Can Laundry Pods Expire?

Laundry pods may be a convenient alternative to liquid and powder detergent, but they’re not perfect. Like any household product, laundry pods have a shelf life and using expired laundry pods could lead to trouble.

Yes, laundry pods do expire. But the real question is, how long do they last (and is there a better alternative out there)? That’s what we’re here to discuss. Below you’ll learn key information about laundry pod shelf life, the risks of using expired laundry pods, and why you might want to ditch them entirely. 

How Long Do Laundry Pods Last?

A laundry pod is simply a single-use packet that contains enough laundry detergent for a single load. These pods are packed in plastic-like film that dissolves in water, dispersing the detergent throughout the course of the wash cycle. 

The key thing to remember is that the film holding these pods together may look like plastic, it’s not. It’s usually polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). This biodegradable material isn’t as durable as plastic, so laundry pods are prone to damage that can shorten their lifespan or impact their efficacy.

When stored properly, unopened laundry pods generally have a shelf life of 12–18 months. Once the package is opened, laundry pods should be used within 6 months.

Here are some signs your laundry pods have outlived their shelf life:

• Your clothes aren’t coming out of the wash as clean as they used to.

• The pods don’t dissolve fully, leaving residue behind on your clothes or in the washer.

• Your laundry or the pods themselves have a sour or musty smell.

• The pods’ outer film has become discolored or the detergent inside is clumping.

When in doubt, you can always check the product packaging to find a “best by” date. Keep in mind that storing your laundry pods in hot or damp conditions could reduce their lifespan significantly, even if they’re not opened.

Can You Use Expired Laundry Pods? 

Like many household products, laundry pods don’t typically have a hard “expiration date.” In other words, they don’t suddenly become dangerous or completely ineffective after a certain number of months. The packaging will probably have a “best by” date listed on it that applies to the unopened product, and usually ranges from 12–18 months after manufacture. 

Once you open the package, you should plan to use your laundry pods within 6 months. If you find that you’re not going through them fast enough, you may need to start buying smaller quantities or switch to a product that better suits your needs.

But what happens if you keep using laundry pods after they expire? Maybe nothing drastic. You might not notice anything at first but eventually you may find that your clothes don’t come out clean (or they come out with an unpleasant odor). As the chemicals in the pod break down, it could even increase the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions.

How to Store Laundry Products

The best way to ensure your laundry essentials don’t go bad before you can use them is to avoid overbuying. Only buy what you can reasonably expect to use within a few months. If you do that, the main factor that will affect shelf life is how you store the products.

Here are some tips for storing your laundry products properly: 

1. Keep laundry products in their original containers for storage—the packaging may be treated to help keep the product fresh.

2. Store laundry products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (right next to the washer might not be the ideal spot).

3. Consider storing laundry products in wall cabinets or high shelves if you have children or pets who might get into them.

4. Always close laundry product containers completely to avoid accidental spills and exposure to moisture.

5. Refer to the product specifications for additional tips and important information on what to avoid when using or storing the product.

Sheets Laundry Club: Simple, Affordable, and Long-Lasting 

Looking for a longer-lasting alternative to pods without making laundry day more complicated? Sheets Laundry Club detergent sheets could be the ideal solution. Just like laundry pods, you simply toss a detergent sheet into the washer along with your dirty clothes. It’s that easy.

If you’ve been thinking about changing up your laundry routine, now’s the perfect time. Join the Sheets Laundry Club Subscribe & Save program and start receiving regular deliveries of your favorite laundry essentials right to your doorstep. 

Not sure where to start? Our team is always available to answer questions.