Single-load liquid laundry packets are convenient, colorful, and found in millions of American homes and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns they are extremely toxic and have already killed at least 10 people, including two children. CPSC has received thousands of reports of children being harmed after accessing laundry packets and has issued repeated warnings, mandatory packaging requirements, and worked with manufacturers to develop safety standards to address this ongoing hazard. Young children are particularly attracted to the packets, which can resemble candy, toys, or teething products.
Why Laundry Packets Are So Dangerous
Single-load laundry packets contain a highly concentrated detergent formulation that is significantly more toxic per unit volume than traditional liquid or powder laundry detergents. Children who have ingested detergent from the packets have required emergency hospitalization for loss of consciousness, excessive vomiting, drowsiness, throat swelling, and difficulty breathing. Eye contact causes severe irritation and has resulted in reports of temporary loss of vision.
The packets dissolve almost instantly upon contact with water, wet hands, or saliva — meaning a child who picks up a packet with wet hands can cause the packet to rupture immediately, releasing concentrated chemicals into the eyes, mouth, or skin. In addition to the 10 confirmed deaths, CPSC is aware of thousands of children being treated in emergency departments for exposure to these products. Of the 10 deaths, 8 were adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia who ingested the packets after mistaking them for food or medication.
Recent Major Recall
In 2024, Procter and Gamble recalled 8.2 million defective bags of Tide Pods, Gain Flings, Ace Pods, and Ariel Pods because the outer packaging could split open near the zipper track, allowing children to access the contents. Consumers with recalled bags should check the lot code on the bottom of the package at pg.com/bags and contact Procter and Gamble for a full refund and a free replacement child-resistant bag.
What You Should Do
- Store laundry packets in a locked cabinet or box completely out of sight and reach of children at all times.
- Always handle laundry packets with dry hands. Wet hands can cause the packets to dissolve or rupture immediately.
- Never leave laundry packets on top of a washer, dryer, or shelf where a child could access them.
- Keep laundry packets in their original child-resistant container at all times.
- Do not allow children to handle laundry packets under any circumstances.
- If a child is exposed to a laundry packet, call the Poison Help Line immediately at 800-222-1222.
- If a child ingests a laundry packet, call 911 and seek emergency medical attention immediately.
- Check SaferProducts.gov to verify whether your laundry packet packaging has been recalled.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
