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Everyone has a stash of cleaning products at the back of the cupboard, but do you know how long they’ve been there? And whether they’re still effective?
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
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