Liquid detergents typically have antimicrobial preservatives of some ilk in the mix, a little-known point of information. Also components to help keep the various ingredients in-solution when they normally don't combine very well.

Powder detergents are mostly affected by moisture. Store them for the long-term away from high-humidity (such as may occur in the laundry room, particularly in a non-conditioned area such as a garage or unfinished basement) and/or in an air-tight container.

Detergents become less effective, not hazardous. Liquids can separate or change consistency, powders can clump into a brick.

Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) starts deteriorating (into salt
and water) in about six months after production (even if the container
isn't opened) but is reasonably effective for a year or so. Storing at a stable moderate temperature helps extend the effectiveness, and avoid exposure to light. Very weakened or fully deteriorated bleach isn't effective for disinfecting.

This is how I store my powder detergents as soon as I open a box. I keep boxes not being used just yet in a dry, dark cabinet. I have a TL, so I go through a lot more detergent than you, but I also plan for powdergedon--just in case.

To date, this has worked well for us keeping them free flowing. I got the plastic bins at a dollar store. Some people like to use decorative containers. The important thing is they are air-tight.

I too have wondered how the large supplies of the Sears powder detergent has held up. I've not read much on that around here.

I store my vast quantity of Sears Ultra Plus powder detergent in my basement. I have about 4 boxes left and another 11 - 23.3 lb pails left.

I haven't noticed any issue with the detergent clumping or not smelling fresh and my kids clothes as well as all Daycare items coming out smelling fresh as can be.

Jeff

I have to say I really do learn so much from this site -- I never knew laundry detergent expires and certainly not bleach, I thought that stuff was good forever. I don't have much of a stash on hand, only an extra or two, so I guess I don't have to really think about it. I will try to use up the bleach, though -- DH used to use it on his work whites, but his uniform changed so don't need it anymore; I can use it to clean the (non-new Toto) toilet bowl.

I called Persil(Henkel) and Tide (P&G) last year, and they both noted that liquid detergents have 1 year shelf life. I prefer to use powder versions but I can't find them available.

I was using manufacturer recommended dosage of 45mL (~3 TBSP) but noticed the machine was sometimes doing 4-6 rinses, and the towels were still feeling crunchy.

I reduced the detergent dosage to 22.5 - 30 mL (~1.5-2 TBSP) and add 0.5-1.0 TBSP baking soda with wash for enhanced cleaning; 1/4 cup vinegar in rinse as FS.

I use warm water wash for clothes, hot=>sanitary wash for towels/sheets.

I have ~4 cuft (8 kg) FL.

Considering the above, I changed the way I buy detergent - no more 1.25+ gallon (100+ loads) jugs from Costco, which could potentially equal to 150-200+ loads and I only do about 2-3 loads weekly.