Does Laundry Detergent Expire? (How Long Does it Last)

Depending on how much laundry you do each week, a large container of detergent can last you a pretty long time! However, many people wonder if different types of laundry detergent come with an expiration date.

Generally, laundry detergent will last you for a very long time before it actually expires. Powdered detergent lasts the longest (as long as it does not harden), followed closely by liquid detergent and laundry pods. Homemade detergents usually have the shortest lifespan.

So, can you stock up on your favorite laundry supplies and use them later? Does laundry detergent expire or go bad? Is there a way to extend the life of laundry detergent? Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the shelf lives of different types of detergents. Keep reading to learn more!

Does Laundry Detergent Expire?

Even if they do not have a set expiration date listed on the container, all laundry detergents expire after a certain amount of time. However, there’s no danger associated with using them after this timeframe. They may lose their scent or not clean as well, but they won’t harm your skin or clothes. 

In general, there are four types of laundry detergent. These include:

• Laundry pods
• Liquid detergent
• Powdered detergent
• Homemade detergent

In most cases, powdered detergent will last the longest. Liquid detergent comes in second, followed by laundry pods. Homemade detergent will last for the least amount of time out of all four types.

How Long Does Laundry Detergent Last?

The amount of time your laundry detergent will last depends heavily on what type it is. The table below will highlight the average shelf life for each type of detergent.

If you want to buy laundry detergent in bulk, it’s best to go with powdered detergent. Unless it’s exposed to moisture, it will be an effective cleaning agent and will be able to last indefinitely. 

How to Tell When Your Laundry Detergent Has Gone Bad

If you’ve had your current container of laundry detergent for a while, you might be wondering how to tell when it’s time to throw it out. Take the guesswork out of the equation! Read below to learn how to tell if different types of detergent have gone bad.

1. Laundry Pods

Laundry pods have become popular in recent years because of their convenience. Packages of laundry pods often come in large containers, with pre-measured portions of detergents enclosed in polyvinyl film. This film dissolves quickly when it comes in contact with water, so any exposure to moisture can be detrimental. 

If your laundry pods are exposed to humidity or water, they can easily lump together. If this happens, the pods should be discarded. Trying to separate them can be dangerous, as they can break open and pose a hazard if the detergent gets in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Related: Can you use dishwasher pods for laundry?

2. Liquid Laundry Detergent

Some liquid detergents have an expiration date on the bottle. While you should always use this date as a guideline, a past date does not necessarily mean you have to throw the bottle away. 

In general, any hardening or clumps in liquid laundry detergent will signify that it’s time for a new bottle. You should never use any clumpy detergent in a washer with an automatic dispenser, as it could clog the system. In addition, clumps may not dissolve properly during the wash cycle.

This can leave you with unsightly stains or clumps of soap on your clothes. 

While you can still use expired liquid detergent in a pinch, keep in mind that it may not be as effective. It will not clean as well as it once did, and it could lose that “clean” scent.

Before using clumpy liquid detergent, make sure to shake the bottle well to help break down any hardness and reduce separation. Instead of pouring it into your automatic dispenser, pour the detergent into the empty washing drum before adding clothes to prevent clogs.

3. Powdered Laundry Detergent

The great thing about powdered detergent is that it can last indefinitely. Unless it’s exposed to moisture, you should have no problems using powdered detergent years after your original purchase!

Powdered detergents can cake or harden over time, especially in excessively hot or cold temperatures. Using cakey powdered detergent, especially through an automatic dispenser, can cause issues with clogging or the materials not breaking down. It can also leave soap deposits or stains on your clothes.

If you want to use cakey powdered detergent, use a sieve or other similar tool to filter out the lumps. Then, transfer the rest to a new container with an airtight lid. 

4. Homemade Laundry Detergent

Some people make homemade detergent to save money, while others do it for a greener washing solution. However, there are a couple of things that give homemade detergents shorter shelf lives than other types. 

The biggest issue with homemade detergent is mold and mildew growth, as they do not include any bacterial inhibitors. Never use homemade detergent that has physical signs or smells of mold or mildew. 

Another thing to look for is caking. Most detergents include anti-caking ingredients, but homemade detergent often does not. While you can always filter out the cakey parts, it’s best to throw out your homemade detergent when it gets to this point. 

How Can You Make Laundry Detergent Last Longer?

There are three things you can do to ensure your laundry detergent lasts for as long as possible.

• Always store your detergent in a cool, dry place and keep it in an airtight container.
• Don’t touch powdered detergents or laundry pods with wet hands.
• Never let it get too hot or too cold. This can cause problems including separation, hardening, and in the case of homemade detergents, mold and mildew growth. 

Final Thoughts

Laundry detergent will last for a long time, but it does eventually expire. Powdered detergents typically last the longest, followed by liquid detergents. To keep your laundry detergent good for as long as possible, always store it in a cool, dry place and place it in an airtight container.

Related articles:

• Does semen stain?
• How to remove color bleeding from clothes
• How to remove detergent smell from clothes