Vape cartridges are designed to deliver cannabis concentrates like oils, waxes, or distillates via vaporization. However, it’s common for some residual oil to get stuck in cartridges after regular use. While a small amount of leftover oil is normal, too much can impact the cartridge’s performance and flavor. Fortunately, there are several simple methods to get that leftover oil out of your cartridge so you can keep enjoying smooth hits.
Why Does Oil Get Stuck in Cartridges?
There are a few key reasons why oil tends to get stuck in cartridges:
- Oil viscosity – Thicker, higher viscosity oils have a harder time wicking and flowing through the small holes and channels in cartridges.
- Design flaws – Some cartridges are prone to oil sticking due to flaws in the design or materials. This causes oil to get caught in crevices.
- Low temperatures – Colder temperatures make oil more viscous and slower to flow through the cartridge.
- Vape settings – Lower voltage and wattage settings when vaping don’t heat the oil enough for smooth flow.
- Residue buildup – Oil residues naturally build up in cartridges over time and usage, clogging the small openings.
Understanding why oil sticks helps determine the best method to get that leftover oil flowing again.
Methods to Get Leftover Oil Out of a Cartridge
Here are 5 simple, effective methods to get leftover oil out of a cartridge:
1. Heat the Cartridge
One of the easiest ways to get thick, stuck oil flowing is by gently heating the cartridge. This makes the oil less viscous so it can run out of the cartridge more smoothly.
To heat, hold the cartridge in your hands for 30-60 seconds to gently warm it. You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting to lightly heat the cartridge for about 10-20 seconds. Just avoid overheating as this can burn the oil. Heating prior to use also helps preheat the oil so it vapes optimally.
2. Flick the Cartridge
Flicking the cartridge can help dislodge some of that sticky oil stuck in gaps or crevices. Lightly flick the cartridge against your finger to gently shake the oil free. You can also try gently tapping the mouthpiece against a hard surface. Just be careful not to flick too hard or tap too aggressively and damage the cart.
3. Use a Toothpick
For dried, caked-on oil residues, use a toothpick to gently scrape and dislodge buildup. Plastic toothpicks work best. Gently run the toothpick along the inside walls and into crevices to remove gunky buildup so fresh oil can flow. Be very careful not to scratch or damage the cartridge when scraping.
4. Try a Syringe
Using a syringe is an easy way to suck out leftover oil stuck in a cartridge. Remove the mouthpiece and insert the syringe tip into the cartridge to suction out the oil. 5-10mL syringes work best. Store extracted oil in an airtight container for reuse.
This method also lets you refill used cartridges with new oil. Just make sure to use a compatible oil to avoid leaking or clogging.
5. Soak in Warm Water
As a last resort, soak the entire cartridge in warm water for 5-10 minutes. This gently heats the oil to make it thin and runny so residues can detach. Make sure no water gets inside the cartridge or mouthpiece. Dry fully before reusing.
Tips for Preventing Leftover Oil
Aside from extraction methods, there are some tips that can prevent excess oil sticking in cartridges:
- Store cartridges upright when not in use so oil doesn’t pool.
- Use the optimal voltage battery setting for your cartridge.
- Take steady, lighter puffs instead of hard rips.
- Let oil re-saturate between puffs.
- Swab the mouthpiece with cotton swabs to remove buildup.
- Avoid extremely thick oils that don’t wick well.
- Buy quality cartridges less prone to sticking and clogging.
Signs Your Cartridge Needs Cleaning
Be on the lookout for these signs that your cartridge needs a good cleaning to remove stuck oil residues:
- Reduced vapor production
- Weak, wispy hits
- Bad taste
- Gurgling sounds
- Oil leaking from air holes
- Hard draws
- Oil around the mouthpiece
Addressing leftover oil in cartridges at the first sign of clogging will keep them vaping smoothly for longer.
Can You Reuse Oil Extracted from a Cartridge?
In most cases, it is safe to reuse oil pulled out of a clogged cartridge as long as it hasn’t burned and been contaminated. However, here are some factors to consider:
- Potency – Extracted oil may be slightly less potent than when first filled.
- Color – The oil could oxidize and change color.
- Flavor – The taste likely won’t be as fresh and robust.
- Contaminants – Bits of gunk, metal, or cotton may get mixed in.
- Separation – Some components of oil can separate over time.
For best results, try to reuse extracted oil in a short timeframe. Refrigeration can help preserve potency and flavor. Properly filtering and straining is also important.
Disposing of Used Cartridges
Once a cartridge is totally spent, make sure to dispose of it properly. Here are some disposal tips:
- Allow any leftover oil residues to fully dry out before disposal.
- Remove and dispose of mouthpiece separately from metal casing.
- Check if your local waste management has battery or e-waste recycling.
- Bring cartridges to a hazardous waste collection event.
- Place cartridge in a sealed plastic bag before throwing away.
- Never throw cartridges directly into fire or conventional roadside trash bins.
Proper disposal keeps dangerous metals like lead out of the environment and protects others from accidental exposure to residues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reuse a burnt cartridge?
Burnt, heavily used cartridges usually cannot be reused. The intense heat damages the coils, wicks, and internal structure. Any leftover oil will also have a burnt taste. It’s best to properly dispose of burnt cartridges.
How long does oil last in a cartridge?
Most oil cartridges can last anywhere from 2 weeks to a couple months with proper storage and use. Factors like quality, oil thickness, heating method, and storage conditions impact shelf life. Refrigeration can help extend it.
Why does my cartridge oil turn brown?
Oil darkening to a brown color is common as cartridges age. This is due to oxidation and other chemical reactions breaking down components like terpenes. While not ideal, darkened oil is usually still safe to vape.
Can I fly with leftover oil cartridges?
It is illegal to fly domestically or internationally with any cannabis products, including oil cartridges, even if between two legal states or countries. TSA specifically bans cannabis derived products in checked or carry on luggage.
How can you reuse cartridges without extraction?
If the coil and wick are still functional in a used cartridge, you may be able to refill it by injecting new oil through the mouthpiece or holes on the base. Be sure to use compatible oils to avoid leaking. This avoids having to extract and dirty leftover oil.
Conclusion
Getting the most out of your oil cartridges means cleaning them regularly to remove clogged residues. With methods like heating, flicking, toothpicks, syringes, and soaking, you can easily get those last sticky drops of goodness out. Putting in some minor maintenance gives your cartridges longer life and consistently smooth rips. Just be careful when handling cart hardware and dispose of properly when fully used up.