How to Store Bath Salts and Epsom Salts: 9 Ideas to Keep Them Fresh

February 08, 2023 Julia Davis

If you’re thinking about using bath salts or Epsom salt, you might be wondering whether they’ve got an expiry date. How long do they last and is there a good way to store them?

You can expect your Epsom salts and bath salts to last beyond the packet's specified expiry date of 2-3 years, as long as you store them properly. Find out why it’s essential to store them correctly and the best practices concerning storing bath salts and Epsom salt

Why is it Important to Store Your Bath Salts and Epsom Salts Correctly?

The best option for storing bath salts and Epsom salt is in a container that will keep them clean and dry until you want to use them in an Epsom salt bath. The same applies to Dead Sea salt.

Bath salts and Epsom salts are very sensitive to their surroundings. You run the risk of ruining your bath salts and Epsom salt if you store them in direct sunlight, where there is moisture, or in a container that’s porous and not durable.

Why is it important to find the right container for storing bath salts and Epsom salts? If you don’t store your Epsom salts and bath salts correctly, you run the risk of:

Loss of efficacy
Moisture contamination
Bath salts will lose their fragrance if not stored correctly
The color of bath salts can fade in the sun
Your bath and Epsom salts will last much longer, several years or more

Do Bath Salts and Epsom Salts Expire?

Your bath salts and Epsom salt will have a best-before date marked on the packaging. Typically, there is no expiry date.

It is possible to use bath salts and Epsom salt even after the best-before date has passed. You may find that expired Epsom salt gets clumpy or hard, but once you add it to warm bath water, it should be fine.

he ingredients contained in your bath salts are important when it comes to deciding how best to store them. Common bath salt ingredients include essential oils and fragrances and baking soda.

Storing Essential Oils and Fragrances

Bath salts tend to be scented. Manufacturers use various fragrances or pure essential oils to enhance the aromatherapy element of bath salts.

Certain types of containers are not suitable for storing scented products. For example, standard plastic bags and containers are porous and allow the scent to leak from the packaging. After storing your bath salts in plastic bags or containers for a couple of months, you’ll find the scent has evaporated.

Essential oils can also melt or damage certain plastic bags and containers. The best storage option for bath salts and Epsom salts scented with fragrances or an essential oil are good-quality cellophane bags, high density PET plastic jars, or glass containers.

Storing Baking Soda

Baking soda is another common ingredient in bath salt and Epsom salt products. One little-known issue with baking soda is that there is a risk of glass bath salts jars exploding.

Why might this happen? If baking soda comes into contact with moisture and citric acid, there is a chemical reaction. Gas builds up which leads to pressure in the container and a risk of glass containers exploding.

If you store your dry bath salts and Epsom salts in a glass jar you can make air-tight, there shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you keep your bath salt and Epsom salt in the bathroom, you could accidentally introduce moisture into the jar which could start a reaction.

There is still a small risk of an explosion even if your bath salt or Epsom salt contains no citric acid. Some essential oils contain citric acid. Consider using PET plastic jars rather than glass jars.

How to Store Bath Salts and Epsom Salts?

Plain Epsom salts are the easiest to store. There are no other ingredients that can affect your choice. Your main concern should be keeping moisture away. Water in the air will make your Epsom salt go hard and clumpy if they come into contact with each other. An air-tight container is best for plain Epsom salts.

Choosing the best storage for your bath salts and scented Epsom salts is a little more challenging. Let’s explore the various options.

Store Your Epsom Salts and Bath Salts in an Airtight Container

You should store your Epsom salts and bath salts in an airtight container because this stops moisture from making them go rock hard and more difficult to use.

Make sure the stopper or closure stays in place securely. It should also be easy to remove and replace so you can access the contents quickly.

Store Your Bath Salt and Epsom Salt in a Dark Place

If you choose colored bath salts or Epsom salts it’s important to store these away from direct sunlight. This will stop the color from fading and prolong their efficacy.

If you store your Epsom salt and bath salt in a cool, dark place, such as your pantry, you can expect it to stay in top condition for five to six years. Compare that with one year that you can expect if you store it at room temperature and exposed to the light.

Keep Your Bath Salt and Epsom Salt Away From Moisture

Moisture is the biggest threat to your Epsom salt and bath salt. Any exposure to moisture will cause the salts to harden. This isn’t a serious issue, but over time it will affect the usefulness of the salts and make them more difficult to use.

Can You Store Bath Salt and Epsom Salt in Glass Jars?

It is possible to store bath salt and Epsom salt in glass jars, and it’s a popular choice. You can purchase glass storage jars and containers online and at brick-and-mortar stores. They are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, styles, and colors.

Glass storage jars that you purchase can make a stylish addition to your bathroom. Choose something that contrasts or coordinates with your current decor and enhances the look of the room.

There is a small risk that a glass jar might shatter if the bath salts or Epsom salts contain baking soda. Baking soda tends to react with moisture and citric acid. The resulting chemical reaction increases pressure in the glass jar and could cause it to shatter.

Can You Store Epsom and Bath Salts in Metal Containers?

You can choose to store your bath products in metal containers. This very durable option can also enhance your bathroom decor. Purchase containers in a range of finishes, including gold, brass, or tin.

A wide range of colors and textures are also available and provide a very durable storage solution for your bath salts and Epsom salts.

Are Cellophane Bags Good for Storing Epsom Salts and Bath Salts?

Cellophane bags are a good storage choice for bath salts and magnesium sulfate because you can see the contents of the package and it’s a lightweight option. Use ribbons or similar decorations to make the package look more attractive.

There is one downside to using cellophane bags, however. It’s almost impossible to package bath salts and keep them airtight.

Can You Store Bath and Epsom Salt in Plastic Containers, Tubs, or Jars?

Plastic jars, tubs, or containers are another popular choice, however, not all types of plastic are suitable. Some plastic containers are more porous than others.

One advantage a plastic container will have over a glass one is there is a reduced risk of it shattering.

If you want to show off your bath salts and Epsom salts, choose a plastic container that’s crystal clear. PET plastic containers are even better.

Can You Store Epsom and Bath Salts in Metal Containers?

You can use fabric to store bath salts and Epsom salts and it’s a very environmentally friendly storage option. However, try to pack the bath salts and Epsom salts in plastic first as this will be easier to keep airtight. As well as keeping moisture out, the plastic will help preserve the fragrance and keep them dry.

Can You Store Bath and Epsom Salt in Boxes or Pouches?

Pouches or boxes are a suitable storage option, but you might need to use plastic as well to keep out any moisture. Boxes and pouches can also be a very attractive addition to your bathroom.

Conclusion

Epsom salts and bath salts can be a very beneficial addition to your bathroom supplies. You can use them for a range of minor health issues. However, they are primarily used for relief from skin irritation, inflammation, stress relief, and muscle aches. Epsom salts are widely used as a foot soak to treat toenail fungus, and athlete’s foot, and to get rid of foot odor.

While bath salts and Epsom salts have no expiry date, they do require the correct storage. If you can avoid moisture contamination, direct sunlight, and extreme heat, your bath salts and Epsom salts will last much longer.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to store bath and Epsom salts?

The best way to store Epsom salts and bath salts is in an airtight and durable container. Some of the best storage options include glass jars, PET plastic containers, and quality cellophane bags.

2. How long can bath salts and Epsom salt be stored?

You can expect your Epsom salts and bath salts to still be good after a couple of years, as long as you store Epsom salts and bath salts correctly. That means away from moisture and out of direct sunlight.