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Shelf life of laundry products

9 years ago

So I was reading an article a couple of days ago, sorry I can't remember what web site it was on. Long story short, liquid detergents have about a six month shelf life and powders can last years, if stored in cool, dry places and I assume unopened.
That got me to wonder about fabric softener. BJ'S has their brand that smells nice and is relatively cheap. But would it go bad too soon?

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Comments (5)

moviegeek
9 years ago
I don't use liquid fabric softeners and most service techs will say not to use it, it's the worst thing you can do to your clothes(especially 100% polyester) and washing machine(clogs up everything).

As for shelf life, here's an article:

http://laundry.about.com/od/laundryroom/f/faqdetexpiratio.htm

Only buy what you can use in a six month period and it's probably smart to keep powder in a zip-lock baggy or air-tight container.
ked1985
9 years ago
Gosh I hope powdered detergent doesn't go bad. I've had a bulk thing of it for at least 5 years and I'm not even halfway through it! (no kids and my husband uses cold water liquid stuff)
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moviegeek
9 years ago
EDIT

This post was edited by moviegeek on Mon, Jan 5, 15 at 20:57
ked1985
9 years ago
Eek, maybe time to get of that huge box of Tide then lol. It has reached the rock excavating point.
duluthinbloomz4
9 years ago
I've never known detergents to "go bad" in the classic sense. Powders could clump and liquids could separate in time.

I've got a box of the long gone Ivory Flakes in my laundry room - probably from the 60's. It's pretty much like dried coconut now, but still smells like Ivory and raises a mild subs when swished around. I use it every once in a while to wash/soak knit winter hats and mittens.

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