If you've ever thought about purchasing a few disposables to have on hand as spares, you've likely wondered: Do disposable vapes and lost mary flavors expire? The short answer is yes, but not for the same reasons food or medicine expires. A disposable vape will not immediately go bad overnight, but there are a few things that can impact its flavor, battery life, and performance over time.
Before you start stacking up your favorite disposables, let's take a closer look at what precisely "expiration" does mean to them and how to store them intelligently.
Why Does a Disposable Vape Go Bad
Disposable vapes are designed to be handy and ready to go straight from the package. They are pre-filled with e-liquid and an internal battery. Both the battery and the e-liquid have an expiration date, and they go bad if not cared for.
1. Battery Life Degradation
Most disposable vapes have lithium-ion batteries. The batteries are stable but will exhaust even if left unused over a period of time. An unused vape for an extended period may have a dead battery or won't work when you try to use it.
2. E-Liquid Quality Degradation
The flavoring chemicals and nicotine in e-liquid may degrade over time. This leads to cloudy or "off" tastes, and in extreme cases, the liquid separates or becomes thick. E-liquids that are exposed to heat, light, or air will break down more quickly.
How Long Do Unopened Disposable Vapes Last?
On average, the majority of disposable vapes are at their best quality for approximately 12 to 18 months from the date they were manufactured. It will depend on the brand and how you store them. After that, you might get reduced vapor, less flavor, or battery failure.
Most makers place a date of manufacture or a "best by" suggestion on the package. If none appears, use a one-year window for best performance.
Warning Signs That Your Disposable Vape Has Expired
Not certain if that additional vape that you stashed away a few months ago still has any validity? See these indicators:
- Weak or no vapors are produced
- Burnt, stale, or chemically flavor
- Leak or discoloration of the device
- Battery refuses to turn on or hold charge
If you notice any of these, it is advisable to safely dispose of the lost mary flavors and acquire new ones.
Should You Stock Up on Disposable Vapes?
It is not incorrect to hoard some of your favorite flavors, particularly during sales or promotions. But purchasing too many in bulk might make them go to waste if they remain for long periods.
Consider how often you vape and how long a product typically lasts you. A great general rule of thumb is to buy what you'll actually burn up in six months. This way, you'll get to fully enjoy the whole flavor and battery life that the manufacturer intended for you to enjoy.
How to Store Disposable Vapes Properly
If you're going to stockpile, having them properly stored can make all the difference. Here's how:
- Keep them in a dark, cool location: Overheating speeds up e-liquid and battery degradation. A closet or drawer is better than a glovebox in the car or a sunlit windowsill.
- Avoid humidity and moisture: Water may damage internal components or lead to leaks.
- Store upright every time: This reduces the risk of leaks and keeps the e-liquid consistency intact within.
Conclusion
Yes, disposable vapes have an expiration date, but you won't be disappointed if you're smart about how much you purchase and how you maintain them. Only purchase what you'll go through in a decent period of time, and treat your devices and lost mary flavors well.
Your future self—and your taste buds—will thank you.