Some things, like honey and salt, you’d never expect to go bad… but laundry detergent? Yes, this household staple may not be as perishable as consumables, but it does expire, and if you wash clothes with it past its “use by” date, it won’t get as clean as it should. Liquid detergents tend to run out quickly, but powder detergents, pods and sheets can also lose their effectiveness, especially if you store them in the wrong place, and that is any place with high humidity.
When you Stock up on bulk detergentsYou might think that the best place to store it would be next to the washing machine, since you use it. The problem is that washing machines – and to a greater extent dryers – fill the air with moisture as they operate. The combination of moisture and heat from the dryer causes powdered detergent to clump and degrade the plastic coating of the detergent pods. Even detergent sheets are not immune to the ill effects of moisture.
Liquid detergents are also sensitive to moisture, which can separate ingredients over time. This process happens faster if you store the container in a place where there are sharp changes in temperature. If you have been Store your bulk detergent on a rolling cart in the laundry room Or in an unheated garage, basement, or shed, you may want to reconsider if you want to make it effective when you start using it.
How long does laundry detergent last and what happens if you run out of it?
Liquid laundry detergent has a shorter shelf life than other types—only six to 12 months. Pods, sheets and powder can last up to 15 months forever if you store them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or utility closet. However, exposure to moisture will shorten the life of any detergent.
If you use laundry detergent that has gone bad, it’s not the end of the world, but it won’t clean properly, and may have other unwanted effects. Confused liquid detergent can leave a greasy residue on your clothes, and clumped powder detergent can leave powder marks. Residue and clumped powder can also clog your washing machine. Finally, your clothes won’t smell as fresh when you wash them with a good detergent.
Even if you store detergent in a cool, dry place, you should pay attention to the “use by” date on the container, especially if you’re storing liquid detergent. As with storing them in a humid environment, the liquid will separate over time, even if the container is not opened. The good news is that you can still use expired detergents for other household tasks, such as mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms and appliances, or Removing moss from exterior siding.
