If you’ve made the switch to natural dish soaps, you’ve probably noticed a few things right off the bat: they smell much nicer, your hands don’t feel like dried leaves, and there’s a strange sense of satisfaction and happiness that comes from knowing you’re not pouring synthetic chemicals down the drain. But yes, there’s always a but they behave a little differently than the regular ones. Especially when it comes to shelf life.
First Things First Yes, They Do Spoil: eco shop
I had no idea this the first time I bought one at an eco shop a few streets down. I just left it next to the sink for months. I came to use it one day, and it smelled odd. Sour and kinda earthy, strangely enough. It turns out natural dish soaps can spoil or get broken down if not stored properly.
Why? Most of them skip the heavy-duty preservatives, great for your skin but it also makes them a bit more sensitive.
Related article: Eco-Friendly Dish Soaps That Are Tough on Grease, Gentle on Hands
So, Where Should You Store Them?: not a
Say goodbye to the hot, steamy cupboard next to your dishwasher. Heat and humidity? Not a natural soap’s best friends. Instead:
- Keep it cool: A room-temp cabinet or shelf is ideal.
- Steer clear of direct sunlight: UV rays will destabilize ingredients, especially essential oils.
- Seal it up tight: Always snap the cap closed air exposure will destroy the formula in the long term.
And, no, you don’t need to refrigerate it (unless the label says otherwise). That’d be strange.
Signs It’s Time to Toss: your nose
Natural soaps don’t include “best by” dates stamped in bold. So you’re on your own. Some red flags:
- Wonky smell – like something’s fermented
- Not-dissolving-with-a-shake separation
- Clumpy texture – not cute, and not effective
It’s actually kind of like the test to determine if milk has gone bad. Use your nose.
Pro Tips on How to Make It Last Longer: small bottles
These are some things that I do:
- I prefer to use the small bottles. That way, I won’t have one sitting around for an extremely long time just to put all the pieces together.
- I shake it up a little bit from time to time just to put all the pieces together.
- And I don’t buy in bulk if I don’t know I’m gonna use it fast. Buying how much I need always makes me buy new stuff.
Oh, and if you’re doing your own dish soap (bless your hearts, DIY warriors), I recommend putting it in a dark bottle and using it in a month or two. Remember homemade stuff spoils even faster.
Wishing a Healthy, Clean World: healthy, clean
Natural dish soaps are a smart option, it’s worth mentioning. It’s for our health, the planet, and even our plates. Treat them like the fresh fruits of the cleaning world: refrigerate them, keep them in the dark, and use them before they go bad. Wishing a healthy, clean world to all.
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