Millions of laundry and cleaning products recalled due to bacterial risk

The laundress is recalling more than eight million laundry and cleaning products sold online and in stores nationwide over possible bacteria contamination.

The expensive and environmentally conscious brand found different types of bacteria when testing some of its products, the Unilever subsidiary said in a recall notice released by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday. The company said it was aware of 11 people who had reported Pseudomonas infections and was investigating whether there was a link to the recalled products.

Recalled The Laundress Laundry Detergent US Consumer Product Safety Commission

The company first released a notice on Nov. 17 asking customers to stop using its products entirely. “We have identified the potential presence of elevated levels of bacteria in some of our products that pose a safety risk,” it said.

The safety advisory expanded to a recall two weeks later.

Recalled The Laundress Stain Remover and Fabric Softener US Consumer Product Safety Commission

“The recalled products may contain bacteria, including Burkholderia cepacia complex, Klebsiella aerogenes and several different species of Pseudomonas, many of which are environmental organisms widely found in soil and water, and some may also occur in humans,” it said in the recall.

“People with compromised immune systems, external medical devices, and underlying lung conditions exposed to the bacteria are at risk of serious infection that may require medical attention. The bacteria can enter the body when inhaled, or through the eyes, or through a break in the skin. People with a healthy immune system are usually not affected by the bacteria.”

Recalled The Laundress Surface Cleaner, All-Purpose Cleaning Concentrate, Dishwashing Liquid, Glass & Mirror Cleaner, Aromatherapy Dishwashing Liquid, and Aromatherapy Surface Cleaner US Consumer Product Safety Commission

Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteria, also called B. cepacia, “are often resistant to common antibiotics,” but pose a low medical risk to healthy individuals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But people with compromised immune systems or chronic lung disease might be more susceptible to it infections, the CDC said.

The recalled products, which were made in New York and sold for between $8 and $100 through September 2022, were found online at sites including Amazon.com and TheLaundress.com and in stores including Bloomingdale’s, Brooklinen, The Container Store, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Target sold.

Owners of The Laundress products can request a refund. The Company can be contacted for more information by emailing customerservice@thelaundress.com or by calling (800) 681-1915 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

For a complete list of recalled products, visit thelaundressrecall.com.

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