06/03/2026 by Joel Thompson
Correct lubricant storage is critical for maintaining industrial oil quality, avoiding contamination, and guaranteeing optimal equipment performance.
Knowing how to keep lubricants properly lets companies control maintenance costs, reduce operational downtime and prolong the active service life of lubricants and the equipment they serve. In this guide, we explain the best practices for storing industrial lubricant to maximise their lifespan.
Optimum environmental conditions
Ensuring lubricants stay at a stable temperature is crucial. As a result, lubricant stores should always have a consistent and moderate climate. Lubricants users should avoid locations that are too cold or hot as fluctuations in temperature can cause oil containers like drums, to draw in contaminants and unwanted moisture. It’s advisable to have a temperature gauge in lubricant storage areas for quick visual reference.
Storage areas should be well-maintained and kept clean and dry. A build-up of dust and debris can lead to contaminated lubricants when oil changes are underway. However, not all contaminants are solid matter, making sure lubricant stores are dry and free from humidity can avoid moisture contamination that can dilute the potency of a product.
Lubricants should never be stored in direct sunlight. Over time, concentrated UV rays can deteriorate plastic, which many oil and fluid containers are manufactured from. They can also impact the stability of the lubricants inside them.
Storing and positioning lubricant containers
Sites that have multiple types of machinery typically have a wide range of lubricants in use like hydraulic oil, coolant, cutting fluid and gear oil that vary in terms of packaging. Large lubricant drums should always be stored horizontally on racks. This stops water accumulating at the top that can lead to rusting of metal drums and degraded seals that can cause leaks and lubricant loss.
When lubricants are stored horizontally, bungs should be positioned at nine o’clock and three o’clock positions. This ensures that gaskets stay submerged in oil, preventing any moisture ingress and guaranteeing they remain tightly closed.
Oil containers should not be stored directly on the floor of a storage area. Elevating them using racks or pallets will help avoid the lubricant they contain being contaminated.
Until they are ready to use, lubricant containers should also be kept completely sealed. This ensures the window they are open for is as short as possible, effectively minimising exposure to oxygen and contaminants.
Best lubricant handling and inventory practices
To ensure that the oldest stock is always used before new, adopting a first in first out (FIFO) approach is advised. This helps avoid lubricants exceeding their recommended shelf life. To support this strategy, it is vital that all lubricants are clearly labelled. Key information to include is the name of the lubricant, when it was received in storage and its expiration date.
During dispensing, lubricants are at risk of contamination that can affect their lifespan. To avoid cross contamination issues, lubricant users should always employ clean transfer containers and pumps, each allocated to a specific product.
It is advised that storage managers set a limit for lubricant age. Although some lubricants can last longer, a rule of thumb is to aim for a three-month turnover for inventory.
Exterior storage concerns
As a rule, the best practice is to always store lubricants indoors, however, when this option is not available, additional measures are required. Lubricants should have sufficient shelter. This means oil and fluid drums should be kept beneath a roof when possible or under a waterproof tarpaulin at bare minimum. To avoid any water ingress from adverse conditions, drums should be stored tilted at an angle or on their sides to stop water gathering on the top, off the ground or on a rack or pallet.
Advanced product advice
There are some agreed practices for storing specific lubricant types. For instance, water-based lubricants should never be stored in locations where they can freeze. A climate-controlled storage will prevent this problem and make sure emulsions of oil and water don’t separate. Additionally, grease tubes and drums are best stored upright to avoid base oils separating from thickening agents. However, for optimal results, lubricant users should always adhere to manufacturer guidelines regarding storage temperatures for each product they employ on site.
By implementing the practices listed in the sections above, industrial lubricant users buying brands like Q8, Fuchs, Kluber and Petronas, among others, can prevent products degrading prematurely and benefit from the full extent of their shelf life.
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