Poppers & the Queer Community

Poppers gives the sensation of connection and of possibility. Humans can push towards that queer future, where alternative voices are heard and respected, new pleasures discovered, surprising connections made.

Adam Zmith, author of Deep Sniff: A History of of poppers and Queer Futures

Buy the book

Knowing Your Poppers

A guide from APoppers.com

What are Poppers?

Poppers are cleaning solvents that have been around for decades. They’re known for being volatile - which means they don’t stay fresh forever once opened. How you store them makes all the difference.

Shelf Live: Unopened vs. Opened

Unopened bottles: Stay fresh for up to 12 months if stored correctly (cool, dark, and stable temperature) Perfect for bulk buying.

Opened Bottles: Once the seal is broken air begins to break down the nitrite. Within a few weeks - about a month, the potency will decline noticeably.

Buzz Tip **” Unopened? keep it chill in the fridge. Opened? Room temp is better. Fresh is always best”

Storage Do’s & Don’ts

Do:

  • Store unopened bottles in refrigerator to maximize shelf life

  • Keep opened bottles at room temperature, out of sunlight

  • Buy extra bottles and store them properly - fresh backups are your best friend.

Don’t:

  • Freeze your poppers - the chemistry doesn’t like it

  • Leave bottles in hot car, hear heaters, or in direct sunlight

  • Expose them to extreme temperature swing - this leads to brown, smell liquid that’s ready for the trash

Why Freshness Matters

  • Fresh bottles = stronger effect

  • Old bottles = weak, smelly, and wasted money

  • Anyone who has ever forgotten a bottle in a glovebox or sunny windowsill knows: Heat kills poopers fast.

Stock smart, Stay Fresh

  • Buying bulk? Unopened bottles stay fresh for a year when stored properly

  • Once Opened, plan or replacing after about a month to guarantee freshness

That’s why many of our customers keep a few backup bottles sealed, while rotating a fresh one open

10ml vs 30ml - Which size is right for You?

10ml Bottles:

  • Perfect for occasional users or those who just want to keep a small bottle on hand.

  • Great for anyone who likes to try different varieties without committing to a larger size.

  • Easy to carry discreetly in your pocket or travel kit.

  • Larger selection or products to choose from

30ml Bottles:

  • Best value for regular or heavier users.

  • A 30ml bottle contains 3 times as much at 10ml but usually cost less than buying two 10ml bottles.

  • Some argue the larger bottles stay fresh longer once opened

  • Fewer reorders, less hassle

Buzz’s Tips:

  • Many customers keep a couple of 10mls for variety and portability but rely on a 30ml as their go-to bottle. Some also like to keep 10ml on hand for guests - because let’s be real, sometimes when the guest leaves…the bottle leaves too.

  • Try to only keep one or two bottles open at a time, since the shelf live goes down once the bottle is opened.

  • Always store and extra bottle or two as backup - you never want to run out if misplace your last one.