Vaping has become an increasingly popular choice for those looking to quit smoking or enjoy a flavorful, customizable experience. One of the key components of vaping is vape juice (also known as e-liquid). If you’re new to vaping, or even if you’ve been vaping for a while, understanding how to handle vape juice properly is essential to ensure you get the best experience.
In this blog, we’ll answer some common questions that vapers have, including how to fill your vape, how Nicotine is measured in vape juice, how long it lasts, and how to store it properly.
How Do You Put Juice in a Vape?
Filling your vape with juice might seem daunting at first, but it’s a simple process once you get the hang of it. Here to fill your vape tank or pod system with e-liquid:
- Remove the Tank or Pod
Start by removing the tank or pod from your vape device. This usually involves taking out the pod for pod systems, while you’ll need to unscrew the tank from the device for tanks.
- Locate the Fill Port
Most vape tanks or pods have a small rubber or silicone plug covering the fill port. Some newer devices have top-fill systems, which make the process even easier by providing a port on the top of the tank.
- Insert the Vape Juice
Carefully insert the tip of your e-liquid bottle into the fill port. Be cautious not to overfill the tank. It’s best to leave a little space at the top to prevent spills. If you’re using a pod system, the process is similar—just fill it gently and avoid any spillage.
- Reassemble the Vape
Reattach it to your device once you’ve filled your tank or pod. Ensure it’s-tightly screwed on (for tanks) or properly seated (for pod systems). Allow your vape to sit for a few minutes before using it to ensure the wick is saturated with juice. This will prevent dry hits.
- Start Vaping
Once everything is assembled, you’re ready to enjoy your vape! Take a few puffs to get the juice flowing smoothly.
How Is Nicotine Measured in Vape Juice?
Nicotine concentration in vape juice is typically measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). This measurement indicates how much Nicotine is in one milliliter of e-liquid. Here is how the nicotine levels are usually categorized:
- Low Nicotine – 3 mg/mL to 6 mg/mL
These are ideal for people who either want to cut down on their nicotine intake or are non-smokers who just enjoy the flavor and experience of vaping.
- Moderate Nicotine – 12 mg/mL to 18 mg/mL
If you’re transitioning from smoking, this nicotine level can provide a balanced experience. It gives you a moderate throat hit, similar to traditional cigarettes.
- High Nicotine – 24 mg/mL to 36 mg/mL
This is usually intended for heavy smokers looking to replicate the strong throat hit and nicotine satisfaction they get from cigarettes. These levels are especially popular with nicotine salts, which allow for higher nicotine concentrations without an overly harsh experience.
- Nicotine-Free – 0 mg/mL
Nicotine-free e-liquids are available for those who enjoy vaping for the flavors and experience but don’t want the nicotine component.
Nicotine salt formulations (often labeled as “ic salt””) are also becoming popular due to their smoother throat hit and quicker absorption into the bloodstream. They are usually available in higher nicotine concentrations than freebase nicotine e-liquids.
How Long Before Vape Juice Expires?
Like most consumable products, vape juice has a shelf life. While e-liquids don’t have an exact expiration date, like perishable food items, they degrade over time. The general shelf life of vape juice is approximately 1 to 2 years from the manufacture date. However, the longevity of vape juice can depend on several factors:
- Ingredients
Vape juice comprises base liquids (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin) mixed with flavorings and Nicotine. Nicotine, in particular, is sensitive to air, light, and temperature, which means it can degrade faster than the other components.
- Storage Conditions
The best way to store your vape juice is in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Heat and light can cause the Nicotine to oxidize, making the juice taste bitter and harsh.
- Signs of Expired Vape Juice
As vape juice ages, the flavors may begin to fade, and the liquid may turn yellow or brown, indicating that the Nicotine has oxidized. If you notice an unpleasant taste, it’s timeiit’stime to toss the juice. A slight color change is expected over time, but drastic discoloration usually means the juice has passed its prime.
How Long Can You Keep Vape Juice?
While vape juice can last up to 2 years, monitoring the quality and storage conditions to ensure you’re using the best possible liquid is always essential. Here are some tips on how to store vape juice and make it last longer:
- Could you keep it in a Cool, Dark Place?
Store your vape juice in a superb, dark location, such as a cupboard or drawer. The less exposure to heat and light, the longer the juice will stay fresh. Avoid keeping e-liquid in places like your car, where temperatures can fluctuate.
- Avoid Contamination
Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use, and avoid touching the tip of the bottle with your hands to prevent contamination. If you’re refilling a tank or pod, ensure the bottle is clean to avoid introducing bacteria or dirt into the e-liquid.
- Use It Regularly
While vape juice can be stored for an extended period, it’s best to use it within a few months of purchase to ensure the flavors are at their best. If you have multiple bottles, rotate through them, using the older ones first.
- Check for Quality
Always inspect the vape juice before use. If it has changed in appearance, consistency, or taste, it’s betteriit’sbetter to discard it. It is also essential to check for any unusual separation or crystallization, which might indicate that the juice has gone bad.
Conclusion
Taking care of your vape juice is key to ensuring you get the best experience from your device. Whether you’re using your vape for the first time or learning to store your liquids properly, understanding how to handle e-liquids properly can make a big difference. Be mindful of nicotine levels, expiration dates, and storage practices, and you’ll enjoyyyou’llenjoy a smooth, flavorful vape every time.