How to Store E-Liquids Correctly

Once you've purchased your favourite e-liquids it's vital to store them correctly, as this will increase shelf life, save you money and ensure that the flavour remains fresh, giving you the best vape experience possible. There are a few do's and don'ts that come with knowing how to store your e-liquid the right way, and a myth worth busting. In this guide, we are going to explain what the main ingredients are, talk about shelf life, show you how to properly store e liquid, and set you on the right track to guarantee you keep that flavour locked in for as long as possible.

What Is In Vape Juice?

 

A photo showing the main ingredients of e-liquid

PG (Propylene Glycol) VG (Vegetable Glycerine)

All e-liquid is comprised of two odourless base ingredients: propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine. VG is flavourless, has a thick consistency and is responsible for the density of the vapour when heated. PG is much thinner and is used to carry the flavour, it also delivers a strong throat hit when inhaled. These two ingredients will dictate your type of vape experience based on what ratio they are mixed to. Learn more about e-liquids by reading our comprehensive Beginners Guide to E-Liquids.

 

Nicotine

Nicotine can be derived from tobacco plants or synthesised. When mixed with e-liquid it adds an extra kick to the throat hit that smokers find satisfying and, of course, satisfying those pesky cravings. There are two types of nicotine available: freebase nicotine which has a stronger throat hit and is available at lower strengths, and nicotine salts which deliver a strong amount of nicotine with a smooth throat sensation. Discover how to choose the right nicotine strength with our helpful guide.

 

Flavourings

Flavourings add excitement to e-liquid. With a wide array of flavours and combinations that cater to all tastes from light and fruity blends to exceptionally sweet desserts, savoury tobaccos and refreshing menthol options. Flavourings are quite reactive to heat, air and sunlight.

 

Best Way To Store E-Liquids

A photo showing e-liquid bottles sitting in the sun above a radiator.

1. Avoid Heat and Sun

It's never a good idea to leave anything out in the sun for too long, and vape juice is no different. Over-exposure to UV light can degrade the flavour whilst the heat can cause the flavourings to darken and caramelise, shortening the lifespan of your e-juice. Keep your e-liquids out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Ideally, you want to keep your bottles upright, in a dark place at room temperature. A cupboard is an ideal place to keep your e-liquid when you are not using it regularly.

A photo showing an open shortfill bottle of e-liquid

2. Seal It Tight

Leaving your bottles open for long periods will cause oxidation - the oxygen in the air reacts with the flavourings in the e-liquid. Over time, this can alter the colour and ruin the flavour. So once you've topped up, seal the bottle tightly. E-liquid bottles use child locking caps, so closing your bottles firmly will also prevent small children from accidentally ingesting any liquid.

A photo showing vape juice bottles being stored safely in a cupboard.

3. Keep Out Of Reach of Children and Pets

Your e-liquid should always be kept well out of reach of children and animals. Even if it is nicotine-free, you should store your e-liquids either in a cupboard or container that can't be accidentally accessed. Storing your vape juice this way also has the additional benefit of keeping it out of direct sunlight.

Photo showing a 100ml shortfill e-liquid bottle being shaken.

4. Shake Before Use

Most people think that you only need to shake your e-liquid when you mix a nic shot into a shortfill, but premixed e-liquids such as nic salts and 10ml freebase can also benefit from this. The main ingredients can slowly begin to separate over time and it's a good idea to shake a new bottle of juice and let the bubbles settle before you use it.

A photo of vape e-liquid bottles begin stored in a fridge.

5. Don't Store E-Liquid In The Fridge

One of the persistent myths about e-liquid is that storing it in the fridge will prolong its life. While this may be true for food and even the individual ingredients of your vape juice, once they are mixed, PG and VG cool at different temperatures which can cause them to separate from each other as well as from the flavouring. On top of that, the molecules in the flavouring can begin to crystalise as they cool. This will darken your e-liquid, cause separation and impair the flavour. On top of that, your vape device and coil will have to work that much harder to heat the chilled e-liquid - and we all like to save our battery. So room temperature is best.


Now you know how to store your e-liquid to maximise its lifespan and flavour potential: seal your e-liquid bottles tightly and store them in a dark place, away from extreme heat and cold, and give them a shake every once in a while. All that's left to do now is pick out some flavours! At Vape Superstore we have thousands of e-liquids with hundreds of flavour profiles. Whether you're into nic salt vaping with MTL pod kits or enjoy billowing clouds of flavour with the latest DTL vape kits, we've got you covered with an array of options and the best deals anywhere in the UK!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Where should I keep my vape?

Keep your vape devices and e-liquids in a dark place away from heat and direct sunlight. If you have children or pets, ensure that your kit and juice is kept safely out of reach.

What is the shelf life of vape juice?

Good quality e-liquid made by reputable will have a best-before date stamped on the bottle that should be just under 2 years. This also goes for opened e-liquid, so long as it is properly sealed, open bottles can also last for up to 2 years.

A photo showing the expiry date on a bottle of e-liquid.

How can I tell that my e-juice has expired?

Check the Date: Use-by dates are there for a reason, once your vape juice has passed its expiry date the quality of the flavour will begin to degrade. If you want the best experience, its always best to get a new bottle.

Darkening: Some e-liquid can naturally darken, however, if your e-liquid is a very dark brown then it is best to bin it and stock up on a fresh bottle.

Separation: If you notice a separation of ingredients then you can try shaking the bottle to mix things up again. If this doesn't work or the liquid separates quickly after shaking, then it's best to purchase a new flavour.

Smell: The nose never lies, if your e-liquid has changed colour and you are not sure whether it's vapeable, give it a sniff.

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Related Guides

Vape Kit Guides

The Guide To Pod Kits

Troubleshooting & Maintenance Guides

Maintenance Guide

Vape Kit Guides

The Guide To Vape Kits

New To Vaping Guides

Maximise Your Vapour