Essential Oil Storage Tips: 5 Best Practices to Increase Oil Longevity

Did you know that when essential oils are stored correctly they can last for up to two years? When you consider that most applications of essential oil require just a few drops at a time, preserving the shelf life of your oils not only helps to increase their longevity, but can save you money and support your sustainable living initiatives.

In this blog post, we'll be discussing the best practices for storing essential oils to increase their longevity. We'll explain what essential oils are, why it's important to choose 100% natural essential oils, and how to use them in the home. Keep reading for our best natural essential oil storage tips!

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated forms of natural oils found in plants. They are typically extracted through a process of steam distillation or cold pressing.  Natural essential oils are highly concentrated and fragrant and should always be used with some degree of caution; this is especially true when using them around children and pets.

Essential oils have been used for centuries for their medicinal and therapeutic properties.

Diluting them in a compatible carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, avocado oil, or other organic options is standard practice for any application where the oil will come in contact with the skin or body.

Why Choose 100% Pure Natural Essential Oils?

When choosing essential oils, it's important to choose pure, natural essential oils whenever possible. This will help ensure that you're getting the highest quality oil that is free from synthetic chemicals or pesticides.

There are many reasons why you might want to choose 100% pure essential oils. Some of these reasons include:

• They are free from synthetic chemicals or pesticides.
• They are not exposed to harmful growing or production practices.
• They are of a higher quality and concentration.
• They are more fragrant than diluted essential oils.

How to Use Natural Essential Oils in the Home

Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways in the home. Some of the most popular ways to use essential oils include diffusing them for use as air freshener, using them in homemade cleaning products, or making your own bath and body products.

Air Freshening and Purifying: 

Diffusing essential oils is a great way to enjoy their aroma and potential health benefits without applying them directly to the skin. Peppermint, Lavender, Lemon and Eucalyptus oils are commonly used in diffusers to refresh and cleanse indoor air.

Homemade Cleaning Products

Homemade cleaning products are a great way to naturally clean your home and avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. You can add essential oils to chemical-free organic laundry soap, a natural all-purpose cleaner, or dish soap.

Bath and Skincare Products

Bath and body products are another great way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. If you prefer to use organic and natural body products, like castille soap, you can add a few drops of essential oils to add fragrance! Natural essential oils are perfect homemade soap, lotion, or bath bombs.

Why is Pure, Natural Essential Oil Storage Conditions Important?

Storing essential oils properly is important because these raw, preservative-free materials are quite sensitive to oxidation processes from light, heat, and oxygen. 

UV Light Breaks Down Essential Oil Structure 

Light can cause essential oils to deteriorate and lose their efficacy. It's important to store essential oils in a dark glass bottle or container, out of direct sunlight.

Heat Damages Essential Oil Integrity 

Heat can also cause essential oils to deteriorate. Essential oils should be stored at room temperature, away from any heat source.

Oxygen Speeds Degradation of Oils

Oxygen can cause essential oils to oxidize and become rancid. It's important to store essential oils in a dark glass bottle or container with a tight-fitting lid to minimize exposure to oxygen.

The Best Practices for Storing Pure Essential Oils

Now that we know why essential oil storage conditions are important, let's talk about the best practices for storing essential oils.

1. Always store your essential oils in a cool, dark place such as a drawer or cupboard, or anywhere that isn’t frequently exposed to light and temperature fluctuations.

2. Store essential oils in dark glass bottles or containers with tight-fitting lids. Amber or cobalt-blue coloured containers prevent UV light from reaching the delicate oils. Unlike many plastic bottles, most glassware is non-reactive and prevents oxidation.

3. Keep essential oils away from any heat source. Don’t keep them in a space near heaters, ovens, windows, or even hot water pipes.

4. Minimize exposure to oxygen by storing essential oils in a dark glass bottle or container with a tight-fitting lid. Be sure the underside of the bottles cap has an insert that helps keep the tight-fitting seal needed to keep oxygen out of your oil’s container.

5. Monitor your essential oils for signs of deterioration. Essential oils can last for many years when stored properly. However, it's always a good idea to check essential oils for signs of deterioration before each use. Keep reading for common signs that your oil has degraded.

4 Signs an Essential Oil is Expired or Has Gone Bad:

• You notice there is a change in colour.

• The consistency of the oil looks different.

• The essential oil doesn’t smell the same.

• Its aroma is becoming less fragrant.

If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the essential oil and buy a new one

Millstone Farm: Buy Our Pure Essential Oils Online

Now that you know how to store essential oils properly, when you’re ready to stock up on oils head over to Millstone Farm and purchase our pure natural essential oils online. We offer a variety of pure essential oils, including lavender oil, bergamot oil, grapefruit oil and others. All of our essential oils are organic, pure, and of the highest quality.