Laundry Pods & Detergent in the Laundry Room

A tub of pods sitting on top of the washer or dryer, or on a shelf under it; a packet left on the machine lid; a toddler who 'helps' with laundry; detergent poured into a different bottle or cup without its label.

This page is about the laundry room itself; the kitchen page covers pods near the sink and dishwasher. America's Poison Centers: keep detergent containers closed, sealed and stored up high, out of sight and reach, never let a child handle a single-load packet, and don't touch packets with wet hands. AAP adds: keep packets in their original container until you load the machine, store laundry products in a high, locked cabinet and not on top of or under the washer or dryer, clean up spills right away, and if children 6 or younger live in or visit your home, consider traditional detergent, which AAP says is much less toxic than packets. If a child may have swallowed or gotten detergent in the eyes or on the skin, call Poison Help right away at 1-800-222-1222; if they have collapsed, had a seizure, have trouble breathing or can't be woken, call 911.