How to Unclog a Cart? Easy Steps to Restore Your Vape

Published: 9/4/2025
By:
Mountains

Taking a hit and getting nothing but resistance? A vape cart that stops hitting is frustrating, right? When your pulls fall flat, it's often due to clogging inside the cartridge, but identifying the cause of a clogged cart can be challenging. 

The good news is, you can fix it, whether it's due to oil buildup or temperature changes. So, how do you fix a clogged vape cartridge? 

Keep reading, and we'll explain what causes a vape cart to clog and how to unclog a cart for a smooth, uninterrupted vaping experience.

Why do my carts keep clogging?

If you've been asking yourself, "Why does my cart keep getting clogged?" it can be due to several reasons. Understanding what causes cart clogs can help you take proactive steps to prevent them. Below are some causes of clogged carts:

  • Condensation Buildup

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Condensation buildup in the cart's airway is usually the most common cause of a clogged THC and CBD vape cartridge. The condensation blocks the mouthpiece and you may feel tiny droplets of liquid hitting your tongue, preventing the vapor from passing through while you inhale. That means you'll get a mouthful of bitter-tasting vape juice instead of a smooth hit of THC. 

  • Thick oil consistency:

The pure vape oil in a cartridge can be more viscous than oil mixed with other additives. Since the thick oil doesn't flow as easily, you may find it harder to draw from your vape, which can clog the airflow holes and cause blockage.

  • Overheating and Underheating:

Varying temperatures can alter the viscosity of the oil. For instance, cold temperatures below 16°C can thicken oil, making it harder to pull through your vape. Similarly, high temperatures above 21°C can cause the oil cart to leak, leading to uneven vaporization. 

  • Infrequent Use 

If you don't use your cart frequently, the oil inside can harden and accumulate around the heating element in the inner chamber, resulting in clogged airflow or a blocked mouthpiece. When the oil becomes too thick, the coil may fail to reach the right temperature and produce any vapor. 

New to vaping? Check out our beginner's guide on how to use a vape pen for the first time!

How to unclog a cart?

If you are searching for how to fix a clogged vape cartridge or how to unclog a disposable cart, follow the steps below to fix a clogged cart.  This fix works for all types of vapes, whether you're using a reusable battery or a disposable.

  • Use Gentle Inhalation:

If your vape has a button, hold it down to warm up the battery and then take a few gentle puffs to heat the oil buildup. The clogged oil will thin out after a few gentle inhales and clear the minor blockage. Instead of inhaling, you can also gently blow through the mouthpiece to force the clog out.

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  • Preheat your cart

CBD and THC vape cartridges use thick oil, and preheating works best for these vape carts. Disposable carts come with a preheat option. Press the preheat button to warm the thick oil and clear any blockage caused by hardened residue. If your vape cart doesn't have a preheat function, you can warm it naturally by placing it in your pocket or rubbing it between your palms to warm it with your body temperature.

  • Gently clean the mouthpiece and clear the Airway

Unscrew your cartridge and insert a thin object, such as a pin, toothpick, or needle, into the mouthpiece to clear out any debris blocking or hardened oil blocking the airway. 

Also, slide a pin or toothpick into the hole at the bottom of the cartridge to pull out any residue or debris. To remove excess oil, clean around the air holes at the bottom of your cartridge and the threading with a cotton swab dampened in isopropyl alcohol.

  • Warm it up with a hair dryer

Remove the cart from the battery. Hold your vape cart in your hand for a few seconds, about 15 cm in front of your hair dryer, and heat it. This will help loosen thickened oil and clear the minor blockage. However, avoid overheating the cart and use the lowest settings of a hair dryer to warm it up slightly. 

Enjoy the cleanest, clog-free, smooth experience with every hit!

Want to get a smooth and flavorful vaping experience? At Smokeland, we carry the best cannabis vape pens with clog-resistant designs, offering reliable performance. Our vape pens are crafted with premium hardware and use high-quality oil. No condensation buildup, no flow issue. Just smooth-burning, high-performance cartridges crafted with precision, delivering clean and consistent hits. Order now for same-day vape delivery near me and enjoy a vape session that's yours to define!

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