Written by: Sierra Acosta
Sometimes your vape pen gets a little too spiritually attached to its oil and decides to stop cooperating. If you’re dealing with a clogged cannabis vape cartridge or wondering how to unclog a vape pen, start by keeping things mellow: turn the battery off and check the mouthpiece for any visible oil buildup.
1. Clean the Vape Mouthpiece
First, give the mouthpiece a gentle wipe with a clean cotton swab to remove any accessible residue or vape oil buildup.
2. Try the Preheat Setting
Check if your device has a manufacturer-approved preheat setting, use a short preheat cycle to loosen thick oil and get things flowing again.
3. Gently Warm the Cartridge
If the vape cartridge is still clogged, gently warm it between your hands for a few minutes or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safely warming the cartridge.
Once it’s warmed up, try a slow & gentle draw rather than pulling on it like you’re trying to summon the Great Spirit through a straw. Seriously, nobody wants to be sitting there fighting with their vape like it personally offended them.
If still the clog remains… Take a deep breath and remember: not every blockage is meant to be conquered. Sometimes you have to know when to call it quits and start over.
How to Unclog a Dab Pen or Wax Pen
Dab pens and wax pens clog a little differently. Instead of thick oil in a cart, the usual culprit is concentrate build-up: leftover wax, shatter or rosin that hardens around the coil and blocks the airflow.
To clear it, turn the pen off and let it cool. Take off the mouthpiece, then gently wipe the chamber and coil with a cotton swab. A little isopropyl alcohol helps with stubborn residue. Just keep it away from the battery and let everything dry completely before you put it back together. If your manufacturer’s instructions allow it, firing the empty pen for a few seconds on its lowest heat setting can clear what’s left.
To keep it from coming back, load smaller amounts (an overfilled chamber is a common cause of dab pen clogs) and give the coil a quick clean every few sessions. If it still won’t clear or starts tasting burnt, it’s time for a fresh coil.
Tips to Keep Your Pen From Clogging
Harder Isn’t Always Better
Taking extremely forceful pulls can draw excess oil toward the mouthpiece and potentially contribute to vape cartridge clogging. A slow, gentle draw is generally a better approach.
Vape Storage Can Make a Difference
Keeping cannabis vape cartridges and vape pens according to the manufacturer’s storage recommendations can help protect the oil and hardware. Extreme temperatures are generally something to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my vape pen keep clogging?
Most clogs come from oil thickening in the airway, especially when it’s cold. Storing a cart on its side or upside down and taking hard pulls can make it worse. Keep your cart upright at room temperature and take slow, gentle draws.
When should I replace a clogged cart?
If it still won’t hit after you’ve cleaned the mouthpiece, used preheat and gently warmed it, or if it leaks or tastes burnt, it’s time for a new one. No need to keep fighting it.
Looking for Your Next Vape?
If the clog remains, take a deep breath and remember: not every blockage is meant to be conquered. Sometimes you have to know when to call it quits and start fresh.
When it’s time to move on, check out your local Nova Farms and find your next favorite vape pen or cartridge.
