Smoke Fluid Storage?

just put it on the shelf I doubt very much there is a shelf life.

I use it, I'm not tossing out all that money unless there's a really good reason!

I store mine in the medicine cabinet.

scented smoke fluid, (my experience), looses potency with 9-12 months, however, the "smoking" quality is unaffected.

I would suggest making sure that the bottle caps are tightly fitted, and then storing it in a cool location that is away from direct sunlight. These conditions are normally best for storing most products.

Apart from a possible loss of scent, it should not degrade too much unless the caps are loose. Like any volatile product, evaporation of the lighter elements will occur over an extended time period.

When the time comes to start using it again, be sure to give it a few good shakes to mix the contents before you use it. If it smells bad, or doesn't smoke very well, then that is the time to decide to replace it.

Due to my location, I tend to buy my smoke fluid in bulk. I'm currently using bottles of Mega-Steam that I purchased 2 years ago, and they still smell great and produce a truly excellent smog cloud. 

I store mine in a controlled environment stainless steel container at a constant 69 degrees with 43% humidity.

Most smoke fluid does have a shelf life of 2-3 years if stored correctly. Like all chemical compositions, proper care and storage can make a big difference. Very reliable sources suggest storing bottles upright in a cool, dark place. The biggest issues are heat and sunlight causing premature aging. In my experience, scent loss is the first sign of aging. However,the smoke fluid will still work. Darkening or discoloration is the next sign of the fluid getting on in age. Storing bottles on their sides in a draw also causes the rubber on the eye dropper to rapidly deteriorate. Like all chemicals, fresh is always better. Hopefully, this information will be helpful.

I keep mine in the wine cellar, with all the important vintages.  

I have some Lionel fluid from the 60's, still works.  Also some Marx fluid, the stuff in the green bottle, yep, still smokes.  I haven't broken open any of those little maroon plastic American Flyer capsules (collectable???) so I can't comment on them.

Chemicals in the new fluids Might break down but all the old fluid(s) still work.

My only suggestion, make sure no fluid draws into the rubber caps. A lot of them will turn into a yucky mess if fluid is left in them. Best thing there would be to take the eyedroppers out and cap the bottles.

Phht.  I store mine underground in an aluminum insulated brass repository at a consistent 54 degrees and  37% humidity.  The only hassle encountered is driving to Nevada when I need it.

We need a smoke fluid humidor!.........Jeb? 

I had LVTS fluid I stored in my garage in an upright position.  However, the rubber still deteriorated and most of the fluid evaporated.

It sounds as though your storage area is similar to mine.

I keep my fluid in a handy local storage facility.

The bottles are stored upright in sealed containers.

Every now and then, I bring some out to test.

This batch was fine. It produced a lovely big cloud of smoke. The watching crowd was very impressed. 

What can I say, Nicole.  You were impressing me with your knowledge & contributions here on the OGRR Forum, then you blow me away with this!

Dennis

Thank you all for your input & good to hear from you Jeb.  Since scent is not that critical, I will keep the sealed ones and toss the ones that are getting the "soft" droppers.

Dennis

Ptalar,

Storing bottles on their sides in a draw also causes the rubber on the eye dropper to rapidly deteriorate. Jeb

I had LVTS fluid I stored in my garage in an upright position.  However, the rubber still deteriorated and most of the fluid evaporated. ptalar

Pardon my Southern "draw" for drawer. Good point. You are also correct in that the rubber will eventually deteriorate just because oil and rubber don't play well together over time. Non-rubber droppers are cost prohibitive according to some manufacturers that I have talked to.  One suggestion is to always clear the glass pipette after using the eyedropper...that will make the rubber last longer...as oil stored up in the glass will react with the rubber bulb.  Just a suggestion.

Unfortunately, rubber dehydrates dries and cracks.

If you keep it cool and 50%ish humidity it will last awhile but forget long term storage.

I was amazed some years ago after pulling my Dad's Lionel Hudson out of some almost 20 years in storage, still smoked from one of the pellets left in when it was packed up. The bottle of pellets ALL worked flawlessly every one until we exhausted the bottle. Great stuff really held up over time!!!

I love the scented oils as it works its way upstairs and NO complaints from wife and daughters!!!!!