How Long Does Unused Pepper Spray Last

logo by Editorial Staff | Posted on January 12th, 2023

Wondering how long your pepper spray will last? Are you looking for the answer to this important question? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!


This blog post will discuss new pepper spray’s shelf life and answer all your questions.

Pepper spray on the wooden table, 3D rendering

How Frequently Should You Test Your Pepper Spray?

Testing your pepper spray regularly can help ensure that it is still in working order. A rough estimation is to test it every three to six months, depending upon the conditions and how often you use the product.

Doing a test spray is also a good way to ensure the nozzle isn’t clogged, which can cause your pepper spray to fail. It’s also important to pay attention to the expiration date, as most pepper sprays have an expiration date mentioned on the canister, usually between two and five years.

Knowing when your pepper spray will expire can help you to make sure you are adequately prepared and that it will be effective when you need it.

What Is the Expiration Date for Pepper Spray?

Most pepper sprays have an expiration date of 2 to 5 years from their manufacture date. It is important to pay attention to this expiration date, as expired pepper spray is not recommended. It is also important to remember that all aerosol products will eventually lose pressure over time, regardless of the expiration date on the canister.

For this reason, it is best to replace your pepper spray every 12-18 months, even if you don’t use it. Additionally, if you are testing your pepper spray regularly, you may need to replace it more often – approximately every three to six months, depending on the size of your canister.

Do All Aerosol Products Lose Pressure Over Time?

Yes, all aerosol products lose pressure over time, regardless of whether they are used. This is because the fuels within the canister begin to wear down, reducing the pressure.

Therefore, even if it is a new pepper spray, it is important to replace it every two or three years to ensure that it will still be effective in an emergency. Additionally, bear sprays often have a product hazard rating label which indicates when the product should be replaced.

What Is the Shelf Life for Most Pepper Sprays?

Most pepper sprays have a shelf life of two years from their manufacture date. However, the shelf life of pepper spray can also be affected by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.

Excessive heat or cold temperatures can cause the chemicals in the pepper spray to break down, reducing its effectiveness and shelf life. It is, therefore, important to store your pepper spray in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

What Is the Expiration Date Mentioned on the Canister?

The expiration date mentioned on the canister of pepper spray is usually 2 years, depending on the brand. Pay attention to the expiration date on the canister to ensure that your pepper spray is still potent and effective.

As soon as pepper spray is expelled from the canister, its active ingredients begin to break down. Therefore, it is important to check the expiration date of your pepper spray regularly and replace it if necessary. Replacing it every 12-18 months is a good idea, even if you don’t use pepper spray.

What Are the Factors That Determine How Long Unused Pepper Spray Lasts?

Certain factors can affect the product’s shelf life when it comes to new pepper spray. Temperature, humidity, and exposure to direct sunlight are some of the main factors that can reduce the lifespan of pepper spray. It’s important to store your pepper spray in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.

Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause the canister to burst or corrode, making it unusable. Additionally, some manufacturers may add expiration dates or “best by” dates on the canister or packaging of the product. If you see a date on your pepper spray, it indicates that it should be replaced.

It is also important to note that replacing it every 12-18 months is a good idea, even if you don’t use pepper spray. This is because the propellant in the spray will weaken over time and may not have as much of an effect as it did when first purchased.

Tips for Storing Unused Pepper Spray to Increase Its Shelf Life

Storing your pepper spray correctly will help to ensure that it remains potent and effective for its full shelf life. Here are a few tips on how to store your pepper spray properly:

  1. Store your pepper spray in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
  2. Always ensure the cap is tightly closed when not in use.
  3. Check the pressure on the canister regularly and replace it if necessary.
  4. You should also rotate your pepper spray every 12-18 months and replace it regularly with a new one.

By following these simple tips, you can extend the shelf life of your pepper spray and ensure that it continues to be effective in case of an emergency.

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Editorial Staff

Our writers, editors, content managers, and SEO specialist. We all take part in crafting amazing articles. We spend hours ensuring that each article is based on facts, researched, and thorough. You'll never want to click the back button to look for more answers other than here!