A burnt taste when vaping is a common and unpleasant issue that can ruin your experience. This usually occurs when the coil or wick in your vape has been overheated or damaged. While replacing the coil is often the best solution, there are some steps you can take to salvage a slightly burnt vape. This article explains how to fix a burnt vape and prevent it from happening in the future.

What Causes a Burnt Vape Taste?

A burnt taste usually happens when the wick inside the coil is not saturated with enough e-liquid, leading to overheating and charring. Common causes include:

• Vaping on an empty tank.

• Chain vaping without allowing the wick to re-saturate.

• Using a wattage setting that is too high for your coil.

• E-liquid residue building up on the coil over time.

Steps to Fix a Burnt Vape

Clean the Coil
If the coil isn’t completely burnt, cleaning it can remove residue and restore some functionality. Follow these steps:

• Remove the coil from your device.

• Rinse it under warm water to remove e-liquid residue.

• Soak the coil in a bowl of warm water or vodka for a few hours to dissolve any stubborn build-up.

• Let the coil air-dry completely before reinserting it into your vape.

Prime the Coil Properly
Before using a coil, always prime it to ensure the wick is saturated with e-liquid:

• Apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wick inside the coil.

• Fill the tank and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the wick to absorb the liquid.

Check Your Wattage Settings
Ensure that your device is set to a wattage range compatible with your coil. Most coils have a recommended wattage range printed on them. Operating outside this range can cause overheating and burning.

Adjust Your Vaping Habits
Taking frequent, long draws without pausing can dry out the wick and lead to a burnt taste. Allow time between puffs to let the wick re-saturate.

When to Replace the Coil
If the coil is severely burnt, no amount of cleaning or adjustments will fix it. Replace the coil with a new one and make sure to prime it properly before use.

Tips to Prevent a Burnt Vape in the Future

• Monitor E-Liquid Levels: Always keep your tank filled above the minimum level to prevent the wick from drying out.

• Use Compatible E-Liquids: Thick, high-VG e-liquids may not wick properly in certain devices, leading to dry hits. Check the compatibility of your e-liquid with your coil.

• Clean Regularly: Regularly clean your tank and coil to prevent residue build-up that can cause burning.

• Avoid High Wattages: Stay within the recommended wattage range for your coil to prevent overheating.

Conclusion

Fixing a burnt vape often involves cleaning or replacing the coil, adjusting your device settings, and improving your vaping habits. By taking proper care of your device and coils, you can prevent burnt tastes and enjoy a consistently smooth vaping experience.