Cleaning an InstantVap 18V

Proper Cleaning Procedure for Your Instantvap 18V

Ensure Longevity and Optimal Performance

Whether you own the Lite, Compact, Original or Turbo, cleaning your InstantVap is what keeps it heating fast and dosing right. Clean it at the end of every treatment round, or after about 50 hives, whichever comes first. For the Compact, after reaching full temperature, unplug the battery, wait 2 minutes and begin cleaning. The Turbo, Original and Compact use the pink QuickClean cap; the Lite uses its own Lite cleaning cap.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions

-Put on your safety gear: Always wear gloves, a mask, and safety glasses before beginning. Steam can cause burns and off gassing of unused Oxalic Acid!
-Check for clogs: Ensure the unit is not clogged before cleaning.
-Heat the unit: Turn on your unit and heat it to 400ºF) if it has cooled down.
-Turn off and remove battery: After reaching the required temperature, switch off the unit and remove the battery for safety.
-Remove the dispenser: Detach the dispenser from the unit.
-Use the silicone cleaning cap: Fill the pink silicone cleaning cap one-third full with water. Turn the heated unit upside down, push the cap onto the dispenser's tube , and press firmly. Be cautious as the steam released is under high pressure.
-Repeat as necessary: Continue pushing and releasing steam until the unit stops generating steam.
-Rinse the unit: Once the unit has cooled, add a full cap of water to the dispenser's tube , shake the unit, and drain the water. Repeat this step until the drained water is clear.
-Clean the outside: Wipe the exterior of the unit with a damp cloth.
-Clean the dispenser: Wash the dispenser in water.
-Add lubricant: Apply a drop of mineral oil or grease to the O-ring to increase its lifespan and make reassembly easier.

Important Safety Warnings

WARNING: Be extremely cautious when handling the unit during cleaning, as it involves high pressure and hot steam. Always wear the appropriate safety gear and keep the outlet tube pointed away from you.

For a visual guide, watch our instructional video on how to properly clean your Instantvap 18V below.

Storing it between treatments and over the winter

Most of the vaporizers that come back to our shop for service were not worn out; they were put away damp. A clean unit stored wet corrodes from the inside. Five habits that prevent it:

• Bone dry before it goes anywhere. After the final rinse, drain the dispenser, leave the tube open and let the unit sit somewhere warm until there is no moisture left in the tube, the dispenser or the heater block. A short heat-up with the dispenser removed drives off the last of it.
• Ammo-can cases seal both ways. The gasket that keeps rain out keeps moisture in. Never close the lid on a damp vaporizer, and never store a damp unit sealed in any case. If you came in from the yard in the rain, dry the unit first and close the can later.
• Keep your bag of EZ-OX in the case beside the vaporizer. Oxalic acid pulls moisture out of the air around it, so a bag of EZ-OX stored in the carrying case with the unit works like a desiccant pack. We recommend it for anyone who owns a case.
• Battery out. Store the battery separately at room temperature on a partial charge, the same as any tool battery.
• First treatment of the season: a drop of mineral oil on the O-ring, one empty heat-up to clear any moisture, then load and go.