Possible Reasons Your Whipped Cream Can Isn’t Working Properly
There are a few common reasons why your whipped cream can might not be working properly:
1. The can is empty
The most obvious reason your whipped cream isn’t coming out is that the can is empty. Give the can a good shake – if you don’t hear anything moving around inside, it’s empty. Time to replace it with a new can.
2. The nozzle is clogged
Whipped cream cans dispense the whipped cream through a small nozzle at the top. It’s easy for bits of hardened cream to get stuck and clog this nozzle, preventing any new cream from coming out. Try using a pin or needle to gently unclog the nozzle. Be careful not to enlarge the nozzle opening.
3. The can wasn’t stored properly
Whipped cream cans contain pressurized gas to force the cream out when you press the nozzle. If the can was stored improperly, the pressurized gas can escape and the can won’t be able to push out the whipped cream anymore. Always make sure to store whipped cream cans upright and away from direct heat or sunlight which can cause the gas to leak out. An upside down can is a definite no-no.
4. The can is expired
Like all food products, whipped cream does expire and go bad after a certain date. Always check the expiration date before trying to use a can of whipped cream. If it’s passed the expiration date, throw it away and get a new can. Using expired whipped cream can make you sick.
5. The can wasn’t shaken enough
Before using a can of whipped cream, you have to shake it vigorously first. This mixes up the cream and gas inside to get it ready to be dispensed. If you don’t shake it enough beforehand, the consistency won’t be right and it won’t come out of the nozzle properly when you try to use it. Make sure to give it a thorough shake for 30 seconds or so before each use.
6. The can is damaged
If the canister got damaged, bent or punctured in some way, the pressurized gas can start to leak out rendering the can useless. Throw away any cans that are dented or leaking. Don’t try to puncture whipped cream cans yourself – the pressurized contents can be dangerous if mishandled!
7. The whipped cream has gone bad
Even if stored properly in the fridge, an open can of whipped cream has a relatively short shelf life – just 1-2 weeks. If you leave it for too long, the cream can go bad and not spray out properly anymore when you try to use it. Taste a small amount to determine if it has spoiled before trying to whip more of it. Toss it if it tastes sour.
8. The dispenser nozzle is damaged
If the plastic nozzle tip has become cracked or chipped, the whipped cream might not come out properly anymore. Try removing the nozzle to see if that’s the issue. Replace it with a new nozzle cap if needed. Just make sure it’s securely attached before using.
9. It wasn’t refrigerated
While unopened whipped cream cans are shelf-stable at room temperature, once opened they must be refrigerated. The whipped cream can spoil if left out too long after opening. Always put it back in the fridge immediately after using it. Letting the used can sit out can lead to clogging issues too.
How to Fix a Non-Dispensing Whipped Cream Can
If your canned whipped cream isn’t working properly, there are a few troubleshooting things you can try before throwing it out:
1. Shake the can vigorously
Give the can a good shake for 30 full seconds. Sometimes that’s all you need to get the whipped cream flowing well again. The shaking mixes the contents and re-pressurizes the gas. Make sure to shake before each use.
2. Try a different nozzle position
Rotate the dispensing nozzle into various positions while pressing the tip. Sometimes whipped cream comes out best at certain angles. Try pointing the nozzle straight up, sideways, upside down, etc. and keep pressing.
3. Run the can under warm water
The metal canister can sometimes get too cold in the fridge, causing thickening of the cream. Run some warm water over the sides and bottom of the can for 30-60 seconds to gently warm it. Then shake well and try dispensing again. The heat helps loosen up the thick cream.
4. Microwave the can *carefully*
You can also try warming up a non-dispensing can in the microwave very briefly – 5-10 seconds at a time. This helps warm the cream and loosen it up inside the can. IMPORTANT: Whipped cream cans can explode in the microwave if heated for too long!
5. Bang the can on the countertop
Gently banging the bottom of the can on a hard countertop a few times can help loosen any clogged cream in the nozzle. Hold the can upside down so the clog is near the opening while banging.
6. Use a pin to unclog the nozzle
Carefully insert a pin, needle or sharp object into the nozzle opening to loosen any dried cream or food bits. Don’t push too hard or you can damage the opening. Just gently poke to unclog it.
7. Remove and clean the dispensing nozzle
Use your fingers or pliers to detach the plastic nozzle portion from the whip cream can. Soak the nozzle in warm soapy water then rinse. Dry thoroughly before reattaching to the can.
8. Whip it by hand first
If it seems very thick, pour some cream into a bowl and whip it briefly with an electric mixer first. Then spoon it carefully back into the can and shake well before trying to dispense again.
Preventing Future Whipped Cream Can Problems
To avoid having issues with your whipped cream can spraying properly in the future, follow these storage and usage tips:
Always refrigerate the can after opening
Keep the whipped cream can chilled at all times once it’s been used. Store it in the fridge upside down between uses so the cream stays near the nozzle to prevent clogging there.
Use within 1-2 weeks of opening
Be aware the shelf life shortens significantly once the can is first used. Use the whipped cream within 1-2 weeks for best quality. Write the date you open it on the can.
Never leave a used can out on the counter
Don’t let an open whipped cream can sit out too long, always refrigerate it immediately after using. Leaving it out can lead to premature spoilage and failure to dispense.
Shake the can before each use
Make it a habit to vigorously shake the can for 30+ seconds before attempting to spray more cream. This mixes up the contents properly.
Store new cans away from heat and cold
Keep unopened cans at room temperature in a cool, dry spot. Avoid temperature extremes like right next to the oven or in very cold garages which can damage the cans.
Check expiration dates
Always be aware of the expiration date before attempting to use a can of whipped cream. Consuming expired whipped cream could make you sick.
Don’t try to modify or puncture the canister
Never attempt to modify or puncture a whipped cream canister in any way. The pressurized contents can be dangerous if mishandled.
When to Throw Out Your Whipped Cream
If you’ve tried the troubleshooting tips but your whipped cream still won’t dispense properly, it’s time to discard it. Watch for these signs that indicate your whipped cream has gone bad and needs to be thrown out:
Expired date on the can
Always check the expiration stamp and toss whipped cream past its expiry date. Consuming bad whipped cream poses health risks.
Sour smell or taste
If your whipped cream smells or tastes sour, it has spoiled and should be discarded immediately. Don’t eat spoiled whipped cream.
Mold visible inside the can
Check the dispenser nozzle for any mold buildup which indicates it has gone bad. Toss the can if you see green or white mold growing.
Flat consistency
Whipped cream that comes out runny or melty has broken down and should be thrown away. Good whipped cream holds its shape.
Leaking can
If you notice any leaks or punctures in the metal can, dispose of it right away. Leaking gas makes the can non-functional.
Can has been left out too long
Whipped cream cans cannot be left out at room temp very long once opened. Toss opened cans left out more than 2 hours.
When to Purchase a New Can of Whipped Cream
Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to discard your current whipped cream can and purchase a fresh new one:
– The can makes sputtering or spraying sounds but no cream comes out
– The nozzle is completely clogged and unable to be fixed
– The metal canister is dented, damaged, or leaking
– The whipped cream tastes terrible and spoiled
– The dispensed cream comes out runny, watery and uneven
– The expiration date has long passed
– The can is very light and seems empty inside
Don’t try to stubbornly keep a dysfunctional whipped cream can in service. It’s safest and most sanitary to simply toss it and get a nice fresh can replacement when your current one is having major issues.
Storing Whipped Cream Cans Properly
To maximize the shelf life of your whipped cream cans, be sure to store them correctly:
Unopened Cans
– Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture
– Avoid temperature extremes – don’t refrigerate unopened cans
– Keep in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard
– Check “best by” dates and use within 6-9 months
Opened Cans
– Refrigerate immediately after opening
– Keep chilled at all times, do not leave out
– Use within 1-2 weeks for best quality
– Store upside down so cream is near the nozzle
– Always refrigerate after use; don’t leave open cans out
Proper storage preserves the taste and texture of your canned whipped cream. Follow these guidelines to prevent premature spoilage issues.
FAQs About Whipped Cream Cans
How long do unopened whipped cream cans last?
Unopened, shelf-stable canned whipped cream will stay fresh for 6-9 months when stored properly at room temperature. Always check the “Best By” date on the can.
How long does opened whipped cream last?
Once opened, an aerosol whipped cream can only lasts 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator before the quality starts to suffer. Write the date you open it on the can.
How do you know if canned whipped cream is bad?
Signs that your whipped cream has gone bad include sour smell/taste, mold growth in nozzle, watery consistency, or if it was left out of the fridge for over 2 hours after opening.
Why does my whipped cream come out runny?
If your canned whipped cream dispenses as a runny liquid, it likely got too warm and the emulsification broke down. You can try chilling it thoroughly before use next time.
Why does whip cream spray everywhere?
If the whipped cream is spraying messy everywhere, the can may have been shaken too vigorously right before use. Only shake for 30 seconds then let sit 2 minutes before dispensing.
Can you freeze unused whipped cream?
Yes, you can freeze leftover whipped cream in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Thaw in fridge before using. Freezing prolongs its shelf life.
Can you microwave whip cream cans?
It’s possible but very risky – whipped cream cans can explode if microwaved more than a few seconds. Heat them very briefly only if shaking doesn’t soften the cream.
How do you fix an expired whipped cream can?
Unfortunately there is no way to reverse an expired whipped cream can. The cream itself has degraded over time and use. You’ll need to purchase a new can.
Conclusion
When canned whipped cream stops working properly, there are a number of troubleshooting steps like shaking, unclogging the nozzle, and warming the can that may get it spraying normally again. But if those tricks don’t work, it likely needs to be discarded and replaced with a fresh can. Always be diligent about proper storage, expiration dates, and refrigeration of your whipped cream cans to prevent premature failures. With the right handling, your whipped cream can keep flowing smoothly and deliciously every time you need it for your desserts!