Opened solution shelf life — fridge or cupboard for UK autumn?

[Ellie M]

Once I’ve cracked a litre bottle, how long do you honestly keep using it before it starts behaving oddly? I’ve been told fridge, cupboard, and “use within a month” — all from different trainers.

UK autumn means the car’s cooler overnight but the salon’s warm. What’s your real-world rule?

[David Kay]

Most modern spray liquids keep fine for a few months after opening if the lid’s tight and you’re not leaving them in a hot car or in sunlight. Fridge isn’t magic — it can help in a heatwave, but condensation and constant temperature swings can be as annoying as a warm cupboard.

I’d rather a cool, dark cupboard at home/salon and never leave open bottles overnight in the van. If colour, smell or spray feel changes, bin it — don’t “stretch” a litre that’s gone off.

Suntana / MaxiMist style bottles are designed for that kind of storage; follow the brand’s open-life note on the pack if it has one, and date the bottle with a marker the day you crack it.

[Author]

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