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Silver is a natural antimicrobial which kills bacteria, viruses, fungi/yeasts, molds and protozoa parasites

Precautions, Storage, Quality & Avoiding Contamination

Use on finger and toe nails: The only known discoloration caused by real colloidal silver is from absorption into toe and finger nails which results in a temporary yellow to brown discoloration of the nails. The skin around the nails has not been discolored. This can be avoided by using our 500ppm Silver Cream.

Nail precaution: Silver used to extend the shelf life of our products is a very effective full-spectrum anti-microbial which kills bacteria, viruses, fungi/yeasts, molds and protozoa parasites. If you have a nail fungus our 500ppm Silver Cream. 500ppm Silver Nail Polish Clear Base Coat or Smart Colloidal Silver may kill it and possibly even result in losing all or part of the nail. However, with continued use a nice looking nail will grow in.

Product expiration: We want your product to last as long as possible

Real colloidal silver, due to its anti-microbial characteristic, should not go bad when stored properly and not contaminated (see below). If it does become contaminated or weaken, it will be revealed by the color of the liquid changing or becoming lighter, respectively. The only exception is a color change from yellow to a greenish yellow which indicates loosely bound nanoparticles of silver atoms diminishing in size and formation of new smaller nanoparticles, which is a good thing.

Note: Because of slight variation above the 30+ppm silver guaranteed, as shown in the lab reports, the darkness of new bottles will vary a little. The nanoparticle size distribution can vary a little, with slightly smaller particles causing the product to appear more yellow. However, the as-received color should stay the same.

This product is not manufactured or sold as a drink, supplement, treatment, cure or prevention, according to the FDA. So, it's not required to have an expiration date. Having one might cause you to discard a good product and spend money to replace it at some point, as is common with medications and supplements. On the other hand, if contaminated or not stored properly, the product may become visibly diminished before a printed expiration date. The color of the liquid is the best indication of quality. The lot number in the lower right corner of the label is the date of manufacture.

Silver protein products have their silver bound-up within protein or polymer which can actually feed microbes in the bottle. So, those products probably need an expiration date, especially if they aren't in a clear bottle.

Ionic silver products are very sensitive to light. Also, those products are clear, making it usually impossible to see any deterioration, even if you could see through the bottle. So, an expiration date may be appropriate for those products also.

Product color and darkness indicate quality and strength.

  • If the color changes tint, aside from becoming greenish yellow due to smaller nanoparticles, it's an indication of contamination. Real colloidal silver is very sensitive to contamination.

  • If the color lightens, the silver nanoparticle concentration has been reduced.

Storage recommendation: We suggest you store this product in your climate-controlled living space, on a high wooden shelf, away from electrical items. Magnetic fields pass through walls and floors. So, consider what is on the other side when choosing a location.

To retain product color/quality and darkness/strength, do not:

  • Contaminate the product by:

    • drinking from the bottle (this is not a drink);

    • increasing air exposure by removing pull/push sport cap or sprayer top, especially if there is sulfur present;

      • Air exposure is why we don't offer larger containers and instead offer quantity discounts. This protects the portion of the product you haven't opened yet.

    • shaking the bottle

      • increasing exposure to whatever air is in the bottle

    • using sprayers other than the all-plastic one supplied with this product

    • cleaning sprayer dip tube with anything other than a spray or rinse with this product (air dry only)

    • pouring back into the bottle;

    • storing in anything other than the original bottle (don't reuse)

    • touching the inside of the bottle or cap;

    • soaking cotton balls, cloth or anything else by placing over the bottle opening;

    • putting anything in the bottle such as a Q-Tip, tube, or straw;

  • Freeze or refrigerate

    • can cause the nanoparticles to agglomerate into larger particles that change color then fall out of solution

  • Place on cool surface (floor or non-wood countertop);

    • can cause the nanoparticles to agglomerate into larger particles that change color then fall out of solution

  • Expose to direct sunlight

    • the radiation causes the nanoparticles to plate out onto the inside of the bottle

    • Real colloidal silver is not affected by indoor light

Avoid magnetic fields. Colloidal silver is suspended in the water by electric repulsion which is affected by magnetic fields. Silver is not attracted to a magnet. However, when the nanoparticles move in relation to a magnetic field, or visa versa, the nanoparticles become proportionally charged and may agglomerate enough to change color then fall out of suspension. So, to retain product strength do not:

  • Store within three feet of moderate magnetic fields, like:

    • small permanent magnets

    • electric appliances/equipment, heater coils, motors and field generators

      • (electric range, toaster, coffee pot, refrigerator motor, dishwasher, garbage disposal)

    • Anything with a power cords conducting 1-7 amps

      • Including indoor lighting, because of the EM field and not the light.

      • Real colloidal silver is not affected by indoor light

    • power cords and wires conducting over 8 amps

    • wireless routers, modems and phone/radio base stations;

    • televisions and monitors;

    • household power transformers and converters;

  • store within 6 feet of strong magnetic fields, like:

    • central vacuum, power saw, microwave, photocopiers and other things with a larger power cord.

    • power cords and wires conducting over 20 amps

    • large permanent magnets

    • florescent straight tube lights

      • over 6 feet away these are OK, because the light is not the problem

  • store within 12 feet of very strong magnetic fields, like:

    • high voltage transformer, electric meters, main service lines, power distribution panels

    • welders or generators

    • electro magnets

Note: Magnetic fields pass through walls and floors. So, consider what is on the other side when choosing a location.

If you have a septic system, don't put much colloidal silver down the drain. Its anti-microbial characteristic can harm the necessary biologic activity in your septic tank.

If you have a quality concern about a bottle you purchased, please email us with the lot number printed in the lower right corner of the bottle's label and describe what you are seeing. We retain a bottle from each lot for quality control.