a span of about 7 years)

 

[emus]

I have used hydrogen peroxide; no miracles.
Dish washer detergent proved fatal more than once.

 

[rolandpibb]

I have used hydrogen peroxide; no miracles.
Dish washer detergent proved fatal more than once.

Oooooh! Oooh! Oooh!

I have wee compartments in my built in dishwasher, perhaps I could do a fresh water cycle...

 

[shooter59]

I have had small items blown out of the "wee compartments" of my dishwasher before from the pressure of the jet spray. Doing this could prove fatal to a cart or two and possibly damage the interior of your dishwasher.
Be warned..........

I have wee compartments in my built in dishwasher, perhaps I could do a fresh water cycle...

 

[emus]

fluxomizers after alcohol soak and ultrasonic cleaning.
used 2 weeks.
one had dark liq; other light liquid.

 

[fuzznut]

Ok, results are in. These tests were with a Branson 1510 ultrasonic cleaner, 30 minutes each.




In water:

In isopropanol:

In 30% hydrogen peroxide (store bought is 3% to 6%):