Our verdict on The Laundress
In the original review, the appeal was the fragrance and the way the detergent refreshed bedding; the trade-offs were its higher cost and a scent the reviewer found strong. That experience describes an older formulation and does not establish how products sold today perform or whether a particular bottle is affected by a recall.
Original observations from 2015, with updated recall and bedding-care information. Compare the current label, price per load and seller's terms before buying.
Check older products for recalls
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a December 2022 recall of certain Laundress laundry and household products due to risk of bacterial exposure. In March 2023 it announced a separate recall of fabric conditioners due to a chemical hazard.
Check your exact product and lot against the official notices. Stop using an affected product and follow the notice's remedy instructions. These notices apply to identified products and lots; they do not establish that every product sold under the brand is recalled.
What the original review found
The reviewer liked the fragrance on freshly laundered sheets and compared the experience to a luxury perfume. The scent was also strong enough that an extra rinse was considered. Cost was the other drawback: a premium detergent can become expensive when used for every load.
The earlier page described using fewer capfuls than the old bottle suggested. Formulations and machine requirements change, so use the directions on your own bottle and adjust only as its label permits. The original review does not test the current formula or establish that it is gentler than less expensive alternatives.
How to choose a detergent for sheets
| Consideration | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Fabric compatibility | Follow the bedding care label. Silk and wool may need a detergent made for those fibers. |
| Fragrance | Choose a scent you like, or a fragrance-free option if fragrance bothers you. |
| Machine and dosing | Check whether the detergent is suitable for your machine and use the label's load and soil guidance. |
| Price per load | Divide the bottle price by its labeled number of loads; compare equivalent wash sizes. |
| Returns and availability | Check the retailer's current conditions and the exact product before ordering. |
For bedding that touches your face all night, fragrance preference can matter as much as packaging. A premium price does not by itself establish better cleaning or fabric protection.
A practical bedding washing routine
- Read the sheets' care label and sort by fabric and color. Check a comforter's label and washer capacity separately.
- Use a detergent appropriate for the textile and the amount recommended for your load. Too much can leave residue.
- For stains, consult the care label and treat promptly with a product suitable for the fabric. Test an inconspicuous area first.
- Dry according to the label and put bedding away completely dry. Breathable storage helps prevent trapped dampness.
Silk and wool can be damaged by unsuitable products or heat. When a label specifies dry cleaning or a particular cleaning method, follow it rather than a general sheet-washing rule.
Frequently asked questions
Is every Laundress product recalled?
No. The CPSC notices identify specific products and lots. Check both notices against the item you own.
Does expensive detergent clean better?
Price alone cannot establish cleaning performance. Compare the label, fabric suitability, dosing and scent alongside cost per load.
Can I use it on silk sheets?
Check both the silk care label and the exact detergent label. Do not assume a general-purpose formula is suitable for delicate fibers.
How much should I use?
Follow the directions for the current product and machine; the historical review's capful count may not apply to a different formula.
