Eczema can be an incredibly debilitating skin condition for both adults and children. While it’s manageable most of the time, even the most ordinary products or activities can aggravate and worsen symptoms.
In today’s blog, we’re going to share some of our top laundry tips for people with eczema. By following the proper guidance and doing what works for your skin, you can avoid irritating flare-ups and keep feeling your best.
Keep reading to find out more!
Laundry Tips for People with Eczema
Read Product Labels Carefully
Doing your due diligence is one of the best ways to avoid a bad eczema reaction, especially if you’re often triggered by chemical ingredients. While every laundry brand is different, many products on the market are packed to the brim with chemical components that can irritate sensitive skin.
Speak to your healthcare professional about which ingredients you should avoid when it comes to buying laundry detergent or fabric softeners.
Get used to reading labels EVERY TIME you shop – brands often change their recipe, and you might not realize this until it's too late.
Using a list in your utility room, keep a record of any products you use and when. If you suffer a reaction, you’ll know exactly what to avoid next time you wash.
Wash New Clothes Before Use
Manufacturers often employ harsh chemicals or starches to prepare their fabrics for market—usually with the goal to keep them crisp and crease-free. The problem is, these ingredients are almost guaranteed to cause an eczema reaction, especially if your skin is already compromised.
The best way to prevent this from happening is to wash any new clothes or bed sheets BEFORE you use them for the first time. As soon as you’re back from the shop, run them through on a cool wash with your go-to detergent and make sure they’re well-rinsed. Once dry, you can enjoy your new items without the fear of an inevitable flare-up.
Use Minimal Detergent
Once you’ve found a detergent that works well with your skin, it’s crucial to regulate the quantities you add to your wash. While it can be tempting to free-pour when you’re in a hurry, those suffering from eczema should measure out their detergent as closely as possible. Too much detergent is likely to linger even after rinsing, heightening the chances of a reaction, so always use the amount recommended on the bottle (or less for smaller loads).
Make Your Own Detergent
If you’re struggling to find an eczema-friendly detergent at a price that suits your budget, why not make your own? Using a basic mix of Borax and washing soda is a great option, especially if your skin is aggravated by artificial fragrances. Straight white vinegar can also help to cleanse and clarify without adding unnecessary chemicals to your load. This is the perfect solution for large families as it’s affordable AND friendly to all skin types.
Learn how to make your own laundry detergent on our blog!
If In Doubt, Double Rinse
If you’re still struggling with skin irritation or you need some extra peace-of-mind, it’s time to start double rinsing. One of the main laundry-related eczema problems is caused by product remnants, so running your clothes through an extra rinse could make all the difference.
Once your primary cycle is complete, go ahead and rinse again. This is particularly important if you use a powder detergent, because these dissolve less effectively and linger more persistently. Dry as usual once finished, and you’ll be good to go!
Looking for more top laundry tips? Read the rest of our handy blog or pay a visit to WaveMAX Thornton to speak to one of our laundromat professionals!
