One of the most frustrating things that can happen when you’re trying to enjoy your weed is a clogged vape cart. Although most vape cart brands are reliable, certain issues like residue buildup could cause a clog. Luckily, the expert team at Stories Cannabis in Massachusetts is here to help you unclog your vape cart and get it flowing smoothly once again.
Reasons Why the Vape Cart Clogged
Before you start working on the clog, you’ll want to figure out the underlying cause. Identifying the issue will help you prevent any future recurrences. Remember always to follow all manufacturer recommendations when using a vape cart. A clogged vape cart will not operate as usual. Instead, you’ll know it’s blocked due to difficulty inhaling or no vapor being produced while in use.
Here are a few of the most frequent causes of a clogged vape cart:
- Stored improperly: A vape cart frequently gets clogged when it’s set upside down. It’s normal to throw a pen in a pocket and have it rest upside down. With this storage method, the live resin can gather around the mouthpiece and clog it.
- Hot temperatures: Vape pens should be kept cool and dry when not in use. High heat can degrade the resin in the cart and increase the likelihood of a blockage.
- Cold temperatures: A thicker oil brand may experience issues when exposed to colder temperatures. When oil thickens, it will struggle to flow through the vape.
- Overfilled cart: If you have a reusable vape pen, not a disposable type, you may have overfilled the cart, causing a clogging issue.
- Infrequent use: If the vape cart is left unused for a long time, condensation can build up in the chamber. The residue can lead to clogs and block the airway.
How to Unclog A Vape Cart
There are several reliable methods you can use to fix a clogged vape cart. Perform the following steps to get your vape back into working condition:
- Heat: In many cases, the oil needs some help to flow again. You can use gentle heat externally to see if that helps resolve the clog. For instance, you can run the pen under warm water for several minutes. While doing so, be careful not to get water inside the cart. Alternatively, you could use a hairdryer on a low setting to gradually warm the resin. The goal is to get the cart warm, not hot. Some carts have a preheat function, which you can use too to help remove the clog. Before using it again, take a few dry hits from the vape. A dry hit means you inhale without pressing the button. This action helps the oil move through the airway.
- Toothpick: Any pointed and small object, like a toothpick or pin, can help out a clogged vape cart. Be gentle as you insert the toothpick into the mouthpiece of the vape. Use the toothpick to remove any residue that may have been collected within the mouthpiece. Don’t press too hard, as you don’t want to damage any part of the cart, like the coil.
- Cleaning: A dirty cartridge could also cause clogging problems. You can remedy the issue by cleaning the contacts with a cotton swab. Dip a swab in a small amount of rubbing alcohol and run it along the connection points at the bottom of the cart.
- Blowing: Blowing through the mouthpiece of a clogged vape cart may help dislodge whatever is creating the blockage. Don’t blow too hard, though, as it could cause the oil to spread to areas of the vape where it doesn’t belong.
- Check the Battery: If you’re using a vape with an adjustable battery setting, you want to confirm that you’re not using too high a voltage. Instead, start with a low setting and increase the voltage as needed. Improper voltage could cause blockage issues in a vape.
- Try Again Later: Sometimes, a short break could resolve a clog inside the vape. The resin may cause any thick oil to settle. To help the process, store in a cool and dry place in an upright position.
If your efforts fail and the vape cart stays clogged, it may be time to replace your cartridge. The team at Stories Cannabis could help with the replacement by making recommendations on their favorite vape carts. We carry dozens of brands, including customer favorites like Simply Herb and Fernway. Give us a call or stop into our Fall River, Massachusetts, from 8 am to 11 pm daily.
