How To Keep Coconut Oil From Getting Hard

Coconut oil gets hard when it’s stored below 76°F, and that’s completely normal — it’s just the oil returning to its solid state.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to keep coconut oil from getting hard, the answer is simple: keep it warm.
 
Coconut oil is naturally solid at room temperature in most climates, but with the right storage tricks, you can keep it soft and scoopable without any hassle.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to keep coconut oil from getting hard, the science behind why it solidifies, and easy methods to keep it soft all year round.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why Coconut Oil Gets Hard

Coconut oil gets hard because of its unique fatty acid structure, and understanding this makes it easier to keep it soft.
 

1. Coconut Oil Has a High Melting Point

The main reason coconut oil gets hard is that its melting point sits around 76°F (24°C).
 
That’s why your kitchen counter coconut oil turns into a solid white block whenever the temperature dips below that mark.
 
This isn’t spoilage.
 
It’s just a natural phase change, and the oil becomes soft again once it’s warmed back up.
 

2. Saturated Fat Content Is the Culprit

Coconut oil is roughly 90% saturated fat, which is much higher than most other oils.
 
Saturated fats are more stable and solidify at warmer temperatures than unsaturated fats do.
 
That’s why olive oil stays liquid on your shelf while coconut oil gets hard even in mild weather.
 

3. Temperature Changes Trigger Solidification

Any drop in room temperature can cause coconut oil to harden.
 
Winters, air-conditioned kitchens, and cold pantry shelves all speed up the process.
 
So if you notice your coconut oil gets hard overnight, it’s probably just because your kitchen got a bit cooler.
 

How to Keep Coconut Oil From Getting Hard

How do you actually stop coconut oil from getting hard?
 
You can keep coconut oil soft by using a few simple storage tricks that keep the temperature steady:
 

1. Store It in a Warm Spot

The easiest way to keep coconut oil from getting hard is to store it somewhere warm.
 
Keep the jar near your stove, on a sunny counter, or in a cabinet above the fridge where warm air gathers.
 
Avoid cold spots like basement shelves, windowsills in winter, or right next to the AC vent.
 

2. Use a Small Jar and Warm Water Bath

If you need soft coconut oil fast, place the jar in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
 
This gently melts the oil without overheating it.
 
You can also scoop the hardened coconut oil into a smaller jar that’s easier to warm quickly when needed.
 

3. Try Fractionated Coconut Oil

If you’re tired of dealing with solid coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil is a great alternative.
 
It stays liquid at room temperature because the long-chain fatty acids have been removed.
 
So if you mainly use coconut oil for cooking or skincare and want it always pourable, fractionated coconut oil keeps things simple.
 

4. Keep the Lid On Tight

Sealing the jar properly won’t melt your oil, but it does help maintain a stable temperature around it.
 
A tight lid keeps out cool drafts and moisture, which helps coconut oil stay soft longer.
 

5. Store It in a Warm Cabinet or Cabinet Near the Stove

A cabinet right next to your stove is a smart spot for keeping coconut oil from getting hard.
 
Residual warmth from cooking keeps that area a few degrees warmer than the rest of the kitchen.
 
Just make sure the cabinet isn’t hot enough to overheat the oil, which can still degrade its quality over time.
 

Things to Avoid When Keeping Coconut Oil Soft

There are a few mistakes that will undo all your efforts to keep coconut oil soft:
 

1. Don’t Microwave the Whole Jar

Microwaving the entire jar can overheat the oil unevenly and damage its beneficial compounds.
 
If you must microwave, scoop out only what you need into a separate bowl.
 

2. Don’t Leave It in Direct Sunlight for Hours

A little warmth is fine, but prolonged direct sun exposure can cause the oil to degrade and turn rancid faster.
 

3. Don’t Store It in the Fridge Unless You Want It Solid

Some people refrigerate coconut oil on purpose, but if keeping coconut oil soft is your goal, skip the fridge entirely.
 

So, How to Keep Coconut Oil From Getting Hard?

How to keep coconut oil from getting hard comes down to keeping it warm.
 
Coconut oil gets hard when stored below 76°F, and that’s completely normal — it’s just the oil returning to its solid state.
 
Store it in a warm spot, use a warm water bath when needed, or switch to fractionated coconut oil if you want it always liquid.
 
Hope this post has helped you understand how to keep coconut oil from getting hard so it stays soft and scoopable all year round.