When it comes to fuel, kerosene is one of the most versatile that is readily available. It is very long-lasting, and you can rest easy knowing that it will get you where you need to go. As an example, you can use it in a diesel engine because it is pure fuel, and it can also be used to power generators. There is a multitude of ways to utilize kerosene as a fuel source, which makes it a key fuel sell to have on hand. Although kerosene is a great source of fuel, it does have its limitations.
For instance, when using it to power a diesel engine, you will, unfortunately, lose some speed and power. And although among fuels it is considered to be long-lasting, kerosene can spoil over time. That said, you can store kerosene for up to 12 months without it spoiling.
However, to maintain this 1-year shelf life, you should make sure that the container that you are storing the kerosene in is air-tight, and that it is stored in a temperature-controlled environment; this will ensure that the fuel does not spoil, freeze, or burn. Kerosene can last a long time, but you have to make sure to store in in the right conditions. Some steps and precautions can be taken to make sure that the kerosene will last for as long as possible. For more information on this, read further.
Shelf Life is 12 Months
Under normal and safe conditions, the shelf life of kerosene is 12 months; and that means that if stored properly, you should be able to use this fuel source for up to those 12 months. However, it is important to check the kerosene periodically to make sure that no air has seeped into the container, and that the elemental conditions are still ideal.
Kerosene will show signs of going bad, or spoiling; the texture of the fuel will be different. You will be able to immediately detect these differences, Even if you notice that the kerosene has spoiled, you still may be able to eliminate the bad fuel, and keep what is still good, in most cases. This can be done by filtering out the bad fuel by going through several coffee filters and removing the “sludge” from the “normal kerosene”.
If you want to ensure that your kerosene is still usable, make sure not to keep it stored for longer than 12 months. A good way to do this is to simply write a date on the container, to remind you when it was first stored. Choosing the right container will also help to ensure the freshness of kerosene; a great choice for this is the Midwest Can 7600, of which you can find one here.
Do Not Store Near Ignition Sources
As with any type of fuel, you will want to make sure that you do not store it near any ignition sources. The best practice and a good rule of thumb are to make sure that it is not by anything that can catch fire. This is a good safety measure that you will always want to make sure of while storing your kerosene. Storing the kerosene in a container in a room with adequate airflow and isn’t near any type of ignition source is the best way that you can ensure you will not have any fire hazards. This not only ensures that the kerosene will last longer, but will prevent any unexpected fires from happening.
Avoid Combustible Materials
Another important thing to check off your list when storing kerosene is to make sure that it is not around any combustible materials. This means anything that may catch fire if it comes into contact with the kerosene (for instance, lighters or matches). You can, however, store other fuels near the kerosene. There is no problem with that, but to re-iterate; make sure that these fuels are not stored in or around any combustible materials, or ignition sources.
A good way to do this is to organize the space that you are storing your fuel sources in. This will ensure the safety of your property, and will also help the kerosene to last longer. You don’t want to go and try to use your kerosene, only to find out that you have run out due to improper storage.
Check Metal Containers for Rust
If you are storing your kerosene in a metal container, you will always want to check for signs of rust before doing so. The simple reason behind this is that metal containers are more prone to oxidizing and rusting. This rust can spoil the kerosene, making it unusable and worthless to you.
Ideally, you should store your fuel in plastic containers; they are more reliable, and will not develop rust. That said, kerosene can still go bad in plastic containers. If you use your kerosene often, metal containers are not a bad choice, you will just want to check them more often than plastic, to make sure that no rust could potentially spoil your fuel. If you are using a metal container, it is a good idea to check them at least once a month; twice a month would be even better.
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of constantly checking your metal containers for rust, then choosing to use a plastic container would be a good idea. When looking for any container, but especially the plastic ones, you should make sure that they have a good sealant on them. A great option for this is the No-Spill 1456 5-Gallon container.
What Makes Kerosene go Bad
There are some things and conditions that make kerosene spoil, even if it hasn’t reached its shelf life of 12 months. While kerosene should last for the full year of storing, if you don’t store it in the proper container or have the right temperature in the environment, it can go bad. To avoid this, opt into using plastic containers over metal; this will the chances of your kerosene going bad due to bacteria and rust.
In addition to storing in a plastic container, you will also want to make sure that the room you choose to store your fuel in is well-ventilated with a temperature that is neither too hot, or too cold. This will increase its usable life by maintaining its physical integrity.
When following these two main steps, you will rarely notice your kerosene going bad. Additionally, you will be able to use the kerosene for longer and the amount of time you can store it will increase as well. Just make sure to store in a safe place that isn’t a fire hazard area, and you will be fine.
Opaque Plastic Containers are Best
As we’ve gone over, you will want to store your kerosene in plastic containers. The best plastic containers to use are opaque ones, as they are efficient and durable. They will help your kerosene to last as long as possible; that is not to say, however, that other containers are bad choices.
Other plastic containers and even some metal ones can be good choices, but not nearly as good. You want to ensure that your fuel will last a long time and that it will be there when you need it. That is why you want to make sure that you have the best kind of container possible; the opaque plastic containers keep fuel in the ideal conditions to ensure usability.
Always put the container that you store your fuel in at a high priority. An expert tip is to pick several containers, especially if you are in a cold-weather region. This will ensure that you always have fuel available for use; the Scepter 5-Gal EPA Certified is the best opaque plastic container available on the market. Get yours here
Final Thoughts
As an answer to the question of how long you can store kerosene while not in use, it is 12 months: if you have a good plastic container, a room with adequate ventilation, and it is stored safely away from fire hazards. By making sure these conditions are met, you can almost be guaranteed that you will have fresh kerosene at your disposal. Choose good quality opaque plastic containers and store them in the right conditions, and your kerosene can easily last up to 12 months.