How to Store & Care for your Vape Purchased During the Halloween Sale

Halloween can be a bit of a mixed bag in Ireland, with plenty of offers. Once you have your new vape you might be wondering how to store and look after it. Whether you have stored it as a backup while testing your rechargeable or bought extra pods, taking a few precautions can help to prevent any leaks, battery issues and damage. Here are some tips to help you store, charge and care for your vape.

1. Inspect your new vape

Before charging your new vape take a good look at it. Check that there is no damage to the packaging, any cracks and that everything is secure. Ensure the charging port and connections to the pod are clean and undamaged. If you have purchased a pod kit with pre-filled pods make sure the extra pods you have are compatible. Keep the instructions from the manufacturer. Depending on the kit you have purchased you will need to charge and care for your vape differently. If there is any damage to your vape don’t attempt to fix it, contact the retailers/manufacturer.

2. Store your vape away from heat & moisture

October can be a tricky month in Ireland. One minute it is dry and the next you are getting caught in the rain on your way home. Vapes have plenty of parts and batteries so make sure to keep them away from moisture and extreme temperatures. Store your vape in a dry place indoors. Don’t store in any areas with high radiant heat like radiators, damp sheds or cars. A good idea is to store in a secure drawer or locked cupboard. If you do get it wet don’t turn it on straight away. Charge it up and follow the manufactures instructions. If there could be any water in the vape get it checked out.

3. Charging your Vape

Most rechargeable vapes will have lithium ion batteries so you will need the correct charging set. Make sure to use the charging set and power supplied by the manufacturer. Charge your vape on a clean surface and not on any bedding, clothing or flammable items. Never leave your vape charging overnight. Disconnect your vape once it has finished charging. The London Fire Brigades official guidelines on vape and e-cigarette safety advise to keep your batteries safe from temperature, damage and overheating. If your vape is getting hotter than normal, swelling or making a hissing noise stop using it.

4. Secure your Vape Pods & e-Liquids

If you have bought any pods or e-liquids make sure to keep them in tight bottles and labelled containers. Don’t expose to direct sunlight or high temperatures. Ensure your extra pods aren’t squashed or damaged. Follow the manufacturers instructions. Halloween can be a busy time for children so if you have any nicotine containing e-liquids make sure to keep them out of children’s sight & reach. The Health Service Executive (HSE) recommend to keep your vapes and refills out of reach of children. Store your vaping products in a locked cupboard securely. Keep well away from any Halloween sweet, food or drink. If a child has accidentally swallowed any of your vape liquids get emergency assistance.

5. Clean your Vape

You may not need to clean your vape but sometimes dirt can build up. If possible switch your vape off. Wipe the outside of your vape with a clean dry soft cloth. Don’t get any water in the charging port. Don’t use anything to clean any dirt or open any sealed parts. Follow the manufacturers instructions for any parts. If your vape is constantly leaking, tasting burnt or not working you may need to replace a part.

6. Storing your Vape for weeks

If you have bought a backup vape and not going to use it straight away make sure to keep it dry & secure. Don’t leave it on charge. If it has batteries make sure to store them in an appropriate battery case. When you are going to use it after a while make sure there isn’t any leaking, corrosion, damaged connections or any odd battery issues. If there seems to be any issues don’t charge it.

7. Don’t make these common mistakes

Don’t leave your vape loose in a bag or pocket with keys, coins & other metal items. This can cause damage to your vape. Don’t leave loose batteries in your vape as they can cause a short circuit. If you have a vape with removable batteries make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and put them in an appropriate battery case. Don’t leave your vape in direct sunlight or near a window. Even if it feels cool outside the temperature can get quite warm in enclosed spaces. Make sure to store your vape in a stable place indoors and away from heat, direct sunlight and moisture. Don’t attempt to repair your battery or open any sealed parts. If your vape has cracked casing, swollen battery or acting strangely stop using it and contact the manufacturer or appropriate repair specialist.

8. Inspect your Vape

If you have left your vape for a few days or weeks make sure to inspect it. Check there is no cracks, leaking, damaged seals, corrosion around the charging port or loose connections. Check the instructions for your pod and vape to see if there are any parts that need replacing. Don’t assume your vape is okay. There could be safety issues if the battery is damaged or connections are compromised. Don’t charge any vapes that are wet, visibly damaged or showing signs of battery failure. If your vape has been in the rain, condensation or has leaked make sure to keep it switched off. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a professional. It is safer to replace a damaged vape.

9. Keep your Vape Accessories tidy

With plenty of offers during Halloween you may have bought extra pods, charging leads & accessories. Keeping them tidy can help to prevent any damage. Keep compatible accessories together. Where possible keep them in their original packaging. Label your products if you have multiple devices. Make sure to check your accessories are compatible. They may not work on your device if they are not compatible with your model. Don’t use damaged cables or incorrect chargers. Check the packaging for any storage instructions & expiry dates. Keep the information & receipts to hand in case you need to contact the retailer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I leave my vape in my car overnight?

It is best not to. Lithium ion batteries can be damaged if they are too cold or hot. Store somewhere indoors at a temperature.

Should I leave my vape charging overnight?

No. Charge while you’re awake and can monitor. Follow the manufacturers instructions.

Why is my vape leaking?

It can be due to a damaged pod, poor seal or temperature changes. Stop using and replace any damaged parts if any of the liquid is touching any parts.

Should I store my vape upright?

If possible yes. This can help to prevent leaking with some pod systems. Follow your device instructions.

Do Vape Pods expire?

Yes. Check the packaging for any expiry dates or information. Don’t use any damaged pods or with any odd changes.

Why isn’t my vape working?

Check there is no damage, corrosion or moisture. Follow the manufacturers troubleshooting guide. Don’t charge any damaged or wet devices.

Can I put my vape in my household bin?

No. Vapes with batteries shouldn’t go in any bins/recycling. According to WEEE Ireland’s vape & e-cigarettes recycling guidelines you can recycle your end of life devices for free at participating locations with WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes. Follow the guidelines. Don’t force any sealed battery areas open.

My vape is getting unusually hot what should I do?

Stop using and charging your vape. If it is getting too hot, swelling, leaking or making any strange noises. Keep away from the device if you think there is a battery failure. Follow the manufacturer’s emergency safety advice. Don’t attempt to open or repair the battery.

How should I store my extra pods from Halloween?

Store them in their original packaging in a cool dry place. Keep them away from direct sunlight. Make sure they aren’t squashed, leaking or accidentally touched by children/pets. Always check the packaging and manufacturers instructions before use.

Can I use my vape if it has been damaged by rain?

Don’t turn it on or charge if there could be water inside. This can effect the battery & electronics. Follow the manufacturer’s advice.

How do I know if my vape needs replacing?

If it is constantly leaking, damaged casing, issues charging, getting too hot or swollen battery. Stop using and contact the manufacturer/retailer. Don’t use if it has any of these issues even if it is producing vapour. Keep your Vape Safe after Halloween. You won’t need to look after your vape purchased during Halloween. Make sure to keep your equipment dry, safely charged and e-liquids away. Regularly check for any damage. If you have bought a vape kit or extra pods following these tips can help to prevent any issues. If anything looks odd follow the manufacturers instructions.