We get it. You’ve spent a lot of time and research picking out the best THC vape on the market. And about halfway through enjoying your cart, it clogs.
It’s a frustrating but common problem with THC carts and other vape cartridges including CBD and Delta 8 THC.
Why Does My Cart Clog?
THC is very dense and very sticky. When you heat up your cart, the dense liquid becomes thinner as it warms. Applying heat from your cartridge system allows it to move through the mechanisms and become the magical elixir that you smoke. (Okay, it’s not truly magical. But the reported effects do feel really great, according to a lot of our users.)
The reason your vape cart is clogging can happen for a few reasons:
1. Extreme Temperatures
This one is common. If you store your cart cartridge in the fridge (not recommended) or leave it in your car on a very hot day, clogs can happen as the liquid adjusts to the temperature changes. Becoming thicker as it cools and thinner as it warms. If warmer liquid makes it way through the cart cartridge mechanisms and then cools, it can cause the clog.
2. Normal Use
This temperature fluctuation can also happen with everyday use. Especially if you store your cartridge horizontally, or toss it carelessly back into your purse or drawer.
3. Condensation Buildup
The most common cause of clogging is condensation buildup. Over time, oils and distillates inside the cartridge can build up along the walls of the duct, clogging the mouthpiece and preventing the smooth passage of vapor into your lungs. If you’ve ever experienced liquid droplets passing through the duct and into your mouth, you’ve likely encountered this problem. It’s crucial to fix it quickly to avoid future inconvenience.
4. Thick Oil
Pure hemp extract, while potent, is usually a thick, viscous oil. This thickening can cause blockages in the vaporizer, preventing you from enjoying those relaxing puffs. Some brands try to dilute the oil by adding substances such as terpenes, MCT oil, or vegetable glycerin. However, this can dilute the potency.
Pro Tip: Make sure that you’re only buying high-quality products, especially since there are some diluents that can affect your health (remember the vitamin E = lung disease thing). The black market is alive everywhere, so it’s best to go to your trusted dispensary and make sure that each vape cartridge has a certificate of analysis (COA), which guarantees that they are safe for consumption
5. Chamber Flooding
Last but not least, another reason your vape cartridge or disposable may be blocked is due to chamber flooding, something that happens when vape carts are left unused for a long time. Over time, distillates and oils can thicken at different temperatures, eventually reaching the bottom and oversaturating the wick, basically super-soaking the coil in weed juice.
When this happens, the coil will struggle to heat up to the right temperature and create smooth, thick clouds of vapor. If you start to notice a burnt aftertaste or less vapor coming out than usual, take precautions. The burnt smell and taste can permanently damage the overly saturated vape, so better say goodbye and move on to the next one.
How Can I Check for a Clog in a THC Vape Cartridge?
You’ve bought your new cartridge and you’re ready to settle into a great vibe. Then you realize your brand new cartridge isn’t hitting. Don’t panic – – this is most likely caused by a clog or airflow issue. Here’s how to investigate the problem:
- Try inhaling through the cartridge. If it’s difficult to draw air through the cartridge, there’s probably some oil stuck in the cartridge’s airflow chimney. Try extending a paperclip and running it down the cartridge’s mouthpiece. In some instances, you can also dislodge a clog by inhaling on the cartridge very firmly until you feel a pop.
- If the cartridge has airflow but isn’t producing vapor, the oil in the cartridge’s reservoir is probably too cold and viscous to absorb into the cartridge’s wick. If this is the case, sometimes warming the cartridge will do the trick!
Pro Tip: The easiest way to warm a vape cartridge without damaging the plastic is by placing it in a zip-top bag and running the bag under hot water for a few minutes. If warming the cartridge resolves the issue, you’ll see small bubbles begin to form around the cartridge’s wick openings. Wait several minutes for the wick to become completely saturated and try using the cartridge again.
Since we’re already dropping all the pro tips for you, check out some of our favorite things to do while high!
How Can I Prevent My Pen From Clogging?
Maintaining the health of your vape cartridge starts with prevention. By adopting the right practices, you can keep your cartridge free of clogs, condensation buildup, and chamber flooding. Here are some key strategies:
1. Keep it vertical
If you can, we highly recommend you store it in an upright position, with the mouthpiece facing up. Proper storage minimizes the risk of oil leaks and clogs, especially if you plan to go long periods without a vape (more than a week), which can allow liquid to migrate where it shouldn’t.. Also, it helps to store your THC vape cartridge at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. For more tips on how to store your D8 products for the best results, check out this article.
2. Draw extra air
Continue drawing air through the cartridge for a few seconds after you’ve stopped firing it. This will clear out any excess vapor. Drawing excess air through the cart cartridge also helps to prevent D8 from condensing and building up along the inner walls.
3. Take softer hits
Taking softer hits, less than three seconds long, will also help to prevent your D8 THC vape cartridge from becoming clogged. Pulling too hard tends to draw excess oil into the airway which can cause flooding and clogging, or even saturate the coil and wick, especially with thick oils that are difficult to vaporize. Besides, a softer hit may make your cartridge last longer, and that’s a win for everyone. Regular shorter puffs reduce the risk of buildup and maintain a properly saturated coil.
4. Clean The Mouthpiece
Even before noticeable buildup occurs, periodically clean the inside of the mouthpiece. A quick wipe with a cotton swab can remove excess oil, preventing future buildup and ensuring a smooth vape.
5. Use Your Pen Regularly
Don’t leave your vaporizer cartridge idle for too long. Regardless of the storage method, leaving it untouched in a drawer can lead to more frequent flooding and clogging. Using your vape every few days prevents excess oil from building up and choking the coil, ensuring a smooth vape experience.
6. Don’t Twist Too Tight
If your vape is battery powered, another frequent reason for a clogged vape cartridge is a misalignment between the airflow holes on the base of the cartridge and the structure of the battery. In some cases, when a cartridge is screwed as tightly as possible to a battery, it will cover up the holes and only a small amount of air will flow through, eventually pulling enough oil with it to cause a clog. This is another habit that can be hard to break, but doing so will help improve the lifespan of your cartridges and ensure you get your money’s worth.
How to Unclog a THC Vape Pen
Here are some expert tips from the Moonwlkr team for unclogging your THC vape cart cartridge:
1. Try taking hits with no fire
If your cartridge is clogged, try softly pulling air without firing up your cart. You may hear or feel the clog move through the airway enough to clear it. You can also pull slightly, and then suction it to your upper lip. It will automatically release once the clog is cleared.
Pro Tip: When trying this technique, be sure to inhale through the mouthpiece with your mouth instead of your lungs. This creates pressure in the duct and can dislodge accumulated distillate.
2. Warm your cartridge
Sometimes a little heat can help soften crystallized distillate or hardened clogs. The ideal solution here is to use a vape battery with a preheat function. Preheating your cartridge can potentially warm the oil enough to dissolve the clog. No preheat function available? You can try the following methods, to ensure your safety and the integrity of the vape:
Place the vape in a warm area, such as near a heater.
Hold the cartridge in your hands for a few minutes to warm it up.
Use a hot air dryer, leaving about 30 cm of space between the vape and the dryer. Move the dryer back and forth over the cartridge while positioning it vertically to allow the oil to flow out of the airway.
3. Clean out your pen
Take a long thin object, like a paperclip or toothpick and gently stick it into the mouthpiece. Carefully move the object around to scrape the inner sides of the mouthpiece. This helps to remove excess oil. Use this technique carefully if you need immediate relief from your clog.
4. Give it a hot water bath
None of the above working? For a different approach, place your cartridge in an airtight bag and submerge it in warm water. Make sure the bag remains completely airtight to prevent water damage to your vaporizer. By following these different techniques, you can effectively unclog your vaporizer and get back to enjoying your vape experience. Remember that it is best to always store your vaporizer upright, so the oil doesn’t go into the mouthpiece. Either use the original packaging that your carts came in or put them in a cartridge holder.
We hope these tips help you understand, prevent, and clear clogs from your D8 THC vape cartridge.
We’re proud to be an industry leader in top-quality, third-party-tested vape carts with some of the best new flavors on the market. Check out our selection of highly-rated vape carts here.
Don’t just take our word for it, take a look at some of our five star THC reviews!
Good price and Improved Vape ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I’ve used Moonwlkr disposables for a long time and this newer disposable is So much better, very little clogging, easy to charge, solid hits and the strain choice is really good.”
Tiger’s Blood for sleep is AWESOME! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I really enjoy this vape … I take two hits right before bed, and it’s off to sleepy land. It soothes my racing mind, and tastes good, as well! I’d give it 10 stars if they’d let me!”
Very potent and chill ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Tastes really good, natural flavor with terpenes. Potent vape, felt relaxed and very chill after 2 puffs. Definitely worth a try for a satisfying delta 8 experience.”
Awesome Stuff ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I love this vape pen. It took a few tries to get the dosage right, but once I figured it out, I use it all the time to stop anxiety attacks or to unwind after a stressful day at work. The only reason I’m not giving it five full stars is because near the end of the cartridge, the pen seems to have broken a little and it won’t let air flow through immediately. I have to take a hard draw to get it to dislodge, which has led to accidental huge hits. Not sure if it’s a clog or the inner tube not aligning correctly with the mouthpiece. Either way, it’s only a minor inconvenience. I will definitely purchase another when this one runs out.”
Powerful Stuff ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I took one and enjoyed it, and a friend of mine with a low tolerance took one and tripped tf out all night and into the next day, so be careful and don’t share with lightweights!”
Still not convinced our vapes are top tier? Check out more reviews about our disposable vapes here!
In conclusion, clogs in your vape are certainly common and can be a real pain when you’ve psyched yourself up for a chill vibe. But, when using preventative measures, you’ll be able to enjoy your vape with little to no problems for much longer. Remember, choosing high-quality products will make a world of difference when it comes to vape longevity.
