What is the shelf life of washing powder and how to store it correctly?

foto25935-1 When choosing a laundry detergent, few people think about the shelf life of the product. First of all, pay attention to the composition and cost of the washing powder. And this is a fundamentally wrong position.

The thing is that the chemical elements that make up the detergent are effective only for a certain period of time (subject to storage rules).

Expired powder is not only useless for quality washing, but also dangerous to human health. We’ll talk about the shelf life of washing powder in the article.

Content

How long is it stored?
How to properly organize storage conditions?
If it's expired, can it be washed?
What to do with expired?
Adviсe
Conclusion

How long is it stored?

The idea that washing powder can be stored indefinitely is a myth. In fact, the activity of the chemical components responsible for the effective removal of stains from fabric remains for a certain period of time (an average of three to five years).

The storage period is indicated by the manufacturer on the product packaging (depending on the components of the detergent). So in hermetically sealed packaging, subject to storage conditions:

regular washing powder is suitable for use for five years (after opening the package no more than twelve months);
Bio products, which contain components of natural origin, are effective for three years from the date of release (after opening the package no more than six months);
laundry detergents baby clothes, which contain biologically active components (enzymes), retain their positive qualities for a minimum amount of time - only two years (after opening the package no more than six months).

If the packaging does not indicate an expiration date, then it is better to refuse such a purchase. The absence of shelf life markings violates the requirements of current legislation and, most likely, such a product will not meet quality and safety requirements.

How to properly organize storage conditions?

Maintain the effectiveness of the washing powder throughout the entire period of its use is possible only subject to certain storage rules:

Packages with washing powder are stored away from heating appliances. The thing is that high temperature accelerates chemical processes in granules, thereby reducing the shelf life of household chemicals. For the same reason, it is necessary to ensure that the powder is not exposed to direct sunlight.
The optimal air temperature in the room where laundry detergent is stored varies from +15°C to +25°C.
Detergents are stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. High humidity is the first enemy of dry washing powder. When wet, the granules clump into dense clumps, which are not only ineffective in combating stains on clothes, but can also negatively affect the operation of the washing machine’s mechanisms. The air humidity in the room in which the detergent is stored should not exceed 60%.
When choosing a storage location, it is very important to remember that all laundry products are primarily chemicals.This means that washing powder is stored out of the reach of children and pets, away from food and personal care products, toys, dishes and other household items. The slightest ingress of washing powder particles into the body can provoke severe poisoning.

If it's expired, can it be washed?

foto25935-3 The main question that any housewife asks: “What to do if the expiration date has expired and the product has not been fully used?”

Definitely, you shouldn’t wash with this powder.. It is no longer possible to achieve ideal cleanliness and freshness of laundry and remove all stains by washing with an expired product.

Also, do not forget that dense, clumped granules that have changed the smell are very difficult to wash out of the fabric fibers. Contacting human skin through clothing, they can cause severe irritation and redness, and when inhaled, accumulating in the lungs, triggering an asthma attack in allergy sufferers.

It is especially dangerous to use expired powder to wash the clothes of young children, whose immune system is sensitive to contact with harmful chemicals.

What to do with expired?

Don't rush to throw away expired laundry detergent. And although it is not recommended to use this product for washing clothes, expired powder is perfect for cleaning plumbing fixtures (toilets and sinks), plastic and other surfaces.

The main thing during the cleaning process is not to forget to protect your hands with rubber gloves and thoroughly rinse off the soap solution.

Adviсe

A few tips from experienced housewives will help you retain beneficial properties longer. washing powder:

When purchasing a large amount of powder in various packages, you should not open all the packages and boxes at once. In closed packaging, the detergent retains its beneficial properties longer.
A clothespin, which is used to clamp the hole on an already opened package, will help protect the powder from moisture.
Buying a special container for household chemicals will help solve the problem of storing detergents. A plastic container with a tight-fitting lid will protect the dry powder from moisture.
A special locking mechanism prevents small children from opening the container freely, and the especially durable, colored plastic from which the container is made will protect the product from direct sunlight. A convenient recess at the end of the container and a measuring cup in the set will help you carefully pour the powder into the washing machine.

Strict adherence to the storage recommendations specified by the manufacturer on the packaging will protect the washing powder from premature deterioration.

Find all the most useful and interesting things about washing powder in this section of the site.

Conclusion

By observing the expiration dates and storage conditions of the washing powder, your laundry will always delight you with ideal cleanliness and freshness.