Many cleaning products have an expiration date so it’s worth having a big clean-out and culling all of the products that are way past their prime.
Here’s a handy guide to the most popular cleaning products. What do you own? Is it time to toss?
Laundry detergent
Six months after it’s opened.
9-12 months if left unopened.
Drain cleaner
2 years.
Laundry pods
15 months.
Fabric softener
6-12 months after it’s opened.
2-3 months if left unopened.
Dryer sheets
They don’t expire but they will lose their scent over time. Keep them in a ziplock plastic bag.
Bleach
12 months after date of manufacture.
Borax
Does not expire, but keep in a dry environment.
Castile soap
3 years.
Baking soda
6-12 months after it’s opened.
Vinegar
Does not expire.
Hydrogen peroxide
6 months after it’s opened.
3 years if left unopened.
Furniture polish
2 years.
Dishwashing soap
12-18 months.
Dishwasher detergent
6-12 months.
Multi-surface cleaners
Up to 2 years.
1 year if they are antibacterial.
Disinfectant wipes
1 year if they are antibacterial.
2 years for all other types.
Window cleaner
2 years.
Metal polish
3 years.
If you have a stash of products to throw out, make sure you dispose of them safely. You can find your next Household Chemical CleanOut event here.
RELATED: How cleaning could be harming your health
RELATED: 10 household items you didn't realise had expiration dates