Cleaning chemicals
The cupboard under the sink runs on two clocks. Bleach and the disinfectants built around it lose strength on a schedule the maker prints as a production code rather than an expiry date — while vinegar, ammonia and the caustic drain and oven cleaners barely age at all and fail through their container instead.
Updated
Hung fastest-first — the tags at the top go off soonest
- BleachSealedAbout 1 yearDegraded performance
- Disinfectant wipesSealed12–24 monthsDegraded performance
- Hydrogen peroxideSealed1–3 yearsDegraded performance
- Laundry detergentSealed12–18 monthsDegraded performance
- Laundry podsSealedAbout 15 monthsDegraded performance
- Disinfectant spraySealed18–24 monthsDegraded performance
- Dish soapSealedAbout 2 yearsHarmless
- Rubbing alcoholSealed2–3 yearsDegraded performance
- AmmoniaSealedDoesn't meaningfully expire sealedDegraded performance
- Cleaning vinegarSealedDoesn't meaningfully expireHarmless
- Drain cleanerSealedDoesn't meaningfully expire sealedDegraded performance
- Oven cleanerSealedDoesn't meaningfully expire sealedDegraded performance