Do cleaning products have an expiration date?
Yes, I have. Even if preservatives are added to household chemicals, they will not last forever. Over time, the quality deteriorates because the substances included in the composition begin to lose effectiveness. So after the expiration date, the manufacturer’s promises on the packaging are no longer valid, for example, the percentage of bacteria that the product kills on a dirty surface.
When do cleaning products expire?
This is usually indicated on the packaging. It is assumed that the product is stored in the correct conditions: at room temperature, away from sunlight, and in some cases, hermetically sealed. For example, if you keep an antiseptic under the scorching sun, it will lose its properties sooner.
If the package does not have a “Best before…” mark, look at the production date. As a rule, from the moment of manufacture, cleaning products are stored in the following time ranges:
White | 1 year. But after 6 months it begins to lose effectiveness. In addition, whiteness is demanding on storage conditions. It should be kept in a dark room, hermetically sealed and it is better to prevent freezing. |
All Purpose Cleaning Sprays | 2 years |
Dishwashing liquid | 1–1.5 years |
Floor cleaner | 2 years |
Liquid soap | 2–3 years |
Washing powder | 6–12 months after opening, 2 years if unopened |
Bleaches | 6–12 months |
Disinfectant sprays | 2 years |
Hand sanitizer | 2–3 years |
Toilet cleaning products | 2–3 years |
Remedies for blockages | 1–2 years |
Window cleaners | 2 years |
Air freshener | 2 years |
The next time you open a new package of cleaning product, mark the date on it with a marker. Then it will be easier to keep track of the expiration date.
Is it safe to use expired funds?
In general, yes. They will not harm surfaces, they will just be less effective. To clean something, you will have to use more product or scrub longer.
But you should not use expired antiseptics and disinfectants. After the expiration date, they will not be able to kill bacteria, which means they will not protect you.
How to properly dispose of cleaning products
They can be diluted with water and poured into the sink, it is not dangerous. Just remember that some products cannot be mixed with each other. For example, chlorine bleaches and compounds containing ammonia – these will react and form a toxic gas. We wrote about other dangerous combinations in a separate article.