Hello or Goodbye to Your Cleaning Chemical Inventory

In early 2020, the uncertainty surrounding the global pandemic prompted facility cleaning managers to stock up on cleaning supplies and equipment to prepare for the contagious virus. However, as lockdowns and work-from-home measures reduced occupancy loads, cleaning demands also decreased. This resulted in excess inventory of unused cleaning chemicals, many of which are nearing or passing their expiration dates, leaving cleaning teams with the task of using them up or disposing of them properly to avoid future backlogs.

Excess inventory of cleaning products is a common and costly problem, and companies are still dealing with the aftermath of overbuying during the pandemic. Many products were overpriced due to elevated shipping costs, and they continue to incur costs related to storage and potential disposal. Experts recommend using cleaning chemicals before they go bad to avoid eating the cost of excess inventory. While many cleaning products remain shelf-stable for years if they are unopened and properly stored, some may only last for a year or two. Disinfectants must remain stable for one year past the manufacture date, and the FDA regulates hand sanitizers, which typically expire after about three years.

If unsure about expiration information, managers should seek advice from the product manufacturer or distribution partner to avoid serious health risks, such as exposure to volatile organic compounds or chemical confusion. In any case, experts agree that managers should err on the side of caution when dealing with expired chemicals, as they can lose potency and become dangerous.