Can Laundry Detergent Freeze?

Laundry detergent is something most households use on a regular basis to keep clothes fresh and clean. But have you ever wondered what happens if you accidentally leave your jug of detergent in the car overnight in freezing winter temperatures? Can laundry detergent freeze and what are the consequences if it does? This blog post takes an in-depth look at the freezing properties of laundry detergent and provides tips on proper storage to prevent freezing.

What Happens When Laundry Detergent Freezes

Laundry detergent, like most liquids, can freeze when exposed to temperatures below 32°F (0°C). The freezing point does vary between detergent formulations, but generally they will solidify into a block or gel-like lump when they get cold enough.

Physical Changes

When laundry detergent freezes, some physical changes occur:

Color May Darken Slightly

The color of the frozen detergent may appear slightly darker than its liquid form. This is caused by the detergent thickening as it solidifies, creating a more concentrated appearance.

Crystals May Form

Some crystallization can occur within the frozen block of detergent. These are simply concentrated cleaner compounds clumping together. They will dissolve back into the solution when thawed.

Texture Changes To Solid Gel/Block

The liquid detergent will transform into a flexible gel or solid block when frozen. It may be opaque or cloudy rather than clear when solidified. The texture will feel firm and dense like ice or hardened gelatin.

Expansion During Freezing

As with water to ice, laundry detergent will expand in volume while transitioning from liquid to solid form. This is why you should never freeze a full container of detergent – leave expansion room to prevent the jug from cracking.

Chemical Composition Unaffected

Importantly, the chemical composition and cleaning power of laundry detergent remains unaffected when frozen. The ingredients do not break down or get destroyed. As soon as it thaws back to liquid form, it will have the same formulation as before freezing.

Consequences of Freezing Detergent

While laundry detergent can recover after freezing, there can be some inconveniences:

Longer Thawing Time

A large jug or bottle of frozen detergent may take 12-24 hours to fully thaw back into liquid form. The solid gel/block will need to sit at room temperature before it melts.

Performance Issues If Not Fully Thawed

Using partially thawed detergent can cause issues in your washing machine. The detergent may not dissolve or spread properly, resulting in cleaning problems or build up inside the washer.

Container Cracking

As noted above, laundry detergent expands in volume when freezing. If frozen in a FULL container, the expansion can potentially crack or rupture the plastic jugs. Always leave room for expansion.

Altered Consistency After Thawing

While rare with modern detergents, some cheaper formulations can experience consistency issues after freezing/thawing. The liquid may become slightly more watery or separations between ingredients can occur resulting in a grainier texture.

Tips To Prevent Laundry Detergent Freezing

While home laundry detergent will recover after a freeze, it’s best to store it properly to avoid the hassle altogether:

1. Store Detergent Above Freezing

Keep detergent jugs in an indoor room with temperatures that do not dip below freezing, like a laundry room or pantry. Unheated garages and vehicles can freeze.

2. Store Detergent Jug Upright

Keeping containers upright minimizes risk of spills or leaks when thawing. Laying containers on their side can allow liquid to seep out.

3. Do Not Leave Detergent In Vehicles

Remove all laundry supplies from cars, trucks, or vehicles during cold weather. Interior temperatures can drop below freezing at night.

4. Check Garage Temperatures

Uninsulated garage spaces often get cold enough to freeze items inside during winter. Check temperatures or store detergent indoors instead.

5. Allow Space For Expansion

Never fill a container to the very top with liquid. Leave several inches of headspace for the detergent to expand as it freezes without damaging the jug.

6. Use Proper Freezing Grade Plastic

High quality laundry detergent jugs are made of polyethylene plastic designed to be more flexible and resistant to cracking, even when frozen. Cheap containers are more at risk of bursting.

In summary, laundry detergent can freeze without damaging its cleaning capabilities or formula. Minor texture and consistency changes may occur after thawing, but it will return to liquid form and work as normal. Just allow time to safely thaw, store in areas above 32°F, and prevent container damage by allowing for expansion during freezing. Follow these tips and freezing your laundry detergent should not be an issue at all.

References

American Cleaning Institute. “Cold Weather Cleaining Tips”. 2021. Retrieved from: https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/cold-weather-laundry-cleaning-tips

International Fabricare Institute. “Caring for your Laundry in Cold Weather”. 2019. Retrieved from: https://ifi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Cold-Weather-Laundry-Care-Tips.pdf

Quora – Can Laundry Detergent Freeze? 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.quora.com/Can-laundry-detergent-freeze

The Spruce – Is Frozen Laundry Detergent Safe To Use? 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.thespruce.com/is-frozen-laundry-detergent-safe-to-use-5245025