These days it seems like everything has an expiration date.
From food to medicines it’s important to keep track of when each product reaches the end of its shelf life.
But what about liquid laundry detergent? Does it too have a shelf life?
The answer is a bit complicated as there are a few factors to consider.
To help you understand let’s take a closer look at the different aspects of liquid laundry detergent and whether or not it can expire.
Does Liquid Detergent Lose Its Potency?
The first thing to consider when talking about the expiration of laundry detergent is whether or not it can lose its potency before the expiration date.
Unfortunately the answer to this question is yes.
Like many other cleaning products liquid laundry detergent can start to break down over time causing it to become less effective.
This usually happens when the detergent is exposed to extreme temperatures either hot or cold for a prolonged period of time.
How to Tell if Your Detergent Has Expired
If you’re worried about the expiration date on your liquid laundry detergent there are a few ways to tell if it has already expired.
The most obvious sign is if the detergent has a strange smell or color.
If it looks smells or feels different from when you first purchased it it’s probably best to toss it out and get a new bottle.
You can also look up the expiration date on the detergent’s packaging.
Most detergents will have a “best if used by” date on the label that can tell you if the detergent is still good to use.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to liquid laundry detergent the answer to the question of whether or not it expires is not a simple yes or no.
While it can lose its potency over time it can also last much longer than the expiration date if stored properly.
The best way to ensure that your detergent stays fresh and effective is to store it in a cool dry place and to check the expiration date before each use.
That way you can be sure that your detergent is doing its job and cleaning your clothes as best it can.