Yes, Laundry Detergent Can Expire—Here’s How to Check Yours

Everyone needs laundry detergent, and given its cost, it can feel like a no-brainer to stock up on your favorite brand when it goes on sale, or to buy large bulk containers to save both money and trips to the store. While it might seem like buying laundry detergent in bulk is good household budgeting, it can be a wasteful practice.

Most laundry detergents have an expiration date, and buying more than a six-month supply can leave you with a product that might not perform as expected. However, not all laundry detergent formulas expire, and those that do vary by type. Learn more about the shelf life of this housekeeping essential, along with tips for extending its freshness.

Many laundry detergents expire. Among detergent formulas, liquid laundry detergent and detergent pods have the shortest shelf life. By comparison, laundry sheets have a long shelf life, and powder detergent, when stored properly, does not expire. Unlike expired milk, laundry detergent that is past its prime won’t sicken you or harm your clothes—it just won’t be as effective. This is especially true of detergent formulas that rely on enzymes for eliminating stains, as enzymes lose efficacy over time.

Laundry Detergent Shelf Life Recommendations

The shelf life of laundry detergent varies by formula and by brand. Use the guidelines below as a starting point if the expiration date isn't listed on the container.

Liquid Detergent: When unopened, the shelf life of liquid laundry detergent is typically 12 to 18 months. Once opened, use liquid laundry detergent within 6 months.

Detergent Pods or Pacs: Use pods within 6 months of purchase.

Powdered Detergent: When stored properly, powdered detergent does not expire.

Detergent Sheets: Detergent sheets have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years when stored properly.

How to Store Laundry Detergent to Extend Its Freshness

Regardless of its type, store laundry detergent in a cool, dry place. Liquid detergents are especially sensitive to temperature fluctuations, but all detergent types benefit from being stored at a stable temperature. 

Liquid detergent: Liquid formulas tend to break down and separate over time; temperature fluctuations exacerbate that. Liquid detergent is susceptible to freezing at cold temperatures, while exposure to extreme heat can cause the formula to separate and become destabilized.

Detergent pods: These contain detergent and boosters suspended in a water-soluble polyvinyl film that dissolves in the wash, releasing the contents. Store pods in a water-tight container to protect them from moisture. Heat can cause single-dose laundry pods to melt, so storing pods in a cool, dry place is ideal.

Powder detergent: Store in a cool, dry place that is free of moisture. When exposed to moisture, including indoor humidity, powder detergent clumps and harden, rendering it unusable. 

Laundry sheets: These are compressed, water-free detergent sheets that dissolve in water. Like pods, detergent sheets must be stored in a moisture-free environment and can melt when exposed to high heat.

Don’t Toss Expired Laundry Detergent

Expired laundry detergent isn’t harmful; it’s simply not as effective when it is past its prime. It is safe to use, but you might notice your clothes aren’t getting as clean as usual. If you use perfumed detergents, the fragrance is likely to be diminished.

If you plan to use expired detergent, look for signs of clumping, which can occur in both liquid and powder detergent formulas. Using clumpy detergent can clog compartments, gum up a washing machine’s internal components, and leave detergent deposits on clothes. You can still use detergent that has clumped, but load it directly into the drum; avoid placing clumpy detergent in dispenser drawers.

Uses for Expired Laundry Detergent

To get a second life out of expired laundry detergent, use it for one of these household cleaning jobs.

• Make a mopping solution by diluting laundry detergent with water.
• Pour laundry detergent into a spray bottle and dilute it with water to make a hard surface cleaner.
• Wash hard plastic toys by hand or in the machine.
• Use expired laundry detergent as a soak agent to deep-clean oven racks, bathtubs, concrete, and other outdoor surfaces.