Have you ever wondered if laundry detergent can go bad or expire? Learn about the shelf life of different forms of laundry detergent, as well as factors that negatively and positively impact its effectiveness.
If kept in a cool, dry place, most laundry detergents can be used 6 months to one year after they are opened. Most detergents come with an expiration date, but they can often be used past their expiry date, though they can become less effective and fragrant. Their toxicity, however, does not increase.
Liquid Detergent
Does liquid laundry detergent expire? Most liquid detergents can be used 9 months after they are opened. When used past its expiration date, liquid detergent may begin to form clumps and it may be necessary to break these up by shaking the bottle before opening. Avoid using detergent if it is too clumpy, as it can form clogs. You should discard the detergent if you notice a hard or cakey consistency.
For liquid detergents, the expiration date is usually a time when the manufacturer can no longer guarantee that the ingredients won't separate. These changes are often exacerbated by exposure to excess heat or cold.
Pro tip: Liquid detergents generally degrade faster than solid detergents.
Powdered Detergent
If you purchase a large box of powder detergent, transfer it into a container with a tight-sealing lid to ensure its effectiveness. Discard the detergent if you notice it has become hard or cakey. This may be a sign that the detergent won’t fully dissolve in the wash, leaving behind soapy residue on your clothes. But does powdered laundry detergent expire? If you keep powdered detergent away from moisture, it can remain effective indefinitely.
Pro tip: Powdered detergent that contains oxygen bleach has a shelf life of several years, while liquid detergents that contain oxygen bleach are generally only effective 6 months
Single-Use Detergents
Since many of these detergents are encased in quick-dissolving polyvinyl, they can easily be degraded by moisture. Maintain their effectiveness by storing them in a dry, airtight container. If you notice the detergent is not effectively cleaning clothes or leaving behind soapy residue, it may be expired.
Laundry Capsules
When stored in a cool, dry place, laundry capsules can be used for up to a year. Keep the capsules away from high humidity, which can cause pods to disintegrate and lose their effectiveness, similar to dishwasher pods. If pods become hard and do not easily dissolve and do not effectively clean clothes, this may be a sign the detergent is expired.
Factors That Positively and Negatively Affect Laundry Detergent Shelf Life
Discover how to prolong the shelf life of your laundry detergent, as well as what factors to avoid.
Positive Factors
Negative Factors
Use a Natural, Plant-Powered Laundry Detergent for Long Lasting Care
Each Puracy product has a guaranteed shelf life of at least 2 years from the purchase date. Optimized for those with skin sensitivities and allergies, our Natural Laundry Detergent is formulated with powerful plant enzymes that eliminate stains, odors, and build-up without dulling colors.
