Does Laundry Detergent Expire? The Truth About Detergent Expiration Dates

Before moving across the country, my friend gave me what was left of their value-sized laundry detergent. “I don’t remember when I bought it, but it’s probably still good!” they said as they deposited the massive, half-full jug at my house. After sitting on a shelf above my washing machine for months, I decided to face the question that’s been in the back of my mind: does laundry detergent actually go bad?

What I have found is that laundry detergent does in fact expire. Think of it as any other household product; with time, our cleaning supplies lose efficacy and should probably be replaced

How Long Is Laundry Detergent Good For?

The type of laundry detergent you buy determines its shelf life. Let’s take a closer look at the shelf lives of 3 common forms of detergents: liquid, powder, and sheets.

Liquid Detergent: Shelf Life and Expiration

Liquid laundry detergent generally lasts 6 months to 1 year after being opened. If unopened, it can last up to 18 months. However, the older the product gets, the more its cleaning power declines.

Depending on the size of your household, I recommend staying away from the value detergent jugs available at Costco. Yes, they’re a great bang for your buck. However, they take longer to use and will gradually decline in effectiveness. Instead, consider being more conservative when buying liquid laundry detergents and try buying smaller jugs of liquid detergent every few months instead. 

Powder Detergent: How Long Does It Last?

I was shocked to learn that powder detergents have a shelf life of up to 2 years unopened. While it may technically last longer, powders tend to clump or lose efficiency, especially in high humidity. So if you live in a humid region, store your powdered detergent in a cool, dry place.

Detergent Sheets: When Do They Start Losing Potency?

Personally, I’m a newcomer to detergent sheets and was pleased to discover that their shelf life is longer than that of liquid detergents. HeySunday laundry detergent sheets, for example, have a shelf life of 2 years before they even begin to start losing potency. Not only do they last longer, but they’re also easy to store thanks to their compact packaging. Plus, you won’t have to worry about humidity or temperature related issues impacting your sheets like you would with powders.

Does Detergent Expire or Just Lose Effectiveness?

I want to clarify that expired detergent is not the same as expired food. When food goes bad, you know it’s bad and shouldn’t be eaten. Detergent is a bit different because it can be hard to tell if it’s past its best-by date. And, unlike perishable food, you can continue using expired laundry detergents without any major consequences. Laundry detergent that is “bad” is simply less effective than fresh detergent. 

Signs Your Laundry Detergent Has Gone Bad

Your laundry detergent can go bad for a number of reasons: the ingredients may separate, moisture in the air impacts the formula, or air exposure causes active ingredients to break down. 

If you’re unsure whether your detergent has gone bad, there are some signs to look for. If you have a liquid detergent, here are some signals that it has expired:

• Formula has separated
• Clumpy consistency
• A noticeably bad odor

Signs that your powder detergent has expired include:

• Hard clumps
• Reduced lather when added to water

What Happens If You Use Expired Laundry Detergent?

If you’re reading this article and realizing that you used expired detergent on your most recent load of laundry, please don’t stress! I want to reassure you that using expired isn’t necessarily harmful. Often, expired detergent is simply less effective at cleaning clothes. This means that buildup or residue may gather on your fabrics because the detergent has broken down and can no longer be properly rinsed out.

A word of warning: Old laundry detergent residue may lead to musty odors on your clothes if not properly rinsed out. If your clothes start to smell even after washing them, it may be time to toss your detergent. Try washing your clothes with brand-new detergent; it’s likely this will help with the problem!

Can You Still Use Expired Laundry Detergent?

Technically, yes, you can still use expired laundry detergent. However, I recommend using it on an emergency only basis. While it won’t do significant damage to your clothes or other washables in a single use, expired laundry detergent can start to leave residue on your clothes over time. Not only is that gross, but it can damage your wardrobe over time. Nobody wants to deal with that.

Do yourself a favor and stick with fresher detergent!

How to Properly Store Laundry Detergent to Make It Last Longer

You can easily maximize the shelf life of your laundry detergent of choice with proper storage. Storage tips vary depending on the type of detergent you have.

Storage Tips for Liquid Detergent

Liquid formula laundry detergents should be stored in a cool, dry place. Ideally, I recommend keeping it away from direct sunlight to prevent spoilage. Additionally, make sure the lid is properly screwed on after each use to prevent moisture contamination.

Storage Tips for Powder Detergent

Store powdered laundry detergent in airtight containers to prevent clumping and extend its lifespan. This is especially true if you live in a humid area! If there is one thing to remember about powder detergent, it’s that it should always be kept in a dry location to maintain effectiveness. Any moisture can significantly shorten the lifespan of powdered detergents.

How to Store Laundry Detergent Sheets

Laundry detergent sheets should be kept in a dry, cool location. Like with other types of detergent, sheets should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat sources, including your dryer! If your detergent sheets are stored on a shelf above your dryer, I recommend moving them elsewhere in your laundry room to keep them fresh and effective. Additionally, I recommend keeping detergent sheets out of humid, moist areas to prevent degradation of the sheet.

Laundry Detergent Expiration FAQs

Do liquid laundry detergents expire?

Yes. Once opened, liquid laundry detergent can expire within 6 months to a year.

What happens if you use expired laundry detergent?

While expired detergent won’t damage your clothes in a single use, it may not clean them properly. Commonly, residue buildup or musty smells occur.

How long does powder detergent last?

Powder detergent can last up to two years if stored properly in a dry place.

How long do laundry detergent sheets last?

Detergent sheets, like HeySunday, typically last for 2 years without losing potency if properly stored.