Exactly how long can you store vape juice and what is the best way to store it? These are the questions that we’re going to answer today in this vaping guide. So if you’re wondering how long your e-liquid will last when properly stored then you’re in the right place because that’s exactly what we’re going to tell you.
Can E-Juice Expire? Yes.
First of all, you should see an expiration date clearly printed on your e-liquid’s label. While it’s not exact, it should give you at least some sort of rough idea as to when you should use it by. In reality, the date you will see on the packaging is likely an estimate and is far from guaranteed to be accurate. We suggest you use it as a guide. As in, you should probably vape it before the expiration date. If you don’t, well, you might still be able to enjoy it. Just make sure that there’s nothing terribly off about it before you do use it if it’s passed its stated expiration.
A quick sniff is usually all it takes to tell if a bottle of e-juice is still worth vaping. That’s the real test. If it smells good and it looks good then there’s a pretty good chance that it’s fine to vape. You might even find that it tastes better after it’s been stored for a while, as opposed to when it’s fresh.
Steeping E-Liquid Can Improve Its Taste
E-liquid can actually improve with time. If you’ve never heard of steeping then you will want to read what we have to say next. Steeping is where the ingredients mix together and then oxidize. This process results in a darker colour e-liquid and an improved flavour. But don’t assume that steeping your juice will make it taste better because that determination is left up to personal preference. Maybe you like it the way it is and there’s no need to steep it. If that’s the case, then don’t steep it. Instead, enjoy it as it is.
To steep your e-liquid, just put the lid on tight and leave it somewhere cool and dark. Time will take care of the rest. After a while, shake the bottle to mix the ingredients and then put it back in that cool, dark place where you had it. You can occasionally check it to see if it’s aged enough for your liking. Once it is, use it.
The Right Way To Store Vape Juice
If you don’t store your juice properly and you fail to use it before it expires, you might find that it has soured. This is especially true for fruit flavours. To store it properly, just keep it away from heat, light, and air. A simple solution is a fridge or freezer. You don’t have to use a fridge or freezer so long as you have somewhere cool and dark that’s not exposed to heat.
The best container for storing e-liquid is a glass bottle that does not allow light to penetrate it. Plastic bottles are fine, too, but glass bottles are ideal.
Typically, e-juice will last for well over a year when stored properly. There’s definitely a chance that your vape juice will still be good after a couple of years in proper storage, but you might not want to bet on it. It’s better to use your juice when it’s at the point at which it delivers the best flavour. When exactly that is is up to you to decide.
How Long You Can Store E-Liquid
When properly stored, e-juice can last well over a year. As a rule of thumb, it should last somewhere between one and five years. You may find that it no longer tastes as good as you believe it should. If that’s the case, it might be time to order more.
Signs Your Vape Juice Has Expired
If your e-juice shows any of the following signs that it may have gone bad and you should consider disposing of it instead of trying to use it:
- The smell is not as strong as it once was.
- It doesn’t produce as much vapour.
- The flavour is wrong.
- The ingredients are separated and won’t mix together when you shake the bottle.
- It has lost viscosity.
- It looks more watery than you’re accustomed to.
You can usually just look at it and tell that something’s not quite right. If it looks strange, you may want to open it and take a sniff to see if it smells funny. If it looks weird and smells weird then it might have gone bad. If it has gone bad, don’t just toss the bottle, recycle it.
Looking for a new vape juice? Check out our e-juice reviews.