Home Sweet Home

By Angie W. Monk, Wood County Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Sciences
Posted 10/16/13

Laundry Room Reminders

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Home Sweet Home

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Single-load liquid laundry packets have become widely available over the past couple of years-millions of consumers have found these packets to be an easy and convenient way to get their laundry done efficiently and effectively. However, it's important to remember these powerful packets contain highly concentrated detergent and require the same discipline as common household cleaning products when it comes to safely using, handling, and storing.

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers in 2012, they received reports of 6,229 unintended exposures to highly-concentrated packets of laundry detergent by children 5 and younger.

It is vital for parents and caregivers to keep single-load liquid laundry packets away from children to help prevent the risk of serious injury from ingestion or exposure to eyes. Education and awareness can help prevent these injuries, especially when it comes to properly using the packets and securing them safely and securely. Keep the following safety reminders in mind.

Do not let children handle laundry packets

Do not puncture or pull packets apart

Store out of child's sight and reach

Keep the packet's package closed and in a dry place

Packets quickly dissolve upon contact with water, wet hands, or saliva so it is necessary to keep them dry

Remember that education is the key to injury prevention and we can all play a role in helping to prevent accidents. For other laundry safety information, please visit the website of the American Cleaning Institute at: .