When it comes to product expiration dates, consumers are usually worried about food and medication, the former for spoilage and the latter for dwindling effectiveness. The one thing most people don’t normally think about when it comes to expiration dates is dish soap. Believe it or not, they do have an expiration date. If the dish soap doesn’t carry an expiration date on the container, it’s best to assume that it has a shelf life of 12-18 months. Dishwasher detergent can last as little as 3 months, while laundry detergent typically lasts for 12 months. Cleaning sprays are good for up to 2 years, and bleach is good for just 6 months. One way to help keep products stable is to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If no date is stamped on the package, you can write down the date of your purchase to assess when it’s time to replace it. Are expired cleaning products still safe to use? It’s not that these products go “bad,” only that their active ingredients can begin to deteriorate. That, of course, makes the product less effective. So, whether you eat out a lot and don’t have many dishes to do, or you just let your dishes pile up until you have to wash them out of fear the health department showing up, keep an eye on your dish soap to make sure it doesn’t age out of its usefulness.
