16,200 Bottles of a Classic Laundry Detergent Recalled for “Serious” Risk

When you buy your laundry detergent, you might examine the ingredients a little harder than was standard practice years ago. You’re probably on the lookout for an idea of the contents of chemical agents, bleach, and fragrances. Something you definitely don’t expect to find in your laundry products is bacteria that experts say may be life-threatening—especially, perhaps, when it’s formulated for delicates.

But on Thursday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced just that when they published notice of a voluntary recall of 16,200 bottles of Woolite Delicates detergent sold in 50 fluid ounce units.

Manufactured by the Woolite brand’s parent company Reckitt Benckiser LLC, the products were sold on Amazon.com in January 2025. Though it’s not explicitly stated in the recall notice, given Amazon’s pervasiveness in the United States, it may be presumable that the affected products are being recalled nationwide.

Further details about the recalled detergent include:

• SKU: 62338-72724
• Lot codes: S24364, S24365 and S24366

Consumers can find the detergent’s lot code printed on the back of the bottle, which reportedly are white with a light pink label and cap.

The reason for the recall is the risk of the affected products containing Pseudomonas species bacteria, including Pseudomonas oleovorans. According to the recall announcement, the bacteria is typically found in soil and water.

Pseudomonas species bacteria can enter the body through the eye or a break in the skin. While those with healthy immune systems aren’t often affected by the bacteria, “people with weakened immune systems or external medical devices who are exposed to the bacteria face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment,” states the recall notice.

According to Cleveland Clinic, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is the most common cause of a Pseudomonas infection. It may lead to infections of the blood, ear, eye, G.I., lungs, skin or urinary tract. Symptoms may present as flu-like, cough, or difficulty breathing, among others.

The Cleveland Clinic explains that if left untreated, particularly in someone with a compromised immune system, a Pseudomonas infection can be fatal, as it can lead to conditions like sepsis and organ failure. An antibiotic, they say, is often part of the treatment.

At press time, the CPSC noted that no adverse events had been reported.

The CPSC notice states that consumers in possession of the affected Woolite Delicates detergent should cease use and contact manufacturer Reckitt for a full refund. To receive the refund, consumers will need to follow a few steps:

1. Write their name and the word “Recalled” in permanent marker on the back of the detergent bottle.
2. Take a photo of the bottle with its UPC and lot code in clear view.
3. Email the photo to [email protected].

Consumers should then throw out the recalled detergent. Woolite says not to empty the contents of the bottle or recycle it. Instead, consumers should tightly close the cap on the bottle and place it in the garbage.

For more information about the detergent recall, consumers can visit Woolite’s website or contact Reckitt at the contact information via the CPSC.

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