If you are an adult vaper, you may have noticed your e-liquid turning brown at some point and wondered what happened. If you want to know why it may have happened and some of the things you might be able to do to help stop the problem from recurring, then read on.
Why may an e-liquid discolour?
A brown e-liquid in some devices may not necessarily be something to worry about. While the first instinct might be to throw the e-liquid away, that is not always necessary and doesn’t solve the colour-changing issue in the long term.
The e-liquid’s discoloration is nothing more than the so-called oxidation. For adult vapers who prefer a device with a tank, vape liquid can oxidise if exposed to harsh sunlight or extreme temperatures. This process can turn your vape liquid brown or an even darker colour.
In addition to the external factors that can lead to the oxidation of the e-liquid, this can also occur with the normal use you make of your e-cigarette. Once e-liquid is inside the tank and the device is switched on, the e-liquid heats up. Gradually with use, the liquid may begin to caramelise - changing the texture and colour of the liquid. You might notice that with use, your coil, and the cotton, may form a sticky substance. Over time this can potentially cause e-liquid to burn.
It is important to note that it may not be possible to stop oxidation from happening. A vape liquid turning brown may be a normal and natural chemical reaction, and part of the e-liquid’s ageing process, for certain vaping devices. However, there are some measures any vaper can take that may help to slow the process down.
So what you should avoid doing is called agitation. Yes, you got it right. Try not to move the bottle with your e-liquid regularly to reduce mixing of the ingredients and the absorption of oxygen into the vape juice.
How Can You Help to Prevent E-Liquid Turning Brown?
To help keep your e-liquid in the condition intended by the manufacturer, there are some steps you can take to help:
- Avoid sugary e-liquids. These varieties of e-liquid can turn darker faster compared to e-liquids without sugar due to the speed at which the e-liquid vapourises.
- Choose a high quality liquid. Lower quality e-liquids may contain a poor blend of ingredients that don’t stay fresh for longer periods of time.
- Avoid blending e-liquids, even if you have two of the same brand. Vape liquids are specifically designed to work as intended by the manufacturer. Mixing e-liquids can, amongst other things, lead to oxygen contamination.
- Carefully store e-liquid. Keeping stored bottles, as well as your device in an upright position may help to avoid leaks and agitation. Some manufacturers also recommend storing e-liquid away from direct sunlight and heat, putting it in a cool dark place to avoid oxidation. Also make sure the lid on your e-liquid is done up tightly.
- Regularly change the coil, depending on the type of your devices and how frequently you use it, always following manufacturer recommendations and guidelines.
- Clean the vape tank frequently – This is good practice and regular cleaning may limit e-liquid sitting in your tank for long periods, helping mitigate discoloration.
Alternative e-liquid devices
E-cigarettes in general, utilise e-liquid in order to work and be able to offer the vaping experience to any adult smoker looking for smoke-free alternatives. In the case of IQOS VEEV, the device makes use of VEEV pods which contain e-liquid. Thanks to the MESH™ heating technology of the IQOS VEEV, you can enjoy a consistent taste every time.
Changing flavours (or capsules) is easy - just snap and go! With IQOS VEEV there is also no cleaning, no refilling and no replacing of wick and coil needed, thus saving you time and effort.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Smoking alternatives are not risk free. They deliver nicotine, which is addictive. They are intended for use by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use nicotine products and are by no means a cessation method.
The best option to reduce the health risks associated with the use of tobacco and nicotine products is to quit their use altogether. However, for those adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, switching completely to vaping or heated tobacco products could be a better choice than continuing to smoke.
