The Importance of Laundry Packet Safety

As a mom of 5, I probably do about 2-3 loads of laundry a day. I’m washing my sons’ clothing. I’m washing my daughter’s clothes and blankets and bibs (we’re just starting solid food, so lots of messes and dirty laundry with her!). I’m washing swim towels, bathing suits and workout clothes. I’m washing towels and face cloths and hand towels daily. Not to mention the laundry that my husband and I create. Let’s put it this way, laundry is most definitely part of my everyday routine.

With it being National Poison Prevention Week (March 16-22), I’ve partnered with the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) in sharing and spreading their message about the importance of single-load liquid laundry packet safety. In our house we use and rely on laundry packets. But what many parents don’t know or realize is if children get their hands on laundry packets, serious injury can occur including accidental ingestion and eye exposure. It’s beyond important to make sure laundry packets and their containers are stored safely out of reach and sight at all times.

ACI NPPW Poster 8.5 x 11

I was shocked to hear this statistic, in 2013 the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that there were over 10,000 laundry packet exposures in children five and younger.

Over 10,000!

That statistic just astounded me, especially since I have 2 children at home that are 5 and under.

Children are quick. Children are curious. Children don’t always know what they’re getting into. Children (literally) want to be and get their hands on everything whether they’re supposed to or not! My 8 month-old daughter Victoria is now crawling and me and my husband need to make sure we keep everything safe for her on the ground. Everything needs to be picked up and we need to make sure our sons follow suit to help prevent accidents.

Well, it’s the same with laundry packets.

Laundry Packet ONLY Shot

You know, with laundry, it’s just something that we as parents do. It’s a chore that needs to get done, so we do it. We just need to make sure we’re thinking about the dangers that could occur if we leave laundry packets and their containers out for our children to potentially see and touch.

As a parent, I love that the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) is taking the time to make sure parents are properly educated and aware of the potential hazards laundry packets pose if not properly stored out of reach and sight. The ACI has even created a wonderful and informative, :60 second video to help spread this message even further, which I absolutely think is perfect and vital for parents to watch.

Here are 4 ways to help prevent laundry packet accidents:

1. Always store laundry packets and their containers out of reach and sight
2. Keep laundry packet containers closed and in a dry place when not in use
3. Do not let children handle laundry packets
4. Do not puncture or pull packets apart

In our house, our washing machine and dryer are on the first floor, so they’re in plain view for everyone to see. My husband created storage cabinets above our machines where we keep our laundry packets and all other laundry products. I love this for storage because our children cannot reach or see any of the products. It’s the perfect storage scenario for our family.

It’s just vital to make sure that you keep the tips above in mind. Take the time to see if your laundry packets and their containers are in plain view or within reach for your children to gain access and if they are, it is vital to take the proper safety precautions to prevent laundry packet accidents. As parents, we can help each other create a safe environment for our families, because truly… that’s the most important thing we can do for our kids.

For more important safety tips on how to keep your children safe, visit keypledge.com.

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored program I am doing with American Cleaning Institute. All opinions are 100% my own.

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

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