Citric acid has a pretty long shelf life and can be kept for up to 3 years if stored properly. The exact shelf life depends on how the citric acid is packaged and the storage conditions. Here’s a quick overview of how long citric acid lasts under different circumstances:
Unopened citric acid
Unopened citric acid can be kept for 2-3 years past the printed expiration date if stored in a cool, dark place. Citric acid is very stable when kept sealed in an airtight original container. The shelf life decreases if citric acid is exposed to heat, moisture or direct sunlight.
Opened citric acid
Once opened, citric acid will start to absorb moisture from the air which causes it to eventually cake and harden. An opened package will last about 1 year if resealed tightly and stored in a cool, dry location. Transferring unused citric acid to an airtight glass or plastic container helps extend its shelf life.
Factors affecting shelf life
There are several factors that determine how long citric acid will remain fresh and effective:
- Storage container – Storing in an airtight container protects against moisture and maximizes shelf life.
- Storage temperature – Cool, dry places like the pantry or cupboard are ideal. Heat and humidity shorten shelf life.
- Light exposure – Direct sunlight or bright light causes citric acid to degrade faster.
- Oxygen exposure – Limiting air exposure keeps citric acid from oxidizing and preserves freshness.
- Contamination – Keeping citric acid away from moisture, grease, particles and chemicals prevents contamination.
How to tell if citric acid has gone bad
Here are some signs that indicate your citric acid may have gone bad and should be discarded:
- Appearance: It is very clumpy, hard and caked or has changed color from white to shades of brown or yellow.
- Texture: It is rock solid and completely hardened.
- Smell: It smells musty, burnt or stale instead of lemony-tart.
- Taste: It tastes very bitter, sour or soapy instead of tangy and tart.
- Performance: It no longer dissolves easily in water or provides acidity in recipes.
If your citric acid shows any of those signs, it has likely gone bad from age or improper storage. It should be discarded since degradation makes it ineffective and potentially unsafe for consumption.
How to store citric acid properly
Follow these tips to best preserve citric acid and extend its shelf life:
- Store in a tightly sealed glass, plastic or metal container in a cool, dry place.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and other sources of light.
- Protect from excess heat and humidity by avoiding hot places like appliances or windowsills.
- Keep it somewhere easily accessible so the container can be resealed promptly after use.
- Don’t let it get contaminated by chemicals, grease, particles or moisture.
- Use a clean, dry spoon to scoop out only the needed amount.
If stored properly in a well-sealed container away from heat, light and moisture, citric acid will maintain optimal freshness and usability for 2-3 years past the printed expiration date.
Does citric acid expire?
Yes, citric acid does eventually expire and degrade in quality over time. However, its long shelf life means unopened citric acid stays fresh for about 2-3 years past the use by date printed on the packaging when stored correctly.
Citric acid will show noticeable signs of deterioration after the printed expiration date such as clumping, hardening, color changes and loss of effectiveness. Exposure to oxygen, light, heat and moisture will also shorten its shelf life significantly.
Uses for expired citric acid
Citric acid that has expired or is past its prime should not be used for consumption. Here are some safe uses for citric acid that has degraded in quality:
- Cleaning: Can be used as a natural bathroom, kitchen or laundry cleaner.
- Degreasing: Good for dissolving oil, grease or soap scum from surfaces.
- Polishing: Helps remove tarnish and rust from metals.
- Stain removal: Can be used to lighten stains and whiten fabrics or surfaces.
- Deodorizing: Gets rid of odors and sanitizes when used as a light disinfecting solution.
- Gardening: Lowers soil pH and increases acidity when used sparingly.
Always clearly label expired citric acid to avoid confusion with a fresh supply. While not suitable for food anymore, citric acid still has uses even after it loses potency over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does citric acid go bad?
Yes, citric acid does expire and go bad eventually. Properly stored, unopened citric acid lasts about 2-3 years past the printed expiration date before it starts to degrade in quality and effectiveness.
Can old citric acid make you sick?
Expired citric acid that has substantially degraded can potentially cause illness if consumed. The acidity may be off or it may have become contaminated over time. Old citric acid should not be used for food, drinks or pharmaceutical purposes.
How should you store citric acid?
Citric acid should be stored in a tightly sealed glass, plastic or metal container in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keeping it in the pantry or cupboard maximizes freshness and shelf life.
What are signs citric acid has spoiled?
Clumping, hardening, discoloration, musty/stale smell, failure to dissolve, and loss of tart flavor indicate citric acid has spoiled and should be discarded. If the product is past the expiration date, it should not be consumed or used in recipes.
Can you use expired citric acid for cleaning?
Yes, citric acid that is past the expiration or has otherwise degraded can still be used safely for household cleaning purposes. Its antimicrobial and deodorizing abilities remain, so it’s great for scrubbing, degreasing, disinfecting, and stain removal.
Conclusion
With proper airtight storage away from moisture, heat and sunlight, the shelf life of citric acid can be extended to about 2-3 years past the printed expiration date. Opened packages have a shorter shelf life around 1 year. If citric acid has expired or shows signs of moisture, clumping, odor changes or discoloration, it should not be consumed and should only be used for non-food purposes like cleaning. With optimum storage conditions, citric acid can remain fresh for your baking, cooking, preserving and other needs for an extended period of time.
