Storage, Shelf Life & Product CompatibilityUpdated 2 hours ago
Storage Temperature
Our probiotics remain alive and effective between 32-140 degrees Fahrenheit. This wide temperature range means you can store P2 products at normal room temperature without any special requirements.
Best Practices:
Room temperature storage is ideal
Avoid extreme heat (above 140°F)
Avoid freezing (below 32°F)
No refrigeration required or recommended (though you can refrigerate if preferred)
What Happens If Products Freeze or Get Too Hot?
If our probiotics freeze or become too hot (above 140°F), they will die and will no longer be able to perform effectively. This is why we may delay shipments during extreme weather conditions - we want to ensure you receive fully viable probiotics.
During Shipping: We monitor weather conditions and may delay shipments when temperatures are too extreme. While this might cause a brief delay, it ensures you receive products at full potency rather than compromised probiotics.
If You Suspect Temperature Damage: If you believe your products may have frozen or overheated during shipping or storage, contact us. We want to ensure you receive effective products.
Shelf Life & Expiration
We print three-year expiration dates on all our products, but they actually last much longer when stored properly at room temperature. The probiotics' spore-forming nature provides exceptional longevity compared to traditional probiotics that require refrigeration and have much shorter shelf lives.
Why Spore Probiotics Last Longer: Soil-spore probiotics form protective endospores that can remain dormant for extended periods, then germinate when conditions are right. This natural survival mechanism means our products maintain potency far longer than plant-based alternatives.
Mixed Solutions: How Long Do They Stay Active?
Once you mix P2 concentrate products with water, the activated probiotics remain effective for different timeframes depending on the product:
Surface Cleaner: Mix weekly for maximum probiotic power. The coconut detergent continues providing basic cleaning after 7 days, but probiotic biofilm elimination diminishes. Mix only what you'll use per location to prevent waste.
H2O Digestive Additive: Stays active for up to 3 days in water. You can drink immediately or spread one packet over 2-3 days.
Body Wash: Use within the bottle's normal usage timeframe (weeks to months).
Mouthwash: Stays active for 3 days in mixed solution.
The key principle: probiotics are living organisms that remain most active in the first several days after activation, though they do continue providing diminishing benefits beyond that initial period.
Water Type Matters
Always use spring water or filtered water to mix with P2 concentrates. Never use distilled water or reverse osmosis water.
Why Water Type Matters: The minerals in spring water activate the probiotics. Distilled water and reverse osmosis water lack these essential minerals, meaning the probiotics cannot activate properly and will be far less effective.
Best Water Choices:
Spring water (best - natural minerals present)
Filtered tap water (good - retains minerals while removing contaminants)
Regular tap water (acceptable if clean)
Never Use:
Distilled water (no minerals)
Reverse osmosis water (minerals removed)
Products That Neutralize P2 Probiotics
Some products will kill or neutralize our beneficial bacteria. Avoid using these products in conjunction with P2:
Essential Oils: Tea tree oil and eucalyptus will kill our probiotics. If you need to use essential oils, apply them separately from P2 products and allow time between applications.
Other Products to Avoid:
Castor oil
Silver (colloidal silver or silver-containing products)
Chemical ingredients in conventional toothpaste
Conventional chemical cleaners and disinfectants
Antibacterial products
The Principle: Anything designed to kill bacteria will also kill beneficial probiotics. This is why P2's approach - supporting good bacteria rather than killing everything - is fundamentally different and more effective long-term.
How to Use P2 With Other Products
Sequential Application: If you must use potentially neutralizing products, apply them first, allow time to dissipate, then apply P2 probiotics. The probiotics will work to re-establish beneficial bacterial balance.
Better Approach: Consider replacing harsh products entirely with P2 alternatives. Our products handle cleaning, personal care, and pet care comprehensively without the need for conventional chemical products.
See The Complete Home Biodome System for guidance on replacing multiple conventional products with P2's integrated approach.
Related Foundation FAQs:
Understanding P2 Technology - Why spore probiotics are stable
P2 Ingredients & Safety - What's in the products
The Complete Home Biodome System - Comprehensive product usage