Your Guide To Steeping Your Eliquid

by Martin B. · March 27, 2018

The phrase “to steep or not to steep that’s the question” from Jack Daniels the home of the Old No 7 Brand, sums this up. The process of steeping involves allowing a variety of components in Eliquid sufficient time to combine together for a more balanced, flavoursome and better Eliquid.

Reasons To Steep Your Eliquid

Eliquids are typically made from a variety of components that include Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerine, flavours and in some cases nicotine. Each component comes in different densities and in order to obtain the very best from the product, certain Eliquid flavours, the components will need the time to combine at molecular levels. One stage of the steeping process involves evaporation and degasification of particular compounds. When raising the temperature of an Eliquid, it speeds up the process.

However, the taste that is achieved through steeping comes down to your palate and personal preferences. You may find that there are hardly any differences, or you may find that after a few weeks of steeping, it has a significant effect on flavours achieved. As one of the general rules, the more complex blends are said to taste better after steeping. In addition, the different types of flavours will age in varying time amounts.

How Long Should You Steep Eliquids For?

Certain E-liquid can be used directly after you have purchased them, while others will become better when you steep them. For a few of the more complex blends, the process of steeping can entirely change the flavours.

It is suggested that the more complicated blends will need a longer period of time for steeping. However, keep in mind that the steeping time is still up to you, but the general rule includes the following:

Menthol and tobacco flavours will need the least amount of time for steeping and usually follows 1 to 2 days. Certain brands of flavours can be vaped directly.

The fruity flavours require steeping for around 3 to 4 days.

The dessert flavours which are regarded as the complex blends can take anything from 1 week up to a month.

There are a few steepers that suggest you should steep your Eliquid for up to 2 months in order to bring about the most flavours. Others suggest 2 to 4 weeks. After the process of steeping you will usually notice that the Eliquid has darkened. This is caused by the nicotine that has oxidised.

Steeping Methods

Using A Dark Cupboard- A Tried-And-Tested Technique

It is believed to be the more successful method to steep. It requires storing the Eliquid in a dark and warm place and will allow for the components to combine at molecular levels. This may be the slowest method, but is still suggested as one of the better ways in which to steep Eliquids. The other techniques are used to decrease the amount of time needed to steep.

With this method you should shake the Eliquid well at least once a day. Also take off the lid for around an hour to allow the Eliquid to breathe. If you are steeping one of the complex blends, test the product after 1 week to find out about the flavours that have developed.

Ultrasonic Cleaner

This is a device that is used to clean a variety of items such as stones and jewellery, but can also be used to speed up your steeping process. It makes use of gentle shaking and heat to assist in speeding up these processes.

Magnetic Stirrer

You can either make your own magnetic stirrer or buy one to assist in blending the Eliquid faster. This process involves placing the Eliquid over the fan that features magnets. The magnets that are inside the Eliquid will turn as the fan rotates. This is another effective stirring method.

Microwave

Heat up the Eliquids for just a couple of seconds followed by shaking the mixture to assist in blending the Eliquid and then placing the Eliquid back into a dark cupboard. Avoid heating the product for more than 5 seconds, as excess heat is able to damage either the bottle or break down the Eliquid. In addition, certain plastics can release unwanted chemicals when they are heated.

A Warm Bath

Fill up a small container with warmed water. Place the Eliquid into a sealed bag and immerse the bag into the warm water, ensuring the bottle is completely covered. Leave the bottle for around 15 minutes and then gently shake the bottle. You can repeat this technique until you arrive at a flavour that you like. Here are a few other Eliquid steeping methods found on the Web:

Store the Eliquid in your warm Car-Glove box.
Heat up raw rice in your microwave and then immerse the bottle in the warmed rice until it reaches the desired temperature. Shake and then repeat the process.
Put the Eliquid bottle inside a sock and place into your tumble dryer. Make sure the bottle is not made of glass.

The options along with the effectiveness of steeping vary. You can find a variety of stories on the Internet about how steeping can either make some, none or every difference. Certain people mention how steeping can actually decrease the nicotine strength or flavours, while others state that steeping can turn a bad vape into something flavoursome.

There also happens to be debates on whether the word “steeping” is the right term scientifically in regards to these processes. Regardless of every opinion out there, it is still advisable that you try it out yourself to make your own decision.

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Martin B.

Ex-smoker, passionate vaper who loves to tell the world about the life-changing potential of vaping. Co-creator of Ecigclopedia with a background in Business & Finance. Prefers a dessert flavored vape and loves to innovate.