How To Properly Store And Steep 100% VG E-Liquid For Optimal Flavour
As a vaper, I understand the importance of getting the most out of my e-liquid. One of the most crucial factors that can impact the flavour of your e-liquid is how you store and steep it. Proper storage and steeping can help to enhance the flavour of your e-liquid and provide a better vaping experience. In this article, we’ll explore how to properly store and steep 100% VG e-liquid for optimal flavour.
Why Steeping is Important
Steeping is the process of allowing your e-liquid to rest for a period of time before using it. This process allows the flavours in the e-liquid to mix and develop, resulting in a smoother and more well-rounded flavour. Steeping is especially important for 100% VG e-liquids, as the thicker consistency of the VG can make it more difficult for the flavours to mix properly.
When you first receive a bottle of 100% VG e-liquid, it may have a harsh taste or lack the full flavour profile that you were expecting. This is because the flavours have not yet had a chance to fully develop. Steeping can help to bring out the full potential of the flavours and provide a more enjoyable vaping experience.
How to Store Your E-liquid
Proper storage is key to ensuring that your e-liquid stays fresh and maintains its flavour over time. There are several factors to consider when storing your e-liquid, including light exposure, temperature, and air exposure.
Light Exposure
Light exposure is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to degrading the flavour of your e-liquid. Exposure to direct sunlight or fluorescent light can cause the e-liquid to break down and lose its flavour. To prevent this, it is best to store your e-liquid in a dark place, such as a cabinet or drawer.
Temperature
Temperature can also have a significant impact on the flavour of your e-liquid. High temperatures can cause the e-liquid to degrade and lose its flavour, while low temperatures can cause the VG to thicken and make it more difficult for the flavours to mix properly. To prevent these issues, it is best to store your e-liquid at room temperature, ideally between 15-21°C.
Air Exposure
Exposure to air can also cause your e-liquid to degrade over time. When you open a bottle of e-liquid, oxygen is introduced to the liquid, which can cause the flavours to break down. To prevent this, it is important to keep your e-liquid in a sealed container when not in use. Some vapers prefer to transfer their e-liquid to smaller bottles with less air space to minimise exposure to oxygen.
How to Steep Your E-liquid
Now that we’ve covered the basics of proper storage, let’s dive into the steeping process. There are several methods that can be used to steep your e-liquid, including time-based steeping, warm water baths, and ultrasonic cleaners. A more comprehensive guide can be found here.
Time-Based Steeping
Time-based steeping is the most common method of steeping e-liquid. This method involves allowing the e-liquid to sit in a cool, dark place for a period of time, typically between 1-2 weeks. During this time, the flavours will mix and develop, resulting in a smoother and more well-rounded flavour.
To use this method, simply store your e-liquid in a cool, dark place and shake the bottle every day to help mix the flavours. After 1-2 weeks, your e-liquid should be fully steeped and ready to use.
Warm Water Baths
Warm water baths can also be used to speed up the steeping process. This method involves placing your bottle of e-liquid in a bowl of warm water for a period of time. The warm water helps to soften the VG and allow the flavours to mix more easily.
To use this method, fill a bowl with warm water (not hot) and place your bottle of e-liquid in the water. Make sure the bottle is fully submerged and leave it in the water for 10-15 minutes. After the time is up, remove the bottle from the water and shake it vigorously to help mix the flavours. Repeat this process as needed until your e-liquid is fully steeped.
Ultrasonic Cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaners are another method that can be used to speed up the steeping process. These devices use high-frequency sound waves to create vibrations that help to mix the e-liquid and speed up the steeping process.
To use this method, place your bottle of e-liquid in an ultrasonic cleaner filled with warm water. Turn on the device and let it run for 10-15 minutes. After the time is up, remove the bottle from the ultrasonic cleaner and shake it vigorously to help mix the flavours. Repeat this process as needed until your e-liquid is fully steeped.
Tips for Steeping 100% VG E-liquid
Steeping 100% VG e-liquid can be a bit more challenging than steeping other e-liquid blends, but there are some tips that can help to make the process easier and more effective.
- Use warm water baths or ultrasonic cleaners to help soften the VG and allow the flavours to mix more easily.
- Shake your bottle of e-liquid every day to help mix the flavours.
- Store your e-liquid in a cool, dark place to minimise exposure to light and heat.
- Consider transferring your e-liquid to smaller bottles with less air space to minimise exposure to oxygen.
- Be patient! Steeping takes time, but the results are worth it.
Conclusion
Proper storage and steeping are essential for getting the most out of your 100% VG e-liquid. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your e-liquid stays fresh and maintains its flavour over time. Remember to be patient and experiment with different steeping methods to find the one that works best for you. With a little time and effort, you can enjoy a smooth and flavourful vaping experience with your 100% VG e-liquid.
