How to Store Laundry Pods Safely Away from Children

Why Laundry Pod Safety Matters

Laundry pods are one of the leading causes of accidental poisoning in young children. Their bright colors, soft texture, and small size make them visually appealing to toddlers — and the concentrated liquid detergent inside is highly toxic if squeezed, bitten, or swallowed. Exposure can cause vomiting, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death.

According to poison control data, tens of thousands of laundry pod exposure cases involving children under six are reported annually in the United States. The majority involve children who accessed pods that were improperly stored.

Safe Storage Rules for Laundry Pods

1. Always Use the Original Child-Resistant Container

Laundry pods come in containers with child-resistant lids for a reason. Always store pods in their original container with the lid fully closed and locked. Never transfer pods to open bowls, jars, or zip-lock bags for convenience.

2. Store Out of Sight and Out of Reach

"Out of reach" is not enough on its own — curious children climb. Store pods in a high cabinet with a child-proof latch, or in a locked storage area. The laundry room itself should be inaccessible to young children when unsupervised.

3. Never Leave Pods on Countertops or Accessible Surfaces

Even setting a pod down briefly on a countertop while loading the machine creates a window of risk. Keep the container closed and stored until the moment you need it, then return it immediately.

4. Don't Let Children Handle Pods

Avoid letting young children "help" with laundry in ways that involve touching or carrying pods. The outer film begins dissolving on contact with moisture, including saliva and wet hands.

5. Dispose of Damaged or Leaking Pods Carefully

If a pod is torn, leaking, or damaged, don't handle it with bare hands. Use gloves, wrap it in paper towels, and dispose of it in a sealed bag in an outdoor trash bin. Never leave a damaged pod where a child or pet could access it.

What to Do If a Child Is Exposed to a Laundry Pod

If a child swallows, bites, or gets laundry pod liquid in their eyes or on their skin, act immediately:

• Call Poison Control immediately: In the US, call 1-800-222-1222 (available 24/7)
• Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by Poison Control
• For eye exposure: Rinse the eye with lukewarm water for 15 minutes
• For skin exposure: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water
• Call 911 if the child loses consciousness, has difficulty breathing, or has a seizure

Consider Switching Formats If You Have Young Children

If you have toddlers at home and find pod storage difficult to manage consistently, consider switching to laundry detergent sheets — a format with no liquid interior and significantly lower toxicity risk. The Tru Earth Hypoallergenic Baby Laundry Detergent Sheets are fragrance-free, gentle, and come in flat cardboard packaging that's far less appealing to young children than colorful pod containers.

Bottom Line

Laundry pods must be stored in their original child-resistant container, out of sight, out of reach, and in a locked or latched cabinet. Never leave them accessible, even briefly. If you have young children at home, consider whether a safer format like detergent sheets better fits your household's safety needs.