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When I look at my XLIM pods through the transparent section after about 2 weeks, I can see dark discolouration around the coil/cotton area. The flavour is still okay but weaker than it was. Is this gunk? What causes it and is there any way to reduce how fast it builds up?
That's coil gunk – the residue that builds up from sweeteners and colourants in e-liquid caramelising on the heating element. It's normal to some degree but how fast it builds up depends heavily on your liquid choice.
The main culprits: artificial sweeteners (sucralose is worst), food colouring, and thick VG-heavy liquids. Lighter coloured, lower sweetener liquids produce significantly less gunk.
Prevention: switch to "coil-friendly" liquids. Elfliq, Ox Passion, and similar premium nic salts are formulated with this in mind. Some people also give their pods a gentle wipe with a dry cotton bud around the contact points every few days. Won't clean the internal coil but keeps the connection clean.
Worth noting that slight discolouration is unavoidable – the cotton naturally tans with use even with the cleanest liquids. What you're looking for is dark brown/black colouration around the coil mesh which indicates significant gunk. Some tanning of the cotton is completely normal and doesn't affect the experience noticeably.
Switched to Elfliq and on day 10 now – noticeably less discolouration when I check the pod. And the flavour has stayed stronger for longer. Good to understand the difference between normal tanning and actual gunking. Cheers both.