Vape not used for a long time: what happens to the liquid and the battery
Mateusz Rudziński Founder of RandM Vape
If a vape sits unused for a long time, two things happen: the liquid ages slowly and the battery discharges. With the liquid you notice it mostly in the aroma, which can get paler. After a long break the battery is often empty and needs a while on the cable. If the device sat at room temperature and out of the sun, you can usually use it again afterwards.
What changes in the liquid and the battery?
Both age, but in different ways. The liquid reacts to light and warmth, the battery to time and charge level. The table shows what happens and what you do. It applies to every range at RandM Vape Shop (randmvape.shop). We do not name a shelf life in months, because we have no figure from the manufacturer for it.
| Part | What happens over time | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid | ages slowly, the aroma can get paler | store it dark and at room temperature |
| Battery | discharges by itself | charge it before the break, then 30 minutes on the cable |
| Housing | should be unchanged | check for deformation and swelling |
How does the liquid age?
Slowly. Under light and warmth it goes faster. You notice it in the aroma rather than in the nicotine strength. A device that sat on a windowsill for months therefore tastes different from one out of a drawer. How to store it properly is in the article Storing a vape properly.
What happens to the battery?
It loses charge, even when the device is just lying there. If it was almost empty when you put it away, it can be very deeply discharged. Deep discharge harms a battery. After a long break, plug the device in and give it 30 minutes before you expect anything. Stay nearby and do not let it charge unattended.
If nothing happens even then, the article My vape will not charge helps.
How do you get a device going again after long storage?
In four steps. Look at the housing. Charge the device over USB-C. Check the battery level and the liquid level in the display. Start with five to ten gentle puffs, just as with a new device. If the first puff tastes harsh, take a short break and try again. The steps for starting are in the Instructions.
When do you stop using an old device?
When the housing is deformed or swollen, or when the device gets hot while charging. Then it is a case for the collection point. Do not use it either if it tastes permanently burnt or off. Where to take it is in the article Disposing of a disposable vape.
How do you stop devices from sitting around for a long time?
With the right range. If you vape rarely, take a small range and do not order years in advance. Charge a device before you put it away for longer. Keep it dark at room temperature. Which range suits which usage you can see under Disposable vapes and in the overview of the RandM Tornado models.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use a vape after months?
Usually yes, if it sat dark and at room temperature and the housing is unchanged. Charge it first.
The vape does not react after a long break, is it broken?
Maybe the battery is only deeply discharged. Give it 30 minutes on the mains and try another cable.
Does a vape have a best before date?
We have no figure from the manufacturer for that. So we do not name a period.
Does an old vape taste worse?
The aroma can get paler, especially if the device sat in light and warmth.
