Storing Condoms Properly - What You Need to Know About Condom Storage

Storing condoms properly has a direct impact on their shelf life and safety, so you should know the most important storage rules. If you’re wondering what you can do wrong when storing condoms, the answer is: quite a lot!

Basically, it’s actually quite simple—you just need to store condoms in a cool, dark place. But this already points to the first things that can go wrong when it comes to proper storage. For one thing, you need to make sure the temperature is right, and for another, they shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight. Extremely high temperatures in particular—but also high pressure or constant friction—can damage the condom and cause it to become porous or develop a hole.

So what should you avoid when storing condoms?

As described above, high temperatures, friction, direct sunlight, or high pressure can damage condoms and reduce their shelf life. Sharp or pointed objects should also never be stored together with condoms. You should therefore avoid the following common storage mistakes:

• Do not store them in a wallet—here, the condom is exposed to both pressure and, often, increased friction
• Do not store them in a purse or backpack—here, too, there is often a risk of increased friction or sharp objects that can puncture them
• Do not store them in the car or glove compartment—this is a particular problem in the height of summer, because once the car is parked in the sun, it often gets much too hot for condoms
• Do not store them in direct sunlight—even on a windowsill, for example, it can get very hot, especially in the summer
• Be careful in the height of summer when temperatures exceed 30°C - For example, if you live in an attic apartment where temperatures consistently exceed 30°C for extended periods in the summer, you should store the condoms in the refrigerator; however, brief (a few days) slight temperature fluctuations are not a problem

Storing Condoms Safely at Home

The best place to store your condoms at home is usually the nightstand next to your bed. Here, the condoms are typically kept in a cool, dark place and are also always within easy reach when needed. It’s best to keep them in a drawer of your nightstand, because depending on the model, it can get quite hot right under the nightlight, and it’s not a dark storage spot either.

The exception is the peak of summer mentioned above; if temperatures stay above 30°C for an extended period, your refrigerator is the better place to store them.

How can you protect condoms when you’re on the go?

If you want to carry your condoms with you while on the go or traveling, simply putting them in your wallet or tossing them loosely into your backpack or purse—as mentioned above—is not a good idea. Sharp objects like pens or keys, as well as friction from other items, can damage your condoms—and then you won’t have a safe condom on hand when you need it most.

So what can you do to prevent this? — Just get a small, sturdy metal or plastic box to pack your supply for when you’re on the go, and your condoms will be well protected even when you’re out and about. Now you just need to make sure they aren’t stored in a place that gets too hot during the height of summer.