Buzz
Take a closer look at your cleaning supplies, and you’ll likely spot expiration dates on many items. Let’s be honest, most of us don’t bother checking these details. Next time you tackle a thorough cleaning session, check the expiration or manufacture date on the bottles of bleach, laundry detergent, cleaning sprays, and dishwashing liquids tucked away in your cupboard. If they’ve passed their prime, follow the steps below to dispose of them responsibly.
Do cleaning products actually expire?
Yes, cleaning products do expire. 'Just like many items you find at the grocery store, cleaning products can deteriorate over time,' explains Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of communications, outreach & membership at the American Cleaning Institute (ACI). 'Even when preservatives are added, that doesn’t mean they’ll last indefinitely. As they begin to break down, their effectiveness can diminish, impacting the enzymes or altering the pH, which ultimately leads to a less effective product,' Sansoni clarifies.
Once a cleaning product has expired, some of its advertised claims (like the percentage of germs it can eliminate from surfaces) may no longer be accurate.
Is it safe to use expired cleaning products?
Expired surface cleaners, dish liquids, and dishwasher pods likely won’t damage the surfaces they’re meant for, but their cleaning power will be reduced. You may need to apply more of the product or spend extra time scrubbing to achieve the same results.
'However, when it comes to disinfectants and hand sanitizers, they need to be within their shelf life to work as intended,' says Sansoni. Be sure to check the expiration dates on disinfectants and hand sanitizers and replace them when necessary.
How long do cleaning products usually last?
The simplest way to determine if your cleaning products are expired is by checking the date printed on the container. No expiration date? Look for the manufacture date, and then use the general guidelines below to figure out if the product has expired.
Pro tip: The next time you crack open a new cleaning product, grab a permanent marker and jot down the date so you never have to guess how long it’s been since you opened it.
- Bleach: Once opened, bleach has a surprisingly brief shelf life and begins to lose its effectiveness after 6 months.
- Multi-surface cleaning sprays: These usually last around 2 years.
- Dish detergent: Typically lasts about 1 year to 18 months.
- Laundry detergent: Lasts between 6 months to 1 year after opening.
- Disinfecting sprays: Generally last for 2 years from the manufacture date.
- Hand sanitizer: Look for an expiration date on the label—most have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years.
How to extend the life of your cleaning products
'The expiration date tells you how long the product is good under normal conditions (such as being stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, etc.),' explains Sansoni. If you’re keeping your hand sanitizer in a hot car, it could be losing its effectiveness faster and might fall below the 60 percent alcohol content required by the CDC to be properly effective before it even hits its expiration date.
Keep your cleaning supplies in a cool, dry place to make them last longer.
How to properly dispose of expired cleaning products
If you discover some bleach that’s been sitting in your cleaning cabinet for decades, how do you dispose of it safely? A small amount can generally be diluted with water and poured down the drain. For larger quantities, check for disposal instructions on the bottle. If none are provided, contact your local hazardous waste disposal facility for advice.
Remember, certain cleaning chemicals should never be mixed—like bleach and ammonia—and the same rule applies when disposing of them. Pouring these substances down the drain simultaneously can create dangerous, toxic fumes.
