How to Store Essential Oils

Proper storage of essential oils is crucial for maintaining their therapeutic properties, extending their shelf life, and ensuring safety in your home. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that can degrade quickly when exposed to light, heat, air, or moisture, losing their potency and potentially becoming harmful. Whether you're a beginner aromatherapy enthusiast or an experienced practitioner, understanding correct storage methods will protect your investment and ensure you get the maximum benefit from your oils.

This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about storing essential oils safely and effectively. You'll learn the optimal storage conditions, discover the best containers and locations for different types of oils, and understand how to organize your collection for easy access whilst maintaining quality. Following these proven methods will help your essential oils retain their therapeutic properties for years to come.

What You'll Need

Equipment Required

• Dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt blue, 5ml-30ml sizes)

• Glass droppers or pipettes

• Waterproof labels

• Permanent marker or label maker

• Storage box or wooden organizer

• Thermometer for monitoring temperature

• Small funnel (glass or stainless steel)

Recommended Oils for Beginners

• Lavender (versatile, long shelf life)

• Tea tree (antimicrobial properties)

• Peppermint (cooling, energizing)

• Eucalyptus (respiratory support)

• Lemon (uplifting, cleaning)

Time Needed

• Initial setup: 30-60 minutes

• Ongoing maintenance: 5 minutes weekly

Skill Level

Beginner - no prior experience required

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparation and Assessment

• Begin by gathering all your essential oils and examining their current condition. Check each bottle for the purchase date, oil type, and current storage method. Essential oils have varying shelf lives: citrus oils typically last 1-2 years, most other oils last 3-5 years, and some woody oils like sandalwood can last up to 10 years when stored properly.
• Inspect each bottle for signs of deterioration such as cloudiness, separation, or unusual odours. If any oils smell off or have changed consistency, dispose of them safely by diluting heavily with carrier oil and discarding in household waste - never pour neat essential oils down the drain as they can harm waterways.
• Create an inventory list noting the oil name, purchase date, supplier, and expiry date. This tracking system will help you use oils before they deteriorate and identify which oils need replacing.

Step 2: Selecting Proper Storage Containers

• Transfer oils from plastic or clear glass containers into dark glass bottles immediately. Amber and cobalt blue glass provide the best protection against UV light degradation. Choose bottle sizes that match your usage - smaller bottles (5-10ml) for expensive oils used sparingly, larger bottles (15-30ml) for frequently used oils.
• Ensure all bottles have tight-fitting caps or droppers. Rubber droppers can react with certain oils over time, so glass droppers are preferable for long-term storage. Clean all new containers with isopropyl alcohol and allow to air dry completely before transferring oils.
• When transferring oils, use a small glass funnel to prevent spillage and contamination. Work in a well-ventilated area and handle oils carefully to avoid skin contact with neat essential oils.

Step 3: Labeling and Organization

• Create clear, waterproof labels for each bottle, including the oil name, purchase date, supplier, and dilution ratio if pre-diluted. Use a permanent marker or waterproof labels that won't smudge or fade. Include any safety warnings, such as "photosensitive" for citrus oils.
• Organize oils by category (citrus, floral, woody, herbal) or by use (relaxation, energizing, cleaning). This systematic approach makes it easier to find specific oils and helps prevent confusion between similar-looking bottles.
• Consider creating a master list or digital inventory with additional details like botanical names, safety precautions, and preferred uses. Store this reference guide with your oil collection for quick access.

Step 4: Establishing Optimal Storage Conditions

• Choose a storage location that maintains consistent temperature between 15-21°C (59-70°F). Avoid areas with temperature fluctuations such as near radiators, windows, or in bathrooms. A bedroom wardrobe, kitchen cupboard away from the hob, or dedicated storage cabinet works well.
• Store bottles upright to prevent contact between oils and rubber components in caps. Keep oils away from direct sunlight and fluorescent lighting. A dark cupboard or drawer provides ideal conditions, or use an opaque storage box if keeping oils on open shelving.
• Ensure the storage area has low humidity and good air circulation. Avoid storing oils in bathrooms or near humidifiers, as moisture can affect oil quality and promote bacterial growth in diluted blends.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Temperature Consistency Matters More Than Absolute Temperature Fluctuating temperatures cause essential oils to expand and contract, potentially damaging molecular structures. A slightly warmer but consistent temperature is better than a cooler location with regular temperature swings.

2. Buy Smaller Quantities More Frequently Rather than purchasing large bottles that may deteriorate before use, buy smaller amounts more often. This ensures you're always using fresh oils at their peak potency and reduces waste from expired products.

3. Keep Original Purchase Information Maintain records of where and when you purchased each oil. This information is invaluable for quality control and helps you identify reliable suppliers. Some oils may need to be recalled, and having purchase details helps track affected batches.

4. Use the "First In, First Out" Principle Rotate your stock by using older oils first, especially citrus oils which have shorter shelf lives. Place newer purchases behind older ones to ensure proper rotation and prevent oils from expiring unused.

5. Consider Refrigeration for Citrus Oils Citrus essential oils benefit from refrigerator storage, which can extend their shelf life significantly. Store in a sealed container within the fridge to prevent odour transfer and remove 30 minutes before use to reach room temperature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Storing in Plastic Containers Essential oils can dissolve certain plastics, contaminating the oil and damaging containers. Always use glass containers for storage, and never store oils in plastic bottles long-term, even if they came that way originally.

Mistake 2: Exposure to Heat Sources Avoid storing oils near radiators, ovens, or in cars where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. Heat accelerates oxidation and can cause oils to lose therapeutic properties or become potentially harmful.

Mistake 3: Keeping Caps Loose Improperly sealed bottles allow air exposure, leading to oxidation and evaporation. Always ensure caps are tightly closed after each use and check periodically that seals remain intact.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Expiry Dates Using expired essential oils can cause skin irritation or reduced effectiveness. Regularly check your collection and dispose of expired oils safely rather than risking adverse reactions.

Safety Considerations

• UK Regulations and Guidelines: In the UK, essential oils are regulated under the Cosmetic Products Regulation when used in personal care products. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidelines for handling and storing essential oils safely in domestic settings.
• Fire Safety: Essential oils are flammable and should be stored away from heat sources, flames, and electrical equipment. Ensure your storage area has adequate ventilation and never store large quantities in one location.
• Child and Pet Safety: Store all essential oils in childproof containers and out of reach of children and pets. Many oils are toxic if ingested, and some can cause severe skin reactions. Consider a locked storage box if you have young children.
• Disposal Guidelines: Never pour essential oils down drains or toilets as they can harm aquatic life and water treatment systems. Contact your local council for advice on safe disposal of expired oils, or dilute heavily with carrier oil before household waste disposal.

Troubleshooting Guide

• Problem: Oil has become cloudy or separated.
  Solution: This indicates contamination or deterioration. Dispose of the oil safely and clean the container thoroughly before reuse.
• Problem: Oil smells different than when purchased.
  Solution: Check the expiry date and storage conditions. If stored properly but still off-smelling, the oil may have oxidized and should be discarded.
• Problem: Caps are becoming sticky or difficult to remove.
  Solution: Clean bottle threads with isopropyl alcohol. This usually indicates oil residue buildup from overfilling or spills.
• Problem: Labels are peeling off or becoming illegible.
  Solution: Use waterproof labels or cover paper labels with clear tape. Replace illegible labels immediately to prevent confusion.
• Problem: Oils are evaporating quickly.
  Solution: Check that caps are sealing properly and bottles aren't cracked. Store in cooler conditions and ensure minimal air exposure.