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Why Does My Skin Get Itchy From Laundry Detergent?

Is your laundry detergent causing a rash or your skin to each? Find out why!

By Dan Steiner, Jan 23, 2023

There's no doubt that over the years, laundry detergent has had a significant impact on the lives of different households. These cleaning agents have been a constant source of hygiene and have maintained cleanliness in many homes. However, the past few years have raised concerns about using particular domestic products, such as laundry detergents.

This concern stems from the high concentration of harsh chemicals in these cleaning agents and how they pose a potential risk to people's health. The reasons for this fear are plausible. One major issue with detergent is its tendency to produce unfavorable skin reactions and conditions such as contact dermatitis, whose symptoms mainly border on itchy skin.

If you're interested in why people get itchy skin from laundry detergent and tested and trusted solutions to curtail it, this article is for you. Join us as we take you on an eye-opening journey into laundry detergents and why they are responsible for itchy skin, among other valuable details. Let's go!

Reasons Your Skin Gets Itchy From Laundry Detergent

Presence Of Irritants

Some laundry detergents include strong irritants, such as scents and additives for preservation, which can lead to dry, itchy skin. You can also find harsh chemicals or dyes that can irritate sensitive skin in other detergents, all of which could be causative agents for itching and skin discomfort.

Substandard Detergents

Low-quality detergents frequently contain inexpensive components that are not intended to clean efficiently and instead leave something on what you're wearing. In cases where you don't rinse your clothes well enough throughout the washing cycle, residues of these detergents remain on your garments. When the substance comes into contact with your skin, skin irritation or allergic reactions can occur.

Excessive Use Of Detergents

Overuse of laundry detergent is another major cause of itchy skin. Unintentionally, this can occur if you use excessive amounts of product for a single washing cycle or fail to rinse off all the remaining residue after each wash.

Allergic Reactions

Specific components in laundry detergent, such as colors or brighteners, can cause allergic reactions in certain people. An allergic reaction can lead to itchy skin, redness, hives, or a rash. In cases like these, you should switch to an allergy-free product immediately.

Pre-existing skin problems

Some people have pre-existing skin diseases such as eczema or dermatitis. When people like these do laundry, there are chances that they are more prone to itching due to the irritants in the detergent increasing their skin sensitivity.

Prevention Tips To Avoid Itchy Skin From Laundry Detergent

Use a fragrance and dye-free detergent

Many people are allergic to the compounds included in synthetic perfumes and dyes. That's why you should explore an organic and hypoallergenic detergent like Good Laundry, which is plant-based and free of dyes, bleach, and fragrances. You could also test new products. After purchasing a new laundry detergent, try it on a small batch of clothes before washing all of them.

Rinse your load twice

Sometimes, you only need an extra rinse cycle to keep detergent residue from accumulating on your garments. In other cases, you can use hot water to help destroy allergens.

Substitute fabric softener and dryer sheets with other alternatives

Get into healthier alternatives like dryer balls to reduce the chemicals you use. Dryer balls, often composed of wool or plastic, can assist in softening garments and reducing static electricity without introducing irritants.

Clean your washing machine

If you have a blood relative, friend, or roommate who is chemically sensitive, be sure to clean the machine after every cycle with standard detergent. Running the washing machine through a hot water rotation and a vinegar and baking soda cycle is recommended to remove soap scum, residue transfer, and chemical accumulation.

Employ natural stain removal

Treat stains before washing with water, washing, and baking soda rather than chemical stain removers.

Try Pre and Post-Laundry Care

You could wear gloves when handling detergent or washing if you have sensitive skin. On the other hand, apply a moderate and hypoallergenic moisturizer after doing laundry to keep your skin nourished and alleviate any discomfort.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Laundry Detergent

Plant-based Detergents

Choose a plant-based cleaning agent like Good Laundry to keep your garments fresh while being friendly to your skin and the environment. Look for features in both the detergent and the package. Biodegradable and plastic-free detergents use less product, which is healthier for your clothes, money, and the environment.

Skin Allergies

Suppose you, a family member, a friend, or a roommate have sensitive skin. Adjusting your washing regimen, including your detergent, is essential. Studies have shown the need for people with sensitive skin to take special care of their clothes and other objects that come into regular contact with them, such as bedding and towels. For many, this reality means using dye- and perfume-free detergent. Suppose you are generally prone to eczema and have sensitive or reactive skin. In that case, you should opt for laundry detergent that doesn't have dyes, sulfates, or scents.

Compatibility with your washing machine

In addition to cleaning your clothes, your detergent should be suitable for your washing machine. Buying a detergent that requires a hot water cycle is only possible if your washing machine has one.

Conclusion

Besides clothing providing one of the most important first impressions of a person's personality, the relationship between your skin and clothes also matters. Choosing the best laundry detergent to guarantee the hygiene and condition of clothes is essential. Nevertheless, going with a laundry detergent that provides the best care for your skin goes a long way. That's where Good Laundry detergent comes in.

Good Laundry products are fantastic for people with skin problems or sensitive skin. They are hypoallergenic and do not include parabens, phosphates, colors, bleach, or anything harmful to your skin or the environment. Their benefits extend beyond the skin; they also extend their effectiveness to your clothes, eliminating the toughest stains and odors. Good laundry products remove odors and clean even the dirtiest items.