Does Anyone Keep O-Rings in a Fridge for Long-Term Storage?
Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2026 3:38 am
I was reorganizing my workshop this week and realized I have several boxes of spare O-rings in different sizes. Most of them are nitrile, but I also have a few silicone and EPDM ones that I've picked up over the years. Some are still sealed in the original bags, while others have been opened and stored in small plastic organizers.
A friend mentioned that keeping rubber parts in a cool place, even in a dedicated mini fridge, can slow down aging. I've never tried it because I'm not sure if condensation would end up doing more harm than good once they're taken back out.
Right now my workshop stays between about 15°C in winter and 33°C in the summer, and humidity can get fairly high during the rainy season. I don't use these seals every week, so some may sit for a couple of years before I need them.
Has anyone compared normal shelf storage with refrigerated storage over a long period? Did you notice any difference in hardness, cracking, or how well the seals held up after a few years? I'm interested in real experiences before I reorganize everything.
A friend mentioned that keeping rubber parts in a cool place, even in a dedicated mini fridge, can slow down aging. I've never tried it because I'm not sure if condensation would end up doing more harm than good once they're taken back out.
Right now my workshop stays between about 15°C in winter and 33°C in the summer, and humidity can get fairly high during the rainy season. I don't use these seals every week, so some may sit for a couple of years before I need them.
Has anyone compared normal shelf storage with refrigerated storage over a long period? Did you notice any difference in hardness, cracking, or how well the seals held up after a few years? I'm interested in real experiences before I reorganize everything.