How To Store Grease For Optimal Performance
Proper grease storage is essential for maintaining its effectiveness and ensuring that it performs as expected over time. Incorrect storage can lead to contamination, degradation, and a reduced lifespan, making it important for both industrial and automotive applications to adhere to best practices.
By storing grease correctly, users can avoid these issues and maintain high-performance standards. Collaborating with trusted grease manufacturers ensures that the grease selected is of the highest quality, but correct storage is key to preserving its properties.
Keep in a cool, dry location:
Grease should always be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Excessive heat can cause the base oil in the grease to separate, leading to changes in its consistency and performance. Instead, freezing temperatures can cause the grease to become too stiff, making it difficult to apply when needed. A controlled environment that maintains a stable temperature range, typically between 10°C and 25°C (50°F to 77°F), is ideal for storing grease.
Seal containers properly:
Properly sealing grease containers is essential to prevent contamination from dust, dirt, or moisture. When storing grease, ensure that the lids of the containers are tightly closed to protect the product from exposure to the elements. For bulk storage, ensure that the containers are well-sealed with no gaps that could allow contaminants to enter. If the grease is stored in cartridges, avoid puncturing or damaging the packaging to maintain its integrity.
Avoid contamination:
Contamination is one of the most common issues that affect the quality of grease. When handling grease, ensure that tools and equipment are clean to avoid introducing foreign particles into the container. If grease is used in bulk, always use clean dispensers to transfer it into equipment or machinery. Also, never return used grease back into the original container, as this could introduce contaminants and degrade the product.
Rotate stock regularly:
Grease can lose its performance over time, especially if it is stored for prolonged periods. To avoid using expired or degraded grease, rotate your stock to ensure that older grease is used first. Implementing a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system in your storage process will help keep the grease fresh and ready for use. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on large quantities of grease for machinery maintenance.