Helpful Tips for Those Doing Laundry with Sensitive Skin

Doing laundry with skin sensitivity issues can be daunting.  Most would describe the symptoms of their sensitive skin as itchy, burning and, generally, just plain uncomfortable. If you’re struggling through the discomfort, you’re not alone. Approximately 50 to 60 percent of the population self-reports as having sensitive skin. Whether your triggers are chemicals, fragrances, pets or good ol’ Mother Nature, we’ve got some quick tips to help protect your skin the next time you’re doing laundry!

• Wash Before You Wear – When you buy something new, be sure to wash it before wearing it. New garments off the rack can carry bacteria and viruses, as well as all manner of residual industrial clothes chemicals.
• Shop for “Free” – Purchase dye- and fragrance-free varieties of your favorite detergents and dryer sheets. These specially formulated blends are designed to be as gentle as possible for those with sensitive skin. Always be sure to measure the proper amount of detergent to avoid irritation from soap residue.
• Do Your Part! –Leaving the doors to the machines open after use can help prevent mold and mildew buildup. Those with extra-sensitive skin can even run a hot water cycle with ½ cup white vinegar to disinfect machines before use.
• Natural Bright Whites – Try ½ cup lemon juice for a skin-friendly, all-natural bleaching effect.
• WASH More Often – A simple tip: keep your clothes clean. Notably one of the most common skin irritants, dust mites, love lurking on your musky or dirty clothes. Check out our quick reference guide for how often to wash common items such as sheets, bath towels and jeans.
• Avoid Pet Dander – When washing any pet beds or blankets, opt to use a different machine from the rest of your clothing. Pet dander is a “sticky” allergen and can be quite difficult to remove from clothes – especially without use of material-weathering hot water.
• Rinse Twice – If you suffer from particularly irritable skin, try rinsing your clothing a second time to remove any residual chemicals or detergents left on the material. No soap, just water. This tip is particularly useful for those who live with eczema.

Following these easy tips will help ensure that you minimize your exposure to irritants while still obtaining the best clean possible. Living with chronic skin sensitivity doesn’t have to be irritating! We invite you to check out wash.com and follow us on social media for other helpful articles and videos.