Don’t let your admixture be ready for use, only to find out that it has deteriorated because it was stored incorrectly. 

For contractors, batching plants, and construction teams, liquid concrete admixtures are often stored for future use. However, improper storage—such as exposure to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or leaving containers open—can affect the product’s condition and performance.

So, how should liquid admixtures be stored properly?

1. Store in a Shaded Area, Away from Direct Sunlight 

This is one of the most common things that gets overlooked.

Drums, pails, or containers of liquid admixture should not be stored outdoors under direct sunlight. Excessive heat and prolonged exposure to harsh environmental conditions may affect the product or its packaging. Some liquid admixture products from major manufacturers specify storage within a certain temperature range and protection from direct sunlight.

Tip:
Store admixtures in a cool, dry, shaded, and well-ventilated storage area.

2. Pay Attention to Storage Temperature 

Every type of admixture may have different storage requirements.

For example, some liquid admixtures recommend storage within a specific temperature range, while other products may have different requirements. That means there is no single storage temperature standard that applies to every admixture.

The safest approach? Always check the Product Data Sheet (PDS) or manufacturer’s storage instructions before storing the product.

3. Keep the Container Tightly Closed

After using an admixture, make sure the container is properly and tightly sealed.

An open container increases the risk of contamination from:

• Dust and dirt
• Water or moisture
• Foreign materials
• Other contaminants

Whenever possible, keep the product in its original packaging and properly sealed.

4. Do Not Mix Different Admixtures in One Container

Have several types of admixtures in your warehouse?

Don’t mix them together just to save storage space. Each admixture has its own formulation and intended function. Different products may also have specific requirements regarding compatibility and application.

Best practice:
Keep each product in its original container and make sure every container has a clear product label.

5. Apply the FIFO System 

A simple but effective warehouse practice:

FIFO = First In, First Out.

Use the products that arrived first before newer stock.

For example:

Admixture A arrives in January
Admixture B arrives in March

When admixture is needed, use Admixture A first.

This helps prevent products from staying in storage for too long and reduces the risk of stock exceeding its recommended shelf life.

6. Check the Admixture Before Use 

Before adding admixture to the concrete batching process, don’t rely only on the expiry date.

Also inspect the product’s physical condition.

Check for:

• Unusual color changes
• Abnormal sedimentation or separation
• Damaged or leaking packaging
• Changes in consistency
• Signs that the product has been exposed to extreme conditions

Keep in mind that certain admixtures may naturally show some changes during storage. Therefore, do not immediately assume that a product is unusable based on visual appearance alone. When in doubt, refer to the manufacturer’s PDS or consult the technical team.

7. Remember: Not All Admixtures Have the Same Shelf Life

This is important.

Shelf life is not the same for every concrete admixture. Some liquid admixture products may have a shelf life of around 12 months when stored under the recommended conditions, while other products may have different shelf lives and storage requirements.

Before stocking admixtures, always check these three things:

📅 Production Date
📦 Packaging Condition
🌡️ Storage Conditions

Don’t Just Store Your Admixture. Store It Properly.

In construction, admixture may only be one part of the overall concrete process. But when the product is not properly stored, its condition and performance may be affected, potentially influencing factors such as workability, setting time, slump retention, and concrete performance, depending on the type of admixture being used.

So, the question isn’t only:

“How much admixture should we use?”

It’s also:

“Are we storing it correctly?”

Store it properly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. And always check the product condition before use.