How to Properly Store E-Liquids
Have you ever noticed that after your bottles of vape juice have been sitting for quite some time, they just don’t taste the same? It’s actually quite normal for e-juices to change over time, typically for the worse. All juices will eventually expire, meaning that it will no longer have the flavor you so desire.
However, there are some things that you can do to extend the shelf life of your e-liquids that you can enjoy them for as long as possible.
Today, we’ll be talking about how you can properly store your e-juice in order to make it last for as long as possible and ensure it continues to vape fresh for months and months.
Does it Matter Whether They’re Salt-Based or Freebase E-Liquids?
First, let’s make one thing clear: it doesn’t matter whether an e-liquid is made with freebase nicotine or salt-based nicotine. They still have to be stored in the same way, because ultimately, they have the same formulas, except that the nicotine compounds are just slightly different chemically speaking. So, the information below applies to both types of e-juices.
Does it Matter Whether They’re Premade or Made from Scratch?
Also, know that proper storage rules apply to both premade and DIY e-juices. In other words, whether you bought your juice at a store or made it yourself, it needs to be stored in the same manner.
Can I Store an E-Liquid in My Refrigerator?
First, let’s quickly dispel the myth that the best way to store your e-liquids is by keeping them in a refrigerator. The climate of a refrigerator simply isn’t good for e-liquid, as it will cause the consistency to change due to the low temperature. Additionally, refrigerators have bright lights installed inside of them, and bright light is bad for them as you’ll soon discover.
A Brief Word on Oxidization
So, why are light and certain temperatures bad for e-juice?It all has to do with a process known as oxidization. Light and heat both allow oxygen to mix in with an e-liquid, and too much oxygen can cause vape juices to over-oxidize. Over-oxidization means that oxygen molecules have altered the molecular structure of the juice formula, causing some molecules to bond together while others evaporate. In simpler terms, over-oxidized liquids will have a weaker, less complex flavor, and the nicotine will likely be harsher.
Where Can I Store My E-Juice?
If you want to store your e-juice in a way that prevents over-oxidization, cool and dark is the way to go. E-liquid that’s stored in a dark and cool place will be less likely to over-oxidize, which means that it will stay fresh for a longer period of time.
So, where are some cool and dark places?
Well, your closet is one.
If you have a shelf in your closet, that will work great.
Alternatively, you can place a basket on the floor of your closet and keep your e-liquids in there but bear in mind, this may not be safe for pets or children.
Additionally, you can use a cabinet or a drawer. Both of these environments are dark and cool.
So, you can assume that you should never keep e-liquid in a bright or hot place. For instance, in the summer, leaving e-liquid outdoors is the last thing that you want to do as it will speed up the oxidization process.
It’s All About Quantity
Finally, remember that a good way to avoid over-oxidized e-liquid is to limit the quantity that you have at any given time. The more e-juice you have, the longer it’ll take for you to get through all of it, after all.
Keep These Practical Storing Tips Handy
As you can see, storing your bottles of e-liquid properly is key if you want to continue enjoying them long after you purchase them. But, it’s also important to not over-buy, or make too much at one time, as fresh is always best.