Types of Cotton for use as a Wick?

[Chozo]

I have a few Kanger EVODS and a couple Mini-Protanks that I rebuild coils for. Until recently I've been using 3mm silica and 32gauge kanthal. I always seem to get a nasty burnt/silica-y taste whenever using silica, though. I read a number of threads on here that mention use of Cotton as a wicking material, rather than silica. I watched a couple videos, and it didn't seem to difficult. I grabbed a cotton ball (100% cotton, target brand), and proceeded to rebuild one of my Kanger coils with it. For the most part, it worked wonderfully! Great vapor production and wicking, and no more burnt taste! However, the flavor of the eliquid was very muted, and replaced with a very strong flavor of, well... Cotton. I build another, using a different cotton ball, only this time soaking it in my eliquid before threading it through the coil. Same result.
I was just curious if I'm using the wrong type of cotton ball, or maybe I should use cotton from a q-tip instead? I also read about using cheesecloth. So, if anyone's got experience with this, and could give me some pointers and/or recommendation as to what type of cotton to use, that'd be great! Thanks!

 

[Turbo Slaab]

I get that with different cotton balls out of the same bag. That taste will go away once it "breaks in"

 

[State O' Flux]

Sterilized cotton... in balls or rolls. Most Q-tips happen to be sterilized, so no surprise they work well.

Unsterilized? Doesn't hurt to boil it once or twice to remove any chemical or other contaminates.

 

[Chozo]

I get that with different cotton balls out of the same bag. That taste will go away once it "breaks in"

About how long does it take to break in? I vaped about 2/3ml with it, and the taste still remained. I didn't boil the cotton beforehand, however.

 

[State O' Flux]

About how long does it take to break in? I vaped about 2/3ml with it, and the taste still remained. I didn't boil the cotton beforehand, however.

You may be like me, in that I have to boil all cotton, sterilized not. Even with sterilized organic bla bla bla... I get a "taste" that doesn't belong. Once I boil it, it's fine.

The only cotton that I don't need to boil are Japanese Koh Gen Do organic make-up pads. No idea why... but they're fine out of the box.

 

[corsairhawkvap3]

For me i haven't gotten the muted flavor from using cotton. This is the cotton balls that i bought Studio 35 Beauty Organic Cotton Balls at Walgreens in Lansing - 33665194

I also did boil it once for 15 minutes and dried it overnight. All cotton balls even if it's sterile or organic goes through a process with chemicals to rid of the impurities.

 

[Chozo]

Sounds good. I'll try boiling a couple cotton balls tomorrow. About how long should they boil for (I assume you just stick them in water on the stove)?
EDIT: just saw the post above mine. 15 minutes should be good?

 

[Chas F.]

Sterile cotton is sterile because they clean it with hydrogen peroxide. Boil it 3x with fresh water each time.

I've used silica, cotton yarn and now cotton balls. Cotton balls are by far the better tasting material. Just beware that you don't dry hit it 'cause you'll burn it. It also has to be replaced fairly frequently.

 

[fooey]

Cvs rolled cotton costs me $5 no need to boil. It's enough to last forever

Sent from my Evo 3D CDMA using Tapatalk 2

 

[Randy C]

100% Cotton Cheesecloth. and no... I don't boil it first

 

[JD1]

100% Cotton Cheesecloth. and no... I don't boil it first

My favorite also. Cheesecloth from wally world. Very little cotton flavor that disappears completely in 15 to 20 puffs. Wicks great and lasts decent if I don't singe it. Just stay between a couple of threads to make even strips, roll up and use.

I'm satisfied with it but I would like to try some hemp if I could find some a little cheaper. It might be something to consider if you wind up not finding a cotton you can get along with. Picture in this post: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/atomizer-mods/378875-just-hemp-64.html#post11014899

 

[Chozo]

Thanks for the replies, guys!
I bought some 100% cotton, organic cotton balls from wallgreens yesterday. I boiled them (15 mins x 3, new water each time) and then let them dry overnight. This morning I hit them with a blowdryer for a while, then re-wicked a micro coil with one. Unfortunately, the funky cotton taste still remained, even after vaping a whole mini-protank tankful with it.
I think I'm gonna try to find some cheesecloth somewhere.

 

[mightymen]

I been using cotton swabs squares (use for removing make up) I got at CVS for a couple of dollars life time supply.

$3.79

CVS Premium Cotton Squares, 100% Cotton - CVS pharmacy
Works great after I priming the wick can be used in two min.

No harsh or cotton taste/flavor.

Buried all the other cottons in bottom of my box haven't use them in over three months.

I use Protank's.

You could try some Q-tip cotton no need to boil them. its close but not the same as the cotton swabs. You will get a little taste of cotton though it will go away quickly.

 

[vapdivrr]

I always felt like if one has dirty hands when handling cotton it could effect the flavor. I always clean my hands with soap and water before touching the cotton. also if your having issues with wicking its going to have an off taste.

 

[Krizzell]

I boil it and vape it. Asked the girl about cotton roll at Walgreens she did not have a clue I said forget it bought the balls.LOL