Keeping Coconut Oil Rancid and Mold Free

Good day curlies!  I had to share my latest experience with coconut oil.  For those of you who read my blog, you know that coconut oil is one of my favorite oils to apply to my hair after a co-wash and leave in conditioner.  I found out that I was storing my coconut oil incorrectly after mold started forming in my oil.  I also noticed when it's stored or when I allow other products to get into the oil, it may develop a different smell.

In other words, here's what I previously did:  I previously stored my coconut oil under the bathroom sink in the upstairs bathroom of my house.  I kept it there, because that's where I keep most of my hair products, and it's convenient to grab it when co-washing my hair.  I also would apply conditioner to my hair and then reach into the coconut oil and scoop out some oil.  I began to notice green mold forming and a rancid smell in my coconut oil.  I had to toss it, because I would never put a rancid or molding product on my hair.

What I learned:  My coconut oil lasts longer when stored in the refrigerator.  It keeps it from melting and re-solidifying when the temperature gets warmer.  I'm also reminded that my upstairs bathroom sink cabinet is warmer than the cabinets on lower levels of my home, even though it's a dark place, it's not cool there.  I also realized that it's important to take an extra moment and rinse conditioner or any product from my hands before reaching into the coconut oil jar.

What I said to myself:  Duh, I should have known better.   Yall know how it is when you're rushing to get that wash and go done early in the morning, and you just want things to be convenient so that you can move from one step to the next.  Well I've learned my lesson, and my coconut oil lasts a long time now.  For one, I now keep my coconut oil in the refrigerator.  I scoop a small amount of oil into a separate container when doing a co-wash.  This step keeps me from causing any cross contamination of products, and it keeps the full jar of coconut safe and cool in the fridge.  I can surely say that I will not be throwing out another half used jar of coconut oil again.  I know how to store and keep my coconut oil rancid and mold free.

Here's a peak at the shine that I get from applying coconut oil to my natural hair. 

Coconut oil is a moisturizing and shine defining oil that is heavenly on my natural tresses.  Here's a great resource on How to Store Coconut Oil .  You can also eat or cook with this oil. Check out Dr. Oz's site on the health benefits of coconut oil, including regulating blood sugar and assisting with weight loss.  I also found some additional benefits of coconut oil, including claims that it eliminates lice eggs, dandruff, and assists with regrowth of hair when massaged into the scalp.

How do you store your coconut oil?  and  Have you experienced any other benefits from using coconut oil?