Cleaning the Aspire Nautilus

Disclaimer

Use any of the products discussed in this document and any of the information provided herein at your own risk.

Purpose

This document details the author’s procedures for cleaning Aspire™ Nautilus “glassomizer” tanks using common household materials. It addresses the following topics:

The author hopes to experiment with ultrasonic cleaning at some point and will publish a separate document on that topic at that time.

Note: The term Nautilus manual refers to the User Manual for Nautilus booklet included with each Aspire Nautilus.

Overview

Beyond the instruction in the Nautilus manual to “…clean the components (except the…Atomizer) by washing with clean water, and air-drying the components,” I found little information about how to clean the device. Given that one inhales e-liquids contained and atomized by this device, it is important to assure that it is free of any potential contaminants by cleaning it before use. Furthermore, regular cleaning is essential for operational and health considerations. Searching the Web did not reveal a common procedure, hence I developed my own cleaning processes based on the instructions for cleaning an AeroKat®, a medical device for administering inhaled medications to cats, and my experience implementing the AeroKat cleaning instructions.


The procedures below basically involve washing and soaking the Nautilus components in a heated solution of water and mild dish detergent, rinsing the washed parts, performing additional cleaning on the upper hardware and drip tip, drying the parts, and then leaving the parts — primarily the bottom hardware — to air dry for and additional four-to-eight hours.


The solution consists of either distilled water or tap water and a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid; I use distilled water when cleaning a new Nautilus before use. The solution is heated in an 1100W microwave oven for 20 seconds on High, bringing its temperature to 100°F; the temperature is checked with meat thermometer.  A lower-power microwave will require additional heating time.  I suspect higher solution temperatures may be deleterious to the tank seals in the Nautilus.


Once the solution is prepared, the Nautilus parts are placed in this solution for soaking and periodic agitation for up to 15 minutes. They are agitated by gently and randomly shaking the covered washing container in the horizontal plane (left, right, and circular) to wash the parts in the soap solution; this motion simulates a laboratory shaker table.
After the parts have been soaked and agitated, they are rinsed in warm tap water. Two parts are then given additional cleaning:

  • Upper hardware. The upper hardware includes the bell — which connects to the top of the atomizer — and the chimney leading to the drip tip. I have noticed vaping some e-liquids leaves a soot-like residue in these areas. Removing this residue requires additional cleaning and rinsing, using pipe cleaners for the chimney and cotton swabs for the bell.
  • Drip tip. After initial rinsing, the inside of the drip tip is cleaned with cotton swabs and rinsed until clean.


You will know these components are clean when a new cleaning implement returns from cleaning free of residue or stains.


Once all parts are clean, they are manually dried with paper towels and then set safely aside — away from children and pets — for air drying. The bottom hardware is difficult to dry because water is trapped in the airflow adjustment ring and the lower cavity. While this piece should air dry thoroughly overnight, drying can be accelerated using the procedure specified in the “Drying instructions” section below. I do not recommend drying the inside of the bottom hardware with a cotton swab because you may inadvertently push out the 510 pin: see “Special cleaning considerations” below. Setting the airflow adjustment ring to the maximum setting before washing or rinsing the bottom hardware helps reduce water accumulation and facilitates rinsing.


While these procedures may seem obsessively detailed, I felt it important to document even the most obvious steps. Everyday activities, such as cleaning an Aspire Nautilus, involve many simple steps that do not reveal themselves until the procedure is closely examined. Consider the following procedures a time and motion study of my processes.

Cleaning supplies and equipment

You will need the following supplies and equipment to perform the cleaning procedures specified in this document:

  • 8 oz distilled water, recommended for initial cleaning.
  • A washing container: a microwave-safe two cup (16 oz) clear plastic food storage container with cover.  The author uses a Ziploc® brand 16 oz  Twist ’n Loc® Container.
  • A drying container: a flat, open plastic container, such as a reusable sandwich container.
  • Spoon or other stirring implement.
  • A mild dishwashing liquid.  The author uses Dawn® dishwashing liquid.
  • A sink whose drain can be closed or plugged, e.g. a kitchen sink with a basket strainer plug.
  • A microwave oven for heating the washing solution. An 1100W microwave is recommended; lower-powered units will require heating the washing solution for longer than the recommended 20 seconds.
  • A meat thermometer for measuring the temperature of the washing solution.
  • An old dish towel dedicated to washing devices like the Aspire Nautilus.
  • Paper towels.
  • Pipe cleaners for cleaning the chimney section of the upper hardware.
  • Cotton swabs, e.g. Q-Tips®, for cleaning the drip tip and the bell section of the upper hardware.
  • Vinyl gloves to protect your hands from e-liquid. The author uses Clean Ones® brand vinyl gloves, available at Walmart®.

Assembling these supplies into a kit or storing them together will reduce cleaning time because you won't waste time pulling together your supplies whenever you clean a Nautilus.

Cleaning Procedures

Initial cleaning

The author uses the following procedure to clean a new Aspire Nautilus before first use. This procedure takes about 25 minutes, 15 of which are spent soaking and agitating the new Nautilus parts in the heated washing solution.

  1. Prepare a drying station: line the drying container with paper towels for air drying the washed parts.  
  2. Lay out the dish towel next to the sink.
  3. Carefully remove the Aspire Nautilus from its original box.
  4. Disassemble the Nautilus per the instructions in the Nautilus manual; put the factory-installed atomizer (BDC or BVC) aside and away form the sink.
  5. Set the Nautilus airflow adjustment ring to the maximum airflow setting.  This facilitates rinsing the bottom hardware in step 14.
  6. Fill the washing container with one cup (8 oz) of distilled water.
  7. Add two-to-three drops of mild dishwashing liquid to the distilled water and stir.
  8. Heat the uncovered washing container and soap solution in the microwave oven for 20 seconds on High.
  9. Using the meat thermometer, verify the temperature of the solution is 100°F. If higher, allow the solution to cool; if lower, reheat the solution for a few seconds.
  10. Put the Nautilus parts — except the atomizer — in the solution and cover the washing container with its lid.
  11. Gently agitate the washing container for one minute, then set it down for two additional minutes.
  12. Repeat step 8 five times for a total soaking and agitation time of fifteen (15) minutes. 
  13. Cover or close the sink drain.  A basket strainer plug is recommended.
  14. Uncover the washing container. For each Nautilus part in the washing container:
    • Remove the part from the washing container.
    • Thoroughly rinse the part under gently-running warm tap water.
    • Temporarily place the part on the dish towel.
  15. Clean the Upper hardware:
    • Using pipe cleaners, clean and rinse the chimney section of the upper hardware.
    • Using a cotton swab, clean and rinse the bell section of the upper hardware.
  16. Clean the drip tip: Run cotton swabs through the drip tip to assure it is clean.
  17. Dry the parts per the “Drying instructions” section below.
  18. Place the drying station in a safe place out of reach of children and pets.
  19. Clean the work area:
    • Discard used paper towels, cotton swabs, and pipe cleaners.
    • Rinse the washing container, dry it, and store it for future use.
    • Hang the dish towel to dry.
  20. Allow the Nautilus parts to dry thoroughly before assembly.

Cleaning when refilling

The Nautilus manual recommends not vaping the Aspire Nautilus below 0.5 ml. In practice, the author has found that the tank should be refilled — or emptied and refilled — once the e-liquid level is slightly below 1 ml. The author normally discards this remaining e-liquid and uses the following procedure to clean the drip tip, upper hardware, and Pyrex tank before refilling an Aspire Nautilus. This procedure takes about 10 minutes.

  1. Fold a paper towel into quarters and place next to the sink. This will hold the bottom hardware with atomizer installed while cleaning the other parts.
  2. Lay out the dish towel next to the paper towel prepared in step 1.
  3. Put on a new pair of vinyl gloves.
  4. Remove the Aspire Nautilus from your mod and securely place it on the dish towel. Safely store your mod away from the sink.
  5. Invert the Nautilus (drip tip pointed down) and allow any remaining e-liquid to drain towards the drip tip end of the tank.
  6. With the Nautilus remaining inverted, carefully unscrew the bottom hardware from the Pyrex tank per the instructions in the Nautilus manual.
  7. Place the bottom hardware with installed atomizer on the paper towel prepared in step 1.
  8. Properly discard any e-liquid remaining in the Pyrex tank.
  9. Cover or close the sink drain. A basket strainer plug is recommended.
  10. Carefully rinse the combined drip tip, upper hardware, and Pyrex tank assembly under warm running tap water.
  11. Carefully disassemble the drip tip, upper hardware, and Pyrex tank. Thoroughly rinse each part individually under warm running tap water. Place each part on the dish towel after rinsing.
  12. Clean the upper hardware:
    • Using pipe cleaners, clean and rinse the chimney section of the upper hardware until no residue remains.
    • Using a cotton swab, clean and rinse the bell section of the upper hardware until no residue remains.
  13. Clean the drip tip: run cotton swabs through the drip tip until until no residue remains.
  14. Thoroughly dry the drip tip, upper hardware, and Pyrex tank per the “Drying instructions” section.
  15. Reassemble the Pyrex tank, upper hardware, and drip tip assembly. Securely place the assembly on a dry area of the dish towel.
  16. Clean the cavity in the bottom hardware of condensation that may have formed beneath the atomizer:
    1. Pick up the bottom hardware with installed atomizer. Carefully unscrew the atomizer and place it on the paper towel prepared in step 1.
    2. Remove any excess e-liquid from the bottom hardware with a paper towel.
    3. Using a paper towel, remove any condensation that has formed in the bottom hardware.
    4. Carefully reinstall the atomizer in the bottom hardware, assuring the atomizer is properly tightened.
    5. Replace the bottom hardware with reinstalled atomizer on a clean section of the paper towel prepared in step 1.
  17. Check your gloves for e-liquid, especially the fingertips. If any is found, rinse it off and dry the gloves with a paper towel.
  18. Refill the tank assembly per the instructions in the Nautilus manual, then carefully reattach the bottom hardware containing the atomizer.
  19. Securely place the reassembled and refilled Nautilus on a dry section of the dish towel.
  20. Clean the work area:
    • Discard used paper towels, cotton swabs, pipe cleaners.
    • Rinse the washing container, dry it, and store it for future use.
    • Remove and discard your vinyl gloves.
    • Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
  21. Reconnect the Nautilus to your mod, set the airflow to your liking, and enjoy a vape!
  22. Hang the dish towel to dry.

Cleaning when changing the atomizer

The author employs the following procedure to clean an Aspire Nautilus when changing atomizers. This procedure takes about 19 minutes, nine of which are spent in cleaning the Nautilus parts in the heated washing solution.

  1. Prepare a drying station: line the drying container with paper towels for air drying the washed parts.
  2. Lay out a paper towel folded in half next to the sink.
  3. Lay out the dish towel next to the paper towel prepared in step 2.
  4. Put on a new pair of vinyl gloves.
  5. Remove the Aspire Nautilus from your mod and securely place it on the dish towel. Safely store your mod away from the sink.
  6. Fill the washing container with one cup (8 oz) of cool tap water.
  7. Add two-to-three drops of mild dishwashing liquid to the tap water and stir.
  8. Heat the uncovered washing container and soap solution in the microwave oven for 20 seconds on High.
  9. Using the meat thermometer, verify the temperature of the solution is 100°F. If higher, allow the solution to cool; if lower, reheat the solution for a few seconds.
  10. Invert the Aspire Nautilus (drip tip pointed down) and allow any remaining e-liquid to drain towards the drip tip end of the tank.
  11. Disassemble the Nautilus per the instructions in the Nautilus manual and properly discard any remaining e-liquid and the atomizer. If you need to put down any parts during disassembly, such as the bottom hardware, place them on the paper towel prepared in step 2.
  12. Set the Nautilus airflow adjustment ring to the maximum airflow setting.  This facilitates rinsing the bottom hardware in steps 14 and 18.
  13. Carefully and thoroughly rinse each Nautilus part with warm tap water, then place the rinsed part in the washing container and soap solution.
  14. Cover the washing container with its lid.
  15. Gently agitate the washing container for two minutes, let the container sit for five minutes, then gently agitate again for two minutes.
  16. Cover or close the sink drain. A basket strainer plug is recommended.
  17. Uncover the washing container. For each Nautilus part in the washing container:
    • Remove the part from the washing container.
    • Thoroughly rinse the part under gently-running warm tap water.
    • Temporarily place the part on the dish towel.
  18. Clean the Upper hardware:
    • Using pipe cleaners or a rolled-up section of paper towel, clean and rinse the chimney section of the upper hardware until no residue remains.
    • Using a cotton swab, clean and rinse the bell section of the upper hardware until no residue remains.
  19. Clean the drip tip: Run cotton swabs through the drip tip until the inside is completely clean.
  20. Dry the parts per the “Drying instructions” section below.
  21. Place the drying station in a safe place out of reach of children and pets.
  22. Clean the work area:
    • Discard used paper towels, cotton swabs, and pipe cleaners.
    • Hang the dish towel to dry.
    • Rinse the washing container, dry it, and store it for future use.
    • Remove and discard your vinyl gloves.
    • Thoroughly wash and dry your hands.
  23. Allow the Nautilus parts to dry thoroughly before reassembly.

Drying instructions

The author employs following procedures for drying the individual parts of an Aspire Nautilus.

Pyrex tank Carefully dry with a paper towel, then place on the drying station.
Drip tip & upper hardware Dry with a paper towel, blow air through until no water is expelled, then dry again. Repeat until dry, then place on the drying station.
Bottom hardware

Water is trapped by the airflow adjustment ring and the lower cavity of the bottom hardware. You may hear trapped water sloshing around by shaking the bottom hardware next to your ear after rinsing.  The following procedure will remove virtually all of the trapped water:

  1. Assuring you have a good grip, vigorously shake the bottom hardware over the sink to remove as much water as possible.
  2. With the airflow adjustment ring in the maximum airflow position, gently blow through the bottom hardware via the large hole where the tank connects.
  3. Dry any expelled water with a paper towel. 
  4. Rotate the airflow ring to the next lowest setting and gently blow again.
  5. Repeat steps 3-4 until you’ve blown air through all the airflow settings.
  6. Gently blow through the hole in the airflow adjustment ring.  The hole should be at the minimum airflow setting.
  7. Dry any expelled water inside the bottom hardware with a paper towel.
  8. Rotate the airflow adjustment ring to the next highest airflow setting and gently blow through the airflow hole.
  9. Repeat steps 7-8 until you have blown air through all of the airflow adjustment ring holes.
  10. Repeat steps 2-9 until no water is expelled from the bottom hardware.
  11. Place the bottom hardware on the drying station. Allow it to air dry a minimum of four hours.

Special cleaning considerations

Using a plastic colander to prevent parts loss or damage

This topic on the E-Cigarette Forum recommends placing a plastic colander in the sink before washing the Nautilus parts to prevent the loss of parts down the drain or dropping and breaking the Pyrex® tank in the sink. I have not implemented this step. Instead, I cover the kitchen sink drain with its basket strainer plug, permitting rinse water to drain while preventing parts from entering the drain. I also hold parts near the bottom of the sink: if they slip out of my hand, they won’t fall far. If you elect to use a plastic colander, I recommend purchasing one to dedicate to this task as it may become contaminated with e-liquid. Furthermore, a dedicated plastic sink mat or towel can be placed at the bottom of the sink to cushion the Pyrex tank in the event it slips from your hand during rinsing.

E-liquid accumulation in the bottom hardware

The bottom hardware uses a spring and rubberized grommet to retain the floating 510 connecting pin that delivers power from your mod to the atomizer. While some have reported e-liquid accumulating around this spring, I have never seen this in my use of the Nautilus. I suspect this could happen if a leak developed in the rubberized grommet at the bottom of the atomizer. If you see such accumulation, do not attempt to aggressively clean the spring with a cotton swab because you risk pushing out the 510 pin and losing the spring and grommet; this is also why I do not recommend drying this area with a cotton swab. Instead, I would put a couple of drops of clear, high-proof spirits, e.g. Vodka or Everclear, on the spring, allow it to soak overnight, then rewash the bottom hardware in warm water and a mild dish detergent. Do not use Isopropyl alcohol or any other cleaning fluid unsuitable for human consumption.

Rust

I know of several reports of rust developing in the drip tip, upper hardware, and bottom hardware of the Aspire Nautilus. I have never seen rust develop on any of my Aspire Nautilus devices. If rust did occur, I suspect these devices were unauthorized clones of the Aspire Nautilus. Before using any Aspire product, verify its authenticity by typing the scratch-off authentication code —located on the back of the product packaging — into the Security code field at the bottom of the Aspire home page and clicking Go.

Revision history

2014.09.18 Initial version of this document.
2014.10.17 Updated bottom hardware drying procedure.

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