How to Wash Without Irritating the Skin (Except for Changing Detergents)
For people with sensitive skin, laundry can be a problem. All you’re trying to do is clean your clothes, but something seemingly simple can be a lot harder than it looks.
The first (and often only) laundry advice given to people with easily irritated skin is to change detergents. If that solves the problem, then great. But some people have unsuccessfully tried countless detergents, including those free of dyes and fragrances and advertised as “gentle for the skin.”
Luckily, there are other washing tips and techniques that may be more helpful for people with sensitive skin. Here are a few to consider.
Washing tips for sensitive skin
If you’ve tried cleansers specifically formulated for sensitive skin and are still experiencing laundry irritation, here are a few more things you can try:
Second rinse of clothes
Even after a rinse cycle, detergent residue remains on the laundry, but a second rinse can solve this problem. While a cold rinse will work, a hot rinse is even better (provided it doesn’t damage your clothes).
Using less detergent
As we explained earlier in this post , using more detergent than recommended in the instructions won’t make your clothes cleaner, but it will cause a number of other problems, including irritating sensitive skin. So no matter what type of detergent you use, make sure you don’t add more than you need.
Clean your washing machine regularly
Yes, your washing machine gets dirty (and sometimes moldy ) over time, and you should clean it regularly. The general rule is to do this monthly, but for those with sensitive skin, it’s best to do this weekly .
To do this, add a cup or two of baking soda to an empty washing machine and run a full cycle using hot water. When you’re done, don’t forget to leave the lid open so the machine can air dry.
Refusal of the fabric softener and dryer
When it comes to sensitive skin and laundry, the focus is often on detergent, but fabric softeners (in any form) and dryer sheets can also be culprits. The good news is that neither is necessary, and there are several skin-friendly alternatives, such as aluminum foil balls, wool drying balls, baking soda, and vinegar.