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How to Properly Maintain your Desktop Vaporizer
Desktop vaporizers are considered the golden standard when it comes to herb vaporization. Because of their size, they can pack better components and can hold larger amounts of herbs allowing consumers to enjoy sessions that are on a whole new level. That said, many dry herb consumers looking for professional and medical quality vaporization use a desktop vaporizer as a daily driver.
If you are using a desktop vape — or planning to buy one — knowing how to properly maintain your device will not only allow you to preserve its lifespan but also ensure that you get consistent high-quality vapor production.
Today, we will talk about everything you need to know about keeping your desktop vaporizer in good condition.
Cleaning your desktop vaporizer:
Getting Things Ready
Although cleaning might sound like an easy task, not having the right tools at the right time might do more harm than good. That said, it is important to prepare the proper cleaning materials and tools before you start tinkering with your device.
Check your user manual to see if cleaning your desktop vaporizer will involve using screws or other items needed to open or disconnect desktop vaporizer components. Similarly, check if you have the right cleaning materials like cotton swabs, paper towels, cleaning solutions, and brushes. Oftentimes, the manufacturer will include cleaning kits in the packaging so be sure to use them.
Avoid using makeshift cleaning materials like toothpicks and paperclips as they may damage your desktop vaporizer.
Brush, brush, brush
One of the first things you would want to do when cleaning your desktop vaporizer is brushing. Brushing will help you loosen and remove dirt, ground herbs, as well as light resinous buildups without scratching or denting your device. It can be used to clean the exterior of your desktop unit but is oftentimes used to clean more delicate components inside the vaporizer.
Things like the herb chamber, the mouthpiece, and the heating element are just some of the parts that are often cleaned using a brush.
Time for a bath
Obviously, not every part of your desktop vaporizer can be cleaned using a brush. Some components — especially those made from glass — including the wand and the elbow adapter, can be cleaned by soaking them in water with a cleaning solution.
These glass parts can develop sticky resinous substances which will not only make them look less appealing but can also harbor bacteria and harmful microorganisms in the adherent surface where the buildup occurred.
Those who prefer a more natural method of cleaning these parts boil the heat-resistant glass components in water. On the other hand, other consumers fill whips and elbows with rubbing alcohol and rinse it with water. Either option is safe, and you can choose the one that best suits your cleaning situation. You can also dry the inside of the glass parts with a Q-tip for a thorough clean.
Using wet wipes
Not everything needs to be soaked or boiled. Other parts like screens and O-rings can be cleaned using wet wipes. It can be alcohol-based or water-based, either type works. Simply rub the parts until they are clean.
Signs that you need to clean your vaporizer
For beginners, knowing exactly when to maintain their device can be challenging. Fortunately, there are some tell-tale signs that you can check to find out if your desktop vaporizer needs cleaning.
Resinous Buildup
As you use your desktop vaporizer, some of the compounds carried by the vapor can stick to the components of the vaporizer. Parts that often experience buildup are those that come into direct contact with the ground material and the vapor product. That said, parts like the herb chamber, the mouthpiece, the wand, the whip, and the balloon can give you an indication that your vaporizer needs to be cleaned.
Irregular Vapor Production
Another indication that your desktop vape needs a once-over is that it starts to give you irregular vapor production. You can observe if the vapor starts to smell or taste different or if the capacity of the desktop vaporizer to produce vapors has changed. Maybe the air path and the mouthpiece is clogged, so giving it a quick clean would help.
Maintaining your desktop vaporizer:
Replacing the mouthpiece
Sometimes, to ensure that your vaporizer is properly maintained, parts like the mouthpiece, need to be replaced. The mouthpiece is one of the common components that are often changed whether you are using a desktop unit or a portable vaporizer.
Many consumers opt to replace their mouthpieces as they tend to wear out over time. Especially if you are using one that is made from hard plastic, replacing the mouthpiece regularly can ensure that you enjoy clean vapor production every session.
Replacing the mouthpiece is fairly easy. Mouthpieces are often held together by O-rings or magnets.
Changing the heating element
Another component that is often replaced is the heating element. The constant cycle of heating and cooling will not only wear down the heating element but also weaken this part of the vaporizer. And while the heating element can be cleaned, replacing it will ensure that you get superior heating every time you vaporize your herbs.
Refer to your user manual to find out how to replace the heating element.
Replacing the balloon and the whip
Some vaporizers use balloons and whips to deliver the vapor. Over time, these parts can get dirty and develop resinous buildup which can be hard to remove. To ensure safety and good vapor quality, replacing your balloon and whip is your best bet.
Takeaways
Using a desktop vaporizer does have its benefits, but to ensure that you continue to enjoy these benefits, you have to keep your device in good condition. The above tips and tricks will help you ensure a better vaping experience and will help you preserve your investment.
If you feel like maintaining a desktop vaporizer is a lot of work, you can use other alternatives like a portable device. Vaporizers like the Titan 2 Vaporizer from Dark Side Vapes is a portable vaporizer we can recommend.
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