Glue sticks usually last up to 6 months after the packaging has been opened and up to 1 year unopened.
These numbers are influenced by several factors, such as how they are stored, how often they are used, and how often or for how long they are exposed to air.
Glue sticks are consistent with wax and are made from polyvinyl acetate, water, and other materials.
Keep reading to learn more about glue sticks, how to store them to prolong their shelf life, how long hot glue sticks last, and how to store them to maximize their shelf life.
Glue Sticks: How Long They Last Ad How To Make Them Last Longer
Glue sticks are water-based. The water content of these adhesives keeps the glue in a moist or soft texture in the tube.
Once you apply the glue to paper or another surface for your crafts, it gets exposed to air which will cause the water content of the adhesive to evaporate.
This will cause the glue to dry and form a lasting bond on the surfaces it is applied to.
The shelf life of these glue sticks is about one year.
But if the glue stick gets used often and is exposed to air often or for long periods, this can shorten the shelf life of the adhesive as exposure to air causes the water content of the glue to evaporate slowly.
The more you use glue sticks, the more they get exposed to air. The more glue sticks get exposed to air; the more their water content is caused to evaporate, leading to the adhesive drying out over time.
What happens when the glue stick expires?
A commonly asked question is whether expired glue can still be used.
We don’t recommend using expired glue sticks, and here is why.
Once the glue has expired, it will lose its ability to be sticky and form the bond you need it to form. This means it won’t keep the surfaces bonded that you want to glue together.
If your glue sticks expire, dispose of them accordingly.
How To Make Glue Sticks Last Longer?
Glue sticks are a commonly used craft supply in schools and at home.
You can take a few precautions to protect and even prolong the shelf life of glue sticks.
If you follow the following tips, you can make glue sticks last longer:
- Always keep the cap sealed tightly to prevent the glue from being exposed to air and causing the water contents to evaporate, leading to the adhesive drying out and becoming unusable
- Store your glue sticks properly, always keep them in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Don’t open multiple glue sticks if you don’t need to use them – open one and keep using that one until you use it up before you open another glue stick
If you lose the cap of the glue stick, use clear tape or an adhesive sealant to seal the tube.
How To Fix Dried Glue Sticks?
There is a method that could help fix the glue if it dried, but the effectiveness of this method depends on how much moisture and adhesion properties the glue has already lost.
If the glue sticks didn’t lose much water content and preserved their adhesion, that allowed it to be just as sticky and effective:
- Grab a ziplock bag that seals well
- Soak paper towels in hot water and place them in the ziplock bag (don’t oversoak them, but do make sure they are as wet as they can be without dripping water)
- Add the glue sticks in between the wet paper towels
- Seal the bag and let the glue sticks soak in the moisture for about 10 – 12 hours
The moisture offered by the wet towels could soften the adhesive, but if it has lost too much of its adhesive properties, it won’t be as sticky as before.
How Long Do Hot Glue Sticks Last?
Hot glue sticks are usually very durable; their shelf life is usually 1 year to a couple of years.
Hot glue sticks are made with polyamide, which has a long shelf life.
If you don’t keep them sealed in between uses, this will cause the sticks to go brittle, and it will shorten their shelf life.
If you keep the hot glue sticks unopened, they can have a longer shelf life of more than 4 years.
Hot glue sticks have a shelf life of 4 years even after they have been opened and used as long as they are stored properly in between uses and not exposed to temperature extremes.
How To Store Hot Glue Sticks To Protect and Prolong Their Shelf Life?
When it comes to storing hot glue sticks properly, here is what you need to be mindful of:
- Keep them away from moisture and humidity
- Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources
- Don’t leave them exposed to oxygen
So what is the best way to store hot glue sticks?
Store them in a ziplock bag or a container in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight. Regardless of placing them in a bag or container, just make sure you can close and seal them tightly so moisture cannot reach the hot glue sticks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are glue sticks toxic?
Glue sticks are non-toxic and made with harmless materials.
Can glue sticks get moldy?
Yes, glue sticks can get moldy if exposed to significant amounts of moisture and oxygen.
Can you recycle glue stick tubes?
Yes, you can recycle glue stick tubes. Clean the tube thoroughly and remove any adhesive residues from the tube.
Can you use expired hot glue sticks?
You could use expired hot glue sticks, but you shouldn’t because their bond will be weak and won’t hold or stick at all.
What is a good storing temperature for hot glue sticks, so they don’t dry out?
Hot glue sticks can be stored between 5 and 30 degrees Celcius to prevent them from drying out.
What will hot glue sticks not stick to?
Typically, hot glue sticks won’t stick to the following surfaces:
- Metal
- Greasy surfaces
- Vinyl
- Silicone
- Wet surfaces
Can I reuse hot glue sticks?
Yes, you can reuse hot glue sticks multiple times.
Conclusion
Glue sticks can last up to 1 year, while hot glue sticks can last for multiple years (4 or more).
How you store them plays a big part in how long they last and how long they keep their effectiveness.
Both with glue sticks and hot glue sticks, store them in a cool and dry place. Make sure they are sealed tightly in a ziplock bag or a container.
Glues should never be stored in direct sunlight or near hearing sources.
