Popular fabric softener sold across Australia is being urgently recalled: contains dangerous chemicals that can cause cancer
- Popular fabric softener urgently recalled
- Ethylene oxide found in 16 different products
- Exposure to carcinogenic gas can cause cancer
A fabric softener sold nationally has been recalled due to a chemical impurity.
Ethylene oxide was found in 16 cleaning products sold internationally and nationally by luxury fabric care brand The Laundress.
Ethylene oxide is a carcinogenic gas, meaning long-term exposure to the chemical can cause cancer and other health complications.
Product Safety Australia (PSA) warned that ‘direct long-term exposure may cause adverse health effects, including cancer’.
Consumers using the products may be exposed to the chemical through residue on clothing or by inhalation of the product during use.
Fabric softener products from The Laundress have been recalled due to safety concerns. Credit: Product Safety Australia
Last November, customers received an initial warning after it was found that elevated levels of bacteria in some of The Laundress’s products posed a safety risk.
In conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a recall was announced last December for certain products, including most of the brand’s fabric softeners.
The Laundress shared an update on Thursday, revealing that a further review had revealed that some of its fabric softeners may contain ethylene oxide.
The brand took to Instagram to thank customers for their patience and announced that the company would be implementing a “wide product withdrawal.”
“You can now refund and dispose of almost all The Laundress products you own, including products that were not part of the December 1 recall,” the post read.
“We look forward to reintroducing The Laundress with products that reaffirm our commitment to the highest standards of consumer safety and quality.”
PSA also urged consumers to immediately stop using the recalled fabric softeners and contact the company to receive a full refund.
“Consumers who previously requested a refund for these products in response to The Laundress’s December 2022 recall and refund program should not submit a new request,” a statement read.
‘After applying for a refund, consumers must dispose of the product by closing the bottle properly and depositing it in the household waste.
“Don’t empty the product before throwing it away.”
HOW TO GET A REFUND:
If the product was purchased on or after January 1, 2021, you can
Write your initials and the date on the bottom of the bottle, making sure the lot code is still visible.
Take a picture of your initials on the bottle and send it to www.thelaundressrecall.com
You can also provide a valid receipt or the email address you used to purchase the item online.
If the product was purchased before January 1, 2021
Write your initials and the date on the bottom of the bottle, making sure the lot code is still visible.
Take a picture of your initials on the bottle and send it to www.thelaundressrecall.com
You must have a valid receipt to get a refund of the purchase price
If you do not have a receipt, the purchase amount will be refunded at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price
If the consumer no longer owns the product, no refund can be made.