When performance is on the line, the potency of your gear matters. Storing ammonia-based products correctly preserves their strength and reliability. At Get Gripped, we prioritise quality that lasts, not just on day one, but through every training session. Smelling salts are highly sensitive to environmental factors, and even minor storage mistakes can dull their effect. Protect your investment by mastering the conditions that keep them sharp, stable, and always ready to deliver.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Air exposure kills potency
- Heat accelerates ammonia loss
- Re-seal the lid immediately after use
- Glass containers preserve better than plastic
Smelling salts have long been used to revive individuals from fainting spells, enhance alertness, or deliver a quick burst of mental clarity, particularly in sports settings. These powerful inhalants, typically made from ammonium carbonate and a mix of water and alcohol or essential oils, release ammonia gas when exposed to air. The sharp odour of this gas stimulates the respiratory system, causing a sudden inhalation and a temporary spike in alertness.
Among the key benefits of smelling salts are their ability to heighten focus, restore consciousness in emergency scenarios, and improve reaction time in high-performance environments. Athletes often use them before intense lifts or competitions to trigger an instant surge in mental and physical readiness.
However, the potency of smelling salts can diminish over time, especially when not stored correctly. If you rely on these stimulants for personal or professional use, proper storage is crucial to preserving their effectiveness and extending their shelf life.
Best Practices And Tips For Storing Smelling Salts Properly
1. Understand the Nature of Smelling Salts
Before diving into storage tips, it’s important to understand what you’re working with. Smelling salts are highly volatile, which means they can evaporate or degrade quickly when exposed to air, moisture, or heat. The ammonia gas is what gives them their signature “kick,” and this gas is released when the salts are exposed to oxygen or humidity. So, preserving that gaseous potential requires careful handling.
2. Keep the Container Tightly Sealed
One of the most important tips for storing smelling salts is to keep the container tightly sealed at all times when not in use. Exposure to air is the fastest way for smelling salts to lose their potency. Always ensure the lid is screwed on tightly and consider containers with airtight seals for even better preservation.
Tip:
Look for jars or bottles with rubber gasket seals, or consider storing the container in a vacuum-sealed bag if you plan to keep it unused for a long period.
3. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Heat and moisture accelerate the breakdown of ammonium carbonate and other compounds in smelling salts. To avoid this, store them in a location that’s cool and dry, away from direct sunlight or fluctuating temperatures.
Ideal Storage Locations:
- A drawer or cabinet in a room with a controlled climate
- Medicine cabinets (as long as humidity from showers isn’t an issue)
- A sports locker with dry air circulation
Avoid storing smelling salts in bathrooms or kitchens, where temperature and humidity frequently fluctuate.
4. Avoid Frequent Opening
Each time you open the container, some of the ammonia gas escapes. If you’re using smelling salts regularly, consider portioning them into smaller single-use containers or ampoules to minimise exposure to the rest of your supply.
Tip:
Use pre-measured, single-dose capsules or ampoules when possible, these are designed to be used once and discarded, helping maintain freshness for the rest of your supply.
5. Use Desiccants to Combat Moisture
If you’re storing bulk or loose smelling salts, adding a small desiccant pack (like those silica gel packets found in shoe boxes) can help absorb excess moisture. Moisture is the enemy of smelling salts, as it causes the ammonium carbonate to break down prematurely.
Tip:
Make sure the desiccant pack itself is not damaged or leaking. Use food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade desiccants when possible.
6. Label with Date of Opening
While smelling salts typically have a long shelf life when unopened, sometimes up to two years, this lifespan decreases significantly once the container is opened. To keep track, label the container with the date it was first opened. This allows you to monitor its age and plan for replacement when potency drops.
General Rule:
Once opened, smelling salts may maintain potency for 1–3 months, depending on usage and storage conditions.
7. Avoid Cross-Contamination
Don’t touch the salts directly with your fingers. Introducing moisture, skin oils, or contaminants can degrade the product. Use a clean spoon, cotton swab, or simply waft the container near your nose without making contact.
8. Consider Refrigeration (Optional)
For long-term storage, refrigeration method can be useful, but only if done properly. Refrigerating smelling salts in an airtight container can slow down evaporation and chemical degradation. However, be cautious of condensation, which can introduce moisture when the container is opened in a warmer room.
Tip:
If refrigerating, allow the container to reach room temperature before opening to avoid moisture condensation inside the container.
9. Check for Signs of Expiry
Even with the best storage practices, smelling salts will eventually lose potency. If you notice a significantly weaker smell, discolouration, or the presence of clumps or moisture inside the container, it’s time to replace them.
Conclusion
Proper storage of your smelling salts isn’t optional; it’s what keeps your product performing. Air, heat, light, and poor sealing are all threats to potency. By following the above tips, your salts will stay sharp, strong, and effective. At Get Gripped, we offer premium-quality smelling salts and gear that deliver when it matters most. For performance that hits hard every time, contact our team for expert support and product advice.
FAQs:
How long do smelling salts last once opened?
With proper storage, they typically remain effective for 3 to 6 months. Heat and air exposure can shorten this.
Can I store smelling salts in the fridge?
No. The cold can cause moisture condensation, which degrades the compound. Room temperature in a dry spot is ideal.
Should I transfer smelling salts to another container?
Only if it’s airtight and preferably glass. Always label the new container with the original open date.
Do smelling salts expire if unopened?
Yes, but slowly. Unopened salts can last up to 2 years if stored in a cool, dark place.
Why are my smelling salts weaker than before?
Likely due to air exposure or heat damage. Time to replace or improve your storage conditions.
Can I use smelling salts every workout?
Frequent use may reduce sensitivity. Most athletes reserve them for max-effort lifts.