Simple Steps Can Prevent Accidents
Children are naturally curious and learn about the world by exploring with their eyes, ears, hands, and mouths. Toddlers, in particular, often place objects in their mouths, including household cleaning products such as liquid laundry detergent packets.
Single-load liquid laundry packets contain a highly concentrated, pre-measured dose of detergent. They are convenient and effective, but like all household cleaning products, they should always be stored up, away, and out of the reach and sight of children and pets.
Although manufacturers have made significant safety improvements—including child-resistant packaging, stronger warning labels, delayed-dissolving film, and bittering agents—proper storage remains the best way to prevent accidental poisonings.
According to America’s Poison Centers (formerly the American Association of Poison Control Centers), Poison Centers managed 1,423 exposures involving liquid laundry detergent packets among children five years of age and younger during January and February 2024. While exposures have declined since new safety standards were introduced, these products continue to cause serious injuries to young children. An exposure occurs whenever a child comes into contact with the detergent by swallowing it, inhaling it, or getting it in the eyes or on the skin.
Young children account for many exposures, but older adults with dementia or developmental disabilities are also at increased risk of accidental poisoning.
Why Laundry Packets Are Different
Traditional liquid and powdered detergents may cause mild stomach upset if swallowed. However, the highly concentrated detergent found in laundry packets can cause severe illness within minutes.
Possible Symptoms Include:
- vomiting
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- excessive drooling
- severe drowsiness
- burns or irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, or lungs
- eye injuries, including corneal abrasions
- respiratory distress requiring emergency medical treatment
Laundry Safety Tips
Help keep your family safe by following these simple precautions:
- Never allow children to handle or play with laundry detergent packets, even under adult supervision.
- Store laundry packets up, away, and out of sight and reach of children and pets.
- Keep detergent packets in their original child-resistant container with the label intact.
- Always close and securely seal the container immediately after each use.
- Handle laundry packets with dry hands, as the water-soluble film begins dissolving when wet.
- Never cut, tear, or puncture a laundry packet.
- If packets become stuck together or are damaged, discard them safely.
- Place the laundry packet directly into the bottom (drum) of the washing machine before adding clothing.
- Never leave detergent packets on counters, washing machines, or in laundry baskets where children can access them.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product label.
- Dispose of empty containers according to local recycling guidelines when appropriate.
If Exposure Occurs
If you think a child or vulnerable adult has swallowed, inhaled, or been exposed to the contents of a laundry detergent packet:
- Call Poison Help immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
- If detergent gets into the eyes, flush with clean water for at least 15 min while seeking medical advice.
- If the person is having trouble breathing, becomes unconscious, or is having a seizure, call 911 immediately.
Poison specialists are available 24 hr a day, 7 days a week, and all calls are free and confidential.
For More Information
For laundry safety resources and educational materials, visit the American Cleaning Institute’s Packets Up! campaign and America’s Poison Centers. Families can also find research-based health and home safety information through UGA Cooperative Extension.
If you suspect poisoning, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.
The original manuscript was prepared by Nancy Bock, senior vice president, education, American Cleaning Institute (202.662.2507, nbock@cleaninginstitute.org); and Keishon J. Thomas, FACS Extension agent, Macon-Bibb County. Additional contributors include Diane Bales and Mitzi Parker.
