My e-liquid has turned dark


Vaping should be simple and enjoyable—but hiccups happen. The good news is most issues are quick to fix. We’ve put together this handy troubleshooting guide covering the most common vape problems customers ask us about. Keep it bookmarked, and the next time your device plays up, you’ll be back to enjoying your vape in no time.

 Why am i not getting enough puffs from my disposable vape kit? My e-liquid has turned dark
My Prefilled Vape tastes burnt Dry hits / burnt taste when I vape
My vape battery doesn’t stay charged for long I’m not getting big enough clouds when I vape
My vape kit is leaking Not enough of a throat hit when I vape
There is e liquid build-up around the connections of my vape kit Too much of a throat hit when I vape
E-liquid leaking through the airflow of my vape kit/tank I’m not getting enough of a nicotine hit when I vape
My vape kit isn’t working Not enough flavour from my e-liquid when I vape
I’m not getting any draw from my vape kit Spitting and/or gurgling sounds when I vape

E-liquid turning dark is common and usually harmless, but it can signal a few fixable issues. Here’s why it happens and how to stop it.

Why e-liquid goes dark

  • Heat & light (oxidation): Warm temps and UV speed up oxidation, especially with higher nicotine.

  • Sweeteners caramelising: Sugary/dessert flavours “cook” on the coil and tint the liquid in the pod/tank.

  • Backflow from the coil: Heated, partially vaporised liquid seeps back into the tank and darkens the rest.

  • Old coil / gunk: A tired coil sheds residue that discolours the juice and mutes flavour.

  • Air exposure: Half-empty bottles or tanks trap more air → faster oxidation.

  • Naturally dark flavours: Tobaccos, coffees, custards and NETs often start darker and darken more with use.

Quick fixes (now)

  • Replace the coil/pod if flavour is dull, burnt, or the liquid darkened rapidly.

  • Empty & rinse the tank/pod, then refill with fresh juice.

  • Lower power/boost a notch to reduce caramelisation.

  • Take shorter, gentler puffs with 10–20s between draws (less heat stress).

Prevention (next fills)

  • Store cool, dark, upright. Keep bottles capped; avoid hot cars/windowsills.

  • Decant to smaller bottles so less air sits above the liquid.

  • Use fresher juice (don’t leave the same fill in a tank for days).

  • Pick cleaner flavours (less sweet/dark) if discolouration bothers you.

  • Stay within coil’s wattage and replace coils routinely—sooner for sweet juices.

  • Consider higher-resistance pods (1.0–1.2 Ω MTL) for cooler running.

When to bin it

  • Sudden very dark colour + off smell, cloudiness, or separation.

  • Persistent burnt/metallic taste after a new coil and fresh fill.

  • Visible particles or rust-coloured flecks.