Most hand sanitisers and cleaning products carry a shelf life, and there is good chemistry behind it.

Hand sanitiser

Alcohol-based sanitisers rely on a minimum alcohol concentration (around 60–70%) to be effective. Over time, especially if the cap is loose or the bottle is stored warm, alcohol slowly evaporates and the concentration drops below the effective threshold. Most products are stamped with a 2–3 year expiry from manufacture — after that, potency is no longer guaranteed.

Cleaning products

Surfactants, fragrances and active ingredients can break down or separate over time. The product may still clean, but disinfectants in particular can lose their germ-killing punch once expired.

Storage tips to make them last

  • Keep lids tight to stop alcohol evaporating.
  • Store cool and out of direct sunlight.
  • Buy a size you’ll realistically use within the shelf life.

Buying in bulk is great value — just decant into smaller working bottles and keep the bulk container sealed.