<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a>Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:42
The shelf life will depend on the mix and ingredients. On average, natural bug sprays using essential oils usually last for about 2 years. For essential oils such as lemongrass or citronella, shelf life can be about 2 or so years. However, some formulas may last 1 year, while others may last over 4 years. If your repellent changes color, odor, or consistency, toss it. Store the mix out of direct sunlight and away from heat--a cool, dark, dry place is best. Keep lids on tight.
If there are options for essential oils listed in a recipe, you can certainly try using a combination instead of just one, as long as the called for amount for the total essential oil ingredient (such as 1/2 tsp.) does not go over (so, split that initial amount into two smaller portions).
The shelf life will depend on the mix and ingredients. On average, natural bug sprays using essential oils usually last for about 2 years. For essential oils such as lemongrass or citronella, shelf life can be about 2 or so years. However, some formulas may last 1 year, while others may last over 4 years. If your repellent changes color, odor, or consistency, toss it. Store the mix out of direct sunlight and away from heat--a cool, dark, dry place is best. Keep lids on tight.
If there are options for essential oils listed in a recipe, you can certainly try using a combination instead of just one, as long as the called for amount for the total essential oil ingredient (such as 1/2 tsp.) does not go over (so, split that initial amount into two smaller portions).