Shelf life of washing gel

In 2022, many housewives stocked up on household chemicals, fearing they would disappear from store shelves. Some even bought laundry detergents by the crateful size and are now worried about their shelf life. Let's explore whether there's any reason to be concerned about how long these products can last without losing their properties.

How long can this product be stored?

The shelf life of laundry detergents varies. Although their compositions are fairly similar, the proportions of their ingredients differ. The manufacturer indicates storage conditions on the product packaging. Therefore, before using household chemicals, be sure to read the instructions for their use.

As an example, let's look at how long you can store laundry detergents from different manufacturers.

• Synergetic. Many housewives have chosen this eco-friendly, biodegradable gel. It's hypoallergenic, suitable for both hand and machine washing, and safe for use in sewer systems. It contains natural ingredients and is free of phosphates, which are harmful to humans and the environment. The stated shelf life is 2 years.
• Losk Color Gel. A budget-friendly product with a standard formula. It's not environmentally friendly, but it doesn't contain any harmful ingredients. The gel has a shelf life of 36 months.
• Fortela. A universal laundry detergent that effectively tackles all types of stains. It boasts high foaming properties. It comes in a 2.7-liter bottle and is affordable. The manufacturer claims a shelf life of 18 months.
• Tide. Laundry detergent from a reputable manufacturer. Its main advantages are affordability and effectiveness. The shelf life of this product is up to 18 months.

On the packaging of gels, the “Expiration Date” date usually indicates one of three options: 18, 24 or 36 months.

Most gels have an 18-month shelf life. Therefore, buying several large bottles at once isn't entirely practical. Although, of course, much depends on how quickly each family uses up the product.

But what if the expiration date has passed and there are still a couple of unopened bottles of the product sitting in the pantry? Can I wash with expired gel or will I have to throw it out? Actually, it's not that bad.

For those who like to stock up, there's one consolation. Manufacturers always hedge their bets by understating the expiration dates of their ingredients. The difference can range from six months to a couple of years. Therefore, if stored correctly, a gel that's good for eighteen months can be used for two to two and a half years.

It's important how you store it

Storage conditions for washing machine detergents play a huge role. Powdered detergents are sensitive to moisture, while gel detergents have their own concerns. Household chemicals can spoil within a couple of weeks if the user does not follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

What can cause laundry detergent to go bad? There are several reasons.

• Proximity to heat sources. Avoid storing liquid laundry detergent near a radiator, stove, or sauna. Temperature fluctuations are detrimental to household chemicals. In just a couple of weeks, a gel that is constantly overheated will lose its cleaning properties and become toxic.
• Open bottle. The manufacturer's stated expiration date applies only if the packaging is intact. The lid must be tightly screwed on. If the lid is missing or leaking, the product will spoil within 1-2 months.
• Room temperature. Most laundry detergents should be stored at a temperature of no lower than 5°C and no higher than 30°C. Otherwise, their shelf life will be reduced. If the product is left at a constant 35°C⁰C, then it will not be good for long.
• Place near a light source. Store the gel in a dark place. A bright lamp, and especially sunlight, can affect the product's components, destroying or altering them. As a result, household chemicals lose their properties.

If storage conditions are not observed, the actual shelf life of SMA gels is reduced several times.

It's important to remember that household chemicals shouldn't be stored near food. This won't affect the cleaning properties of the gel, but it will negatively impact the health of family members. For example, bread left next to laundry detergent for 24 hours could easily cause toxicity.

So, gels have a fairly long shelf life. The average family consistently uses one bottle per month. So, theoretically, you could buy 8-10 packages at a time, if that makes you feel more comfortable. The main thing is to store household chemicals properly.

   

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