The basics
- Dark glass: violet or amber glass blocks most light. Clear glass and plastic don't.
- Sealed: keep the cap or dropper on tightly to keep dust and contamination out.
- Room temperature: a cupboard is ideal. Avoid sunny windowsills, radiators and cold garages.
- Away from appliances: many makers, us included, also suggest keeping it away from strong electrical appliances and magnets as a precaution.
- Out of reach of children.
Why light matters
Silver is sensitive to light. That's why old photographic film used silver compounds. Over time, light can turn dissolved silver into metallic particles that grow and eventually settle, so the solution changes colour or leaves a deposit. Dark glass slows this down a lot.
Why not the fridge?
Cold doesn't preserve colloidal silver the way it does food, and very low temperatures can make particles clump together. Freezing can also crack glass bottles. Room temperature is best.
Avoid metal and plastic
Silver can react with other metals, so don't pour it into metal containers or measure it with metal spoons. Some plastics can also interact with silver or leach into the water over time. If you decant from a larger bottle, use clean glass.
How long does colloidal silver last?
Stored well, an unopened bottle of ours is best used within two years of the production date printed on the label. Once opened, use a clean dropper and avoid touching it to other surfaces. Our 1 litre bottle is designed for refilling smaller dropper or spray bottles: decant small amounts at a time and keep the large bottle sealed.
Signs it's past its best
- Cloudiness or haze
- Grey or black specks, or a deposit at the bottom
- A marked darkening in colour
- A dropper or cap that has been contaminated
If you notice any of these, don't use it.