Detergent Storage: How to Store Household Products
When you buy a detergent or any household cleaning product, you never think about its shelf life. And in fact, there's no real expiration date for these products.
This does not mean that detergents, waxes, and oils can lose their effectiveness over time, in some cases even changing color or consistency. Optimal product storage is essential in this regard: to keep detergents effective for a long time , it is necessary to follow a few simple tips.
Optimal preservation: the characteristics of detergents
The first big issue to keep in mind when talking about storing detergents is their format: powdered products, for example, generally last longer but are very sensitive to humidity, while liquid detergents can be more sensitive to temperature changes.
The perishability of household products depends on several factors. The most important to consider are the following.
The format
Waxes, liquid detergents, powder detergents and detergents in water-soluble capsule pod format (such as those for dishwashers) have very different characteristics.
Powdered products are generally not very sensitive to light but extremely susceptible to the effects of humidity; liquid detergents , on the other hand, are not affected by humidity but can deteriorate to the point of changing consistency if exposed to excessively high temperatures or too basic. Products in the form of tabs or pods , on the other hand, must be protected from humidity at all costs.
The ingredients
Household products generally contain a large number of ingredients, which are very different from each other.
For example, emulsifiers tend to be very stable, while surfactants , fragrances, and preservatives can lose their properties over time. The shelf life of these substances, taken individually, can average between 9 and 36 months.
Then there are waxes and oils for parquet , which in some cases can last up to 5 years if stored in the right conditions.
The type of packaging
Even the packaging can make a difference. Cardboard boxes that contain powdered detergents, for example, are not afraid of light at all and are quite resistant to heat, while they could be affected by high humidity.
Plastic bottles are perfect for protecting from humidity, but they're not always the best solution for storing products, especially when it comes to detergents that will last months or even years.
Clear plastic doesn't protect liquids from the effects of UV rays , so it's best to store them in a dark place. The opaque plastic used for New Chemical's natural detergents , however, provides some protection from light.
How to store detergents?
Humidity, light, and extreme temperatures are the main enemies of freshly stored detergent. Therefore, household products should be stored in a cool place, away from light and temperature changes . The kitchen counter, in short, is not the best place for a bottle of dish soap.
So, where should you store them? The classic cabinet is one of the best solutions available. Besides protecting products from the degradation of their components, it also allows you to keep potentially dangerous powders, sprays, and liquids out of the reach of children and pets.
If you don't have a safe place to store all your household products, you can equip yourself differently. The important thing is to keep a few important tips in mind (for the product's longevity but also for the health of the home's inhabitants ).
Tips for optimal detergent storage
- evaluate them product features: as we have seen, the ingredients of the product and its packaging can suggest the storage methods of the various detergents. Glass and crystal detergents, for example, contain alcohol and therefore tend to remain effective for a long time, even if they can evaporate. The degreasers and laundry detergents, on the other hand, contain a high percentage of surfactants and can lose their effectiveness over time. The first thing to do, if you don't have a dedicated closet or room, is to protect the most delicate products, starting with those found inside transparent bottles;
- do not use different containers from the originals: in addition to risking confusing the inhabitants of the house and putting their health at risk, the habit of transferring cleaning products can also negatively affect their effectiveness. In fact, many products contain ingredients that can react with each other, releasing toxic substances: the most dangerous, in this sense, are bleach, ammonia and muriatic acid;
- do pay attention to the temperatures: the ideal temperature for storing detergents is between between 10 and 20°C. To stay within range, simply locate any corner of the house that is far from heat sources and drafts that could cause temperature changes;
- ensure the right ventilation: Detergents should be stored in well-ventilated areas. Not only because this reduces the overall humidity, but also because some chemical products may emit fumes and vapors;
- close the products well: it may seem obvious, but one of the most important things for the optimal conservation of detergents (at least those in plastic) is to close the package hermetically. As suggested by a recent guide of Altroconsumo, it's important Clean caps and lids regularly detergents to prevent the closure from becoming more difficult, which can lead to evaporation or leakage of the product.
A good detergent, stored following these simple tips, can maintain its effectiveness unchanged for over a year.
