Optimize the lifespan of your silicone hoses!

Silicone hoses are used in a wide variety of applications and in numerous industries including medical, industrial, and food and beverage. And whether you like to stay prepared with a backup or you’re a wholesale distributor with us, it’s important that if your hoses are currently being used, that you store them effectively to get the most out of them.

Flex Technologies is your partner for high-quality silicone hose products. From medical- and food-grade silicone to fluorosilicone-lined hoses to accommodate oils, we can find a solution for you. Protect your investment and learn more about the proper storing techniques in today’s post.

Improve Storage Conditions To Improve The Lifespan Of Silicone

If you have silicone hoses that are not in use, it’s important to care for them and store them properly so their performance isn’t compromised when it is time.

Rotation

Just like in food service, FIFO — first in, first out — needs to be applied to all your stored silicone hoses. It’s important to rotate them and use the oldest manufacture date first, to avoid any mix-ups or accidentally finding a hose way in the back from two years ago!

Long storage periods aren’t recommended, but if it does happen, ensure that the silicone hose is thoroughly inspected before you use it. If you’re worried about it, connect with us with any questions or hesitations you may have.

Physical Storage

It’s vital that if you are storing silicone hoses, that their physical storage location is taken into great consideration. Whether you have a storage closet or a warehouse, store your hoses in a plastic bin. This way, they’re protected from any sharp objects, pressure, etc that can affect their overall performance and integrity.

Silicone hosing should not be stacked and stored horizontally, which can make it very difficult to store extra hoses. There are shallow bins — used to store clothing that slips under the bed — that are great to use. They’re smaller and they can safely be stacked without affecting the hoses.

If you’re prone to hanging hoses on columns or hooks — often found in the automotive industry — it’s important that this is avoided when storing your hoses. Laying the hoses horizontally on a flat surface prevents bending and deformation.

Isolation

Storing silicone hosing on its own is going to be the best way to make sure the external environment won’t affect the quality. While silicone hosing is extremely durable, if it’s exposed to a splash of solvent here or a drop of oil there and it’s not cleaned off — we often don’t notice these things until it’s too late — it can render the hose damaged.

The best place for a silicone hose is in a bin by itself and stored away from damaging substances such as unstable chemicals or other mixtures and materials.

Environmental Conditions

Temperature and humidity are two variables to consider when storing your silicone products. While silicone was made to combat extreme temperatures and humidity, you wouldn’t want premature wear and tear before the hose was used.

A temperature range between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. If your silicone hoses are subject to extreme temperatures, you may want to consider using a heat or cold shield to better preserve and protect them. The humidity when storing silicone shouldn’t reach above 65 percent.

Light

Light, especially UV should be avoided when storing silicone hoses. The dark is best, but if your storage area has any windows or glass, just make sure they’re covered. A solid storage bin helps reduce light exposure.

Key Takeaways:

• Rotate your silicone hoses
• Store your silicone hoses horizontally, flat, and by themselves
• Keep your silicone hoses from extreme temperatures and humidity
• Place silicone hoses in dark areas, avoiding both UV and artificial light
• Store your silicone hoses in solid, shallow plastic bins
• Never hang your hoses

Get New Silicone Hoses From Flex Technologies Today!

Do you need more silicone hoses for your inventory? Flex Technologies has you covered! From automotive and brewing beer to farm equipment and biotech, there is a silicone hose solution for you that levels up your industry!

Learn more about our customization options and browse our ready-to-go inventory today!