This Cult-Favorite Detergent Has Been Linked to Cancer—Here Are the Facts
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It looks like it may be the end of the spin cycle for the Laundress. Though the brand has been touted as the upper echelon of laundry detergent since its founding in 2004, new reports have found a link between the brand's products and major health risks. Two months ago, the Laundress recalled many of its SKUs after identifying "a potential presence of elevated levels of bacteria." But according to the CPSC—the United States' Consumer Product Safety Commission—the brand's formulas contain a cancer-causing impurity called ethylene oxide.
"This recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada," the New York-based brand wrote on Instagram earlier today. "The fabric conditioners can contain ethylene oxide, a carcinogen that can cause adverse health effects if there is significant and direct long-term exposure."
Confused? Nervous? Honestly, we don't blame you. But, to keep you up to speed with this developing story, we're sharing everything you need to know about this surprising announcement.
What Is Ethylene Oxide?
Though the Laundress once said initial tests found an elevated amount of "opportunistic" pathogens like Pseudomonas, new reports are finding traces of a carcinogen called ethylene oxide. It's terrifying to learn that any product you religiously use is linked to any potentially hazardous material, sp we're here to help provide a little more insight.
According to the United States' Occupational Safety and Health Administration, even small exposures to ethylene oxide can cause a bevy of side effects like respiratory irritation, lung injury, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and cyanosis. However, long-term and chronic use has been linked to neurotoxicity, reproductive effects, and cancer.
Which Products are Included in the Laundress Safety Notice?
Though the Laundress is working closely with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, it just released a lengthy list of products included in the safety notice. (Items flagged run the gamut from denim detergent to spot cleaner to glass and mirror cleaner, but the Laundress is exercising extreme caution and encouraging customers to refrain from using all of its products until further notice.)
An Instagram post from @thelaundress today stated, "Today, we are following up on our previous communications with an official recall notice in the US and Canada for The Laundress Fabric Conditioners."
I've Used the Laundress! What Do I Do?
As we wait for more information, customers can head over to the Laundress's designated safety website to see if your products have been impacted—and get in touch with the team for a potential reimbursement. (That said, if you've already asked for a refund during the initial recall news, the Laundress says you do not need to submit another request.)
And if you've already used the Laundress in your home, the brand encourages you to rewash all clothes, dishes, and surfaces for peace of mind. Using a different detergent, of course.
What's Going to Happen to the Laundress?
With over 800,000 products being recalled, this latest development is not exactly what Laundress loyalists were hoping to hear. So does that mean the brand is done for good? According to its most recent Instagram post, the Laundress is looking to learn from this experience and start anew. The company wrote: "We again deeply apologize for this situation and look forward to returning soon with a renewed commitment to the highest standards of product safety and quality."
This is a developing story, so please check back for more information.
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