Storing Glue – The Dos and Don’ts

Glue is the thing that, well, keeps everything together. And yet, despite it being one of the most invaluable substances on the planet, it's one we rarely look after properly.  How many times have you picked up a tube of super glue only to find the nozzle crusted over or the inside rock solid?

To help get the most out of your adhesives, we’ve compiled the following 'do’s and don’ts' designed to prolong shelf life and save you money.

DO put the lid back

It may seem like the simplest of instructions but you would not believe how many people forget to put the lid back on their glue after using it. 

Water in the air causes adhesives, whether located in a tube or bottle, to thicken and solidify. 

Even putting the lid back on loosely can result in you having to buy the same product again. Extremely annoying when you're in need of a quick fix solution. 

Gorilla's range of super glues actually have anti-clog caps with a metal pin inside, ensuring an airtight seal for maximum reusability. 

DON’T keep in direct sunlight

Keeping glue out of direct sunlight in the UK shouldn’t be the hardest of tasks but nonetheless it’s still worth bearing in mind. Sunlight can raise the temperature and change the composition of glue. In fact, when it comes to storing glue, it's best to avoid anywhere that could be affected by high temperatures. 

DO store somewhere dry

One of the best places to store glue is in a cupboard where it will remain dry and also protected from fluctuating temperatures. Remember, glues are activated by moisture. One of the best ways to minimise this risk is placing your glue in a zip lock food bag and then squeezing out all the air. Place the vacuum sealed bag upright in a cupboard; your glue should be as good as new next time you come to use it. Keeping your glue in a jar with silica gel is another option for locking out moisture. 

DON’T transfer to another container

The packaging the glue comes in is the packaging the glue is designed to remain in. Transferring to a different container runs the risk of the glue setting once in contact with the air.

DO keep clean

How many times have you struggled to prise the lid off your glue only to find the top covered in...glue? Hours are then spent chipping away at it before your last resort - a needle in the top - ends up pushing dry adhesive back into the bottle. 

Be proactive instead of reactive; keep the top of any adhesive bottle or tube clean.  This will help prevent build-up and clogging. While applying glue, make sure you keep wiping the top of the dispenser with kitchen roll to stop any of the substance hardening.