There is nothing more frustrating than pulling your favourite disposable vape out of your pocket or bag only to find it covered in sticky e-liquid, or worse, taking a puff and getting a mouthful of burnt cotton. Proper storage is the easiest way to prevent both of these issues and get your money's worth out of every device.
Why Do Disposable Vapes Leak?
Disposable vapes rely on a delicate balance of internal pressure, a saturated cotton wick, and a small rubber seal. When this balance is disrupted by gravity, temperature, or air pressure, the e-liquid is forced out through the mouthpiece or the bottom airflow holes.
The Golden Rules of Storage
#### 1. Always Store Them Upright
This is the most critical rule. When a vape is left lying flat on its side or upside down, the e-liquid pools away from the cotton wick. This can cause the liquid to seep out of the airflow vents. Furthermore, when you go to take a puff, the wick is dry, resulting in an instant, irreversible burnt hit. Always stand your vapes vertically on a desk or in a cup holder.
#### 2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
- Heat: Never leave your vape in a hot car during the Australian summer or sitting in direct sunlight on a windowsill. Heat drastically thins the viscosity of the e-liquid, turning it into a watery consistency that floods the coil and leaks everywhere. Heat also degrades the lithium battery, reducing the lifespan of the device.
- Cold: Freezing temperatures thicken the e-liquid, making it difficult for the wick to absorb it, which can also lead to dry, burnt hits.
#### 3. Keep Them Clean
If you carry your vape in your pocket or handbag, it can easily accumulate pocket lint and dust inside the mouthpiece. When you inhale, this debris gets pulled down onto the heating coil, where it burns and ruins the flavour permanently. Store your vape in a small, clean pocket by itself, or use a protective sleeve.