The Laundress Hit with Class Action Over Cleaning Products Bacterial Contamination

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The Laundress faces a proposed class action after urging consumers to immediately stop using its high-end cleaning products since they may be contaminated with potentially life-threatening bacteria. 

The 35-page lawsuit out of New York alleges The Laundress, LLC has deceptively and misleadingly labeled and marketed its lineup of products by failing to disclose that they contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a gram-negative, hardy bacterium that can cause infections in the blood and lungs through skin contact or inhalation. Although people with healthy immune systems may not be affected by the bacterium, the case says the risk of infection is particularly concerning, and possibly deadly, for immunocompromised individuals. 

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“This is egregious, especially because people are spreading this bacteria all over their homes by using a product that is supposed to clean their home,” the complaint reads, arguing that consumers lost “the entire benefit of their bargain” by paying for cleaning products contaminated with harmful bacteria. 

According to the suit, the Laundress cleaning products that may be contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa include, but are not limited to: 

• All Purpose Bleach Alternative & Cleaning; 
• All Purpose Cleaning Concentrate; 
• Aromatherapy Associates Support Breathe Dish Detergent; 
• Aromatherapy Associates Support Breathe Surface Cleaner; 
• Baby Detergent;
• Delicate Lady Wash; 
• Dish Detergent; 
• Fabric Conditioner Baby; 
• Fresh Wash Signature Detergent; 
• Glass & Mirror Cleaner; 
• Home Cleaning Starter Kit; 
• Kitchen Clean Duo; 
• Pet Mess Kit; 
• Signature Detergent & Fabric Conditioner; 
• Stain Removal Essentials; 
• Surface Cleaner; 
• Whites Detergent;  
• Wool & Cashmere Shampoo; and
• Wool & Cashmere Spray. 

On November 17, The Laundress posted on its website a safety notice in which it urged consumers to immediately stop using any Laundress products in their possession due to “the potential presence of elevated levels of bacteria.” The company said it was not aware of any “adverse health impacts” related to the problem, adding that it was working closely with suppliers to ensure its products meet safety standards. 

In an update on November 21, the defendant stated that it has been working with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission “every step of the way” as it investigates the matter. 

A full list of products covered by the Laundress safety notice can be found here.  

The proposed class action stresses that if certain Laundress products became contaminated, “it follows that it was due to poor manufacturing processes by either Defendant and/or their agents.” The filing says the Laundress products paid for by consumers have “no value” due to their potential contamination. 

The suit adds that as Peseudomonas aeruginosa can survive on inanimate surfaces for months and be transmitted through the air or skin-to-skin contact, consumers are at risk given that the Laundress products are designed to clean surfaces and clothing. 

As of the lawsuit’s filing on November 23, The Laundress has not recalled any products that may be contaminated. To check whether any Laundress products in your possession are covered by the safety notice, and to request a refund, head to this page. 

Per Consumer Reports, the Laundress has not disclosed how it discovered the contaminated products, which items or batches in particular are affected, or how the products became contaminated in the first place. 

The lawsuit looks to represent all consumers who bought any Laundress products in the United States within the applicable statute of limitations period. 

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