I store my vasoline/cotton balls inside plastic soda straws. Hold one end closed with pliers and melt it with a match. Fill with cotton balls (cram them down in there by rolling them, pushing with toothpicks, etc.) Then pinch the second end closed with the pliers and melt that too. I have several I made like this years ago and they are still sealed. However, I have not cut one open to see how the cotton balls inside have faired. I should do that. I had assumed since the straws are still solidly sealed that things inside would be A-OK. But now you made me think, "An assumption is the first step towards a screw-up", and I need to VERIFY that things are good inside my soda straws. At one time I made a point of grabbing and extra straw or two at fast food places - especially if they had those large over-sized diameter straws.