What is The Laundress?
The Laundress is a company that manufactures a number of laundry detergent products and cleaning products. These products are produced under the brand name “The Laundress”, but also under other names for department stores and other retail outlets.
Up to 8 million units of products manufactured by The Laundress may have been contaminated with multiple types of bacteria.
What Types of Bacteria Were Found in The Laundress?
Testing has shown that multiple bacteria types have been identified in products manufactured by The Laundress including:
- Burkholder cepacia complex (B. cepacia)
- Klebsiella aerogenes
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Other Pseudomonas species
Infection with these strains of bacteria may be serious or even life-threatening.
Is the Bacteria Found in The Laundress Products Dangerous?
Testing performed on products manufactured by The Laundress has shown potential contamination with Burkholderia cepacian, Klebsiella or Pseudomonas bacteria. These bacteria are considered to be pathogens which can be dangerous. Infections caused by these bacteria may be serious or even life-threatening and are often difficult to treat as they may be resistant to antibiotics.
Infection with B. cepacia has been found to be fatal up to 42% of the people who develop severe infections. Both Pseudomonas and Klebsiella bacteria may cause infections in the blood, lungs, and other organs which may require hospitalization or may result in death.
In some cases, bacterial pneumonia and skin infections caused by these bacteria may spread to infect other family members.
What are the Symptoms of Infection with The Laundress Bacterial Contamination?
Some people have reported symptoms of infection including skin rash, septic shock and other health conditions. Some of these symptoms have been widely seen on social media posts. The Laundress has confirmed that they are investigating at least 11 cases of Pseudomonas infection.
Symptoms of bacterial infection vary due to location of infection and can range from minor skin rashes to serious cases of pneumonia or body-wide sepsis.
Have Any The Laundress Products Been Recalled?
The U.S. Consumer Safety Products Commission announced a recall for multiple laundry detergents, cleaning supplies and other products manufactured by The Laundress. Recalled products were manufactured between 2019 and 2023 and may be under The Laundress brand or other brand names.
Recalled products include:
- Signature Detergent
- Baby Detergent
- Delicate Wash
- Dish Detergent
- Glass and Mirror Cleaner
- Sport Detergent
- Surface Cleaner
- Wool & Cashmere Shampoo
Some consumers may still have these products in their homes, residences or businesses and may be unaware of the recall.
What Brands May Be Affected by The Laundress Recalls?
Multiple products manufactured by The Laundress are sold under store or retailer names. Brand names and store brands which may be part of the recall include:
- Isle
- Jenni Kayne
- Aromatherapy Associates
- Crate & Barrel
- Le Labo
- N Peal
- Saks
- J. Crew
- John Mayer Out West
- Number 10
- No. 723
- Today Show
- Others
How Do I Identify Products Involved in The Laundress Recalls?
All “The Laundress products” made under any brand name and affected by the recall will have the same lot numbers on the bottom of the bottles.
Recalled lot numbers include:
- Lot numbers F0001 to F9354
- Lot numbers H0001 to H2262
- Lot numbers T0001 to T5264
A full list of recalled products manufactured by The Laundress may be found at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Website.
Did The Laundress Offer Refunds?
As part of the recall, the company “The Laundress” has offered refunds for the products. The refund instructions include proof of purchase or product ID requirements.
The Laundress has stated that they have received at least 11 reports of Pseudomonas infections which are under investigation, however no instructions for contacting the company for medical issues has been included in recall instructions.
Who Should Consider a The Laundress Bacterial Contamination Lawsuit?
Though The Laundress has offered refunds for recalled products, they have not offered assistance or compensation for medical issues which may develop due to their products.
People who became ill or developed infection with Pseudomonas or other bacteria have not been addressed. People who were diagnosed with a Pseudomonas, Klebsiella or B. cepacia infection or who developed symptoms of infection after using The Laundress or other brand products manufactured by The Laundress may be eligible for compensation for their injuries.
People who purchased cleaning products by The Laundress may have been placed at serious risk of harm or even death due to infection and may also be eligible for compensation.
Notwithstanding claims relating to this product, the drug/medical device remains approved by the U.S. FDA.