Vaping: A Beginner’s Guide To E-Liquids And Expiration Dates

Vaping is a trend that took the world by storm, with people of all ages ditching their cigarettes in favour of vape pens, e-cigs, pod systems, and box kits. E-liquids provide the flavour and nicotine each time you vape and are not only functional but also fun to use; available in several flavours, many people enjoy the variety that they can’t get with traditional smoking. However, vape liquids do need to be handled with the proper care, and it’s essential that every vape user, whether they’re a beginner or a vaping veteran, understands the basics and how to store their e-liquid properly. In our beginner’s guide, we provide you with valuable tips about e-liquids and their expiration dates that every vaper should know about. 

Expiration Date

Many people who vape are unaware that their vape liquid has an expiration date, but as with any consumable, e-liquids can go bad. The shelf-life for vape liquids can depend on a variety of factors, as certain flavourings and colours can have a shorter shelf-life than others. Another factor that can affect how quickly your e-liquid degrades is the container it is stored in; plastic bottles can cause the liquid to deteriorate faster due to the amount of air or light the bottles let in, whereas glass-bottled liquids tend to last longer. How you store your vape liquids can also impact the shelf-life.

However, you don’t need to throw away your vape liquid if it’s reaching the expiration date. As with all consumable goods like food or drink, the expiration date is a suggestion and is a guideline of when your liquid will be at its best. E-liquids can go bad before they reach their expiration dates, typically due to how they are stored, and it’s important to pay attention to any colour, smell or taste changes to know if your liquid needs to be thrown away. Check out this helpful guide from AquaVape if you have any questions about vaping.

Has Your Liquid Gone Bad?

While it’s not necessarily harmful to use an e-liquid that has gone past the expiration date, there are a few signs to look out for that your vape liquid has gone bad or is about to expire. 

The first and easiest sign to look out for is the colour of the vape liquid. If the colour begins to fade or change in any way, it’s a good indication that the e-liquid has gone bad, and you need to open a new bottle. Often as the colour fades or changes, you will also notice that the flavour of the vape liquid is less intense than you would typically expect. When your liquid no longer has the same strong flavour you expect to experience, it can mean that it is about to expire. However, it’s crucial to remember that our taste buds can become used to a flavour which can cause a natural dulling in flavour. Another indicator is the smell; if your liquid had a strong scent during the course of use and now suddenly doesn’t smell as strongly, this means it is about to go bad.

The nicotine content can start to fade as a liquid reaches or passes the expiration date, which can be a significant problem for people who have changed from smoking to vaping in order to reduce the harm from traditional tobacco products. A lower nicotine level can lead to increased withdrawal symptoms if your body depends on a certain amount of nicotine. If you notice a sudden increase in withdrawal symptoms without any changes in your vaping habits, it will be worth checking the bottle to ensure your vape liquid has not passed the expiration date. 

Proper Storage

Due to the shelf-life, it’s vital to ensure that you are storing your vape liquids properly. The best places to store your e-liquids are dark boxes, draws, or a cabinet where they can be kept cool and away from direct sunlight; this way, you can preserve your vape liquids and enjoy the whole experience of vaping. Take note of the expiration dates before you store your liquids so that you can use them in plenty of time without having the burden of needing to test any that have expired before opening. Heat breaks down vape liquids and can leave the solutions flavourless and with low levels of nicotine; this is why it’s essential to keep your e-liquids out of direct sunlight and in cool places.

Safe Disposal

If you are left with a vape liquid that has expired, it’s crucial to dispose of it safely. Due to the nicotine and other chemicals that can be found in e-liquid, it is best to avoid pouring it down the sink as it is considered a hazardous contaminate. If you regularly use coffee grounds or have cat litter in your home, they can be used to absorb the liquid before safely disposing of it in the bin.