Let’s see a show of hands if you grabbed extra disinfecting wipes or sprays last spring when you were lucky enough to spot them on shelves! Hey, you’re not alone—but we’re here with a little nudge to remind you to inspect your stash. That’s because disinfectants and other cleaning productsdoactually expire. (ICYMI, here’s the difference between disinfecting, sanitizing and cleaning.)
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So, How Long Do Disinfectants Last?
Hand Sanitizer
As we mentioned in our overview about why you shouldn’t store your hand sanitizer in your car, the active ingredient in hand sanitizer, alcohol, can begin to evaporate when exposed to high heat or air. That means the alcohol percentage drops below what is touted on the label, making it less strong at fighting off germs.
Disinfectant Sprays and Wipes
Expect about a 12-month lifespan from store-bought disinfectants. This is when the chemical disinfectant may begin to degrade. Don’t expect to see an official expiration date printed on the package, however. Keep your eye out for a “manufacture date” instead, then tack on 12 months to see when it’s time to swap them out.
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