Cleaning products, some costing $100 per bottle, recalled after bacterial infections

Laundry and household cleaning products that can cost up to $100 per bottle shouldn’t put you in danger of getting bacterial infections. That’s why The Laundress recalled about eight million bottles after testing found bacteria in certain products made from January 2021 through September this year.

The exact problem, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice: “The recalled products can contain bacteria, including Burkholderia cepacia complex, Klebsiella aerogenes and multiple different species of Pseudomonas, many of which are environmental organisms found widely in soil and water, and some may also be found in humans.

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

But, the alert says, The Laundress knows of 11 customers who reported Pseudomonas infections. The company is checking whether or not those infections are connected to what’s being recalled.

Detergents, cleaners and fabric conditioners in this recall fill a five-page PDF. They include Crate & Barrel & J. Crew as well as cleaners sold under The Laundress’ brand. Lot numbers begin with F and end with “9354” or less; H and “2262” or less; and T and “5264” or less.

The products were sold online at, among other places, the company’s website and Amazon. Brick-and-mortar retail sellers included the aforementioned stores as well as Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Target, Peruvian Connection, Kith, Jenni Kayne, Brooklinen, N.Peal and other stores. Costs range from $8 per bottle to $100.

The company is offering refunds.

If you bought the product on or since January 2021, write your initials and the date next to the lot code and take a photo and email customerservice@thelaundress.com. If you bought it through the company website, just send your email address.

If you bought the product before January 2021, do the same initial-date-photo-email thing with the receipt for a full refund or of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price without the receipt.

After completing your refund request, close the bottle tightly and throw it in the trash. Do not empty the bottle before doing so.

If you have questions, email customerservice@thelaundress.com or call 800-681-1915.