How to Store Vape Juice

Introduction

For both new and seasoned vapers, understanding how to properly store vape juice can make a tremendous difference in preserving not just the longevity of your e-liquids, but also their performance and flavour. As with any consumable product, securing the appropriate storage conditions can significantly enhance your overall vaping experience.

In this blog post, we’re taking a deep dive into the ins and outs of proper vape juice storage. We’ll guide you through essential tips and tricks, addressing common queries, and shedding light on misconceptions. Whether you’re an enthusiastic vaper looking to keep your favourite e-liquid in optimal condition, or a curious novice wanting to learn the ropes, this article is packed with indispensable knowledge for you.

Stay tuned as we venture into the art and science of storing vape juice the right way.

Factors Affecting Vape Juice Storage

Proper storage is critical for maintaining the quality and flavour of vape juice. Improperly stored e-liquid can undergo changes that negatively impact the vaping experience. Exposure to extreme temperatures, sunlight, oxygen, and other environmental factors can cause the ingredients in vape juice to break down or react in undesirable ways. The degradation of flavouring, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, and nicotine can lead to a bland or harsh taste and even pose potential health risks if certain compounds form.

Ensuring vape juice is handled and stored correctly prevents a process called oxidation. When e-liquid oxidises, chemical reactions occur that damage the ingredients and alter their behaviour. Oxidation causes discolouration, produces foul odours, leads to the separation of ingredients, and diminishes overall product quality. Proper storage is the best way to slow oxidation and extend the shelf life of vape juice.

By exposing vape juice to light, heat, or air speeds up oxidation and other breakdown processes. Storage conditions must be carefully controlled to inhibit these reactions. With the right precautions, vapers can preserve their investment in e-liquids and enjoy consistent flavour and performance. This guide explains the storage factors that impact vape juice and provides best practices for keeping e-liquids fresh and vaporising smoothly.

Light and heat sensitivity:

Prolonged exposure to light and heat can cause vape juice to degrade much faster. Direct sunlight and hot environments like cars or garages should always be avoided when storing e-liquids. Even normal indoor lighting can impact the quality and flavour over time if the bottle is constantly exposed.

Some common mistakes that lead to heat and light degradation include:

• Leaving vape juice bottles out on counters or desks near sunny windows
• Storing e-liquids in the glove compartment or trunk of a hot car
• Putting vape juice in cabinets above ovens or near other appliances that generate heat
• Using clear plastic bottles that allow light to pass through
• Keeping vape juice in hot garages, sheds, or outdoor storage areas
• Failing to close curtains or blinds in rooms where e-liquid is stored
• Allowing the e-liquid to get too hot or cold during shipment or transport

The bottom line is that vape juice should be kept somewhere dark, cool, and free from temperature fluctuations. Exposure to light and heat speeds up the chemical reactions that can ruin the flavour, nicotine content, and overall quality of e-liquids over time.

Air and oxygen exposure:

E-liquid contains several component ingredients that can be impacted by exposure to air and oxygen. Most notably, the nicotine and flavouring compounds within the juice can undergo oxidation when interacting with oxygen molecules. This process leads to a chemical change in the makeup of the liquid that can alter its intended flavour profile and potentially make the nicotine less stable over time.

One of the most important recommendations for preventing oxidation is to keep vape juice bottles tightly sealed after each use. Leaving the bottles open or with loose caps provides an entry point for oxygen that will accelerate chemical changes. Exposure to air should be minimised as much as possible. It is best practice to close the bottle promptly and securely after dispensing some of the juice.

Some additional tips include:

• Avoid squeezing or depressing plastic bottles repeatedly to limit air going in and out.
• Use bottles that have minimal air space to reduce oxygen content.
• Consider using a tool like a syringe to pull out juice without disturbing the bottle.
• For large bottles, dispense smaller amounts into a separate short-term container.

Taking steps to limit air exposure through proper sealing and handling will help maintain the original flavour and nicotine potency of the vape juice.

Proper nicotine handling:

Nicotine content can have a significant impact on the shelf life and proper storage requirements of vape juice. Higher nicotine concentration e-liquids require more care to maintain quality and prevent deterioration. Here are some key points to consider:

• Nicotine naturally oxidises and degrades over time, even in sealed bottles. Higher nicotine vape juices will experience faster oxidation compared to lower nicotine or zero nicotine e-liquids.
• Exposure to heat, light, and air speeds up the oxidation process. Taking steps to minimise these factors is especially important for high-nicotine vape juice.
• Generally, an unopened bottle of nicotine e-liquid will last 1-2 years if stored properly. However, degradation can start after just 6-12 months. Higher nicotine levels may start degrading sooner.
• Once a nicotine vape juice bottle is opened, oxidation occurs faster. Use opened bottles within 6 months for best quality. Higher nicotine liquids may need to be used within 3-6 months.
• Nicotine and flavourings can interact, accelerating deterioration in e-liquids. Store nicotine vape juices separately from other e-liquids for maximum shelf life.
• If you make DIY e-liquid, only mix as much nicotine vape juice as you plan to use in 6 months or less. Don’t stock up on large batches of high-nicotine e-liquid.
• Keep nicotine-containing vape juices in airtight opaque bottles, away from heat and light. Refrigeration can also help slow oxidation and prolong shelf life.

By understanding how nicotine content impacts vape juice storage conditions and shelf life, vapers can take the right steps to maintain quality and safety. Follow the guidelines above, particularly for higher nicotine e-liquids.

Best Practices for Vape Juice Storage

Choose the right location:

Choosing the right location to store your vape juice is crucial for maintaining freshness and flavour. The ideal storage spot will be cool, dry, and dark. Vape juices are best kept in places like:

• Cabinets or cupboards away from heat sources like ovens or dishwashers. Look for an interior cupboard that doesn’t touch an outside wall, as this will help insulation and prevent temperature fluctuations.
• Pantries or closets. These spaces tend to be cooler and darker.
• Dedicated vape storage boxes. These often have foam lining to protect bottles from light exposure.
• Bedside drawers or nightstands. The bedroom tends to be one of the coolest spots in a home.

Avoid leaving your vape juice collection sitting out on the kitchen counter or anywhere with direct exposure to sunlight. Light and elevated temperatures will quickly degrade the quality of your e-liquids. Never keep vape juice in your car, as the high heat levels reached inside a parked vehicle, especially in summer, can severely damage your supply.

Following these tips will help prevent light and heat damage, keeping your vape juices tasting fresher for longer. Proper storage extends shelf life and provides the best vaping experience.

Using opaque bottles:

Storing vape juice in dark or opaque bottles is highly recommended to protect the e-liquid from light exposure. Exposure to light, especially direct sunlight, can cause the ingredients in vape juice to deteriorate faster.

The pigments in vape juice flavours are especially sensitive and prone to breaking down when exposed to light. This causes the colour to fade and affects the overall flavour quality. Using an opaque, dark bottle prevents light from passing through and degrading the e-liquid.

Darker bottles also help prevent any reactions between the vape juice ingredients and light. For example, nicotine can become oxidised when exposed to light, resulting in a peppery taste. Opaque bottles block light from initiating these unwanted chemical reactions.

Some clear vape juice bottles may seem convenient for easily viewing the e-liquid colour, but they provide minimal protection against light. Opt for darker-coloured bottles, or simply wrap clear bottles in an opaque covering to shield the contents from light exposure.

Keeping vape juice in complete darkness helps maintain the intended flavour and maximum shelf life. Opaque, dark bottles are the best choice for preventing light degradation during storage.

Maintaining stable temperature:

Properly stored vape juice should be kept at a stable room temperature between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures can negatively impact the quality and taste of e-liquids.

Heat can thin out the viscosity of vape juice, alter its colour, and cause the flavours to morph or deteriorate entirely. Storing e-juice at high temperatures may result in a burnt or sharp unpleasant taste. On the flip side, freezing temperatures can cause vg/pg blends to become too thick while also muting or dulling flavours.

The most ideal conditions are room temperature environments away from heat sources, direct sunlight, or freezing conditions. Try to keep vape juice storage spaces reasonably climate-controlled. Rapid or repeated temperature swings from hot to cold can also accelerate the deterioration of nicotine and flavourings. Maintaining a stable environment is key to maximising shelf life.

Avoiding temperature fluctuations:

Sudden temperature changes can negatively impact the quality and taste of vape juice. E-liquids are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, which can cause the ingredients to separate or the nicotine to oxidise faster. To avoid this:

• Store your vape juice in an area with a stable ambient temperature. Avoid places that experience significant shifts in temperature throughout the day, like near a window with direct sunlight.
• Don’t leave your juice bottles in places that can get very hot or cold, such as inside a car on a summer day. The extreme heat can accelerate nicotine oxidation.
• When taking your vape juice in and out of storage, allow it to adjust to the new temperature gradually before opening the bottle. For example, if stored in a cool place don’t immediately move it into hot conditions.
• Consider using insulated storage containers if the storage area is prone to temperature swings. This helps buffer any external temperature changes.
• Avoid repeatedly moving your vape juice between different temperature environments. Limit any temperature shifts as much as possible.
• If refrigerating e-liquid, allow the bottle to come to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation inside the bottle.

Following these tips will help prevent fluctuations in temperature during storage. This maintains consistency in the vape juice and preserves the intended flavour and nicotine level.

Vape juice Additional Tips and Warnings

How to know if vape juice has gone bad:

It’s important to know how to recognise when your vape juice has gone bad. Here are some telltale signs that your e-liquid may be expired or spoiled:

• Colour change: Over time, juice can darken or change hue. An extreme colour change likely indicates the nicotine or flavourings have degraded.
• Change in viscosity: Fresh juice should have a consistency like vegetable oil. If your e-liquid becomes much thinner or thicker, it has probably spoiled.
• Separation: Properly mixed juice is homogenous. If you notice the liquid separating into layers or see particles floating, toss it.
• Unusual odour: Inhale the aroma of your e-liquid. If you detect chemical notes or an extremely faint smell, it’s a red flag.
• Harsh taste: Take a small taste of the juice. An intense peppery flavour or making you cough likely means it’s gone bad.
• Diminished flavour: With expired e-liquids, the taste becomes weak, and the nuances disappear completely. Lack of flavour is a sign to get rid of it.
• Diminished nicotine effect: The nicotine in vape juice degrades over time. If you experience no throat hit or buzz, the nicotine has probably spoiled.

When in doubt, it’s best to dispose of older e-liquids that exhibit any of these characteristics. Using spoiled or expired vape juice can ruin your vaping experience and may carry health risks. Trust your senses – if the e-liquid doesn’t seem or taste quite right, toss it and get a fresh bottle.

Vape juice Safety precautions:

When storing your vape juice, it’s essential to keep it securely out of reach of children and pets. Nicotine is highly toxic if ingested, and just a small amount could make a child or pet extremely sick. Even non-nicotine e-liquids could be hazardous if consumed in large quantities.

Always keep your vape juice bottles in locked cabinets or containers that curious little hands can’t get into. Never leave e-liquid unattended within reach. Be sure to seal bottles tightly and upright after each use so leaking doesn’t occur. Dispose of any paper towels or tissues with e-liquid residue properly.

If ingestion does occur, seek medical assistance immediately. Call your local poison control centre if a child or pet ingests vape juice. Have the e-liquid bottle on hand so you can provide details about nicotine concentration if applicable. With rapid treatment, serious harm can be avoided.

Take every precaution when handling and storing vape juice around children and pets. Their safety should always come first. A few simple steps can prevent accidental exposure and potentially serious health consequences.

Conclusion

It’s important to underscore the key factors of successful preservation. Firstly, keep your juice away from sunlight and excessive heat, as these can lead to the degradation of nicotine and flavour. Secondly, always store them somewhere cool, dark, and dry. Don’t forget the importance of using amber glass bottles, which can prevent exposure to harmful UV rays, and always ensure that your bottles are sealed tightly to avoid air exposure that can oxidise the vape juice.

Taking these small yet vital steps not only keeps your liquids fresher for longer but also ensures a great vaping experience every time. Following proper storage instructions will ultimately enhance the lifespan of your e-liquids as well as your overall satisfaction in vaping.

Now that you’ve learned how to store your vape juices properly, why not explore our superb selection of e-liquids? We offer a wide range of varieties that suit all types of taste buds. Visit our E-Liquids Collection to find that perfect flavour you’ve been searching for. Here’s to a flavourful and satisfying vaping experience — cheers!