Step-by-Step Guide: Fixing Burnt Vape Coils

By Maria Shaheen — April 15, 2025

Ever taken a hit from your vape and been hit back with that awful burnt taste? Yeah, we’ve all been there, and it’s the fastest way to ruin a good vape session. That nasty flavour usually means your coil is burnt, and it’s something every vaper deals with sooner or later. A burnt coil doesn’t just mess with your taste; it can wreck your vape juice, damage your device, and cost you more money over time.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preventing coil burn, how to fix it (if possible), and—most importantly—why choosing the right vape coil really matters! Ever wondered, “How can I stop that awful burnt taste?” or “When is it time to change my coil?” You’re not alone.

I once ignored that burnt taste for a couple of days, big mistake. Trust me, preventing coil burn starts with early action and the right replacement. Don’t settle for less! Greet Vape’s premium replacement coils are here to keep your sessions smooth, flavourful, and long-lasting.

Whether you're using T18E/T22E Coils, TFV16 Replacement Coils, Super Mesh X2 and X1 Vape Coils, Ijoy Diamond DMB Mesh Coils, or Ijoy X3 Mesh Atomiser Heads,choosing the right vape coil makes all the difference. So, let’s dive in and explore how to protect your coil, boost flavour, and enjoy your vape to the fullest!

 

How To Tell If Your Vape Coil Is Burnt?

Why does your vape suddenly taste terrible or isn't hitting like it used to? It could be your coil waving the white flag. Don’t worry! Spotting a burnt vape coil is easier than you think. Let’s break down the signs so you’ll know exactly when it’s time for a swap.

Common Signs:

The first sign? That gross, burnt taste hitting your throat? Yeah, you can’t miss it. Your vape might also stop making big clouds, or you might catch a weird, smoky smell. If your vape starts tasting funny or smelling off, it’s probably a sign your coil is burnt, and it’s time to change it. But how do you really know When to change vape coil? It often comes down to recognising these symptoms early, before the damage becomes irreversible.

Visual Cues:

Not sure if it’s burnt? Take the coil out and have a quick look. If it looks dark, crusty, or almost black, that’s a big warning sign. You might also see thick gunk from old vape juice. It basically looks like it’s been overcooked. A healthy coil should look cleaner, with a light colour and no heavy buildup.

Burnt Coil Vs Dirty Coil:

A burnt coil will taste bad no matter what—it’s done for. No cleaning trick will fix it. A dirty coil, though, just needs a little refresh. It might be clogged up with leftover juice, but it still has some life left. The difference? Burnt atomiser Coils are finished. Dirty ones can be saved with a quick cleaning. Moreover, you can give these top-quality coils a try with a compatible vape device, they’re designed to deliver enhanced flavour and extend your vape coil lifespan for longer, smoother sessions. It includes GTX Coils, Nord Replacement Vape Coils, PnP Coils, PNP X Coils, TFV18 Mini Coils, and Sakerz Replacement Coils.

What Causes Vape Coils to Burn Out?

If you’ve ever taken a hit, it tasted like burnt popcorn. Your coil’s probably burnt out. It’s one of the most annoying things vapers deal with. But the good news? We’re about to break down exactly why atomiser coils burn out, and how you can make yours last longer, ultimately improving your vape coil lifespan. Let’s get into it.

Vaping With Low E-Liquid:

One of the quickest ways to torch your coil? Vaping when your tank is almost empty. When there’s not enough e-liquid in your device, the cotton wick inside your coil dries out — and if you fire your device in that state, you’re just burning dry cotton. That’s a fast track to that burnt flavour and a ruined coil. Ensure your tank or pod has enough juice to soak the coil. Never let it run too low!

Chain Vaping:

Back-to-back hits might feel satisfying, especially when you're chilling or anxious, but chain vaping can overheat your coil and dry out the wick faster than it can re-saturate. When this happens, you get “dry hits”, and trust us, they’re unpleasant. Give your coil a few seconds to cool and reabsorb e-liquid between puffs. Your taste buds and coil will thank you!

Not Priming New Atomser Heads:

Suppose you’ve ever installed a brand new coil and hit it immediately, only to instantly get a burnt e-juice flavour. You probably skipped priming. New Vape Heating Elements need a little prep time. If the cotton inside the atomiser head isn’t saturated before you start vaping, it’ll burn out immediately. Drip a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil’s cotton before installing, and let it sit for a few minutes once it’s in the tank. This helps prevent premature coil burnout.

High Wattage Settings:

Cranking up the wattage on adjustable vape kits might seem like a great way to get thicker clouds and stronger flavour, but if your coil isn’t designed for high power, you could be pushing it beyond its limits and shortening its lifespan. Pushing it too hard can burn it out way quicker, and in some cases, it can toast the cotton inside almost instantly. Always vape within the recommended wattage range printed on your coil. Don’t go over unless you know your coil can handle it.

Using Sweet or Thick E-Liquids:

Picking the right e-liquid flavour isn’t just about taste. It can affect your coil, too. Sweet dessert vapes might be delicious, but they’re known for wrecking coils faster than you’d like. High-VG or super-sweet juices gunk up your coils, clogging the cotton and heating elements. This reduces flavour, produces poor vapour, and leads to faster coil burnout. To enjoy vaping with sweeter juices, be prepared to change coils more often. Or alternate with a cleaner juice now and then to help your Vape Heating Element last longer.

Can You Actually Fix A Burnt Coil?

Let’s be real for a second! Fixing a burnt coil isn’t always possible, but it does depend on how bad the damage is. If you catch it early, you'll have a slight burnt e-liquid taste or a hint of dryness. You might be able to save it by cleaning the coil or letting it soak in warm water or high-proof alcohol to remove excess gunk. But if the cotton wick inside is entirely scorched (blackened and crispy), there’s no return from that, no matter how many tricks you try.

In those cases, the only real solution is to replace the coil. Honestly, once the burnt e-liquid flavour sets in deep, it's nearly impossible to reverse. So, while there are a few hacks for a slightly burnt coil, a fully toasted one is best sent to coil heaven. If it still tastes burnt after cleaning, that’s your cue—it’s time for a fresh coil. Looking to upgrade? Check out some of the best vape kits for cloud chasing, they’re among the top choices for UK vapers who crave bold flavour and massive clouds.

Step-by-Step - How to Try Fixing a Lightly Burnt Vape Coils?

  • Take the Coil Out: First, carefully remove the coil from your tank or pod. You want to give it some space to breathe!
  • Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse the coil gently to wash away the e-juice.
  • Soak in Alcohol or Vinegar: Grab some high-proof alcohol, white vinegar, or ethanol, and soak the coil for a few hours or overnight if the buildup is stubborn. This will help break down any gunk stuck to the coil.
  • Let It Dry: After soaking, let the coil dry completely. You can leave it to air dry or pat it down with a clean cloth; just ensure it’s dry before reusing.
  • Priming vape coils​: Pour a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton wick to prime it. This will help prevent further burning.
  • Reinstall and Test: Add the coil to your tank and take a small puff. It might be time to replace it if it still tastes burnt, but you're all set if it’s good to go!

Burnt replacement vape coils are a common problem, but they can be avoided. This usually happens because of how you use your vape and the environment. To prevent it, keep your e-liquid levels high, don't vape too quickly in a row, follow the recommended wattage, and use good-quality e-liquids with less sweetness.

Conclusion:

Choosing the Best coils for flavour is crucial for an optimal vaping experience. By selecting high-quality replacement coils and maintaining them properly, you can extend their lifespan and enjoy more consistent, flavourful sessions. Remember, early action can prevent coil burn, so always stay on top of coil care for the best results!