When Does Your Cleaning Supplies Expire?

“When does my cleaning supplies expire? Is it alright to still use it after they expire?” These common questions that many people have, often assuming that their cleaning supplies can last forever. Expiration dates serve a bigger purpose than merely getting you to purchase another new product. That’s because old cleaning supplies work less efficiently. Because they’re chemical mixtures, they can break down over time as air, heat, or moisture accelerate various chemical reactions. The efficiency of active substances or antibacterial ingredients become compromised over time.

The clearest signs that your cleaning supplies are expired are as follow – it’s past the expiration date labelled on the bottle, the solution looks or smells different, or the solution just isn’t working. If you aren’t able to spot these signs, here’s a gauge of the shelf life of these cleaning supplies:

Multi-Purpose Cleaners: About 2 years

Multi-purpose cleaners such as your multi-surface cleaners and countertop cleaners generally last up to 2 years. If they contain antibacterial ingredients, that time may be shortened to one year.

Baking Soda: About 18 months to 2 years

Unless it’s exposed to moisture, baking soda will not degrade quickly. If used for cleaning, its deodorising properties will still work even if it’s not good for fermenting bread.

Bleach: About 6 months to 1 year

When stored under ideal condition, bleach has a shelf life of about a year. It will only degrade quickly if it’s exposed to extreme cold or heat. And if it your bleach doesn’t smell like bleach, most likely you’ll have to replace it.

Window Cleaners: About 2 years

Similar to all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners are usually effective for about 2 years.

Floor Cleaners: About 2 years

Floor cleaners are formulated with similar ingredients as multi-purpose cleaners and such formulas are usually good for about 2 years.

Dish Soap: About 6 to 18 months

If you’re using powdered dish detergent, it will last for about 6 months once its opened. If it’s liquid soap, it is good for about 1 year to 1.5 years.

Drain Products: About 2 years

Any drain products like your de-clogger typically only last for about 2 years.

White Vinegar: About 3 years, or forever

Stored under ideal conditions, unopened and cool temperature, white vinegar can last forever. However, if you open the bottle and store it in places with high temperature, it will stay good for about 3 years.

Superb Cleaning offers professional domestic cleaning to maintain the cleanliness of your home. Our experienced cleaners are carefully selected by us for the superior quality of their work, their integrity and their professional conduct. Leave your house in our good hands and never fret about household chores anymore. Call us at 6515 3897 or drop us an email at superb_cleaning@outlook.com to find out how we can help.