Wick & winding: Winding cotton wool correctly in the vaporiser

The wick is the absorbent material that is pulled into the coil’s winding. Whilst the coil wire (usually made of Kanthal, NiCr or stainless steel) provides the heat, the wick absorbs the e-liquid and holds it close to the heating coil. As soon as you draw on the mouthpiece and the wire glows, the liquid vapourises directly from the cotton.

In practice, the wick used in e-cigarettes is almost always cotton. Synthetic fibres, ceramic wicks or silica strands are also available, but they have clear disadvantages in terms of flavour. When people talk about wicking, in 95% of cases they mean a cotton wick made from organic cotton – unbleached, untreated cotton in pad or bacon form. Confusion often arises with the term ‘coil’: the coil is the wire winding, the wick is the cotton wool inside it. Together, they form the consumable part that needs to be replaced regularly.

The cotton wool in the atomiser works on the capillary principle: e-liquid is drawn through the fine fibres towards the coil, vaporises, and fresh e-liquid moves in to replace it. For this to work reliably, the amount of cotton must match the coil exactly.

RDA (drip atomiser)

Here, you drip the e-liquid directly onto the cotton wool. The ends of the wick strands lie in the drip tray and must not be packed too tightly, otherwise the liquid will pool.

RTA and RDTA (Tank atomisers)

The ends of the cotton are placed in the e-liquid channels of the deck. If wound too tightly, it blocks the flow (dry hits); if too loose, it leads to leaking. As a guideline: the cotton should be able to be pulled through the coil with slight resistance – much like a cotton bud through a tight ring.

A worn-out wick tastes musty, bitter or burnt. The cotton turns brown to black and loses its absorbency. By this point at the latest, it’s time for a change. Here’s how to proceed:

• Cotton quality: Use only organic cotton free from bleach and fragrances. Cosmetic pads from the chemist’s often contain chemical residues and are not suitable for vaping.
• Correct amount: Thin out the cotton wool at both ends and pull it through the coil. It should fill the coil but not be crammed in.
• Trimming: Trim the ends so that they rest loosely in the e-liquid channels or, in the case of an RDA, touch the deck without blocking the airflow holes.
• Priming: Apply 4–6 drops of e-liquid directly onto the new cotton before taking your first puff. This prevents dry hits and burnt fibres.
• Replacement interval: With daily use, it is recommended to change the cotton every 3–7 days; the coil often lasts 1–3 weeks – depending on the e-liquid (sweet flavours significantly shorten its lifespan).

Common mistake: Stuffing the cotton too tightly into the coil. This blocks the capillary flow, causes dry hits and burns the fibres on the first puff.

How often should I change the wick?

With daily vaping, usually every 3–7 days. If the vapour tastes bitter or the cotton becomes visibly brown, it’s time for a change. Sweet dessert e-liquids shorten the interval to 2–3 days.

Can I use normal cotton wool from the chemist’s?

No, this is not recommended. Cosmetic cotton wool is usually bleached or treated with conditioning agents. Only unbleached organic cotton, such as that sold specifically for e-cigarettes, is suitable for vaping.

How can I tell if the wick is too thick?

It’s hard to pull through the coil, you get dry hits and the flavour tastes harsh. Thin out the ends a bit and test again – the cotton should slide through with noticeable but not excessive resistance.

Does a wick last longer if I use a lower wattage?

Yes. Lower power means less thermal stress and slower wear. If you use 40 watts instead of 60, you’ll noticeably extend the lifespan of the cotton wick.

A clean wick is the foundation for good flavour when building your own coils: the right amount of organic cotton, neatly wound, and changed in good time. If you keep these three points in mind, you’ll get the most out of every coil. You’ll find suitable cotton, winding wire and ready-made replacement coils in our selection of atomiser coils and accessories – take your time to compare the available materials and find the setup that suits your atomiser.