Yes, laundry detergent do expire. But, each type of detergent expire at different rates. Some expires in 6 months, some expire within a year.
Key takeaways:
What is the lifespan of different detergents ?
1. Liquid Detergents
Commonly used in household as it is easy compared to other variations.
Short shelf life of 6-8 months months once open.
Brands: Top, Attack, Breeze, Dynamo, Bio-Home, Daia, Fab Glo, Kao Magiclean, Softlan.
2. Powdered Detergents
Long shelf life and do not have specific expiry date if unopened and stay sealed.
When left open, it can be hard and clunky, then it is best to throw it away as it is no longer effective.
Brands: Top, Breeze, Daia, Attack, Fab, Dynamo, Kao, BioZip, Trio, Wings
After carefully planning which laundry detergent to buy, you don’t want to end up with an ineffective product. So, before you buy that extra-large detergent pack, you may want to check the expiry date. -Wilson’s Chemical Innovations Inc.
3. Single-Dose laundry pods
Laundry pods are best used within 6 months of purchase.
The polyvinyl film coating these pods dissolves quickly upon contact with water.
If stored improperly or used after a prolonged period, these pods can turn into large, ineffective lumps.
Brands: Method, Seventh Generation, Ecover, Dropps, Grab Green, Cleanomic, Kirkland Signature, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, ECOS, Melaleuca
4. Laundry Tablets
Brands: Ecover, Bio-D, Persil Powergems
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly closed.
5. Laundry Sheets
Brands: Tru Earth, Clean People, Eco Living
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Storage Tips: Store in a dry place, preferably in an airtight container to prevent exposure to humidity.
6. Laundry Bars
Brands: Fels-Naptha, Dr. Bronner's, Zote
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the bar in a soap dish that allows it to dry between uses.
7. Natural/Organic Detergents
Brands: Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, Ecos
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure the container is tightly sealed after each use.
8. High-Efficiency (HE) Detergents
Brands: Tide HE, Gain HE, Method HE
Lifespan: 6 months to 1 year (after opening)
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the lid tightly closed to prevent moisture from entering.
9. Baby/Sensitive Skin Detergents
Brands: Dreft, Babyganics, Attitude
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place. Ensure the container is closed properly after each use.
10. Detergent Boosters
Brands: Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, Borax, OxiClean
Lifespan: Indefinite (if kept dry)
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to moisture.
11. Fabric-Specific Detergents
Brands: Woolite (for wool), The Laundress (for silk), Tide Delicates
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
12. Detergent Pods for Cold Water
Brands: Tide Pods Coldwater, Ariel 3in1 Pods, Persil Powercaps
Lifespan: 6 months to 1 year (after opening)
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the container tightly sealed and away from moisture.
13. Pet-Safe Detergents
Brands: Biokleen, PawSafe, Earthbath
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure the container is properly sealed after each use.
What is the best way to store detergent to extend it's shelf life ?
1. Keep in original packaging
Store in the original packaging whenever possible, since manufacturers design packaging with the product's stability and preservation in mind.
2. Keep it away from heat and Sunlight
Keep detergent away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and areas prone to moisture.
3. Leave containers closed
This is to avoid from storing it near heat sources, using improper containers, storing in humid or sunlit areas, ignoring expiration dates.
4. Keep away from children and pets
To ensure safety, it is imperative that the detergents are placed in safe areas within the premises to prevent accidents like knocked over and spills.
5. Keep it away from wet environments
Places like toilets, bathrooms, outdoors, or even within proximities of the washing machine should be avoided at all times.
6. Keep in enclosed stores
Storerooms like underneath your stairacase, where there is little air movement and controlled temperatures are the best when it comes to preserving your detergent.
7. Ask a professional like Sinar Saredah
Some companies like us can advise you on how you can best store your detergent based on your daily needs and current home condition. You can call us here
What are some of the misconceptions of laundry detergent ?
1. You can put detergent in the freezer
There are claims in the internet that states that detergent can be placed in freezers. Don't do it. This can cause the detergent to be hard and clunky because melting and heating points of this liquid is different than others.
2. It is safe amongst children
Liquid laundry detergent packet exposures among children <6 years old increased 110.4% from 2012 to 2015 and then decreased by 18.0% through 2017, likely attributable, in part, to the 2015 safety standard, whereas exposures among individuals ≥6 years increased.- publications.aap.org
What is the ideal temperature to store detergent ?
The ideal temperature to store laundry detergent depends on the type of detergent. For powdered detergent, it is best to store it in a dry place away from moisture and excessive humidity, and at a stable temperature between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Liquid detergent should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and at a stable temperature between 10°C to 26°C.
Single-dose laundry detergent pods should be stored in an airtight container to protect them from humidity or possible water leaks, and kept in places that don't have fluctuating humidity or temperature dips.
Want to know the latest insights about the detergent market?
What are the market trends?
"One of the key trends in the laundry detergent market is the shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly products. With increased environmental awareness, consumers are seeking detergents that are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals. In response, brands are developing formulas using natural ingredients such as plant-based surfactants and enzymes, and packaging made from recycled materials. Some companies are also adopting manufacturing processes that reduce water and energy usage, contributing to a lower environmental impact - Ecohomesshop"
Any shift in the technology?
More emerging laundry detergent market trends?
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