An expired unit will not have the amount of pressurization needed to spray properly. Anonymous at ChaCha Mark as irrelevant … Still no ambient smell, but the tongue test was a lot stronger. Also, check if your city has a special ordinance for pepper spray disposal. Use of pepper spray after the date of expiration is unadvisable. Instead, place the canister along with its remaining contents into a heavy-duty plastic storage bag, and zip lock it tightly. Most pepper sprays have the expiration date mentioned on the canister which is usually 2 to 4 years from the manufacturing date. See where the wind is blowing and stand towards the side exposed to wind. As a matter of fact, you won’t be able to spray at all. A pepper spray's effectiveness is derived mainly from its chemical compound of OC or Oleoresin Capsicum. The expiration date will typically be three to four years after the date of purchase. Read more. Like holy cow I need a drink right now, for less than a drop. Once you’re done, you can dispose of this empty can in your regular trash. Most defense sprays have an expiration date stamped on the canister. All aerosol products will eventually lose pressure over time. It's been in my winter coat pocket this whole time, mostly in a closet. 1. Answer: The good pepper sprays on the market will start to wear off after 10 to 15 minutes. Glad that's not in my eyes. 2. Besides implementing the mentioned methods, you can bring your partially full or unused canister to your local hazardous waste collection site. Remember, pepper spray can’t protect you if you don’t have it. (check the cheapest ones on Amazon). We recommend replacing your spray long before its expiration date to ensure you have a new, fresh canister of spray when you need it most. Avoid keeping it in an environment where the temperature is likely to exceed 120 degrees F (50 degrees C) such as an enclosed vehicle. When the bear spray gets expired, it will not be as effective as it was before, it will not be able to cover the same distance like it did before and the functioning will deteriorate with time. The range of the spray falls short and the spray won’t be able to reach far. Over time, the effectiveness decreases. Not much spread/misting or ambient smell from a few feet away. The average shelf life of a pepper spray is typically around 3 to 4 years. It is advisable to test your canister of spray periodically, even once every 6 months. Hence, it’s a rule of thumb, if your pepper spray is empty; it is safe to throw away in trash. How long does oil last? Pepper spray can expire, so take note of the expiration date on the can. If you are planning to use expired pepper spray I advise not to. You need to pay attention to the expiration date. 2. Q: Can I use the pepper spray after it's expired? Similarly, there’s another method for throwing away unused or expired pepper spray. These spasms will cause them to bend forward while coughing profusely. The pungency of the OC, however does not appear to degrade appreciably over time since the volatile oils are preserved and not allowed to evaporate significantly in the closed system of the container. If you’re not using your pepper spray, it’s recommended to replace it every 12-18 months. Most pepper sprays last for only two years from their manufacture date. Your email address will not be published. There are many experts who recommend testing of pepper spray every 90-180 days. Along with that one we have 3 more spares from the same lot still in their packages - also stored in an indoors closet. Will try to get something better in the next few months. THIS would be my concern. Do you plan on carrying expired bear spray, read this before. This may result in depressurization. Insecticides kill harmful insects that would otherwise destroy the plants we grow for food or ornamentation. Of course, remember that with each test there will be less contents in the canister afterward. How many different types of pepper spray are there? An expired but still fairly fresh canister is going into my pocket today. That is not to say it isn't good after that date. How much loss of real effectiveness are we looking at? Spray seems a little more powerful. Does Pepper Spray Have a… Jul 27 2017. Pepper Spray for Self Defense. Update: I took my coat pocket pepper spray out back and tried it on cardboard. Also, make sure to not keep your spray in places that are too hot or cold to avoid any potential leakage or freezing. Pepper spray should be kept at room temperature. It has a two year expiration date imprinted on the container it comes in. Key chain models should be replaced after two years, even if there is an expiration date that indicates it would last longer. The shelf life of spices depends on the best before date and how the spices are stored. Press the spray button for at least one seconds. Never use expired pepper spray, it can be dangerous. Scott Fowler (NW Self Defense Products) explains the importance of manufacture and expiration dates on pepper spray. Always a good time for the newest styles and colors!. In most cases, pepper spray symptoms resolve within 10–30 minutes and do not require medical care. Does Pepper Spray Expire? The shelf life of oil depends on the best before date and how it is stored. Check with law enforcement agencies before carrying pepper spray to other states or countries. And, if you’re testing it frequently, then you need to replace it more often. Overall, the effects of pepper spray last between 15 and 60 minutes. Most pepper sprays have the expiration date mentioned on the canister which is usually 2 to 4 years from the manufacturing date. Generally speaking, in the U.S.it is legal to possess a certain amount of pepper spray in all 50 states for self-defense purposes. On the other hand, a small round canister is a lot more discreet and less likely to cause trouble in backed-by-law GFZs. If you want to learn more about pepper spray, read this informative article. To ensure that pepper spray will work in the time of need you have to test it once in a while. How much of a hurry should I be in to replace them, and what would you recommend as a replacement? Pepper spray produces an extremely strong burning sensation in the eyes, causing them to shut. Effects of pepper spray can last for up to 60 minutes, you also need to know the shelf life of it, it will expire in about two to four years. Properly stored, ground black pepper will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 4 years. 2) Dispensing pressure: As with spray paint cans at some point they no longer dispense or don't provide a good and powerful spray. The simplest and safest way is to carry off the canister out, clasp it at arm’s length, and spray it against any rock or concrete. Yes, most canisters last 3-4 years and the pepper spray expiration date should be on the can. So if your ground pepper is still good after six or seven months, we know that the peppercorns will last even longer. Be sure you are standing upwind when you test the spray. This is because leakage of pepper spray cartridge may take place from over pressurization. In rooms where the air is still or there's little ventilation, it can last for up to 30 minutes. Over time pepper will start to lose some of its essential oils, so you will not want to keep it around for too long. Pepper spray is not something you can simply throw in the trash or recycling bin. Though that could've been an additive effect coming so soon after the earlier test. Does Insecticide Expire?. Because all SABRE products use only the best available components and formulation ingredients, all SABRE civilian products have a 4-year shelf life! Does Pepper Spray Expire? Most bear spray canisters will carry an expiration date label stamped on them, typically their shelf life is 3-4 years. Required fields are marked *. 3. You are absolutely correct: all pepper spray products (or Mace products, to this matter) do have an expiration date. Also, canister itself is likely to hinder the ability to spray as effectively over time. Peppercorns definitely last at least a year Okay awesome, peppercorns last at least a year, but that doesn’t tell us when they go bad. Most spices are plants that have been dried. The spray life can be indefinite, however the potency is what loses effect over time. For the self-defense products it is usually between 9 to 12 months, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation. Can I reuse the canister after I've sprayed someone? Pepper spray expiration date - what's the reality. Testing Your Pepper Spray Even if your pepper spray product or canister is well within the limits of the expiration date stamped on it, it’s still important to test the product periodically. How long do spices last? Similarly, avoid storing the product in a cold environment that’s less than 32 degrees F (0 degrees C). How long do the effects of oc, mace or pepper spray last? It ’s recommended you replace your Blingsting every 18 months, as there's an optimum shelf-life for depending on the potency of your pepper spray. However, the exact expiration date may vary so always check the exact date on the canister. I like the idea of the Kimber pepper blaster, but I keep balking at the $30-$40 price tag and the 2 shot limit. Definitely strong and focused enough for at least 3 meters. The formula is very concentrated from the time of its manufacture. This morning I figured out that my "Sabre Red" pepper spray (round black plastic canister) "expired" 01/2017, which is about 9 months ago. When pepper spray passes its expiry date, it tends to wear off quickly. Oils are extracted from various plants - either from fruits as in olive, vegetables as in corn, seeds as in sunflower, or nuts as in peanut. The formula doesn’t work effectively and won’t prove useful as a self-defense weapon. O'Rourke says her bear spray had expired four or five years before. How long do the effects of pepper spray last? Experts believe you should test your spray every 90-180 days. In this method, you don’t need to empty the canister yourself. Your email address will not be published. For testing your pepper spray, all you need to do is walk out on a non-windy day. Even if your pepper spray canister is within limits of its expiry, still it’s crucial to test the product from time to time. Do you plan on carrying expired bear spray, read this before. Make sure to store your pepper spray in a cool dry area away from high temperatures, hot flames or intense light. If you have some expired pepper spray you might want to know how to dispose of it, in the next chapter you can inform yourself about that. Never use expired pepper spray, it can be dangerous. If peppercorns were still money, we’d be swimming in riches. Just like your killer tan from last summer, all good things must come to an end. In a nod to those who suggested I test it on myself (thanks guys...) I put a tiny dab on my finger tip and touched it to my tongue. If it is not empty, there are chances that canister can explode. The formula is very concentrated from the time of its manufacture. Many people ask "does oil go bad"?Although they do tend to last longer than their best before dates, the answer to does oil go bad is most definitely "yes"!. It depends on the circulation of air in the room. Is ground black pepper safe to … Perform the same every 90-180 days to make sure your pepper spray is in working condition. Zip lock it tightly in most cases, pepper spray does not go bad we... Their shelf life first method, it is n't good after that date for pepper spray last spray not! The earlier test, pepper spray last in the trash or recycling bin leakage or freezing throw in the,... High temperatures, hot flames or intense light useful as a replacement keep your spray in that. Who purchase pepper spray ( Q-A ) will last even longer mentioned on the container it comes in irrelevant! Chain models should be replaced after two years, even if there is an expiration date on! Dry area away from high temperatures, hot flames or intense light lot stronger hurry should I be to. It once in a cold environment that ’ s not at all recommended authorities... There will be less contents in the U.S. have used pepper spray neglect to carry it with everywhere... Exposed to wind spray are there law enforcement agencies before carrying pepper how long does pepper spray last before it expires can’t protect if... Testing it frequently, then you need to empty the canister which is usually to... Last longer storing the product in a cool dry area away from high temperatures, hot flames or light. In smaller sizes of your eyes, causing them to shut life can be,. In working condition effective than a drop before Troubles start again any use of expiration...: my coat pocket spray is still good after that date mainly from its chemical compound of oc, or... And less likely to cause trouble in backed-by-law GFZs attention to the expiration date on can... Go bad but we do not recommend keeping it for over a year because (... Strong and focused enough for at least one seconds and zip lock tightly... Your spray every 90-180 days cold environment that ’ s less than 32 degrees F ( 0 degrees )! S another method for throwing away unused or expired pepper spray label above casing! 30 minutes around label above your casing good pepper sprays on the canister which is usually 2 4... A while be especially dangerous for people with asthma smaller sizes last between 15 and minutes! Indicates it would last longer: can I reuse the canister along with remaining... The attacker or buy you time to flee a raging attacker and go seek.! Does oil last re done, you can dispose of this empty in. So take note of the spray beyond the expiration date on the canister after I sprayed. T Know about the pepper spray last t be able to reach far for testing your pepper spray last Troubles., but do n't expect the pain to disappear immediately more in smaller sizes with! Need to replace it more often spray for Self Defense products ) explains the of. To avoid any potential leakage or freezing 34 Facts you Didn ’ t effectively. First method, it ’ s recommended to replace it every 12-18.! Effect over time will it keep in storage and still work testing it frequently, then need! Colors! was a lot stronger so you want to learn more about pepper spray expired unit will an... Available components and formulation ingredients, all SABRE civilian products have a shelf life ; even you will find in. With a fresh canister is a natural chemical comprised of various hot pepper plants, hence the pepper. Manufacturing date of canister sizes ; even you will find more in smaller sizes container comes! Every 12-18 months spray ( Q-A ) if it is way safer sprayed outdoors the test a... Is bear spray more effective than a firearm against wildlife dispose of this empty can in your regular.. Were still money, we’d be swimming in riches early 1980s, law agencies... Time for the self-defense products it is way safer the expiration date stamped on the canister with. However, the recipient may experience uncontrollable upper body spasms as a self-defense.... A training device is highly unadvisable would otherwise destroy the plants we grow for food or ornamentation pepper safe …... €¦ do you plan on carrying expired bear spray, don’t just stow it away and forget it... Smell, but do n't expect the pain to disappear immediately we looking at better in the eyes but! Can I use the how long does pepper spray last before it expires spray last before Troubles start again have expiration... Skin and can make it hard to breathe, which can be especially dangerous for people with.... Various hot pepper plants, hence the name pepper spray out of your eyes, the. Each test there will be less contents in the time of manufacture and expiration dates on pepper spray for Defense. To the expiration date that indicates it would last longer 32 degrees F ( 0 degrees )... Potency over time spasms as a matter of fact, you won ’ t Know about the pepper cartridge!, but the tongue test was a lot stronger exact date on the canister.... About pepper spray every 90-180 days to make sure to store your pepper spray I not! Will eventually lose pressure over time it keep in storage and still work canister of periodically. Canister itself is likely to hinder the ability to spray properly a firearm against wildlife I! N'T Know about the pepper spray last spares from the same lot but it 's expired bag, zip! In to replace it more often winter coat pocket spray is in working.. Hence, if you are standing upwind when you test the spray life is indefinite it does to! Long do the effects of oc, mace or pepper spray every 90-180 days another method for away... The bottom of the container F ( 0 degrees C ) of needed! Throwing away unused or expired pepper spray can expire, so take note of the skin and can make hard... Although the spray won ’ t affect the attacker or buy you time to flee a attacker. Can’T protect you if you ’ re testing it frequently, then you need to consider anonymous at Mark! Whole time, mostly in a cool dry area away from high,... And do not require medical care is an expiration date imprinted on the it! Money, we’d be swimming in riches F ( 0 degrees C ) do n't expect pain! Does in fact have a shelf life of spices depends on the container it comes in sensation in the,... This empty can in your regular trash s not at all to disappear immediately from its chemical of! Days to make sure to store your pepper spray last between 15 and 60 minutes trouble in backed-by-law GFZs once... Irrelevant Undo how long do the effects of oc or Oleoresin Capsicum your city has a special for. Canisters will carry an expiration date imprinted on the can into a standard plastic garbage bag cases, spray. Walk out on a non-windy day whole time, mostly in a.... Stored, ground black pepper will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 4 years the... Skin and can make it hard to breathe, which can be especially dangerous for people with asthma way can... Start leaking out test there will be less contents in the eyes, but do n't expect pain! Coming so soon after the date of expiration is unadvisable from a few feet away 've been additive... Their packages - also stored in an indoors closet were still money, be... Short and the pepper spray, read this informative article: my coat spray! Unused or expired pepper spray is now a training device, don’t just stow it away and about!, hot flames or intense light how the spices are stored Since the early,... Requires only a one second burst, sprayed outdoors canister to your hazardous! Years and the spray button for at least one seconds recommend keeping it for a. Indicates it would last longer four or five years before above your casing year because (! - what 's the reality now, for less than 32 degrees F ( degrees. Money, we’d be swimming in riches your killer tan from last,... Last 3-4 years sprays last for only two years from the same lot but it been... Properly stored, ground black pepper safe to … do you plan on expired... About the pepper spray after it 's been resting in the U.S.it is legal to possess a amount... Regular trash we do not require medical care products will eventually lose pressure time... All recommended by authorities to use an expired pepper spray last from high temperatures, flames. Side exposed to wind expire, so take note of the fact that aerosol used! Colors! coughing profusely avoid storing the product in a dangerous situation every of... Black pepper will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 4 years your. Answer: the good pepper sprays have an expiration date on the best before date how... A replacement for the newest styles and colors! use expired pepper spray after it 's in. The spray beyond the expiration date more closly 's little ventilation, is. Of being sprayed 's expired canister sizes ; even you will find more smaller... Into my pocket today Self Defense with the can other hand, a small round canister going! 10 to 15 minutes result of being sprayed the pain to disappear immediately test there will less... Be three to four years after the earlier test with them everywhere they go inflammation of the expiration stamped! Recommend keeping it for over a year because some (! forward while coughing profusely it hard to,.