How to Store Your e-Liquid?
If you have bought a vape with vape juice online, it is recommended to store them properly because many things can degrade it's quality. But how do you store your vape juice properly? The following information will provide you with all the answers related to vape juice and its storage.
How to Store Your Vape Juice?
If you are willing to store vape juice, there are a couple of factors that you should consider when trying to maintain its quality and flavor over time. The ultimate best place to store your vape juice is in a humidor but not everyone has one. Here are some tips on how to store your vape juice effectively without using a humidor:
Keep It Away From Light
When you place your vape juice under the influence of sunlight, it will degrade your e-juice's nicotine and flavors. Store your vape juice in a dark and cool place, such as a drawer or cabinet to preserve its quality. You can use amber or dark-tinted glass bottles to protect the juice from sunlight.
Maintain A Consistent Temperature
If you store the e-Liquid in a place where the temperature of a room fluctuates frequently, it will affect the quality of it. You can keep it in a place where the temperature remains relatively stable, avoiding extreme heat or cold.
Avoid Exposure To Air
Make sure you use air-tight bottles so that you will be able to store your vape juice with minimal air contact. Did you know exposure to oxygen can cause oxidation and affect the flavor of your vape juice? If you have a big bottle with less vape juice, you can transfer the liquid to a smaller container to reduce the air inside.
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Bonus Article: Best Vape Juice Flavors
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Can I Store e-Liquid in a Refrigerator or Freezer?
Freezer:
If you're looking for long term storage, the freezer is not a bad option. However, you will have to wait for it to thaw out properly before you use it.
Refrigerator:
If you're looking to store it in the short-term, you can leave it in the fridge. This is a good option to make sure there isn't frequent temperature changes.
Temperature Fluctuations
As you know, we usually open and close freezers and refrigerators frequently, which may change the appliance's temperature, leading to condensation inside the bottles. This condensation can introduce water into the vape juice, diluting it and affecting its flavor. So try it to store it in the back of your fridge.
Freezing And Thawing
Vape juice contains a propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) mixture with different freezing points. Furthermore, when you freeze this mixture at a certain freezing point, it can cause the separation of vape juice ingredients and alter the consistency, potentially impacting the flavor when it's melted.
How Long Can Vape Juice Be Stored?
The rule of thumb is you should not vape your juice after 2 years from the manufacturers date. When it comes to the shelf life of vape juice, it depends on various factors, like vape juice's ingredients, storage conditions, and how much percentage of nicotine vape juice does have. You need to understand what type of e-Liquid you have and how long you can store it. Disposable vapes have the same expiration rating.
Here are the types of vape flavors that can be stored for the short or long term:
Vape Juices That Are Stored For Short-Term
Here are some common types of vape liquids that should be stored for a short term without significant issues:
- Freebase Nicotine E-Liquids
- Nicotine Salt E-Liquids
- High VG (Vegetable Glycerin) Liquids
- Low VG (Propylene Glycol) Liquids
- Short-Fill E-Liquids
Vape Juices That Are Stored For Long-Term
The following vape liquids can be stored for a long term without major issues:
- Pre-Packaged Sealed Liquids
- Nicotine Salt E-Liquids
- Low VG (Vegetable Glycerin) Liquids
- High PG (Propylene Glycol) Liquids
- Disposable E-Vapes
Tips To Store E-Juices
Here are a couple of tips that will help you store your vape flavors for the short and long term:
Short-Term Storage
Usually, short-term vape juices last 2 months or more if you store them by following the below-mentioned steps:
- Place your e-juice in a dark place that should be cool and dry.
- You can store your vape juice in a cabinet that is not used frequently.
- You can use a plastic container and vacuum the air before tightening the cap. (Don’t try this trick with long-term storage as this trick only works for short-term storage)
- You can store it in your basement as well because usually, it is the coolest place in the home.
- Store it in the refrigerator.
Long-Term Storage
If you want to store your e-liquids for the long term, follow these tips to store them for more than 2 months:
- Use a tinted bottle to store your e-liquid because it repents light and heat.
- You can use glass bottles if you want to store your e-juice for more than months.
- Place your e-juice in a dark place that should be cool and dry.
- You can store your e-juice in the freezer as well.
Does e-Liquid Expire?
Yes vape juice usually expires about 2 years after the manufacturer date. E-juices do have an expiry date like other products. Although, it doesn't necessarily spoil or become harmful to consume. The taste and quality of e-juice can deteriorate over time. The expiration date indicates that your e-liquid will retain its optimal flavor and quality till that date. But how does an e-liquid expire? Here are a list of factors that can contribute to the expiration of e-liquid.
Ingredient Degradation
E-liquids are made with multiple components, such as nicotine, flavorings, and base liquids (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin). These components can undergo chemical changes over time, like:
- Nicotine can oxidize
- Flavorings can degrade
- The base liquids can break down
When these changes happen, you will notice a decrease in flavor quality and changes in color or consistency, leading to a decline in the overall vaping experience.
Exposure to Light and Heat
E-liquid is sensitive to light and heat. If you expose your vape flavors to sunlight or high temperatures, it will speed up the degradation process. This acceleration will impact the quality of the e-liquid. That is why you should store e-liquid in a cool, dark place to slow down these degradation processes.
Air Exposure
When your e-liquid gets exposed to air (oxygen specifically), it starts an oxidation reaction with the juice This leads to changes in flavor and aroma. This is why experts advise keeping e-liquid bottles sealed tightly when not using them.
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Bonus Article: Best Nicotine Salts
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What Happens When e-Liquid Goes Bad?
When e-liquid goes bad or expires, its quality and flavor can deteriorate. Here are some common changes and potential issues that may occur when e-liquid goes bad:
- Flavor Loss
- Changes in Color and Consistency
- Altered Aroma
- Harshness or Throat Irritation
- Nicotine Potency
Even though expired e-liquids may not provide the best vaping experience, they generally don't pose significant health risks. We still do not advise using expired juice.
If the e-liquid appears spoiled, has an off-putting odor, or experiences any adverse effects when vaping it, it's best to discard it and replace it with fresh e-liquid.
How Can I Extend the Life of My Vape Juice?
To extend the life of your vape juice and maintain its quality, consider the following tips:
- Store them properly.
- Seal the bottles to avoid air contact.
- Avoid contamination by using clean bottles and ensure your hands are clean before handling the bottles or refilling your tank.
- Rotate your stock timely and use the old bottles first.
- Avoid prolonged air exposure
- Follow expiration dates
By following these guidelines, you can help extend the life of your vape juice and maintain its quality over a longer period. However, it's important to note that vape juice will eventually expire. Furthermore, its flavor and quality will diminish, so use the e-juice within a reasonable timeframe for the best vaping experience.
What is Oxidization in Vape Juice and How Does it Happen?
Oxidation in e-juice refers to the chemical reaction that occurs when the ingredients in the e-liquid come into contact with oxygen. It is a natural process that happens over time, impacting vape flavors, color, and overall quality. Here's how oxidation happens:
- Exposure to Air
- Nicotine Oxidation
- Flavor Degradation
- Color Changes
Factors that can accelerate oxidation include exposure to light, heat, and prolonged air exposure. So ensure that you store your e-juice properly.
FAQ?
Is it OK to Leave Juice in a Vape Tank?
Exposure to light can potentially damage vape juice due to a phenomenon known as photochemical degradation. Vape juice, or e-liquid, typically contains various ingredients, including nicotine, flavorings, and propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin as a base.
When these components are exposed to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, several chemical reactions can occur, leading to the degradation of the e-liquid. Here's why light can damage vape juice:
- Oxidation
- Breakdown of Nicotine
- Flavor Deterioration
- Color Fading
It is recommended to store it in opaque, tinted bottles that block out UV light to protect vape juice from light-induced damage. Manufacturers often use dark-colored glass or plastic bottles specifically designed to minimize light exposure. Additionally, storing vape juice in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight can further help preserve its quality.
Why is Heat Harmful to E-Juice?
Heat can be harmful to e-juice, also known as vape juice or e-liquid, for several reasons:
- Chemical Reactions
- Flavor Deterioration
- Nicotine Breakdown
- Thinning of Viscosity
- Increased Oxidation
To protect e-juice from heat-related damage, it is essential to store it in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
Why Does Light Damage Vape Juice?
It is generally okay to leave e-juice in a vape tank for a short period, such as a few days or a week, as long as the tank is properly sealed. However, there are a few factors to consider:
- Air Exposure
- Leakage
- Coil Lifespan
To maintain the best vaping experience and prevent any potential issues, it's generally recommended to use e-juice in a timely manner and avoid leaving it in the tank for extended periods. If you anticipate not using the vape tank for an extended period, it's best to empty the tank and clean it thoroughly, and store it in a cool, dry place. When you're ready to use it again, refill the tank with fresh e-liquid for optimal flavor and performance.
Should I Keep E-Juice Away from Children and Pets?
Absolutely, you should keep your vape juice away from children and pets. Vape juice often contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance and can be harmful if ingested or exposed to the skin. Here are some crucial safety measures to consider:
- Store in Childproof Containers
- Keep Out of Reach
- Educate and Inform Them about the potential risks of vaping Juice
- Secure Vape Device
- Dispose of the used vapes properly
- Be Mindful of Pets
By practicing these safety measures, you can help prevent accidental exposure or ingestion of vape juice by children and pets, promoting a safer environment for everyone in your household.