The short answer is yes, vape juice does expire. It won’t, however, turn into some dangerous substance right after its expiry date. A decrease in the flavour, the throat hit, and overall satisfaction will be pronounced enough to make it unpleasant to vape on.
Most vapers tend to have a lax attitude when it comes to using their vape juices, as many are unaware that e-liquid even has an expiry date. Many vapers have a surprisingly lax attitude towards the safety of vape juice, and it might come as a surprise to them that e-liquid even has an expiry date.
This article goes into the various signs of e-liquid going off and how to store your juice properly. A little bit of care and maintenance is the difference between you taking a sublime puff or coughing on a disappointing, harsh hit.
Shelf Life Of An E-Liquid
You won’t find many e-liquid bottles stamped with an expiry date. Instead, you might see a “best before” date, and that too is the timespan for peak enjoyment. It is not really a “danger after” date. But all things considered, an e-liquid’s shelf life ranges from 1 to 2 years from production. It tends to be a bit shorter in nicotine-containing fluids.
Here is what determines the shelf life of a vape juice:
- Unopened & Well-Stored: If you keep your e-liquid bottle sealed and in ideal conditions, it can last up to two years.
- Once Opened: Since opening the bottle exposes the fluid to air, which kicks off oxidation. In this case, you might only get 6 months to a year of optimal quality.
- Nicotine’s Role: Nicotine is the most fragile ingredient in vape liquid. As it oxidizes, it darkens and can even develop a harsh, peppery taste. So expect high-nicotine salts to degrade quickly than nicotine-free juices. You can learn more about this component in the nicotine strenght guide.
Signs That Your E-Liquid Has Gone Bad
Your vape will vaporise just about any juice you put into it. It is your senses that will let you know if you are vaping on a bad vape juice. Here’s what to look for and taste:
- Colour Shift: You will see a little darkening to amber after a period of time. That is normal. But if your once-clear fruity blend now looks darker, like strong tea or dark coffee, it’s a red flag.
- Sniff Test: Give it a cautious whiff. It should smell as its advertised flavour, like fruity, minty, etc. If you sniff any sour, chemical, or “off” odour, it means it’s time to let go.
- Texture Check: See if it has become unusually thick and syrupy, or oddly thin and watery. These major changes in consistency are signs that the base ingredients in it (VG/PG) have destabilized.
- Bad Taste: This is the final verdict. If you find your puffs to be muted, bland, or sickly-sweet, then its notes have faded. A sharp, bitter, or peppery taste is the hallmark of oxidized nicotine.
- Visual Contaminants: Hold the bottle up to the light. In case of any strange floating particles, cloudiness, or a separation that doesn’t mix back with a vigorous shake, discard it immediately.
E-Liquid Storage Tips
A good rule of thumb when storing vape juices, for any length of time, is to be aware of its three enemies: heat, light, and air. If you can manage these variables, you can expect a long life out of your vape fluids.
- Find a Cool, Dark Place: The ideal spot to store e-liqs is a cupboard, drawer, or closet that is away from windows, radiators, and ovens. The perfect temperature range is between 15°C and 25°C.
- Seal It Tight: Always close the cap securely after use. If you have a large “shortfill” bottle you’re using juice from, consider transferring some to a smaller, clean bottle to minimize air exposure.
- Use the Right Bottle: For short-term use, the plastic bottle it came in is okay. If you are thinking about long-term storage, then transfer it to a glass bottle. The e-liquid will fare much better as glass is non-reactive and blocks UV light best.
- Safety: This is non-negotiable when handling nicotine-containing products. Always store e-liquid upright and out of reach of children and pets. Use child-lock caps and keep your supplies locked away safely.
A Quick-Reference Storage Guide
Keep the following do’s and don’ts in mind when storing away your vape juice the next time.
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Do's |
Don'ts |
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Store in a dark cupboard or drawer. |
Leave on a windowsill or in a hot car. |
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Keep bottles tightly sealed and upright. |
Leave caps loose or bottles on their side. |
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Use glass bottles for long-term storage. |
Store in the refrigerator or freezer. |
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Label bottles with the date opened. |
Let e-liquid sit in a dirty tank or pod for weeks. |
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Keep all vaping supplies out of reach of children. |
Transfer e-liquid to unmarked or food-like containers. |
Vape Kit Maintenance for Clean Flavour
An old or poorly stored juice can gunk up coils faster, leading to that dreaded burnt taste. If you’re constantly asking, “Why does my rechargeable vape taste burnt?” The culprit could be expired juice caramelizing on your coil, not just the coil itself. Make proper vape maintenance a habit to prevent this from happening. And always use fresh vape juice.
Buy Long-Lasting, Premium E-Liquids
All vape juices expire eventually, but you can always get more life out of them by proper storage. Things like keeping it cool, dark, and sealed will translate into every puff being as good as the first. Pay attention to the signs of age, and when in doubt, toss it out.
If you are to stock up on your e-liquid supplies, you can visit our online vape shop for all the fresh and flavourful blends. While there, you can also buy rechargeable vapes and get the most out of your e-liquid.
