If it’s taking you a while to get through a certain bottle of e-liquid – perhaps it’s one that you save for special occasions, or maybe you’ve bought a load in bulk and it’s taking a while to use – you may be concerned about the contents spoiling or “going bad”.
So, can this happen? If so, how do you know when you should replace it?
This article explains how to work out when your vape juice has degraded and how to prolong its shelf life.
Can E-Liquid Spoil?
The short answer is: yes. While the nicotine content in e-juice will degrade at the same rate – usually lasting about two years – no matter the other contents of the liquid, the quality of the juice is likely to decline at different speeds depending on its type.
You’ll usually find that high VG (vegetable glycerine) e-liquid goes “bad” quicker than high PG (propylene glycol) juice.
Some juices will start to degrade in as little as three to six months, while others will last much, much longer.
But what are the three main signs that your e-juice is expiring? Read on to find out.
A Change in Taste or Smell
If your e-liquid is getting too old, you’ll usually be able to tell by its scent or taste. These elements may alter or become less intense as time goes on – or you may even get a hint of “staleness” from the juice when you try to vape it.
Of course, it’s important to be sure you haven’t “burned out” on one flavour or developed “vaper’s tongue” before you decide that your juice has degraded, as you don’t want to end up throwing it out for no reason!
A Change in Colour
Keep an eye on how your e-juice looks. If its colour changes – either going darker or lighter – it has probably gone “bad” and you won’t be able to enjoy it as you used to.
A Change in Consistency
Many e-liquids become thicker when spoiled, so watch out for this as a sign to stop using this particular bottle.
Each container should be labelled with an expiry date to help you stay aware of how quickly it should be used.
You can prolong the life of your e-juice by storing it according to the producer’s instructions – for example, keeping the bottle airtight and placing it in a dark, dry location away from heat sources.
When you pick up new juice, it’s important to make sure that it is compatible with the hardware you own. The vape specialists at Cloudstix have an extensive selection of vape juices with a range of PG/VG ratios that are designed to match your tastes and requirements.
You can even pick up shortfills to which Nic Shots may be added so that whatever happens to the juice itself, you can be confident that your nicotine will last up to the full 2 years.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the creative mind behind Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking, to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.