How to Do Laundry Without Irritating Your Skin (Besides Switching Detergents)
Washing can be a challenge for people with sensitive skin. All you’re trying to do is get your clothes clean, but something so seemingly simple can be a lot harder than it looks.
The first (and often only) washing advice for people with easily irritated skin is to switch detergents. If that solves the problem, great. But some people have tried myriad detergents — including ones that are dye-free and fragrance-free and specifically labeled “gentle on the skin”– without luck.
Luckily, there are other washing tips and methods that might be more helpful for those with sensitive skin. Here are a few to consider.
Washing tips for sensitive skin
If you have tried cleansers specifically designed for sensitive skin and still have experience Irritation from your laundry, here are a few other things to try:
Give your clothes a second rinse
Some detergent residue will remain on the laundry even after the rinse, but a second rinse can eliminate that. Although a cold rinse works, a hot rinse is even better (as long as it doesn’t damage your clothes).
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Use less detergent
As we explained earlier in this postUsing more detergent than the directions recommend won’t make your clothes any cleaner, but it does cause a host of other problems — including irritating sensitive skin. So, whatever type of detergent you use, be careful not to add more than you need to.
Clean your washing machine regularly
yes yours Washing machine gets dirty (and sometimes moldy) over time and you should clean it regularly. The general rule is to do it monthly, but people with sensitive skin would be better off doing it on a weekly basis.
To do this, add a cup or two of baking soda to an empty washing machine and run a full cycle of hot water. When it’s done, be sure to leave the lid open to allow the machine to air dry.
Skipping the fabric softener and dryer sheets
When it comes to sensitive skin and laundry, however, the focus is often clearly on the detergent softener (in any form) and dryer sheets can also be the culprit. The good news is that neither is necessary and there are several more skin-friendly alternatives, such as aluminum foil balls, wool dryer balls, baking soda, and vinegar.