Limiting Laundry Liability

What consumers don't know can hurt them…even in the laundry room. The American Cleaning Institute surveyed 1,000 parents and caregivers with young children (ages 0-4), all of whom currently use liquid laundry packets. The study revealed low consumer awareness of both the risks involved with the packets and the preventative measures that need to be taken before, during and after the laundry process.

According to the survey, approximately 70% of respondents store household cleaners such as dishwashing detergent and glass and toilet cleaners safely and securely, while only 34% report properly storing their liquid laundry packets in a cabinet or a cabinet with a lock. Moreover, 1 out of 6 people surveyed admitted to taking no safety precautions at all in regards to liquid laundry packet storage. Additionally, while 60% disclosed they immediately put the packets away once brought into the home, more than 50% say they aren’t taking proper safety precautions, storing liquid laundry packets on the washing machine, dryer, counter and floor when not in use. 70% of those keep the product less than five feet from the ground, well within reach of young children.

“As seen in the survey results, we still have work to do. ACI is committed to making the public aware of the importance of using and storing all laundry detergent packets (as well as other household cleaning products) up high and out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet. These products are not intended for use by children,” said Nancy Bock, senior VP-education, ACI.

According to additional research, during the first year liquid laundry packets were on the market, in 85% of the exposures reviewed, the packet was accessed from a visible location. Additionally, 1 in 3 people surveyed shared that their children can reach the single-load liquid laundry packets. More specifically, storage or placement of liquid laundry packets when doing laundry is as follows: 40% on washing machine, 21% on dryer, 13% on open shelf, 12% on counter, 5% in closet, 3% in cabinet without locks and 6% other. Additionally, nearly half (49%) admitted to having children under the age of 4 years in the room with them while doing laundry.

The American Cleaning Institute is committed to preventing laundry packet accidents and keeping children safe. As part of their ongoing efforts, they created a 60-second animated video to share messages about laundry safety with parents and caregivers.

Consumers are encouraged to take the KEY Pledge online and invite friends and family to do so, as well through social networks and dedicated e-cards. Those who take the pledge can also track how they are making a difference through a heat map that allows them to follow pledge tallies by zip code, in their home state, and across the nation. In addition, all online pledges will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance for one consumer to win a $2,500 grand prize to help makeover their laundry room.

To find out more information about the KEY Pledge campaign and to make a personal pledge to be the KEY to a safe laundry room, visit keypledge.com.