Nothing wrecks a session like a clogged cartridge or a vape pen that won’t hit. We put this guide together, MoodShine to help you avoid that frustration. Proper care is easy if you know what to watch for. From cleaning to storage to figuring out what that blinking light means, this article covers it all.
Common Vape Pen Problems
Most issues with vape pens fall into a few categories:
- Clogs that stop the airflow
- Weak vapor or burnt taste
- Leaks that waste oil
- Battery problems like poor charging or failure to fire
If you’re dealing with any of these, chances are one of the tips below can help.
Clogs and How to Clear Them
Clogs happen when residue builds up in the mouthpiece or around the connection plate.
Steps to clear a clog:
- Gently warm the cartridge with your hands or a hairdryer on low heat
- Blow lightly into the mouthpiece
- Use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts and airflow holes
Pulling too hard or too often can thin the oil and cause it to leak up into the mouthpiece. Slow, steady draws are better.
Weak Vapor or Burnt Taste
This usually points to the coil. Coils wear out over time and need to be replaced every 1–2 weeks depending on use.
Try this if you notice poor vapor:
- Change the coil if your cartridge allows it
- Charge your battery fully
- Try a lower voltage setting to preserve flavor
Avoid running your pen at high voltage for long sessions. Let it cool between uses.
Battery Issues
If your pen won’t hit or charge:
- Check for dirt on the connection plate
- Try a different charging cable or adapter
- Make sure the cartridge is fully seated
Blinking lights can mean several things. Often it’s a low battery, a short, or a bad connection. If the light blinks when you press the button, remove and reattach the cart, clean the contacts, and try again.
Leaks and How to Avoid Them
Leaking is often caused by heat, pressure changes, or improper storage.
Prevent leaks by:
- Storing your pen upright so oil stays in place
- Avoiding hot cars or direct sunlight
- Not overfilling the cartridge
- Checking seals and O-rings for damage
Cartridges exposed to elevation or temperature shifts—like during a flight or mountain trip—are more likely to leak. Keep it sealed in a small bag during travel.
Daily Vape Care Tips
Simple habits can keep your vape pen working longer:
- Store it upright in a clean, dry spot
- Wipe the mouthpiece regularly
- Don’t overcharge the battery
- Use a low or medium voltage setting
- Avoid rapid, back-to-back puffs
If your device has adjustable airflow, keep it set to a medium level for better balance.
Deep Cleaning Steps
You don’t need to deep clean every day. Every couple of weeks is enough, or more often if you switch flavors.
How to deep clean your vape pen:
- Disassemble the device. Remove the mouthpiece, cartridge, and battery
- Wipe down the battery and outer parts with a dry cloth
- Clean the mouthpiece and tank with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab
- Rinse with warm water (except the battery) and let all parts dry fully
- Reassemble once everything is clean and dry
For pod-style devices, make sure the pod and coil are both completely dry before reconnecting.
When to Replace Your Hardware
Not every issue can be fixed by cleaning.
Replace parts if:
- Vapor stays thin even after charging and cleaning
- Coil tastes burnt after a few draws
- Battery doesn’t hold a charge or gets hot during use
- Cartridge is cracked or leaking
Coils and carts need regular replacement. Batteries last longer but still wear down over time.
How to Store a Vape Pen
Storage matters more than most people think.
Store your vape pen:
- Upright to prevent leaks
- Away from dust, lint, and loose change
- At room temperature—not hot or freezing
- In a small case to protect it from falls or impact
If it’s going to sit unused for a while, detach the cartridge and store both parts separately.
Travel Tips for Vape Pens
Travel brings temperature swings, movement, and pressure changes.
Travel smart:
- Never leave your vape in a hot car
- Keep it in a warm bag or pocket during cold conditions
- Use a sealed pouch to protect against leaks
- Avoid use in high altitudes if you’ve had leak issues in the past
Treat your vape pen like any other piece of gear. Protect it from damage and the elements.
Battery Safety and Charging
Battery safety is easy to overlook until something goes wrong.
Keep your battery in good shape:
- Use the charger that came with the pen or a verified replacement
- Don’t charge overnight
- If it gets hot during use or charging, let it cool and check for issues
- Replace batteries that don’t hold a charge or show damage
If your vape uses removable batteries, store them in a proper battery case.
E-Liquid and Cartridge Shelf Life
E-liquids don’t last forever. Opened bottles last about six months. Unopened ones can last up to two years if stored right.
To make your e-liquid last longer:
- Keep bottles sealed and stored in original containers
- Store in a cool, dark place
- Avoid exposure to heat, light, and air
Cartridges can also degrade. If the oil looks dark, thick, or smells off, it’s best to replace it.
Extra Tips for Long-Lasting Vape Pens
Small habits help your vape last longer.
- Don’t overtighten when reassembling
- Avoid using while charging
- Shake e-liquid before refilling
- Mark refill bottles with the date opened
These steps keep your vape clean, functional, and consistent.
Recycling and Disposal
Used cartridges and dead batteries shouldn’t go in the trash. If you’re near us, bring them to Mood Shine and we’ll recycle them for you.
Conclusion
Taking care of your vape pen doesn’t need to be complicated. A little maintenance goes a long way. From what we’ve seen at MoodShine, people who follow these steps enjoy better flavor, fewer problems, and longer use.
If you’re not sure what’s wrong with your device or need a better setup, we’re always happy to help. Drop by and we’ll get you sorted.