How Long Does Epsom Salt Last? Does it Go Bad?

Epsom salt is a widely known remedy to deal with aches and pains.

Therefore people store them at their homes so they can access them whenever needed.

However, after buying the salt in bulk, they get perplexed that do Epsom salt go bad.

The salt is used in several ways to relieve pain, like in a hot bath or as a first aid kit.

You might have seen that the pack comes with a best-by date, but generally, Epsom salt does not go bad.

Now you must be curious about why the labeled date is provided.

If yes, then stay tuned.

What is Epsom Salt?

It is a chemical compound consisting of magnesium, oxygen, and sulfur and is also called magnesium sulfate.

Even though it contains salt in its name but it’s entirely different from table salt.

Epsom is similar to table salt only in appearance; otherwise, their taste is entirely different.

This is bitter in taste, so people do not add it to their food.

Some people dissolve the salt in water to drink or bathe with it to reduce their body aches.

Besides this, salt is also effective in dealing with ailments like constipation, eclampsia, electrolyte, and some others.

This salt is rich in magnesium, which aids you in improving your heart and nervous system.

Inadequate magnesium can cause a lack of sleep and stress, so by having Epsom salt, you can improve your sleep cycle.

How Long Does Epsom Salt Last? Does Epsom Salt Go Bad?

There is no doubt that they have an indefinite shelf life.

However, they still have an expiry or best-by date labeled on them.

This date signifies the period till which one can take the Epsom salt and use it to its best quality.

That means the salt is entirely safe to use even after it crosses its bets by date but might not be effective like be.

When you buy and keep the salt, then its storage condition can influence its efficacy a lot.

Therefore you must finish it as soon as possible to achieve its optimum effectiveness.

The usual best-by date provided by the producers is 2 to 3 years beyond the manufacturing date.

One can expect their Epsom salt to last longer if they have stored this under favorable conditions.

That means you must protect it from all the outer elements like air, heat, moisture, etc.

By preventing these elements, one can retain the quality shelf life of Epsom salt.

It also lasts longer because of its chemical compounds, as magnesium sulfate does not break that easily as compared to others.

The salt can develop micros and bacteria if you store them under unfavorable conditions.

How to Tell if Epsom Salt Has Gone Bad?

• Not Treating Sour Muscles

If anyone uses salt frequently, then they know how much pain it relieves.

However, it will not work that efficiently if the Epsom salt is terrible.

That is because long storage makes its compounds lose their potency, and they do not work like before.

So if the salt bath is not that effective anymore, you should buy a new pack of Epsom salt.

• Inspect Its Texture

Even though the salt does not go bad that quickly, you should look for bad signs for safety.

The salt will not provide you with many signs, but you can inspect its appearance.

When you keep the salt stored for more extended periods, it will become hard and lumpy.

Once you see that its texture is lumpy, then be sure to avoid its consumption.

That is because it indicates excess exposure to moisture, which has made the salt full of bacteria.

• Unable To Cure an Upset Stomach

Some people consume Epsom salt to cure upset stomachs.

That time they can check whether the salt offers similar effectiveness.

If it’s not curing your stomach, you should consider getting a new pack, as it has loosened its potency.

This can be because of excessive exposure to direct sunlight and water.

How to Store Epsom Salt?

• Store Away From Has Moisture

When Epsom salt gets in the water, it gets dissolved, so one must keep this secured.

It would be best if you were careful that this must not get in contact with any liquid or water.

Humidity can make the salt becomes lumpy, which further causes bacterial infection.

So it would help if you store this at a place away from moisture.

• Dark and Cool Place

If you plan to store the salt at room temperature, remember to avoid places of direct sunlight.

That is because these areas are prone to heat, making the salt lose its potency.

Therefore one should keep it stored in a cool and dark place for extended storage.

• Prevent Pest Infestation

Epson salt is also used to keep insects away, but it cannot get rid of rodents.

So when you are storing this in the pantry or kitchen cabinets, then be sure that they are not getting rodents.

Most kitchen cabinets are infested with pests, which can worsen the salt.

So either make your cabinet pest-free or add an airtight container for complete protection.

Conclusion

This salt is used for treating numerous problems, so you do not want it to get wasted.

One must use the above-provided storage measures to save the salt from losing potency.

If you are using the salt for the first time and are facing a body ache or any stomach problem after consumption, then be sure to consult a doctor.

Some people get allergic to salt; thus, it will be better to use this only on the part of the body instead of taking a salt bath.