Customer discovery sparks urgent investigation into $7 Kmart product
By
Gian T
- Replies 4
Kmart is a destination for Aussies looking to spruce up their homes without breaking the bank, but a recent discovery by a sharp-eyed shopper has left many questioning just how safe some of those bargain buys are.
A Kmart customer recently took to social media to sound the alarm after making a rather unsettling find inside the store’s popular $7 item.
The product, which boasts a five-star rating online and promises to 'elevate your hand hygiene routine' with a touch of sophistication, turned out to be hiding a few secrets beneath its stylish exterior.
The shopper, who usually doesn’t bother with reviews or complaints, felt compelled to 'spread awareness' after her experience.
Upon opening up her new Linen Look Soap Dispenser, she found that two of them were cracked at the bottom, with a chemical coating that was still wet to the touch—not what you want in a product meant for your bathroom sink!
But the real shock came with the third dispenser. Inside, she discovered what she described as a 'mushroom/screw/abnormal item' embedded at the bottom, coated in sand material and sealed with resin.
Not exactly the kind of surprise you want when you’re just trying to wash your hands.
Understandably concerned about the potential health risks, the shopper immediately filed a health and safety complaint on Kmart’s website.
When she didn’t get a prompt response, she took her concerns to social media, where her post quickly gained traction among other Kmart fans.
'I never review, post, refund or complain normally as I usually don't have any issues,' she explained.
'To me, this raises a concern for the health safety of using this product, along with others that may get overlooked.
Regardless of the cost being $7, a certain standard should be upheld, especially with such risk that may impact others health-wise.'
Kmart has since responded, saying they will investigate the matter, but as of yet, the shopper hasn’t received a clear solution or next steps.
She’s holding onto the dispensers for now, hoping Kmart will instruct her to return them for further investigation—rather than risk them being binned or, worse, put back on the shelves.
The incident has sparked a wave of concern among other Kmart shoppers, with many vowing to check their purchases more carefully.
'Holy moly, I bought one of these last week… I’ll be emptying it and checking it tomorrow,' one person commented.
Another added, 'That looks disgusting! NOT hygienic!'
Others pointed out that mass-produced pottery can sometimes have quality control issues, especially at such a low price point.
This isn’t the first time Kmart has faced scrutiny over product quality.
Recently, several customers complained about a 'strong chemical smell' coming from the store’s flannelette sheet sets, with some calling for a recall.
Kmart responded by assuring customers that they take product quality and safety 'very seriously' and encouraged anyone with concerns to contact their customer service team.
If you ever discover something unusual or concerning in a product from Kmart (or any retailer, for that matter), it’s essential to report it straight away.
Take photos, keep the item, and contact customer service—either online or in-store.
This helps the company investigate and, if necessary, recall faulty or unsafe products before they can cause harm to others.
With the sheer volume of products Kmart sells, especially at such low prices, it’s not surprising that the occasional dud slips through the cracks.
Mass production, overseas manufacturing, and tight cost controls can sometimes lead to lapses in quality control.
While most products are perfectly safe, it’s always wise to give new purchases a quick once-over—especially if they’re going to be used for food, drink, or personal care.
To protect yourself, always inspect new products before using them, especially if they come into contact with your skin or food.
Wash or wipe down items like soap dispensers, cups, and plates before first use.
If you notice any cracks, unusual odours, or foreign objects, stop using the product and report it to the retailer immediately.
Keep your receipt and any packaging until you're sure the product is safe and satisfactory.
Have you ever found something strange in a Kmart (or any other store’s) product? Do you have tips for checking the quality of bargain buys? Share your stories and advice in the comments below.
A Kmart customer recently took to social media to sound the alarm after making a rather unsettling find inside the store’s popular $7 item.
The product, which boasts a five-star rating online and promises to 'elevate your hand hygiene routine' with a touch of sophistication, turned out to be hiding a few secrets beneath its stylish exterior.
The shopper, who usually doesn’t bother with reviews or complaints, felt compelled to 'spread awareness' after her experience.
Upon opening up her new Linen Look Soap Dispenser, she found that two of them were cracked at the bottom, with a chemical coating that was still wet to the touch—not what you want in a product meant for your bathroom sink!
But the real shock came with the third dispenser. Inside, she discovered what she described as a 'mushroom/screw/abnormal item' embedded at the bottom, coated in sand material and sealed with resin.
Not exactly the kind of surprise you want when you’re just trying to wash your hands.
Understandably concerned about the potential health risks, the shopper immediately filed a health and safety complaint on Kmart’s website.
When she didn’t get a prompt response, she took her concerns to social media, where her post quickly gained traction among other Kmart fans.
'I never review, post, refund or complain normally as I usually don't have any issues,' she explained.
'To me, this raises a concern for the health safety of using this product, along with others that may get overlooked.
Regardless of the cost being $7, a certain standard should be upheld, especially with such risk that may impact others health-wise.'
Kmart has since responded, saying they will investigate the matter, but as of yet, the shopper hasn’t received a clear solution or next steps.
She’s holding onto the dispensers for now, hoping Kmart will instruct her to return them for further investigation—rather than risk them being binned or, worse, put back on the shelves.
'Holy moly, I bought one of these last week… I’ll be emptying it and checking it tomorrow,' one person commented.
Another added, 'That looks disgusting! NOT hygienic!'
Others pointed out that mass-produced pottery can sometimes have quality control issues, especially at such a low price point.
This isn’t the first time Kmart has faced scrutiny over product quality.
Recently, several customers complained about a 'strong chemical smell' coming from the store’s flannelette sheet sets, with some calling for a recall.
If you ever discover something unusual or concerning in a product from Kmart (or any retailer, for that matter), it’s essential to report it straight away.
Take photos, keep the item, and contact customer service—either online or in-store.
This helps the company investigate and, if necessary, recall faulty or unsafe products before they can cause harm to others.
With the sheer volume of products Kmart sells, especially at such low prices, it’s not surprising that the occasional dud slips through the cracks.
Mass production, overseas manufacturing, and tight cost controls can sometimes lead to lapses in quality control.
To protect yourself, always inspect new products before using them, especially if they come into contact with your skin or food.
Wash or wipe down items like soap dispensers, cups, and plates before first use.
If you notice any cracks, unusual odours, or foreign objects, stop using the product and report it to the retailer immediately.
Keep your receipt and any packaging until you're sure the product is safe and satisfactory.
Key Takeaways
- A Kmart shopper found multiple issues with the $7 Linen Look Soap Dispenser, including cracked bases, wet chemical coating, and a mysterious 'mushroom/screw/abnormal item' sealed inside one dispenser, raising concerns about hygiene and product safety.
- The customer lodged a health and safety complaint with Kmart and shared her experience on social media after not receiving a timely response, prompting discussions about product quality among other shoppers.
- Several shoppers expressed disappointment at Kmart’s quality control, with many saying they will now check the interiors of homewares before use and expressing concern about hygiene risks.
- Kmart has responded, stating they take product quality and safety seriously and encouraging customers to report any issues for investigation, but the customer is waiting on further follow-up and resolution.
Have you ever found something strange in a Kmart (or any other store’s) product? Do you have tips for checking the quality of bargain buys? Share your stories and advice in the comments below.