How do you store your laundry products? If you like to stock up on laundry supplies, you probably have lots of them lying around the house. It should not be a problem if you are living with adults. However, if you have little kids at home, you need to take extra steps when storing laundry products.
A well-stored detergent can last you for months and would still work efficiently. Exposure to extreme temperatures can mess up their chemical composition. It can cause trouble when washing clothes. More so, it can damage your washer and dryer.
Why Should You Observe Proper Storage of Laundry Detergent
Living with kids can be fun and exciting. But, you need to make sure that they don’t get their tiny hands on your laundry supplies. Exposure to laundry detergent can cause poisoning, especially when ingested.
As of August 2021, the American Society of Poison Control Centers (ASPCC) reported that poison control centers managed 7,082 cases related to laundry detergent exposure. Children below five years of age are the usual victims. The most common culprit is laundry detergent pods.
Laundry detergent pods contain concentrated amounts of liquid laundry detergent. Their candy-like packaging attracts kids who mistake them for treats. When they are bitten, the film bursts and can shoot into the eyes or mouths of children. The chemicals inside the packet can cause breathing and vomiting.
How To Store Laundry Detergent
Most laundry detergents are stable when stored in the laundry room. But, keeping them in a hot space is not ideal. The high temperatures can cause detergents’ active components to activate. It can lessen the detergent’s effectiveness. Likewise, it’s not best to subject them to freezing temperatures. The detergent may clump together and lose its cleaning prowess. It can cause trouble with your washer.
Each detergent reacts differently. Here’s how you can store detergent depending on the types:
| Type of Detergent | Ideal Storage Conditions |
|---|---|
| Powder Detergents | Store in an airtight containerPut them in a dry placeKeep in a room that has a steady temperature (between 10 to 25°C or 50 to 77°F) |
| Liquid Detergents | Store in a container with airtight capsKeep them in a drawer with a stable and cool temperature (between 10 to 25°C or 50 to 77°F) |
| Laundry Pods | Store in a dry placeSeal inner bags and always keep the original container closed |
Storing Powder Detergents
Store in an airtight container
Keep your powdered detergent in a canister that will not allow moisture to penetrate. When these types of detergent are wet, the products may clump together. It will make them hard to dissolve during the wash cycle. A clod of powder will likely cause laundry detergent stains on your clothing.
Put them in a dry place
Moisture will unlikely mess up this product when you store them in a dry drawer or shelf.
Keep them in a room with a steady temperature
These products can clump when stored in a cold room. Yet, a hot room is not ideal as it can also cause the chemicals in the detergent to lose oxygen. It can hinder stain removal during laundry. You can store them in a place where the temperature ranges from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius or 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storing Liquid Detergents
Store in a container with airtight caps
Liquid laundry detergents are not affected by moisture, unlike powdered ones. However, you have to keep them in containers with airtight caps. Liquid laundry detergents can be contaminated when left open. The microbial contamination can transfer to your clothes when washed. Moreover, it can pose health problems when kids get their hands on them.
Keep them in a drawer with a stable temperature
Store them in an area with a temperature ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius or 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. These detergents can do well with moisture, but they can not stand extreme heat and cold. At high temperatures, its active components can destabilize and separate. While in a freezing environment, liquid detergents can freeze and also become unsteady.
Storing Laundry Pods
Store in a dry place
The film of a single-dose laundry detergent pod melts fast when it’s wet. A melted pod can create a mess in the canister.
Seal inner bags and always keep the original canister closed
Always keep the container and inner bags close to ensure that kids won’t open them instantly.
How To Dispose of Laundry Detergent Safely
- Check out the product disposal information on the detergent’s label.
- Flush away unwanted detergent down the drain. You can melt powders in hot water before flushing them to avoid clogging the pipes.
- Do not reuse empty laundry product containers.
- Before you throw a case of liquid detergents, make sure you rinse it first.
FAQ About Laundry Detergent Storage
How do you keep laundry detergent from clumping?
Store them in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct heat. The optimal temperature for storage is between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Can you store detergents outside?
It’s best to store laundry detergent in the laundry room. You can also place them in the garage or a place where you can control the temperature. It is to maximize their efficiency and prevent them from destabilizing. Moreover, make sure you put them on a shelf or in drawers. They should be high enough so children can’t reach them.
Do detergents go bad in heat?
Detergents can turn bad in extreme heat. The high temperature can cause their active ingredients to activate. Thus, when you use them, they won’t be as effective in fighting off stains on clothing.
Does liquid detergent evaporate?
The water in liquid detergents can evaporate when you leave the cap open for long. You’ll be left with a bottle of goo that can’t perform well when used.
Does laundry detergent freeze?
Liquid laundry detergent can freeze when stored in a freezing environment. Make sure you shake the bottle first before pouring it into the washer drum.
Can you use frozen laundry detergent?
You can still use a frozen liquid laundry detergent. However, you will observe clumping in the bottle. Make sure that you give the bottle a good shake before using the product on your clothes.
A Few Tips On Storing Your Laundry Products
It’s best to practice proper storage of your laundry products to protect your family. You have to make sure that your kids don’t get their hands on any items meant for the washer and dryer. Here are some pointers:
- Put powdered laundry detergent, liquid detergent, and fabric softeners out of reach and sight of children. It’s best to store these laundry products in a safe place. High shelves or locked cabinets are great options.
- Avoid placing detergents on the floor. It’s also not safe to keep them in storage drawers or baskets underneath the washing machine.
- Store the detergents in their original containers and labels. Close the lids tightly to avoid any spills.
- Read and follow the instructions on the product label in case an accident occurs.
- Do not reuse detergent containers, especially as storage for food.
- If you don’t have cabinets with locks, try to hang a shelf on the wall where you can place your laundry products. It should be out of reach of children at all times.
- Use a mobile cart with drawers and locks that you can easily take with you when you are doing the laundry.
In Conclusion
You need to store laundry detergents in the laundry room properly. Doing so can ensure the safety of your family. It is vital to keep them on shelves that are high enough for children not to reach. You can also keep your detergents in cabinets with locks. Proper storage also has benefits when it comes to the products’ efficiency.
Want to share this?
