If you are considering purchasing essential oils, one of the first questions you need to ask yourself is whether or not they are flammable. There are a number of things you can do to make sure you are protected against accidental fires. This includes storing them in an airtight container and avoiding sunlight, heat and plastic.
Store them in an airtight container
Essential oils are powerful plant compounds that are distilled from plants. They have a wide range of health benefits. They can provide comfort, relaxation, and a sense of wellbeing. However, they can also become damaged if they are stored improperly.
The best way to ensure that essential oils last for long periods of time is to store them in a clean, dry place. They should be kept away from sunlight and heat sources. Also, they should be stored in airtight containers. If they are not, moisture can enter the bottle and change the chemistry of the essential oil.
An ideal storage solution is a dark glass bottle. This will prevent the sun’s UV rays from damaging the oils. You can also choose a storage box or case to keep them in. These containers are often made of fabric, which helps to protect the oils from light.
Ideally, storing essential oils in the refrigerator will help to preserve their potency. It will also provide the oils with a consistent temperature. But it is still important to remove the oils from the fridge at least twelve hours before you plan on using them.
Avoid storing the oils in the bathroom or on countertops where there is moisture. Moisture will accelerate the evaporation of the oils and can lead to the loss of their therapeutic properties.
When you store essential oils, remember to shake the bottles gently before use. After you have finished using them, be sure to store them in a dark, cool, and dry area.
Aside from being flammable, many oils are toxic. This is why it is important to avoid using them on children.
Avoid sunlight
The best place to store essential oils is in a cool, dry, and dark place. Putting a small bottle of essential oil in the fridge is not a good idea, as the heat can accelerate the degredation process. As far as where to put the fancy scented oils, there is no hard and fast rule, but you will probably find them in a cupboard or drawer if you have a bit of space.
Obviously, you don’t want to get caught out in the elements so don’t do it on your front porch. As far as storage is concerned, a glass bottle is the best bet. A well-insulated cabinet is also an excellent choice. If you really can’t stand the thought of putting your favorite smelling libations on display, then you might want to look into a perfume diffuser. You can’t expect a bottle of ye olde cologne to last a lifetime, so do your best to protect it.
One last thing you should know: the best way to tell if a scented oil is working for you is to put it in a container and sniff it. This is a great time to see if it is a keeper. Another great place to keep the stuff is in your kitchen, where it is much less likely to be exposed to sunlight. Keeping a small bottle of jojoba on your counter is also a good idea.
Avoid heat
The key to storing and using essential oils is to store them in an airtight container in a cool dark place. This helps to prolong the life of your oils.
Avoiding heat is particularly important if you are using oils to treat skin conditions. Some essential oils are photosensitive, which means they contain furocoumarins. These compounds can cause skin cancer.
When choosing an oil to use on your skin, make sure you choose a diluted version. You can also try to combine your essential oil with another liquid such as water or alcohol. Using a carrier oil like grape seed or sweet almond oil is a common way to combine essential oils.
Oxidation is a major problem when it comes to essential oils. This is because larger molecules are more likely to break down when they are exposed to heat. To combat this, it is best to keep the bottle capped and to avoid direct contact with a hot surface.
Another good practice is to store your essential oils in an amber glass bottle. This keeps UV radiation from penetrating the bottle and oxidizing the oil.
Keeping your essential oils in a refrigerator is not necessary, but it does help to preserve the oils. It’s a good idea to place the bottle in an airtight container and to seal the fridge door.
It’s also a good idea to keep your essential oils away from your family’s most sensitive areas. For example, if you are using your oils as an aromatherapy treatment, it’s best to keep them out of your child’s reach. If you do put your oils in their mouths, it’s a good idea to wash them off before re-entry.
Avoid oxidation
Oxidation is one of the most common issues with essential oils. It happens when air comes in contact with the oil and causes the volatile constituents to break down. This leads to a decrease in the nourishing qualities of the oil.
When the cap is left open, oxygen and nitrogen come in contact with the oils, displacing the volatile constituents and affecting the quality of the oil. The longer the bottle is opened, the more likely it is to oxidize.
The best way to ensure that your oils are safe for use is to store them in a cool, dark place. This will not only prolong their shelf life, but it will also prevent them from oxidizing.
A dedicated refrigerator is also a good option for storing your essential oils. While a refrigerator can be used to store essential oils, it is important that you do not store them in a sunny room. Sunlight can accelerate the oxidation process, causing the constituents to degrade faster.
In order to prevent oxidation, store your essential oils in a dark glass bottle. Ideally, a bottle should have a tight lid and a cap. If you need to remove the cap, do so as soon as possible.
Some essential oils are more sensitive to oxidation than others. The most susceptible are citrus oils. They are more prone to light deterioration, and the citrus component of these oils, limonene, has a relatively short shelf life.
For all essential oils, proper handling and storage are beneficial. However, if a bottle has been exposed to sunlight or is in a warm, humid environment, it is advisable to transfer it to a dark container.
Avoid plastic
There is more to a plastic bottle than meets the eye. The material is made mostly of fossil fuels. Its use is a source of both pollution and health afflictions. To top it off, it doesn’t smell nice.
The latest news is that many countries are trying to reduce their waste footprints. In fact, the European Union has already approved a law that bans single use plastic items starting in 2021. Meanwhile, a handful of countries like Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia have banned the plastic bag.
While you are at it, you might want to consider using a reusable container such as glass or metal. Plastic is a tricky material to work with. However, it can still be used in moderation if the right ingredients are involved. Some vendors offer oils in lined aluminum bottles.
Using the proper container is the best way to ensure that you get the most out of your purchase. Having a few small bottles on hand for last minute changes is also a handy tip. Also, if you are prone to spills, you may wish to invest in an essential oil spray bottle. Not only will you have less to clean up, you’ll also be less likely to end up with a puddle of oil.
Finally, you’ll be better off if you are prepared to store your essential oils in a cool room temperature environment. A humid or hot room will degrade your precious liquids. This is especially true of citrus based oils. They can be highly corrosive. Make sure to store them in glass or metal containers that are at least one inch in diameter to avoid the worst case scenario.