Avoid getting infections from gear!

Craig Mad Bricky · Sep 3, 2014

Here's a great article on cleaning gear and the hazards of biological contamination in your gear. aka "Universal Precautions"
http://info-electronic-cigarette.com/do-e-cigs-cause-mold-in-the-lungs/
I always have alcohol wipes, q-tips and pipe cleaners with Isopropyl alcohol 81% handy. I back flush sealed coils with it for cleaning, fresh flavors and extended coil life. After the flush I use a bottle of distilled water to flush the cleaners and burn off the coils.

MoFo · Sep 3, 2014

Craig Mad Bricky said:
Here's a great article on cleaning gear and the hazards of biological contamination in your gear. aka "Universal Precautions"
http://info-electronic-cigarette.com/do-e-cigs-cause-mold-in-the-lungs/
I always have alcohol wipes, q-tips and pipe cleaners with Isopropyl alcohol 81% handy. I back flush sealed coils with it for cleaning, fresh flavors and extended coil life. After the flush I use a bottle of distilled water to flush the cleaners and burn off the coils.

I use beverage alcohol for anything that's going to come into contact with my juice and or mouth. Vodka and everclear are great alternatives to using isopropyl.

Cloudy Peak Vapes · Sep 5, 2014

I wash all my vape gear daily in a solution of uncooked chicken blended into liquid. I'm a fan of salmonella, just makes life more interesting.

On a serious note, this does make me realize I should probably be doing more than just rinsing my attys and drip tips when I re wick/build. I definitely don't wash my drip tips enough, some times for days. They just get a wipe down when I refill. I should be doing more, and now will be.

VaporJoe · Sep 5, 2014

I believe PG is a natural antimicrobial. However when it comes to Vape meets.. Bring drip tip condoms and HAND SANITIZER!

Whiskey · Sep 5, 2014

Once a day I just wipe down my drip tips and button area of what ever mod I am using with Wet ones anti bacterial wipes, mostly because they sometimes get a juice residue on them from time to time, I am not obsessive about it. Its like anything else you use on a daily basis, work area, computer keyboard, what ever.

70414 · Sep 5, 2014

Thanks for this. I keep things clean but I can do better and will.

UncleRJ · Sep 5, 2014

And don't forget the inside of your drip tips.

They can get rather nasty if you don't take a Q-Tip to them on a regular basis

CJ · Sep 5, 2014

If you are a dripper, please for the love of god take you top caps off and clean those suckers nightly!

UncleRJ · Sep 5, 2014

CJ said:
If you are a dripper, please for the love of god take you top caps off and clean those suckers nightly!

Great advice!

And don't forget to take off the top cone part of your Kayfuns and do the same every time you replace the wick or the coil. Gets really nasty there too!

Cloudy Peak Vapes · Sep 5, 2014

UncleRJ said:
Great advice!

And don't forget to take off the top cone part of your Kayfuns and do the same every time you replace the wick or the coil. Gets really nasty there too!

I always do that... Especially with my regular KFL with the old design, since it's seal is not anywhere near as reliable as the kfl+ v2.

Shirles · Sep 11, 2014

I have a surgical steel drip tip, wide mouth;
after vaping a few hours on it, sharing with some friends, I noticed a nice layer of skin, caked onto the outside of the drip tip.
I'm never sharing again.

Whiskey · Sep 11, 2014

My friends be like>>>

I be like>>

Nope I don't share~

Vapecloud · Oct 10, 2014

VaporJoes said:
I believe PG is a natural antimicrobial. However when it comes to Vape meets.. Bring drip tip condoms and HAND SANITIZER!

I bring my own drip tips. I won't vape from someone else's rig without changing to my tip. It's the same way with a soda, food, or anything really. I'm not a germ freak but I've seen some nasty people in my short 50 years on this earth. Why take a chance?

bluraff3 · Oct 10, 2014

Oh man. I never clean any of my gear...or really anything in my life. I might be one of those "nasty people" that @Vapecloud is referring to...

Newheart301 · Oct 10, 2014

Easy out, I'm immune-suppressed can't share Anything..stay away from crowds, elevators, kids, babies etc..

Vapecloud · Oct 10, 2014

bluraff3 said:
Oh man. I never clean any of my gear...or really anything in my life. I might be one of those "nasty people" that @Vapecloud is referring to...

It's not you. That was in general really. I don't drink after my own flesh and blood. I won't vape after them either. It's easy enough to bring a drip tip if you want to try someone else's vape.

RBVapes · Oct 14, 2014

I personally disassemble all my stuff once a week and soak it in isopropyl alcohol overnight. After that I was with hot water and dry. Probably overkill but it's so hot here in FL it doesn't take long for "things" to sprout in my juice...

MKPM · Oct 14, 2014

VaporJoes said:
I believe PG is a natural antimicrobial. However when it comes to Vape meets.. Bring drip tip condoms and HAND SANITIZER!

Up until recently, hospitals introduced PG vapour into the atmosphere for that very reason....helped reduce the chance of of patients developing pneumonia. Beyond that....I am a native Scot...and as such....I PURIFY ALL THINGS WITH FIRE!!!

You may now have your thread back......

RBVapes · Oct 15, 2014

PG does indeed have antimicrobial properties which is a good thing from an ejuice point of view. My main reason for frequent cleaning is that my tank is in frequent contact with my hands, my desk, my pocket (you get the idea). The other thing to be aware of is both PG and VG are hygroscopic chemicals. So that means over time in your tank they will pull moisture into your tank. I've had no issues and don't go nuts with it, but every few fill ups I give my tanks a good clean, and I clean the exterior daily.

kelli · Oct 15, 2014

not to be the odd person out here, but the overuse of antibacterial agents has hurt us more than helped us. antibiotics and antibacterial handsoap kill not only the nasty bugs (which are a minority of bacteria), but the good guys too. that leaves us more susceptible to disease. i have a friend who is a fanatic with her antibacterial hand sanitizer and she gets sick and has more colds than anyone i know. maybe i'm wrong, but i am convinced people are destroying their own immune systems by destroying so many "good" bacteria.

havok333 · Oct 15, 2014

kelli said:
not to be the odd person out here, but the overuse of antibacterial agents has hurt us more than helped us. antibiotics and antibacterial handsoap kill not only the nasty bugs (which are a minority of bacteria), but the good guys too. that leaves us more susceptible to disease. i have a friend who is a fanatic with her antibacterial hand sanitizer and she gets sick and has more colds than anyone i know. maybe i'm wrong, but i am convinced people are destroying their own immune systems by destroying so many "good" bacteria.

Exactly right! I've been trying to get others to understand for years that their gallons of antibacterial hand goop is just hurting them in the long run.

kelli · Oct 15, 2014

havok333 said:
Exactly right! I've been trying to get others to understand for years that their gallons of antibacterial hand goop is just hurting them in the long run.

i am glad someone agrees. we have become a nation of germiphobes, and need to realize that the vast majority of germs are on OUR side. i use insects as an analogy. our overuse of pesticides has not only killed the "pests", but all the beneficial insects as well. we are doing the same thing in our bodies.

UncleRJ · Oct 15, 2014

kelli said:
not to be the odd person out here, but the overuse of antibacterial agents has hurt us more than helped us. antibiotics and antibacterial handsoap kill not only the nasty bugs (which are a minority of bacteria), but the good guys too. that leaves us more susceptible to disease. i have a friend who is a fanatic with her antibacterial hand sanitizer and she gets sick and has more colds than anyone i know. maybe i'm wrong, but i am convinced people are destroying their own immune systems by destroying so many "good" bacteria.

I totally agree with you on this.

We need to develop a resistance to bacteria instead of trying to eradicate any chance of coming in contact with it.

kelli · Oct 15, 2014

UncleRJ said:
I totally agree with you on this.

We need to develop a resistance to bacteria instead of trying to eradicate any chance of coming in contact with it.

the thing is, we DO have a natural resistance to most harmful bacteria. but we have broken down that resistance with antibacterial agents. doctors are as much to blame as anyone. first thing they do if you don't feel well is prescribe an antibiotic. it's just crazy.

havok333 · Oct 15, 2014

kelli said:
the thing is, we DO have a natural resistance to most harmful bacteria. but we have broken down that resistance with antibacterial agents. doctors are as much to blame as anyone. first thing they do if you don't feel well is prescribe an antibiotic. it's just crazy.

Over prescribing antibiotics is very dangerous too. Over time the more common ones become less effective.

Fishee · Oct 15, 2014

I vape filthy.
Actually just about everything I do is dirty.
I'm not disgusting, I'm just kinda gross.
I've put far worse and way dirtier things than drip tips in my mouth.

And I don't take antibiotics. Never have.
And I very rarely get sick. And when I do I get over it quickly.

Yes sir, I'm gonna keep vapin dirty.

But I sure aint got nothing against cleanliness or folks who take precautions. To each their own.

kelli · Oct 15, 2014

havok333 said:
Over prescribing antibiotics is very dangerous too. Over time the more common ones become less effective.

which is exactly why they have to keep coming up with new and more potent ones....just like with insecticides! it's counterproductive.

Newheart301 · Oct 15, 2014

Antibiotics are rough, having a suppressed immune system, I can end up on very strong ones easily. Last year in Sept. I caught a cold. Which quickly went to an ear infection, then sinus infection, then throat infection.... antibiotics 3 different strong ones, for almost 4 months. Lost 32 lbs. Germs are NOT my friend !

UncleRJ · Oct 15, 2014

I don't go to the doctor except as a last resort.

I have to be pretty darn sick to even pick up the phone and call.

Fortunately, my doctor knows that when I call, I am about half dead and gets me into the office at once.

Or to be more precise, send me to the emergency room............Sigh

havok333 · Oct 15, 2014

Fishee said:
I vape filthy.
Actually just about everything I do is dirty.
I'm not disgusting, I'm just kinda gross.
I've put far worse and way dirtier things than drip tips in my mouth.

And I don't take antibiotics. Never have.
And I very rarely get sick. And when I do I get over it quickly.

Yes sir, I'm gonna keep vapin dirty.

But I sure aint got nothing against cleanliness or folks who take precautions. To each their own.

I very rarely take antibiotics since I very rarely see doctors. I have friends and family members that will keep leftover antibiotics to self prescribe when they get a cold or something later. Should never have leftovers in the first place!

I try to talk sense into them, but I'm just a poor old network engineer.

So is vaping dirty anything like riding dirty?

havok333 · Oct 15, 2014

UncleRJ said:
I don't go to the doctor except as a last resort.

I have to be pretty darn sick to even pick up the phone and call.

Fortunately, my doctor knows that when I call, I am about half dead and gets me into the office at once.

Or to be more precise, send me to the emergency room............Sigh

AMEN to all of that! ^^^^^^^^^

Fishee · Oct 15, 2014

Newheart301 said:
Antibiotics are rough, having a suppressed immune system, I can end up on very strong ones easily. Last year in Sept. I caught a cold. Which quickly went to an ear infection, then sinus infection, then throat infection.... antibiotics 3 different strong ones, for almost 4 months. Lost 32 lbs. Germs are NOT my friend !

That sucks, I'm sorry that is the case for you.
That makes me consider how fortunate I am. I've always laughed in the face of germs or either befriended them.

Maybe cause I grew up on and still live on a farm. I'm use to having shit and germs around. lol
Drinking milk right out of the tit and eating carrots right out of the dirt that was fertilized with cow shit from the cow I just drank the milk from strait out da tit.

Damn it, now folks gonna think I'm strange

Fishee · Oct 15, 2014

havok333 said:
So is vaping dirty anything like riding dirty?

lmao in my mind it is. Cause that's actually what I was thinkin when I typed it.

kelli · Oct 15, 2014

Newheart301 said:
Antibiotics are rough, having a suppressed immune system, I can end up on very strong ones easily. Last year in Sept. I caught a cold. Which quickly went to an ear infection, then sinus infection, then throat infection.... antibiotics 3 different strong ones, for almost 4 months. Lost 32 lbs. Germs are NOT my friend !

i commiserate with your situation, hon. compromised immune systems are tricky. has your doctor ever suggested you take probiotics? since i quit smoking and started taking probiotics, i have not had so much as a sniffle. good luck to you. ♥

kelli · Oct 15, 2014

Fishee said:
Damn it, now folks gonna think I'm strange

that ship already sailed, sweetie

adk1989 · Oct 15, 2014

I can't even remember the last time I went to the doc. Let alone took Ned's or got sick. I work outside and I'm exposed to just about everything but I really think I'm a walking anti biotic sometimes lol

Newheart301 · Oct 15, 2014

Probiotics don't mix well with my meds... side effects ( shits ). Almost everything don't mix with my anti-rejection meds. Can't even take "cold medicine ". I don't shake hands... don't even try to hug me ! Here in the south folks think I'm rude, I'd rather have that, than end up in the meat-locker for a week or two, just to be "friendly" ! I get really pissed, trying to explain for the millionth time.... I am friendly... just don't fuck'n touch me !

MKPM · Oct 15, 2014

kelli said:
not to be the odd person out here, but the overuse of antibacterial agents has hurt us more than helped us. antibiotics and antibacterial handsoap kill not only the nasty bugs (which are a minority of bacteria), but the good guys too. that leaves us more susceptible to disease. i have a friend who is a fanatic with her antibacterial hand sanitizer and she gets sick and has more colds than anyone i know. maybe i'm wrong, but i am convinced people are destroying their own immune systems by destroying so many "good" bacteria.

I like the way you think ma'am

MKPM · Oct 15, 2014

Newheart301 said:
Probiotics don't mix well with my meds... side effects ( shits ). Almost everything don't mix with my anti-rejection meds. Can't even take "cold medicine ". I don't shake hands... don't even try to hug me ! Here in the south folks think I'm rude, I'd rather have that, than end up in the meat-locker for a week or two, just to be "friendly" ! I get really pissed, trying to explain for the millionth time.... I am friendly... just don't fuck'n touch me !

I'm feelin ya. I am not allowed to have a flu shot, pneumonia vaccine.....ironically, catching the flu gives me a 75% chance of instant death. What else? Ehmm....no sugar, no fried food.....most of the vows I've taken rule out a lot of the "good stuff"........so there ya have it.

kelli · Oct 15, 2014

franciscan said:
I like the way you think ma'am

one of the dwindling few.....

MKPM · Oct 15, 2014

kelli said:
one of the dwindling few.....View attachment 7305

Yay exclusivity!

Newheart301 · Oct 15, 2014

franciscan said:
I'm feelin ya. I am not allowed to have a flu shot, pneumonia vaccine.....ironically, catching the flu gives me a 75% chance of instant death. What else? Ehmm....no sugar, no fried food.....most of the vows I've taken rule out a lot of the "good stuff"........so there ya have it.

I feel your pain, the Sawbones insists, that if it taste good ,spit it out ! I get fried chicken and fries, once a year, Superbowl Sunday!

MKPM · Oct 15, 2014

Do not eat food that was handed to you through the window of your car.

cherrycakes · Oct 15, 2014

franciscan said:
Do not eat food that was handed to you through the window of your car.

What you want me to starve? Lol

havok333 · Oct 15, 2014

franciscan said:
Do not eat food that was handed to you through the window of your car.

I always go inside to order junk foodie anyway. I hate a drive thru. There almost as bad as phones!

MKPM · Oct 15, 2014

My diet is 90% liquid...not hard to find Boost in the finer convenience marts

evengelicmane · Nov 4, 2014

Shirles said:
I have a surgical steel drip tip, wide mouth;
after vaping a few hours on it, sharing with some friends, I noticed a nice layer of skin, caked onto the outside of the drip tip.
I'm never sharing again.

I notice that when i haven't even shared. I just hadn't cleaned in since i got it and there was a literal layer of my lip skin on the tip. NASTY!

galsvapetoo · Jan 3, 2015

UncleRJ said:
And don't forget the inside of your drip tips.

They can get rather nasty if you don't take a Q-Tip to them on a regular basis

Ewwww right mine does and I take a qtip to it almost daily now it grosses me out

MrScaryZ · Jan 3, 2015

kelli said:
not to be the odd person out here, but the overuse of antibacterial agents has hurt us more than helped us. antibiotics and antibacterial handsoap kill not only the nasty bugs (which are a minority of bacteria), but the good guys too. that leaves us more susceptible to disease. i have a friend who is a fanatic with her antibacterial hand sanitizer and she gets sick and has more colds than anyone i know. maybe i'm wrong, but i am convinced people are destroying their own immune systems by destroying so many "good" bacteria.

@kelli this is very true with antibiotic overuse however most good doctors will also tell you to take lactobacillus and acidophillus to reuptake the good guys I am not disagreeing with you but hand sanitizer? is she rubbing inside her mouth or nasal passages?

CaFF · Jan 3, 2015

kelli said:
not to be the odd person out here, but the overuse of antibacterial agents has hurt us more than helped us. antibiotics and antibacterial handsoap kill not only the nasty bugs (which are a minority of bacteria), but the good guys too. that leaves us more susceptible to disease. i have a friend who is a fanatic with her antibacterial hand sanitizer and she gets sick and has more colds than anyone i know. maybe i'm wrong, but i am convinced people are destroying their own immune systems by destroying so many "good" bacteria.

Yup. I try not to overuse anti-bacterial soaps and such. Haven't taken a chemical antibiotic in many years either. I'll chew a clove of garlic first.

I'm not taking real risks, and I do sanitize knives and cutting boards and the like, and rinse out atties from time to time. but I'm not a bubble-boy either and don't want to be one.

DT's, I just use my 50/50 solution of isopropyl alcohol and water that I clean my LCD with, sprayed onto a paper towel. Simple and effective.

Avoid getting infections from gear!

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