Safe Laundry Habits Remain Elusive in US

Despite industry efforts, US consumers still don't practice safe laundry habits, according to results of a survey conducted by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI). Now in its third year, ACI's laundry safety campaign continues to reach parents across the country with important messages about the safe use and storage of liquid laundry packets. The campaign was created to raise awareness and reduce unnecessary accidents.

The national survey, conducted among 1,000 parents and caregivers, half with children under the age of 4, revealed low consumer awareness of practicing safe laundry habits. Sixty-one percent of parents are storing laundry packets in-sight or in-reach of children and 81% of those surveyed mistakenly think their children cannot reach the packets. In fact, over one-third of parents who bring their children with them into the laundry room admit they can reach the laundry detergent.

“Like all household cleaning products, liquid laundry packets must be kept away from small children,” said Nancy Bock, senior VP-education, ACI. “These survey results show us that parents and caregivers are still placing this product in areas where children can reach it, which can lead to accidents. Simply placing liquid laundry packets up and out of reach, a precaution we take with other household cleaning products and medicines, can help prevent accidental exposure and potentially serious consequences.”

The survey also revealed that roughly 3 million US households with children under four years of age are storing liquid laundry packets on the washing machine, an area that could easily be reached by children. The survey also found that 69% of parents do not store laundry packets in a locked cabinet or closet. Locking detergent packets up in a cabinet is an effective way to keep these products out of reach of young children, especially when little ones begin exploring closets and cabinets at an early age.

These small and highly concentrated packets first came onto the market in 2012 and have become widely available and used by consumers across the country. With their ease of use, these detergent packets have become extremely popular in households across the country but they can cause serious injury if children ingest them or they get in their eyes. It's important for all parents and caregivers to practice safe laundry habits by keeping liquid laundry packets in their original container and out of reach of young children.

Consumers are encouraged to visit ACI's website to learn more about home safety tips for the laundry room. ACI's infographic is also available online which visually showcases the survey findings. Additionally, consumers can take the KEY Pledge to a safe laundry room and routine. Those who take the Pledge are automatically entered to win a $2,500 laundry room makeover.