Why do vape pens clog

We've all had a clogged vape cart before, and it's no fun. In this article, we will go over our best tips on how to unclog a .510 cart. 

Why Do Carts Get Clogged?

If you vape frequently, you probably run into clogged carts often. But why do carts clog so much? It's partially because the liquid inside is so thick that when it gets pulled up into the mouthpiece, it can cause a jam. Additionally, residue can also build up after many vaping sessions, eventually causing a blockage inside the mouthpiece. 

Tips For Unclogging Your .510 Cart

This is the simplest method to unclog a .510 cart. While your vape is off, pretend to take hits on your device. This suction can help to loosen up any clogs and get your cart back in working order. 

As previously mentioned, the liquid inside your cart is very thick, so you can attempt to thin it out using mild heat. This can be done by placing your cart in a warm area of your home or even going over it with a blowdryer in short increments. 

Adding heat can be a helpful tool when getting rid of unwanted clogs, but be wary. Putting your cart into high heat or keeping it in low heat for a prolonged period can cause the compounds inside to break down, rendering the cart useless.

If you're dealing with a particularly tough or crystallized clog, you can try to dislodge it using a needle or toothpick. Be careful when using this method, as sticking a tool too far into the cart can damage it beyond repair. 

Clog Prevention

The best way to take care of clogs in your cart is to prevent them in the first place. You can do this by:

• Clean your vape- It's essential that you clean your vape correctly and frequently to avoid clogs. For best results, disassemble your vape and wipe away any debris on each piece. 
• Choose quality carts- Low-quality carts are much more likely to clog. The best way to get rid of blocked up carts is to purchase your cannabis products from a reputable, high-quality company in the first place. 
• Avoid cold temperatures- Storing your cart in a cold place can cause the liquid inside to thicken or even crystallize, creating clogs. It's best to store your carts at room temperature, about 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, make sure you place the cap back over the mouthpiece of your vape when not in use to prevent dust or debris from building up. 

Shop Elyxr 

We've discussed the best ways to unclog a .510 cart, but the bottom line is that you need high-quality cars that won't freeze up on you. That's where Elyxr comes in. We pride ourselves in making the best quality, lab-tested cannabis products in an FDA-approved facility, so you know you're getting the good stuff. Shop our selection of delta-8, delta-10, and THC-O carts today, all in a variety of unique and mouthwatering flavors.

Ever gone for a pull on your vape pen and ended up with the feeling of trying to drink a McDonald’s triple thick milkshake through a Capri Sun straw? *It can’t be done*

Pens are an easy and accessible way to consume THC and CBD products, and 510 cartridges come in a range of sizes, flavours and potencies. 

However, the more potent the cartridge, the thicker overall consistency of the vape juice itself, meaning these products are prone to clogging and airflow issues. Small amounts of residue from the oil-based cartridge can accumulate in the mouthpiece, leading to a build up that restricts proper airflow over time and eventually cuts it off completely (this results in milkshake face). 

The good news is, clogs are not that big of a deal, and if they can’t be avoided, they can be remedied quickly. No need to give up on the cartridge all together. 

How to Prevent Clogs 

Keep it warm. Try to avoid leaving your cartridges in cold areas – this causes the oil to thicken and increases the likelihood of a clog. 

Store it vertically. We realize this is not a very practical solution, as most people tuck them into their pockets or purses when not in use. But, if possible, the power of gravity alone can help you avoid clogs. 

Inhale a little extra. Continue to breathe in for a few seconds after firing to clear out any excess vapour and prevent residue buildup that leads to blockages. 

How to Deal with Clogs 

There are a few different ways to unclog your pen once it’s jammed up. 

Warm it up. If you ignored the advice above, you can still apply the principle (within reason – do not stick in the microwave, please.) Tuck it in your pocket for a while to bring the oil back to room temperature – or, if you’re in a hurry, run a hair dryer over it for a few seconds or twist it between your palms to create some heat. 

Manually poke at it. Using a safety pin or a toothpick, thread through the mouthpiece and gently dislodge the buildup. 

Douglasdale Cannabis carries a huge selection of indica, sativa and hybrid 510 cartridges from favourites like Spinach, Good Supply, General Admission and more, as well as the ready-to-use Pax Era vapes. Check out the live menu to see what’s in stock, or swing by the store and talk to one of our budtenders today. 

There aren’t many things more annoying than going in for a hit on your favorite vape cartridge, only to discover it’s clogged up.

Most people who have used or consistently used vape cartridges to fix their weed have run into an annoying issue: a clogged airflow.

When this happens, the natural reaction is to put in all the work and try to suck out the clogged duct, but this isn’t always your best bet when it comes to getting your vape back to tip-top shape.

Here at Herb and with the help of our buddies at ELYXR, we’ve got the tea: why it happens, how to fix it, and vapes you can buy that will keep clogging at bay. Let’s get into it.

First, we gotta get into the reasons why a vape airflow might get clogged – from condensation to chamber flooding. Here’s why your vape might be blocking you off from the wonders inside:

This is the most common reason why a vape cartridge might get jammed. After using the vape for a while, the condensation of the oils and distillates inside can creep up on the duct’s walls, blocking the mouthpiece and stopping vapor from passing through easily into your lungs.

There is a telltale sign that this might be the issue: if you’ve ever had droplets of the liquid pass through the duct and past your lips (which can have a nasty taste), it’s a signal that there might be some buildup going on that can later affect the cartridge’s airflow. As soon as you notice it happening, take a few minutes to unclog it before it turns into a future nuisance.

Pure hemp extract is a thick and viscous oil, meaning it can easily get up into the duct and jam it up or crystallize inside, clogging the vape and keeping you from getting those well-deserved and relaxing hits.

In most cases, the thicker the oil, the higher the potency, but some brands try to thin it out by adding additives like terpenes, MCT oil, or vegetable glycerin to keep the distillate more liquid, but this can often make the vape less concentrated than you might want.

Here’s the best tip: make sure that you double-check that your supplier offers products made from high-quality sources, especially since there are some thinners out there that can affect your health (remember the whole Vitamin E = lung illness shenanigans.) The black market is alive everywhere, so your best bet is to go to your trusted dispensary and make sure each vape cartridge has a certificate of analysis (COA), ensuring they’re safe for consumption.

Last, but not least, another reason why your cartridge vape or disposable might be blocked is because of chamber flooding, the thing that happens when vape carts are left unused for a long time.

Over time, the distillates and oils can thicken at different temperatures, ultimately making their way down to the bottom and oversaturating the wick, basically super-soaking the coil in weed juice.

When this happens, the coil will have a difficult time heating up to the right temperature and creating smooth, thick clouds of vapor. If you start noticing a burnt aftertaste or less vapor coming out than usual, take precautions.

The burning smell and taste can permanently damage the overly-saturated vape, so maybe say bye-bye and move on to the next one.

There are many tips and tricks that can help your vape cartridge or disposable get back to working as it should. Here they are:

• First, try using your mouth rather than your lungs to inhale, creating pressure in the duct and getting rid of built-up distillate.
• If at first you don’t succeed, try taking the cap off of your vape and using a small and thin tool to clean out the mouthpiece, something like a needle or a paper clip. Slowly push the tool through, twisting it and pulling it up to dislodge the stuck distillate until you’re good to go. Lastly, blow through the charging port until you feel the airflow going back to normal.
• Sometimes, all you need is a little heat. This can help liquefy crystallized distillate or hardened clogs that can be formed over time. Here are a couple of ways to do it (whatever method you try, make sure to take every precaution to ensure your safety and the integrity of your vape):
• Set the vape in a warm area, perhaps near a heater.
• If you’re not a cold-blooded reptile, you can try holding the cartridge in your hands for a few minutes to warm it up.
• Blowdryers do more than just give you fabulous hair. You can try carefully heating up the cartridge by waving a hot-air blowdryer back and forth across the vape, making sure to give it about a foot of space.
• Last, but not least, you can try putting your cartridge in an airtight bag (make sure it’s totally airtight), and dipping it in warm water for a bit. This method can be helpful but make sure to not let any water into the bag, you don’t want to ruin your vape.