Do Poppers Expire?
Yes, yes they Do.
Poppers do have an expiration date, even though they aren’t something you consume directly. If the bottle is still sealed, it can last for several months. Once you open the bottle, however, the shelf life starts to decrease. Generally, after opening, your poppers will last anywhere from one to three months, depending on how well you store them.
This guide will help you understand how to extend the life of your poppers and what to watch for when they are past their prime.
How to Make Your Poppers Last Longer
There are a few simple things you can do to extend the shelf life of your poppers. We will dive deeper into this in another blog post, but here’s a quick summary:
Store your poppers upright. Poppers are chemically corrosive, so you want to avoid any potential leaks. Also, always ensure the cap is tightly sealed after each use. The less exposure to air, the better.
Avoid direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the important molecules in your poppers to break down faster. The amber and cobalt-coluored glass helps, but it’s still a good idea to store them in a cupboard or fridge, away from sunlight.
Keep them cool. Heat is another enemy of poppers. If you live in a hot climate or during warm months, storing your poppers in the fridge can help maintain their freshness. However, this brings up an important consideration, and one that a lot of people ask…
Should You Store Poppers In the Fridge?
Although poppers work best at room temperature, it is common to store them in the fridge to prevent heat from degrading their quality. But, there is a caveat: frequent temperature fluctuations can have a negative impact on the chemicals inside the bottle.
To solve this, consider keeping a “stock” bottle in the fridge. When you’re ready to use your poppers, pour a small amount into a separate bottle. This way, the “stock” bottle stays undisturbed, and the “use” bottle only experiences one temperature change, limiting any potential degradation.
How to Tell If Your Poppers Expired?
The sound a popper bottle makes when opened, whether it hisses, pops, or remains silent, does not indicate how strong or fresh it is. The actual potency depends on the chemical makeup and how well the bottle has been stored, not on any noise you hear when opening it.
A simple trick is to take note of what your poppers smell like when you first open the bottle. If the smell changes significantly or becomes unpleasant, it’s a sign that they have gone bad. Expired poppers won’t be as effective, and they can even cause headaches or nausea. If you start to feel unwell, put the bottle away and get some fresh air.
To Sum It Up
Yes, poppers do expire, but with the right care, you can extend their shelf life. Store your bottles upright, in a cool, dark place, and pay attention to any changes in smell. With a little attention, you’ll get the most out of your poppers.
