Have you ever wondered if that bottle of laundry detergent in your closet for the last six months is still good? Does laundry detergent expire?
You may have bought an extra-large size on sale, but now you’re unsure if you should use it or toss it. Good news – laundry detergent typically has a shelf life of at least six months to a year after opening.
As long as it’s been stored correctly and the ingredients are still intact, it should be perfectly fine for up to a year in most cases.
However, there are a few things you’ll want to check before pouring that detergent into your washer. Here’s what you need to know about how long laundry detergent lasts and when it’s time for a replacement.
How to Tell if Laundry Detergent Has Expire
Laundry detergent doesn’t have an official expiration date, but it does lose effectiveness over time. Here are some signs it’s time for a replacement and get a better understanding if laundry detergent can expire:
Smell
If your detergent has a funky odor, it’s oxidizing and breaking down. Toss it. You want your clothes to smell fresh, not like rancid detergent!
Consistency
Check if the detergent seems excessively thick, lumpy, or watery. It should have a smooth, liquid consistency.
If it’s clumpy or grainy, it won’t clean as well and could leave residue on your clothes.
Lack of suds
Are you having trouble getting lots of bubbles?
Detergents lose the ability to suds up over time as surfactants break down. Less suds mean less cleaning power.
Irritation
If you suddenly notice irritation from wearing clothes washed in a particular detergent, it could be a sign the formula has gone off.
Detergents can get harsher as they age, causing skin irritation.
Cleaning issues
The biggest sign is if your clothes don’t seem as clean after washing. If stains aren’t lifting as well or whites aren’t brightening up, your detergent is past its prime.
The bottom line: replace your detergent every 6-12 months for the best clean.
Why risk dingy, smelly clothes when fresh detergent is just an errand away? Keep your clothes – and skin – happy by not pushing it!
The Shelf Life of Different Types of Laundry Detergent
Regarding laundry detergent, the shelf life can differ depending on your chosen type. On the other hand, we have compiled a comprehensive list to assist you if you’re specifically searching for the ideal laundry detergent for a septic tank system.
Here’s the essential information you should be aware of:
Powdered detergent
Powdered detergent usually has the most extended shelf life of 3-5 years.
As long as the detergent powder is kept in a cool, dry place away from excess moisture, it should last for years without issue. However, over time, it may experience some clumping.
Liquid detergent
Liquid detergent typically lasts 6-12 months. Check the bottle’s ‘use by’ date, as the detergent can lose effectiveness over time.
Liquid detergent may last longer if stored in a cool area, but if there’s a change in color, texture, or scent, it’s best to replace it.
Natural and eco-friendly detergents
Detergents made from natural ingredients and essential oils often have a shorter shelf life of 3-6 months.
These plant-based detergents contain no synthetic preservatives so they can spoil more quickly. Check the label for a ‘best by’ date and properly seal the container after each use.
Pods and single-use packs
Detergent pods and single-dose packs also have a typical shelf life of 6-12 months.
The water-soluble pouches and pods are more susceptible to moisture damage over time. Avoid stocking up on more than a three-month supply for the best results.
When in doubt if your detergent has expired, do a sniff test.
If there’s a foul odor, it’s best to replace it. And remember, using expired detergent may result in ineffective cleaning and skin irritation.
Following the recommended shelf lives will ensure you put fresh, high-quality detergent in every load.
Safe Ways to Use Expired Laundry Detergent
Even though laundry detergent has an expiration date, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe or ineffective to use past that date.
There are a few ways to use expired detergent safely.
Do a test load
If your detergent is past its expiration date by just a few months, it should still clean clothes effectively. However, it’s a good idea to do a test load with expired detergent before using it for an entire load.
Add the usual amount of detergent to an average wash load and check that it’s cleaning correctly and not leaving residue before doing more loads.
Use a bit more
As detergent ages, it can lose some of its cleaning power.
You may need to add more detergent for the same results, to compensate. Add about 1/4 to 1/3 more detergent to a load. Check the results, and you can continue adding more detergent in small increments for future loads if needed.
However, don’t add detergent amounts exceeding the recommended packaging dosage.
Avoid sensitive skin
If you or someone in your household has sensitive skin or allergies, avoiding using expired detergent is best.
The chemical composition of detergents can break down over time, which may irritate sensitive skin.
For most people, using expired detergent sparingly and doing a patch test on an inconspicuous skin area first should be fine, but when in doubt, it’s best to discard old detergent.
While expired detergent may still work for most loads of laundry in a pinch, it’s ideal to use detergent within the recommended use period for the best and freshest clean.
When your detergent bottle is running low, pick up a replacement so you have a new bottle ready when the old one is finished.
Following these tips can help you get the most out of your detergent.
Conclusion
While laundry detergent can last many months when stored correctly, it still can expire. Thus, it’s best not to keep the same bottle too long.
For the freshest clean and to avoid skin irritation, aim to use detergent within 6-12 months. And if it’s been opened for over a year, it’s probably time to replace it.
When in doubt, check for changes in color, thickness, or scent, indicating that time has passed.
Your clothes and washing machine will thank you, and you’ll rest easy knowing you’re getting the best clean possible with fresh detergent.
So add detergent to your shopping list and make a habit of noting the date you open a new bottle. Your laundry routine will be fresher than ever!