The biggest mistake that most people make when they use a three-part e-cigarette or atomizer and drip tip for the first time is that they don’t remove the primer fluid from the inside of the atomizer. Almost everyone has done this, including us, and we’ve experienced that “off” taste that usually makes anywhere from the first to the first several cartridges taste not quite right.
Let’s go over how you can prevent this and learn a little bit more about how new atomizers are prepared for sale. It will help you have a better e-smoking experience.
Atomizer Primer: The Reason for the Off Taste
That strange taste you may have perceived upon puffing on your first e-cigarette is a result of a clear, unflavored coat of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin or a mixture of the two. It’s something that atomizer manufacturers soak atomizer wicks in during the production process. This prevents an atomizer from being used dry, which can burn the wick and create a permanent harsh, bitter taste. As you use the atomizer, the primer is slowly replaced by your own e-liquid. However, we think that the e-smoking experience is a more satisfying one if you speed up this process a bit.
When you use your atomizer without removing this protective coating, it results in an off taste that can taint your e-cigarette experience. To have the best experience with a new e-cigarette atomizer, remove the atomizer primer before you begin using it.
The Drip Tip Method — eCig One Preferred
Our preferred method makes use of a drip tip on the atomizer. You can also use an empty disposable cartridge as a drip tip if you have one. If you don’t use a drip tip or find it an unpleasant thing to use, then you should take a look at the alternative method listed below this one.
You need to take something that absorbs liquid — paper towels work fine — and place it flush against the battery connector end of the atomizer. You then wrap it around the atomizer so that it can catch all the liquid that comes out of the small holes at the bottom of the atomizer assembly. Now, send several drops of e-liquid through the drip tip and wait for it to settle in the bottom of the atomizer.
Once that’s done, blow through your drip for a few seconds. You should hear a bit of gurgling as the air pressure pushes your e-liquid as well as the primer fluid through the bottom of the atomizer and into the paper towel.
Add more e-liquid through the drip tip and repeat. Each time you do this, your e-liquid mixes with the primer fluid and the excess is expelled through the bottom of the atomizer. After you’ve done this twice, the atomizer is ready for use. Place your atomizer on a battery, add your choice of liquid or cartridge and enjoy to your heart’s content with the best flavor possible and free of atomizer primer taste.
The Deep Cleaning Method: An Alternative to Drip Tips
This is an alternative method that some e-smokers recommend for removing atomizer primer or an e-liquid that you try and decide you don’t like. Although we don’t suggest using this atomizer cleaning method on new atomizers, some e-smokers do swear by it. It requires you to use a neutral-tasting alcohol such as high-proof vodka.
Fill a glass with the alcohol and then submerge your atomizer in it. Stir or swish the atomizer around in the glass, allowing the alcohol to dislodge the atomizer primer or off-tasting e-liquid.
The next step is absolutely vital for you to follow if you don’t want your atomizer to be set on fire when you use it. Take a mug, fill it with some tap water or distilled water if your tap water has a funny taste to it, then heat it up in a microwave. You don’t want the water to be boiling, but you do want it to be hot.
Put your atomizer in the mug with your warm water and swish it around like you did with the alcohol. You may want to do this a few times to make sure that all of the alcohol has been washed away. After you’ve cleaned the atomizer, blow on it with enough pressure to remove any excess water that may linger in the reservoir.
Once you’re done with that, allow plenty of time for the atomizer to dry thoroughly. You may want to put it in the path of a fan or air conditioner. Once it is completely dry, follow our preferred method above for preparing the atomizer and soaking the atomizer’s wick with e-liquid. Your atomizer is ready for e-smoking and should no longer exhibit any off flavors.
Jason Artman is the founder of eCigOne.com, where he helps vape and alternative nicotine brands grow through SEO and digital marketing. Jason's work has been featured in major media and cited in peer-reviewed research. He has helped to drive growth for well-known vape brands such as JUUL, NJOY, VaporFi, South Beach Smoke and V2 Cigs.
