Shelf life of washing powder: how long can it be stored, how to organize storage conditions, can it be washed if it is expired?

When choosing a laundry detergent, few people think about the shelf life of the product. First of all, pay attention to the composition and cost of the washing powder. And this is a fundamentally wrong position.

The thing is that the chemical elements that make up the detergent are effective only for a certain period of time (subject to storage rules).

Expired powder is not only useless for quality washing, but also dangerous to human health. We’ll talk about the shelf life of washing powder in the article.

How long is it stored?

The idea that washing powder can be stored indefinitely is a myth. In fact, the activity of the chemical components responsible for the effective removal of stains from fabric remains for a certain period of time (an average of three to five years).

The storage period is indicated by the manufacturer on the product packaging (depending on the components of the detergent). So in hermetically sealed packaging, subject to storage conditions:

regular washing powder is suitable for use for five years (after opening the package no more than twelve months);
Bio products, which contain components of natural origin, are effective for three years from the date of release (after opening the package no more than six months);
detergents for washing children's clothes, which contain biologically active components (enzymes), retain their positive qualities for a minimum amount of time - only two years (after opening the package no more than six months).

If the packaging does not indicate an expiration date, then it is better to refuse such a purchase. The absence of shelf life markings violates the requirements of current legislation and, most likely, such a product will not meet quality and safety requirements.

Marking

The product data list includes the following:

Name;
what method: automatic, manual, station wagon;
types of fabrics;
machines: professional, automatic, activator type;
amount of ingredient by type of wash;
compound;
normative and technical act;
manufacturer (country, address, company);
warning notices;
weight or volume of a substance;
storage conditions;
disposal method;
shelf life, date of manufacture, expiration date;
how long can it be stored?
barcode;
dangerous moments of use, how to avoid them;
Can it be used after the expiration date?

ATTENTION: the text and pictures on the packaging must be well and clearly printed, this protects against counterfeiting.

How to properly organize storage conditions?

to maintain the effectiveness of washing powder throughout the entire period of its use only if certain storage rules are followed:

Packages with washing powder are stored away from heating appliances. The thing is that high temperature accelerates chemical processes in granules, thereby reducing the shelf life of household chemicals. For the same reason, it is necessary to ensure that the powder is not exposed to direct sunlight.
The optimal air temperature in the room where laundry detergent is stored varies from +15°C to +25°C.
Detergents are stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. High humidity is the first enemy of dry washing powder. When wet, the granules clump into dense clumps, which are not only ineffective in combating stains on clothes, but can also negatively affect the operation of the washing machine’s mechanisms. The air humidity in the room in which the detergent is stored should not exceed 60%.
When choosing a storage location, it is very important to remember that all laundry products are primarily chemicals. This means that washing powder is stored out of the reach of children and pets, away from food and personal care products, toys, dishes and other household items. The slightest ingress of washing powder particles into the body can provoke severe poisoning.

Topic No. 2. Complex powders

May include drugs with different physical and chemical properties. The quantitative ratios of ingredients in complex powders often vary widely.

NB!!!!! The medicinal substances of the complex powder are prescribed in equal or approximately equal quantities (the ratio in mass does not exceed 1:5).

In this case, two mixing options are possible.

If the physicochemical properties of medicinal substances are approximately the same, then they are mixed taking into account the amount of loss when grinding in a mortar

2. If the physicochemical properties of medicinal substances are different, then mixing and grinding begin with a coarse-crystalline substance, and then fine-crystalline substances are added to it.

NB!!!!! Medicinal substances of the complex powder are prescribed in various quantities (mass ratio more than 1:5).

In this case, the procedure for preparing the powder is as follows:

The drug that is included in larger quantities and has less loss in the pores of the mortar is crushed first.
Then the crushed powder is poured onto the capsule, leaving a small amount in the mortar (about as much as the next ingredient).
Mixing begins with the ingredient prescribed in the smallest quantity, gradually adding the remaining substances in increasing order of the prescribed quantities, taking into account the crystalline structure and atomization of the medicinal substances.

NB!!!!! Grinding should begin with the substance whose loss in the mortar pores is the smallest.

NB!!!!! If the recipe does not contain an auxiliary substance (sugar), grinding should begin with the substance that is prescribed in the largest quantity and is least lost in the pores of the mortar.

NB!!!! Medicinal substances such as zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, acetylsalicylic acid, magnesium carbonate and others, when ground, stick tightly to the walls of the mortar and are compressed, so it is recommended to grind them carefully, without much effort.

NB!!!!! Amorphous substances ( talc, magnesium oxide, starch, etc.) are mixed with the powder mass without additional grinding.

NB!!!!! Lightweight substances (sprayable) are added to the mixture last to avoid losses. (magnesium oxide, magnesium nitrite, starch, talc, calcium nitrate).

Example #1:

Rp.: Bismuthi subnitratis Magnesii oxydi aa 0.25 Misce fiat pulvis Dtd No. 12 Signa: 1 powder 3 times a day

Reverse side of the PPK:

Bismuth subnitrate 0.25*12 = 3 g Magnesium oxide 0.25*12 = 3 g

Total mass (m) = 3+3 = 6g Mass of one powder (p1) = 6/12 = 0.5

Front side of the PPK:

Bismuthi subnitras 3.0 Magnesii oxydum 3.0 __________________________ m = 6.0 p1 = 0.5 No. 12

Prepared: Packaged: Checked:

Technology: I weigh out 3 grams of bismuth subnitrate on a hand scale, thoroughly grind it in a mortar, and then add 3 grams of magnesium oxide while stirring in several steps. Check for homogeneity. We weigh 0.5 g into waxed capsules.

Label:

Example #2:

Rp.: Dibazoli 0.01 Sachari 0.2 Mf pulvis Dtd No. 10 S. 1 powder 2 times a day

If the drug is on list B for children, then we check the doses

Reverse side of the PPK:

Dibazol 0.01*10 = 0.1 g Glucose 0.2*10 = 2 g

Total mass (m) = 2+0.1 = 2.1 g Mass of one powder (p1) = 2.1/10 = 0.21 g

Front side of the PPK:

Sacchari 2.0 Dibazol 0.1 __________________________ m = 2.1 p1 = 0.21 No. 10

Prepared: Packaged: Checked:

Technology: Preparatory operations are carried out in accordance with Order No. 309. Check drug doses. Powders are prescribed in a quantitative ratio of 1:20. Weigh out 2 grams of glucose on a hand scale, thoroughly grind it in a mortar, pour it onto the capsule, leaving about 0.1 gram. Weigh out 0.1 grams of dibazole and pour it into a mortar and grind. Grind, mix, add crushed sugar in several additions, mix again. Check for homogeneity. Dispense 0.21 g into waxed capsules.

Label:

If it's expired, can it be washed?

The main question that any housewife asks: “What to do if the expiration date has expired and the product has not been fully used?”

Definitely, you should not wash with such a powder . It is no longer possible to achieve ideal cleanliness and freshness of laundry and remove all stains by washing with an expired product.

Also, do not forget that dense, clumped granules that have changed the smell are very difficult to wash out of the fabric fibers. Contacting human skin through clothing, they can cause severe irritation and redness, and when inhaled, accumulating in the lungs, triggering an asthma attack in allergy sufferers.

It is especially dangerous to use expired powder to wash the clothes of young children, whose immune system is sensitive to contact with harmful chemicals.

Topic No. 6. Powders with extracts

The cooking technique is determined by their consistency. Dry (1:2), thick and dry extract solution (1:2) is used.

Example No. 1

Powders with dry extracts are prepared according to the general rules for preparing powders.

Rp.: Extracti Belladonnae 0.015 Bismuthi subnitratis 0.2 Magnesii oxydi 0.25 Mf pulvis Dtd No. 10 S. 1 powder 3 times a day after meals

Belladonna extract is a list B drug, let’s check the doses.

Reverse side of the PPK:

M (demandalis) = 0.015*10 = 0.15 M (bismuth) = 0.2*10=2 M(magnesium) = 0.25*10=2.5 M(total) = 0.15+2+2 .5=4.65 g р1 = 4.65/10=0.465

Because If the extract is prescribed as dry, then in the calculations we take into account that it is 1:2, so we increase the mass of belladonna extract by 2 times. As a result, the weight increases.

M (extract) = 0.15*2 = 0.3 g M (total) = 0.3+2+2.5=4.8 p1 = 4.8/10=0.48

Technology:

In a mortar, carefully grind 2 grams of bismuth subnitrate, pour it onto the capsule, leaving about 0.3 g. Add 0.3 g of belladonna extract, grind, add bismuth in several steps while stirring, at the end add magnesium oxide, mix. Dispense 0.48 g into waxed capsules.

Example No. 2

When using a thick extract: weigh out on a mug of filter paper and transfer to the head of the pestle. To separate the paper from the pestle head, moisten it with a few drops of 20% alcohol.

Then the extract is ground with a pestle and mortar with a few drops of 20% alcohol, after which the dry ingredients are added. To make work easier, pharmacies prepare solutions of a thick extract (1:2).

100 g of thick extract is dissolved in a mixture of 60 g of water, 10 g of 90% alcohol and 30 g of glycerin. Store for no more than 15 days. The main property is flowability.

Bismuth subnitrate was ground, a belladonna solution was added, then magnesium oxide.

Example No. 3

Powders with a solution of dry extract.

Rp.: Extracti Belladonnae 0.015 Papaverini hydrochloridi 0.02 Sacchari 0.3 Mf pulvis Dtd No. 10 S. 1 powder 3 times a day after meals

Dose check:

Papaverine h/x VSD - 0.2 LSD - 0.02 VSD - 0.6 LSD - 0.06

Belladonna extract

VSD - 0.05 LSD - 0.015 VSD - 0.15 LSD - 0.04 Doses are not excessive

Reverse side of the PPK:

M (extract) = 0.015*10 = 0.15 g M (papaverine) = 0.02*10 = 0.2 g Mfree. (glucose) = 0.3*10= 3 g

A 1:2 solution of dry extract is prepared from the thick extract by dissolving it in a mixture of 6 parts water, 3 parts glycerin and 1 part ethyl alcohol 96%.

M (extract) = 0.15*2=0.3 g M (total) = 0.3+0.2+3=3.5 g p1 = 3.5/10 = 0.35 g

Technology: first add sugar (to mash the walls), then papaverine hydrochloride, then sugar again, at the very end belladonna extract drop by drop.

Adviсe

A few tips from experienced housewives will help preserve the beneficial properties of washing powder longer:

When purchasing a large amount of powder in various packages, you should not open all the packages and boxes at once. In closed packaging, the detergent retains its beneficial properties longer.
A clothespin, which is used to clamp the hole on an already opened package, will help protect the powder from moisture.
Buying a special container for household chemicals will help solve the problem of storing detergents.
A plastic container with a tight-fitting lid will protect the dry powder from moisture. A special locking mechanism prevents small children from opening the container freely, and the especially durable, colored plastic from which the container is made will protect the product from direct sunlight. A convenient recess at the end of the container and a measuring cup in the set will help you carefully pour the powder into the washing machine.

Strict adherence to the storage recommendations specified by the manufacturer on the packaging will protect the washing powder from premature deterioration.

Find all the most useful and interesting things about washing powder in this section of the site.

What is regulated

GOST 32479-2013 “Laundry detergents”. Establishes general requirements for life safety, public health, and environmental protection.
GOST 25644-96 “Synthetic powder detergents”. Applies to raw materials, technical requirements.
GOST 22567.5-93 “Synthetic detergents and surfactants.” Regulates the method for determining the pH of aqueous solutions.
GOST 52488-2005. Applies to powdered, granular, agglomerated, molded, paste and liquid household laundry products.

Perox

A universal cleaning product that can also be used for laundry is bleach, but it does not contain chlorine. This product copes well with all types of dirt and stains, and to add fragrance to the laundry, you can drop a couple of drops of any synthetic fragrance into the drum. For one wash cycle you will need about 100-150 ml of product.

As you can see, you can often do without powder, but provided that you choose the right replacement, even if it’s temporary.

AlinaAuthor of the article

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When and which one to choose?

Biolan laundry detergents are not intended for cleaning delicate fabrics (wool and silk). But for cotton, linen, synthetic and mixed fabrics, you can choose a powder or gel, focusing on the color and degree of contamination of things:

For white and light - Economy Expert hand wash, White flowers (Automatic and hand wash), Economy Expert Automatic, Orange and Lemon (Automatic and hand wash), Gel-active White flowers.
For color - Color Automatic, Economy Expert hand wash, White flowers Automatic, Orange and Lemon (Automatic and hand wash), Gel-active Bright color.
For dark – Color Automatic.
For children - Children's.
For stains - Economy Expert Automatic, Gel-Active Bright Color and White Flowers.

Factors that influence the cost of funds

To correctly calculate any bulk or liquid product, you must pay attention to the following factors:

Degree of laundry contamination. If the purpose of washing is only to refresh things, the consumption will be minimal. To remove old stains, a larger amount will be required.
Hardness of water. Depending on the indicator, the dose will change up or down.
Washing machine drum volume. There is an average value: for a load of 5 kg in water with average hardness and the usual degree of soiling of the laundry: 150 g of powder, 65 ml of gel or 1 capsule.
Program. To wash 3 kg of synthetic laundry, you will need half as much powder as to clean cotton with the same weight. This is due to water consumption, information about which can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.
Type of fabric. Due to their structure, fluffy and porous materials artificially increase the volume of foam. It is better to wash tulle, lace products, down jackets, and overalls with less regular powder or use special products.

Also, consumption depends on what functions the unit has. Washing machines with Eco Bubble technologies, “steam washing”, consume almost half as much powder or gel compared to conventional models.

Information about water hardness at your address can be found on the website of the regional company that provides water supply services.

What is the shelf life of spices and herbs

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines spices as aromatic plant substances, generally crushed or powdered, whose important function in food is to enhance flavor rather than to satisfy hunger ().

In cooking, spices are condiments made from the dried roots, bark or stems of plants, while herbs are the dried or fresh leaves of a plant.

Variables to consider when determining the shelf life of dried herbs and spices include their type, processing method, and storage method. For example, dried spices tend to last longer than dried herbs, and the more whole—or less processed—the spice, the longer its shelf life.

Dried herbs typically last 1–3 years. Here are examples of dried herbs:

basil
oregano
thyme
rosemary
Bay leaf
dill
parsley
cilantro
mint
marjoram
sage

Ground or powdered spices typically last 2-3 years. Here are examples of ground spices:

ginger powder
garlic powder
ground cinnamon
chili powder
ground turmeric
ground allspice
ground cardamom
ground paprika
red pepper flakes
seasoning mixtures

Whole or unground spices have the longest shelf life because less of their surface area is exposed to air, light and moisture. This allows them to retain aromatic oils and flavor compounds longer than their ground counterparts.

If stored properly, whole spices can last up to 4 years. Here are examples of whole spices:

whole peppercorns
coriander
mustard seeds
fennel seeds
cumin seeds
cumin seeds
whole nutmeg
carnation
cinnamon sticks
whole dried chili peppers
lemongrass

Salt is an exception to the rule, since it can be used indefinitely, regardless of its size and shape, without spoiling or losing its taste. However, if you use seasoned salt, any additional seasonings may lose their potency over time.

Product line

Nevskaya cosmetics produces laundry detergents in the following areas under the SARMA trademark:

powders;
gels;
stain removers;
bleaches.

Powders

Products in the form of powders are presented in the following options:

For manual processing.
For all types of washes.

SARMA Active for all types of washes

The universal detergent is one of the most popular from the brand. The level of foam formation during washing allows it to be used for both manual and automatic processing of items. The asset is suitable for caring for things of any color, including black.

“Active” product is available in various scents:

"Lily of the valley";
"Mountain Freshness"

Powders are available in various packaging. The minimum, 400 grams, is produced in cardboard packaging. The rest (from 800 grams to 9 kg) are in plastic bags.

The powder, thanks to a complex of enzymes, copes with a large number of popular contaminants, including:

coffee;
tea;
grass;
blood, etc.

The product can be used to remove and prevent the appearance of dust mites.

For white

Sarma is suitable for removing stains from white clothes made of any fabric except silk and wool. After processing, things acquire a fresh, light aroma of cleanliness and whiteness.

The composition contains antibacterial substances that effectively eliminate linen mites. This product is available in packaging from 0.4 kg to 6 kg.

For manual processing

The hand wash sarma allows you to wash things by hand with high quality. The powder has increased foaming and is effective when soaked.

Just like other products, it has an antibacterial effect, maintaining the hygiene of things. The product is suitable for light and white laundry and is available in volumes from 0.4 to 2.4 kg.

Liquid concentrates

Powders in gel form are available in two types of preparations:

For black things.
Universal antibacterial agent.

Both gels are supplied in 1.2 liter bottles. The containers have a comfortable handle, and the lid acts as a measuring cup.

Antibacterial gel has the following characteristics:

has a thick consistency;
has no pronounced odor;
has an antibacterial effect;
does not contain chlorine and phosphates;
highly effective due to the inclusion of enzymes;
Suitable for caring for white and colored clothes.

Gel for washing black linen and dark-colored items copes well with stains, is gentle on fabrics and maintains the richness of dark shades.

Its peculiarity is its composition, which allows the use of a liquid product for the care of products made of various materials, including very delicate ones (for example, lace), as well as wool and silk. After processing, things become soft and retain their shape.

Stain remover

SARMA Active Stain Remover is a product that is designed to remove complex types of stains and to enhance the effect of washing powder. Available in packs of 0.5 kg.

Can be used when washing:

mixed fabrics,
cotton,
synthetic,
linen

The product is effective already from 30°C.

Bleach

Bleach is designed to enhance the effect of using washing powder. It can be washed by machine and by hand and does not require boiling.

Alternative options: TOP-3

The Dosia brand has worthy competitors, which are also characterized by high performance indicators:

Ariel

The manufacturer is Procter&Gamble. The line includes:

powders,
gels,
capsules.

Unlike Dosi, Ariel doesn't have baby wash products. The average cost of powders is 600 rubles (3 kg), gels – 400 rubles (1.3 l).

Users highly rate the quality of Ariel products. Most of them (82%) recommend them for use. People like the quality of washing, whitening clothes, and removing stains. The disadvantage is the high price. Read reviews here. More information about Ariel washing products can be found here.

Tide

These products are also from Procter&Gamble. The range includes powders, gels, capsules. Unlike Dosia, the children's line is presented not only with powder, but also with gel. The price of a small pack (450 g) is about 90 rubles, a bottle of gel (1 l) is 400 rubles.

Reviews of Tide powders and gels indicate:

good washability of clothes,
moderate odor
color preservation.

Of the minuses:

poor stain removal
the need to use conditioner to make linen soft.

Tide powders are recommended by 88% of users. More information about Tide detergents can be found here.

Persil

Products from Henkel. Powders, gels, and capsules are available for sale. The downside of Persil is the lack of a children's series. A package of powder (3 kg) costs an average of 300 rubles, a bottle of gel (1.3 l) costs 400 rubles.

The products of this brand are popular - 92% of people recommend them for use. I like the quality of washing, stain removal, cost-effectiveness. Dissatisfaction is caused by the need for additional rinsing, as well as the price. Read reviews here. More information about Persil detergents can be found here.

Bleach must be replaced if it is not used after six months.

Most furniture polishes have a service life of up to two years.

Hydrogen peroxide, if left unopened, should keep for about a year; if opened, should be used within 60-90 days.

Shelf life shouldn't matter for microfiber products, but how long they last depends on care. As long as a product's microfibers are not exposed to softeners or detergents that contain them, and high-temperature drying is avoided, they can last over 100 washes. “However, if they start to darken or become discolored, you will likely have to dispose of them.”

Where and at what price to buy?

Nefis Cosmetics distributes its products throughout Russia, and also imports to Kazakhstan, Belarus and other CIS countries.

The specific cost depends on the type of product and the volume of packaging:

Color Automatic 400 g – 60 rubles;
White flowers Automatic 1.2 kg – 110 rubles; 2.4 kg – 194 rubles;
White flowers hand wash 400 g – 44 rubles; 900 g – 40 rubles;
Economy Expert Automatic 400 g – 40 rubles;
Orange and Lemon Automatic 2.4 kg – 260 rubles;
Orange and lemon hand wash 400 g – 50 rubles;
Economy expert hand wash 400 g – 45 rubles;
gel active Bright color 1.2 l – 230 rubles;
gel active White flowers 2 l – 415 rubles.

Residual effect?

Surfactants remaining in fabrics after washing can be dangerous to people. To evaluate this indicator, the surfactant content is checked not in the fabrics themselves, but in the water remaining after washing and the third rinse. The logic of this test is as follows: if after repeated rinsing surfactants still continue to be washed out of clothes and linen, then they are in the fabrics, and the more surfactants are in the water, the more of them there were in the fabric. The maximum amount of anionic surfactants remained in the water (and therefore in the laundry) after washing with Ariel powder. Least of all - after Dosia powder.

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