{"id":4423,"date":"2021-10-04T19:21:16","date_gmt":"2021-10-05T02:21:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/?p=4423"},"modified":"2021-10-04T19:21:20","modified_gmt":"2021-10-05T02:21:20","slug":"essential-oils-storage-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/essential-oils-storage-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Essential Oils Storage Ideas You Must Know (and How to Choose)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are your essential oil bottles piling up? It can be so much fun to explore new single oils and essential oil blends but deciding where to put them is a task all by itself. I\u2019ve written a lot about essential oil brands, so I thought that it might be helpful to share essential oils storage ideas with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to properly store essential oils for longevity of use. Without proper storage, they can become rancid or lose their potency. There are a lot of different storage options, and I am just going to point out my favorite ones. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So as you read through this list, just keep in mind that there might be another storage option out there for you that\u2019s a better fit. This list is just here to show you examples of different storage ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Essential<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Does It Truly Matter How Essential Oils Are Stored?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since essential oils are extracted from natural matter, like plants, bark, roots, fruit, leaves, and various other parts of plants and trees, it is important to properly care for them if we want them to perform as they were intended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What we don\u2019t want is for the oils to begin to break down, this is called oxidation. Oxidation can change the composition of the oils, so it is best to store tightly closed essential oil bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat exposure because oxygen, light, and heat are what start the oxidation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that although these are oils, they are still delicate substances derived from nature that need proper care. So below are some of the best ways I\u2019ve found to store my essential oils for maximum shelf life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essential Oils Storage Ideas to Consider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When thinking of storage options that already exist within your home, cupboards and drawers are typically the best places because they are usually dark and cool. Bathroom medicine cabinets should be avoided altogether because of the humidity. Refrigerators are an option, but I will touch on that later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One hundred percent natural essential oils are likely to last for at least two years or more. You can check your bottle for the exact expiry date. But since they last for years, you want to be sure that your oils remain their best, most potent condition for however long you have them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the best ways to do that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1 Dark Glass Containers with Tight Lids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dark containers shield your oils from direct sunlight. Choosing glass over plastic is necessary for pure essential oils because they are so concentrated that they can cause plastic material to dissolve.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Tight lids are necessary to prevent your oils from being exposed to too much air.<\/strong> If you\u2019ve ever reached for a bottle of oil and noticed that the lid hadn\u2019t been screwed on properly, you might have felt a change in the oil\u2019s texture, or noticed that it smelled differently. You can avoid these changes with a secure lid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil, only then is it okay to store them in a plastic bottle. You would still want to keep this bottle away from heat and direct sunlight. And you want to make sure there is a secure cap on the bottle to prevent oxidation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most essential oils are sold in dark colored bottles, but if yours aren\u2019t, this is the kind of bottle<\/a> you want to use. Amber bottles are most common, but cobalt bottles<\/a> are also an option. Storing your oils in dark glass containers with tight lids is your first line of defense against oxidation. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2 Label Your Bottles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people who read this blog use their essential oils in a diffuser<\/a>. Essential oils are increasingly popular but diffused oils are not beneficial to everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some companies blend natural oils especially for children or pets<\/a>. For instance, diffusing lavender and tea tree oils around children and adolescents can disrupt their endocrine system development<\/a>. There are also oils that pregnant women<\/a> might want to avoid diffusing. I was surprised to see peppermint on the list but there are many more that are helpful for pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inhaling diffused oils can potentially trigger allergy symptoms because they are plant-derived. A person can have a reaction to an oil that did not trigger them at all in the past. Before they know it, they can begin to cough, or sneeze, or experience other allergy symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So it\u2019s important to consider whether what you\u2019re diffusing is safe for everyone in the home during that time. These are some reasons why it helps to store your oils with labels on them. This way you can more easily identify which ones you want to use and which ones you may need to stop using – at least while there are children or guests in your home who might become ill.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

If you own bottles without labels, or you create your own blends, pre-printed<\/a> or blank sticker labels<\/a> are a small investment to make in order to keep you safe and aware of which oils you are using when.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While most essential oils are safe, if you have a medical condition you may want to check with your physician before using them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3 Temperature Is Also Important<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The lowest temperature most essential oils can withstand is 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). Thus, placing them in the fridge should be okay because of the consistent temperature and darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any colder temperature, placing them in the freezer, for instance, might be fine for citrus oils, for example, but rose oil would not fare well in extremely cold temperatures. So doing a little research to understand what oils you have and how they respond to colder temperatures is also important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a rule of thumb, essential oils need consistently cool (not cold or hot) temperatures in order to perform well over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4 Storage Containers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes you don\u2019t have the closet or drawer space to store your oils. And sometimes it\u2019s more convenient to have an organizer that\u2019s placed in the area where you most frequently use them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where storage containers come in handy. Made in a variety of materials and sizes, all of them offer protection from moisture and direct sunlight. And as long as they are kept in a cool place, they\u2019re a great option to keep your oils safe for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of my favorites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liantral 2-Tier Wooden Essential Oil Rack, Set of 2<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
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\n \n \"LIANTRAL\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \n LIANTRAL Essential Oils Storage Rack, 2-Tier Wooden Essential Oils Nail Polish Display Holder for 5\/10\/15\/20ml Bottles, Set of 2 (white-wash) <\/a>\n
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