How to Store Glue: Do’s & Don’ts

Nothing is more frustrating than reaching for a tube of glue only to find that it has hardened or no longer works as well as it did when you bought it.

In some cases, it may simply have passed the expiration date, but in other cases, a loose lid and improper storage could be to blame. Regardless, the result is the same: You have to buy more glue to get the job done.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to store glue properly, how long different glue products should last, and dos and don’ts to keep your adhesives in tip-top shape.

How Long Should Glue Last?

Generally, most unopened adhesives have a shelf life of 12–36 months from the date of manufacturing, while opened products can last anywhere from 6–12 months if stored correctly. Here is an overview of how long you should expect your Gorilla Glue products to last with proper storage and care:

Dos and Don’ts For Glue Storage

DO: Keep your glue bottles clean

Dried residue can seal dispensers shut, making containers difficult to open. Make sure you clean the nozzle or cap with a paper towel to prevent build-up and stop blockages.

DON’T: Transfer glue to another container

Manufacturer packaging is designed to minimise air exposure, prevent unwanted chemical reactions, and maximise shelf life once opened. Transferring glue to other containers introduces new air pockets and potential contaminants that can cause premature curing.

DO: Replace the lid immediately

Leaving the lid off can allow the glue to thicken or harden. Make sure to wipe the nozzle with a dry cloth and screw your glue’s bottle cap firmly after each use to prevent clogs and prematurely dried glue.

DON'T: Store certain glues in direct sunlight

Keep glue away from window sills or areas prone to temperature spikes. Heat or UV exposure will break down your adhesive’s composition and reduce its effectiveness.

One exception to this rule is Clear Gorilla Glue, which should be stored in a cool, dry place with exposure to light, as lack of light and heat can cause the product to yellow.

DO: Store in a cool, dry place

Minimising humidity will help maintain your glue’s strength and longevity. Storing your glue in a kitchen or workshop cupboard is usually sufficient, but you can also place your glue bottle in a resealable bag and remove excess air to prevent moisture from entering the bottle.

Optimal Storage Conditions For Adhesives

• Avoid high temperatures: Always store your glue in a cool, dry place. A kitchen or workshop cupboard is ideal.
• Minimise light exposure: Excess light and heat can damage the composition and reduce the effectiveness of some adhesives.
• Ensure it’s secure: Always store your adhesives in a safe location, out of reach of children and animals.

Gorilla Adhesives: After Use & Storage Guidelines

For each named product below, please refer to the packaging for correct storage instructions:

▼ Gorilla Glue Original

• After Use: Wipe the nozzle clean with a dry cloth. Squeeze out excess air and replace the lid tightly.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Keep away from children and animals.

▼ Gorilla Glue Clear

• After Use: Wipe the nozzle with a dry cloth and secure the lid tightly.
• Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place with exposure to light. Lack of light and heat can cause the product to yellow. Store away from children and animals.

▼ Gorilla Super Glue

• After Use: Clean the nozzle and replace the cap securely.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from children and animals. Avoid high-moisture areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.

▼ Gorilla Super Glue Gel

• After Use: Clean the nozzle and replace the cap securely.
• Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place. Avoid high-moisture areas and remember to store away from children and animals.

▼ Gorilla Wood Glue

• After Use: Remove the clear applicator tip to clean any buildup, then close the cap.
• Storage: Store at room temperature away from children and animals.

▼ Gorilla Epoxy

• After Use: Pull back the plunger slightly, clean the nozzle, and replace the cap tightly.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry location. Keep away from children and animals.

▼ Gorilla Contact Adhesive Tube

• After Use: Wipe the nozzle and replace the lid tightly.
• Storage: Store your tube away from sunlight or direct heat in a location that is inaccessible to children and animals.

▼ Gorilla Contact Adhesive Tin

• After Use: Wipe the edge of the tin and secure the lid.
• Storage: Store your tin away from direct sunlight or heat, and keep it out of the reach of children and animals.

▼ Gorilla Heavy-Duty Grab Adhesive (Tube)

• After Use: Remove the nozzle and replace the cap tightly.
• Storage: Store at room temperature away from children and animals.

▼ Gorilla Heavy-Duty Grab Adhesive (Cartridge)

• After Use: Keep the nozzle attached. Leftover adhesive will act as a seal. Clean out any cured adhesive before the next use.
• Storage: Store at room temperature away from children and animals.

▼ Gorilla Heavy-Duty Spray Adhesive

• After Use: Turn the can upside down and spray a short jet of clear gas to clear the nozzle, and clean it with isopropyl alcohol.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Additionally, remember to store it out of the reach of children and animals.

Store Your Glue The Right Way

As long as you keep your adhesives cool, dry, and sealed, they should last for a long time and be ready to perform at a moment’s notice.

If you have any questions about storing your Gorilla Glue products, please don't hesitate to contact our technical team through our contact page.

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