
Gold Bar Vape Maintenance Guide: How to Maintain Your Vape Kit and Pods
Your refillable vape kit is the key to a consistently smooth and flavourful experience. A little regular care is all it takes to keep it performing at the "Gold Bar standard" for months to come.
Using a refillable pod kit gives you the freedom to explore the complete range of our Gold Bar Nic Salt E-Liquids while maximising long-term value. However, unlike the maintenance-free prefilled pod systems you might be used to, an open-tank device requires a small amount of upkeep to ensure it continues to deliver that perfect, smooth draw.
Whether you are using a compact starter kit or a more advanced device, a well-maintained vape doesn't just taste better, it lasts longer and saves you money. In this complete guide, we will walk you through the essential daily checks, cleaning routines, and coil care tips that every vaper should know.
Key Takeaways:
The Daily Checks: Micro-Maintenance
You don't need to disassemble your pod vape kit every day. A few seconds of observation before you start vaping can prevent the most common issues.
1. Check Your E-Liquid Levels
The number one cause of a "burnt hit" (and a ruined coil) is vaping when the pod is empty. Always ensure your e-liquid is above the minimum fill line or covers the wicking holes on the coil. If you are using our Gold Bar Nic Salt E-Liquids, the bottle nozzle is designed for quick, mess-free top-ups, so there is no reason to run dry.
2. Clear the Airpath
Pocket lint and dust have a habit of finding their way into the mouthpiece. A quick check and a wipe with a tissue ensure you aren't inhaling anything other than your chosen flavour.
3. Check for Leaks
Condensation can build up at the base of your pod. If you notice any moisture where the pod connects to the battery, wipe it away immediately with a dry paper towel to protect the internal electronics.
The Weekly Deep Clean
Once a week, or whenever you change flavours, it is worth giving your kit a thorough clean. This resets the device and ensures you are getting the purest flavour profile possible.
How to Clean Your Pod
If you use a refillable kit with replaceable coils, the plastic pod itself can be washed.
Remove the Coil: If the coil is removable, pull it out. (Do not wash the coil itself).
Rinse: Rinse the pod under warm running water to remove old e-liquid residue.
Dry: This is crucial. Shake out excess water and let the pod air-dry completely on a paper towel. Any remaining water can dilute your e-liquid or cause "spitting."
How to Clean the Device Contacts
Even the best pods can experience minor condensation.
- Take a cotton bud or a dry cloth.
- Gently wipe the gold connection pins inside the battery device and on the base of the pod.
- This ensures a solid electrical connection, giving you a consistent power output and a better puff.
Understanding Coil Maintenance
The coil is the heart of your vape, but it is also a "consumable" part, meaning it won't last forever. However, you can significantly extend its life with the right habits.
What is "Priming" a Coil?
When you install a fresh coil, the cotton wick inside is dry. If you fire the button immediately, you will burn the dry cotton, ruining the coil instantly. To "prime" it:
- Install the new coil and fill the pod with e-liquid.
- Wait 5–10 minutes before vaping.
- This allows the liquid to fully saturate the wick.
When Should You Change a Coil?
You cannot effectively clean a burnt coil; it must be replaced. Signs you need a new coil include:
- A persistent burnt or charcoal taste.
- A "gurgling" sound or leaking (indicating the internal cotton has degraded).
- Weak flavour production.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Why Aren't My Coils Lasting Longer?
Coils are consumable, but they should last a week or two. If yours are burning out in days, you might be using an overly sweet e-liquid that causes "gunk" build-up, or your wattage setting is too high for the coil rating.
Why Is My Battery Draining So Fast?
If your charge isn't lasting as long as it used to, check your settings. Vaping at max wattage drains power quickly. Cold weather can also temporarily reduce battery performance. If the device is over a year old, the battery may simply be reaching the end of its natural lifespan.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
This usually happens because the coil has dried out. You may be "chain vaping" (taking puffs too quickly), which doesn't give the wick time to re-absorb liquid. Slow down your pace, or check if your e-liquid level is too low.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
Leaking is often caused by overfilling the pod or using the wrong type of e-liquid. Most pod kits are designed for 50/50 e-liquids, like the Gold Bar Nic Salt collection. Thinner or thicker liquids can cause wicking issues that lead to leaks.
Battery Care and Safety
The lithium-ion battery in your kit is powerful and needs respect.
Don't Overcharge: Try to unplug the device once it reaches 100%.
Keep it Cool: Never leave your vape in direct sunlight or a hot car, as heat degrades battery health.
Clean the Port: If your device isn't charging, check the USB-C port for fluff or debris. A gentle blast of compressed air usually clears it.
Too Much Hassle? Try a Prefilled Option
If the idea of washing pods and changing coils doesn't appeal to you, that is perfectly fine. Many vapers prefer a simpler life.
Our Gold Bar Prefilled Pod Kits, such as the Reload and the Apollo 20K, bridge the gap perfectly. They offer the rechargeable battery and cost-savings of a kit, but use sealed, prefilled pods. When the pod is empty, you simply recycle it and click in a new one: no filling, no washing, and no coil changes required.
Conclusion
Maintaining your vape kit doesn't have to be a burden. A few seconds of care each day ensures that every puff of your favourite Gold Bar Nic Salt delivers the rich, smooth satisfaction you expect.
By keeping your contacts clean, your coils primed, and your battery charged, you ensure your device remains a reliable companion for the long term.
If you are unsure which coil you need or want advice on the best maintenance-free kits, our team is here to help. Contact our Customer Service Team for expert guidance tailored to your vaping style.
FAQS:
How often should I clean my vape kit?
We recommend a quick "check and wipe" of the mouthpiece daily to maintain hygiene. A deeper clean (rinsing the pod and wiping the battery contacts) should be done roughly once a week, or whenever you switch to a drastically different e-liquid flavour to avoid "ghosting" (tasting the previous flavour).
Why does my new coil taste burnt immediately?
This is almost always due to not "priming" the coil. When you install a new coil or pod, you must fill it with e-liquid and let it sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes before vaping. This ensures the cotton wick is fully saturated. If you vape on a dry wick, it will burn instantly.





