We’ll be discussing the shelf life of Fabuloso and other cleaners in general. We’ll also learn how to check if the product has expired, what are the consequences of using an expired cleaning product, and whether you can use an expired (but unopened) cleaning product.
Fabuloso Expiration Date
Fabuloso, like other cleaners and products, degrades over time even though it contains preservatives. Usually, Fabuloso Multi-purpose cleaner has a shelf life of about 2 years like most other multi-surface cleaners, and the expiration date is always written on the bottle of the cleaner.
When you notice that your Fabuloso cleaner has expired, it’s best you dispose of it safely.
Where Is the Expiration Date on Fabuloso Bottle?
Fabuloso manufacture and expiration dates are usually written on the packaging (bottle), below the label. Check the front, back, or sides of the bottle, and you’ll see it somewhere written in bold and clear.
So even if the label has torn or is compromised, you’ll still be able to tell if that Fabuloso product has expired or not.
If you can’t find the manufacture and expiration dates of the Fabuloso on the bottle, then check the label for the batch/lot number. Usually one can tell the manufacture date of a product just by looking at the lot number.
The batch number is a set of identification that can help trace the production date, time, and batch of a product.
If you don’t know how to read the Fabuloso manufacture date through its batch number, then contact the company and give them the batch number. They’ll be able to trace the product and tell you if it has expired or not.
How Do You Tell If a Cleaner Is Expired?
1- Check the label for the expiry date. Most cleaners have their expiry dates written on the labels, caps, or at the bottom of their products.
2- If you can’t find an expiry date on any part of your cleaner’s package or label, then check for the manufacture date. Multi-surface cleaners usually have about 2 years of shelf life. (Source) So if it’s been 2 years already since the manufacture date, then it most probably has expired.
If the cleaner is antibacterial, the shelf life is about one year instead of two years. A liquid or powder laundry detergent expires in 6 to 12 months after opening if kept in a cool and dry place.
3- If the cleaner isn’t as effective as it used to be, chances are it has expired. If you have been using a cleaner occasionally or have stored it for a long time, and it can no longer clean the way it used to clean, then the potency has reduced due to expiration
4- If the texture of the cleaner changes, chances are it has expired. If a liquid cleaner suddenly has lumps or becomes too watery, it has expired. This may make the cleaner lose fragrance too.
If your cleaner suddenly smells bad, smells strange, or doesn’t smell as strongly as it used to, it may have expired.
5- If the reaction of the cleaner with other things has changed. For example, if a cleaner used to fizz when you pour it out or mix it with another product but doesn’t do that anymore, then it has expired. For example, baking powder fizzes when mixed with vinegar. If this no longer happens, then it has expired.
What Happens If Use an Expired Cleaning Product like Fabuloso?
Using an expired cleaning product doesn’t endanger your health or damage the surfaces cleaned with it, especially if the expiration has not affected the cleaner physically (the texture and color).
But as we earlier said, the cleaner won’t be as effective as it used to be. If you used to use one cap for cleaning a surface, you may need to use 3 or 4 caps now with a lot more elbow grease.
If the expired cleaner has changed color though, you should avoid using it. You don’t know how that color will affect the surface you are cleaning. It may leave residues that will be hard to get rid of.
If it’s a disinfectant cleaner that is antibacterial, it will not disinfect or kill bacteria as it should which is not good for your health. (Source) It may clean generally if you use more strength but your home will still be exposed to diseases and infections because bacteria and germs will still thrive.
So it’s better to dispose of it and use a disinfectant cleaner that is still in good condition.
Do Cleaning Products Expire If Not Opened?
Although unopened cleaning products last longer than opened ones because they are more stable and haven’t been exposed, they don’t remain intact forever too. You should still check for expiration dates before buying or using them.
Bleach expires about 6 months after being opened, but it can last for about 12 months if not opened. Multi-surface cleaners last for about 2 years whether they are opened or not but it’s best to exhaust them within 18 months after opening.
Final Thoughts!
Fabuloso like many multi-surface cleaners expires after about 2 years and this affects its effectiveness. We have discussed how to know if a cleaner has expired even if the expiration date isn’t known.
