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Dos and Don’ts of Vape Storage

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Close up of a vape with a samurai design

Key Takeaways:

    • Proper vape storage is important for maintaining flavour and device function
    • Avoiding moisture, heat, and light is crucial for proper storage 
    • Knowing the right storage methods can help preserve your device and cartridges

Why Proper Vape Storage is Essential

Vape cartridges and vaping devices may seem simple, but they are delicate devices with several components that are prone to degradation when improperly kept. Storing your vapes improperly over time can lead to: 

    • Thickened oil, often unusable 
    • Leaking
    • Clogging 
    • Reduced battery life
    • Changes in potency
Storing nicotine vapes properly helps maintain consistency in flavour, so the last puff tastes as good as the first.

Must-Dos for Proper Vape Storage

While there are several aspects of proper storage you should keep in mind depending on your needs and space, these are the most essential:

Maintain Proper Temperature

Heat is one of the most damaging factors when it comes to storing nicotine vapes. When the oil gets too warm, it can lead to loss of flavour, leaking, and even loss of potency. To prevent these issues, make sure you aren’t keeping your vapes or cartridges near heaters and stoves or near windows. You should also ensure they aren’t left inside your vehicle for extended periods. Even if the weather feels mild, the internal temperature of your car can become warmer than your vape can handle very quickly. 

Although heat is most harmful to vaping oils, extreme cold can also be damaging. Oil may become too thick, making it difficult to vaporize. Cold weather may also damage the seals in your vape device. 

Keep Cartridges Upright

Keep your flavour cartridges stored upright. Don’t place them on their side or upside down, as this can lead to leaking or cause the formation of air bubbles. Changes in oil texture may also cause uneven heating. To ensure your cartridges remain upright while in storage, use a stand, drawer organizer, or buy a specialized storage case that keeps the mouthpiece situated in an upright position.

Avoid Excess Light

Exposure to UV light, whether from the sun or other sources, can slowly degrade active components in vaping oils. This will lessen the flavour and potency of your vaping experience if you aren’t careful. When storing nicotine vapes, keep them in a cool, dark location such as a cabinet, storage pouch, or drawer. If you need to leave them out, keep them in an opaque container. 

Light bulb sitting on a white background

Stay Away from Humidity

The components in your vaping device, such as electronics, batteries, and metal parts, will be vulnerable to moisture damage. Keep vapes out of damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens. If your home is higher in moisture than average or you live in a high-humidity area, silica gel packets placed in your vape storage area can help absorb excess moisture and prevent damage.

Don’t Toss the Original Packaging

Your vape’s original packaging from the manufacturer has been specially designed to help protect your cartridge and device from damage. For this reason, it’s a good idea to hold on to the original casing to use for ongoing storage. If you have already discarded it, buy a foam-lined vape case to use for storage and travel.

A quality case should:  

    • Protect your mouthpiece from debris, like dust

    • Keep carts protected and upright 

    • Shield glass and threading to prevent cracking

Clean Devices Before Storage

Before storing nicotine vapes, you should ensure they are properly cleaned to avoid buildup during storage. Do this by wiping the battery with an isopropyl alcohol wipe or a dry cloth. Take slow draws after warming the vape slightly with your hands to reduce clogging risk. Do not use liquid cleaners for cartridges or batteries.

Keep Batteries from Draining

For longer vape storage, it is a good idea to maintain a partial charge on your vape. If you won’t be using it for several weeks or longer, it should have at least a 40% charge when you put it away. Turn the power off before storing it. Separate your cartridge from the battery, and keep the battery in a cool, dry location and away from metal objects.

E-cigarettes with blue batteries on a white background

Long-Term Vape Storage

For long-term vape storage or when collecting cartridges to swap out, ensure all components are stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container, such as a lidded jar or mylar bag. Make sure cartridges are labelled with the dates purchased and opened so you know which items are the freshest.

Travelling with Your Vape Devices

When travelling, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind to maintain your vape’s physical integrity and freshness.

Carry On

Don’t put your vapes in checked bags, as the pressure and coldness in storage can cause leaking and other issues.

Cover the Mouthpiece

Use a protective cover or silicone cap to protect the mouthpiece during trips.

Prevent Heat Exposure

When travelling by car, avoid having the vape in your trunk, glove box, centre console, or anywhere the air conditioning can’t reach. When leaving the car for a time, consider taking your storage containers with you to prevent exposure to prolonged heat.

Knowing When to Replace

Keep in mind that even with excellent vape storage, your cartridges will need to be replaced eventually. A few signs it’s time to toss your cartridges include: 

    • Darkened colouring 
    • Burnt or metallic taste
    • Clogging or leaking that doesn’t resolve 
    • Weak vapour, even when fully charged

Optional Vape Storage Tools

While you can successfully keep your vape cartridges properly stored without spending extra cash, there are a few tools that can make it easier and more convenient. If you’re spending money on premium vaping cartridges, then adding these extras can be well worth the additional cost: 

    • Silicone cartridge sleeves: These can prevent leaks and protect glass from damage 
    • Desiccant packs: These absorb moisture inside your case. They are often sold in large quantities for very little money, making them a valuable addition to your routine
    • Carrying tubes: These are airtight to protect your carts and provide discreet packaging 
    • Storage cases: A good case will hold several carts to keep them upright and organized for easy grab-and-go use. 

Putting it Together 

Storing nicotine vapes isn’t difficult when you know what to do and have the right tools. The key factors to remember are to keep them upright, cool, and clean. This will ensure your vaping device and cartridges remain fully potent and flavourful to enjoy whenever you’re ready.