Shelf life of washing gel

In 2022, many housewives stocked up on household chemicals, fearing that the compounds would disappear from the shelves. Some people managed to buy washing gels by the box, and are now worried about their shelf life. Let's figure out whether there are reasons to be concerned about how many years such products can last without losing their properties.

How long can this product be stored?

The shelf life of washing gels varies. Although they are quite similar in composition, the proportions of the components are different. The manufacturer indicates storage conditions on the packaging of the product. Therefore, before using household chemicals, be sure to read the instructions for its use.

As an example, let's look at how long washing gels from different manufacturers can be stored.

• Synergetic. Many housewives have chosen this eco-friendly, biodegradable gel. It is hypoallergenic and suitable for both hand and machine wash. Safe for autonomous sewer systems. The product contains natural ingredients and does not contain phosphates that are harmful to humans and nature. The stated storage period is 2 years.
• Gloss Color Gel. A budget product with a standard composition. It is not environmentally friendly, but it also does not contain any overly harmful components. The gel can be stored for 36 months.
• Fortela. A universal washing liquid that effectively copes with any type of dirt. Characterized by increased foaming. The gel is supplied in a 2.7 liter bottle, the price of the product is low. The shelf life stated by the manufacturer is 18 months.
• Tide. Washing gel from a well-known manufacturer. Its main advantages: accessibility and efficiency.The product can be stored for no more than 18 months.

On the packaging of gels, the “Expiration date” usually states one of three options: 18, 24 or 36 months.

Most gels have a shelf life of 18 months. Therefore, buying several large bottles of product at once is not entirely reasonable. Although, of course, a lot depends on how quickly the composition is consumed in each family.

But what to do if the shelf life has expired, and there are still a couple of unopened bottles of the product in the pantry? Can I wash with expired gel or will I have to throw it away? Actually, it's not all that bad.

For those who like to stock up for future use, there is one consolation. Manufacturers always take insurance by underestimating the shelf life of their formulations. Moreover, the difference can be from 6 months. up to a couple of years. Therefore, subject to storage rules, a gel that is good for one and a half years can be used for 2-2.5 years.

It is important how to store

Storage conditions for washing machine products play a huge role. The powder is afraid of humidity, the gel has its own “fears”. Household chemicals can deteriorate in a couple of weeks if the user does not follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

What can cause washing gel to deteriorate? There are several reasons.

• Proximity of heat sources. Do not store liquid laundry detergent near a radiator, stove or in a bathhouse. Temperature changes are detrimental to household chemicals. In just a couple of weeks, the constantly overheated gel will lose its washing properties and become toxic.
• Open bottle. The expiration date declared by the manufacturer is valid if the packaging is intact. The lid must be screwed on tightly. If there is no plug, or it allows air to pass through, the product will deteriorate after 1-2 months.
• Room temperature.Most washing gels should be stored at a temperature not lower than +5 and not higher than +30 degrees. Otherwise, the shelf life will be shorter. If the product will stand at constant +35⁰C, then it won’t be good for long.
• Location near the light source. The gel must be stored in a dark place. A bright lamp, and even more so the sun's rays, affect the components of the product, destroying or modifying them. As a result, household chemicals lose their properties.

If storage conditions are not observed, the actual shelf life of gels for SMA is reduced several times.

It is important to remember that household chemicals cannot be stored next to food. Such a proximity will not affect the washing properties of the gel in any way, but will negatively affect the health of family members. For example, bread that has been standing next to laundry detergent for a day may well cause intoxication of the body.

So, the shelf life of gels is quite long. The average family consistently spends 1 bottle of product per month. Therefore, theoretically, you can purchase 8-10 packages at once, if you feel more comfortable. The main thing is to store household chemicals correctly.

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