Laundry Detergent Recall Sparks Nationwide Warning

Thousands of units of Woolite Delicates detergent are being recalled due to the potential that the product contains bacteria.

Newsweek reached out to Reckitt Benckiser LLC, the manufacturer, via email for comment on Monday.

Why It Matters

Numerous recalls have been initiated so far this year due to damaged products, the potential of foodborne illness, undeclared food allergens, or the potential of bacteria.

Millions of Americans experience food sensitivities or food allergies every year. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the nine “major” food allergens in the U.S. are eggs, milk, fish, wheat, soybeans, Crustacean shellfish, sesame, tree nuts and peanuts.

What To Know

The recalled products are the 50-ounce bottles with lot code numbers S24364, S24365, and S24366 and a SKU number 62338-72724. The detergent was sold on Amazon.com in January 2025, ranging in price from $14 to $17.

Over 16,000 units were affected by this recall, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC warns that the recalled detergent may contain “Pseudomonas species bacteria, including Pseudomonas oleovorans, an environmental organism found widely in soil and water.”

People with an external medical device or weakened immune systems could develop a “serious infection” if they come in contact with the detergent, the CPSC warns. “The bacteria can enter the body through the eyes or through a break in the skin. People with healthy immune systems are usually not affected by the bacteria,” the CPSC alert says.

Recalled laundry detergent — Pictured is the recalled Woolite Delicates detergent in the 50-ounce bottle in the March 20, 2025 recall alert. (Photo from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.)

The product is pink and white, and pictures are also located in the CPSC alert. The alert also links to a recall complaint form, alerting customers that if they are “experiencing issues with a recall remedy or believe a company is being non-responsive to your remedy request, please use this form and explain the situation to CPSC.”

What People Are Saying

The CPSC alert, in part: “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Woolite Delicates detergent with lot codes S24364, S24365 and S24366 and contact Reckitt for a full refund. To receive a refund, consumers should write their name and “Recalled” in permanent marker on the back of the product, then take a photo with the UPC and lot code visible, and email the photo to ConsumerCare_USA@reckitt.com. Once consumers receive their refund, they should dispose of the product by closing the bottle tightly and placing it in household trash. Do not empty the product prior to disposal. Do not attempt to recycle the product bottle.”