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You probably don’t think too much about your laundry detergent. You just grab it off the shelf, pour it into the washing machine, and hope for the best. But have you ever wondered if laundry detergent expires? The answer might surprise you…
Does Laundry Detergent Expire?
While most people don’t think twice about using expired laundry detergent, the fact is that laundry detergent does indeed expire.
You might not know this, but laundry detergent actually has an expiration date. Yes, just like food and other household products, laundry detergent can go bad.
In fact, most types of laundry detergent will only last for about two years before they start to lose their efficacy. The active ingredients in laundry detergent break down over time, making it less effective at cleaning clothes.
So, if you’ve had that same bottle of Tide in your laundry room for a few years now, it might be time to replace it.
In addition, expired laundry detergent can actually damage your washing machine.
Why does laundry detergent expire?
Laundry detergent is made up of a variety of chemicals that help to remove stains and dirt from clothes. However, over time, these chemicals can break down and become less effective.
Additionally, the fragrance in laundry detergent can also fade over time. As a result, expired laundry detergent might not be as effective at cleaning clothes or making them smell fresh and clean.
How can you tell if your laundry detergent has expired?
The best way to tell if your laundry detergent has expired is to check the expiration date on the bottle or container. Most manufacturers print an expiration date on their products, so that should be your first reference point.
If there is no expiration date printed on the package, you can try to estimate when the product was manufactured by looking for a code that is usually printed somewhere on the container.
Even if your laundry detergent hasn’t technically “expired,” it might still be past its prime. If you notice that your laundry doesn’t seem to be as clean as it used to be, or that your washing machine isn’t working as well as it used to, then it might be time to get rid of your old detergent and buy some new stuff.
How long does laundry detergent last?
As we mentioned before, most types of laundry detergent will last for about two years before they start to lose their potency. Of course, this is just a general guideline—some brands of laundry detergent might last longer while others might start to expire sooner.
If you’re unsure about how long a particular brand or type of laundry detergent lasts, it’s always best to check the expiration date on the bottle.
What should you do with expired laundry detergent?
If your laundry detergent has expired, you don’t necessarily have to toss it out. Instead, you can use it for other purposes around the house like cleaning floors or washing windows.
However, keep in mind that expired laundry detergent probably won’t work as well as it did when it was first purchased. So, if you’re looking for the best results possible, it’s always best to use fresh detergent.
Conclusion:
So, there you have it! Laundry detergent does indeed expire, and it’s important to be aware of this fact when doing your laundry.
Be sure to check the expiration date on your detergent before using it, and don’t hesitate to get rid of old or expired detergents that might make your clothes less clean.
Remember, most types of laundry detergent will only last for about two years before they start to lose their effectiveness. So, if you’ve had that same bottle of Tide in your laundry room for a few years now, it might be time to replace it. Thanks for reading!
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