Laundress Recall: What You Need To Know

Disclaimer: This resource is for informational purposes only. Morgan & Morgan is not currently accepting cases related to these products.

Laundry products like those from The Laundress, have a massive consumer base because of what they promise users: quality, safety, and reliability. Unfortunately, even the most trusted brands can betray your trust. The Laundress, in this case, is no exception.

The company announced a recall for hundreds of thousands of its products. The reason? Serious health risks. If you’re a loyal customer or know someone who is, here’s everything you need to know about The Laundress recall.

An Overview of the Laundress Recall

The Laundress recall is actually part of two major announcements. The first recall was issued back in December 2022, and involved over 8 million laundry and cleaning products.

This included a series of products, from laundry detergents to household cleaners. The primary reason for the 2022 recall was that some of these products were found to contain harmful bacteria like Burkholderia cepacia complex and Pseudomonas species.

But these are not just any type of bacteria; they’re pretty serious. Just to give you some perspective, the bacteria Burkholderia cepacia, commonly known as B. Cepacia, has claimed the lives of 42% of people who have developed serious infections.

Some causes of skin and lung infections caused by these bacteria have also spread beyond the host. Certain family members, particularly those with already weakened immune systems, can get infected through exposure to the primary host.

Fast forward to March 2023, and the company, which confirmed at least 11 infections, expanded its recalls to include 800,000 fabric conditioners. This time, the issue wasn’t bacteria. Instead, it was ethylene oxide, a chemical impurity and, even worse, a known carcinogen.

While these recalls differ in the type of contamination, the message is clear here: the products aren’t safe. Below, you’ll find out why.

Health Risks of Contaminated Laundress Products

The bacterial contamination and the presence of ethylene oxide bring unique health risks. The bacteria found in the December 2022 recall include Burkholderia cepacia complex and Pseudomonas species. These are commonly found in soil and water.

For people with weakened immune systems, medical devices, or chronic lung conditions, exposure to these bacteria can cause serious infections.

The March 2023 recall focuses on ethylene oxide, yet another dangerous chemical. Short-term exposure to this chemical can cause symptoms like:

• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Breathing difficulties

It’s worse if you’ve been exposed to the bacteria over a long period. Prolonged exposure can cause health issues such as:

• Lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Stomach cancer
• Breast cancer

How to Identify Recalled Products

If you own any products from The Laundress, now is the time to check your stock. The company has provided detailed guidelines to help consumers identify whether their products are part of the recall.

For the fabric conditioners, look for lot codes printed on the bottom of the bottle. Products included in the recall have codes starting with the letters “F,” “H,” or “T,” with specific numerical thresholds:

• Lot codes starting with F and ending in 9354 or less.
• Lot codes starting with H and ending in 2262 or less.
• Lot codes starting with T and ending in 5264 or less.

The December 2022 recall covered even more products, including detergents and cleaners. If you haven’t already checked, please review all The Laundress products in your home for additional lot codes listed on the company’s website or the recall announcement.

Steps to Take If You Own Recalled Products

If you determine that any of your Laundress products are part of the recall, don’t ignore the warning. Please follow these tips to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.

• Discontinue use as soon as you confirm it’s part of the recall.
• Place the product in its original container and throw it away with household trash.
• Do not attempt to pour the product down the drain; it may contaminate your plumbing or the environment.
• Take clear photos of the product’s lot code and UPC (usually printed on the label or bottom of the bottle).  
• Contact The Laundress to request a refund.
• If you’re experiencing health problems, please seek immediate medical attention.

You May Be Eligible for Compensation

The Laundress has offered to refund those who’ve been impacted by their line of recalled products. But the refund basically covers the purchase price. 

Interestingly and unsurprisingly,  there’s no mention of financial compensation for the financial damage caused by these products. The damage, in fact, could stretch far beyond the purchase price.

Some unsuspecting customers may have incurred heavy medical expenses, lost their wages due to time off work, or even lost their loved ones. If that’s what you are dealing with, medical attention alone isn’t enough; you need to speak to an experienced defective product attorney as soon as possible.