Laundry can be a chore for anyone, but for those with sensitive skin, it can be a delicate operation. Using the wrong detergent or fabric softener could mean feeling itchy and uncomfortable throughout the week, or even cause skin rashes and irritation.
In this blog, we’ll explore the challenges that come with washing clothes for people with sensitive skin and provide tips and tricks on how to tackle them. From choosing the right laundry products to using the correct washing techniques, we’ll cover everything you need to know to prevent aggravating your sensitive skin throughout the week.
So, if you’re tired of dealing with uncomfortable clothes that irritate your skin after washing, keep reading to learn more!
1. Clean Your Washer and Dryer
Cleaning the appliances you use to wash your clothes is just as important as choosing the right detergents and fabric softeners to use on the laundry itself. If your washer and dryer are not clean, then you could be exposing yourself to allergens the moment you turn on the wash cycle. Cleaning your washer and dryer can help eliminate substances like pollen, bacteria, and mold that can grow in damp and dark environments.
To clean your washing machine, run an empty cycle on the hottest setting and use a cup of white vinegar instead of laundry detergent. The combination of hot water and vinegar will eliminate any bacteria and prevent them from growing.
Be sure to clean the interior of your dryer every month to prevent odor and bacteria from building up. Unplug the dryer, and with a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water, wipe down the drum and wipe it dry with another clean cloth.
Voila! Now you’re ready to wash your clothes using your favorite laundry detergent for sensitive skin.
2. Wash Before You Wear
Whether the clothing is brand new or new to you from a thrift store, you should always wash new clothing before trying it on or wearing it out somewhere– especially if you have sensitive skin.
Many clothing brands use chemicals to keep their garments from wrinkling in their packaging when shipping them to different locations. These chemicals can easily irritate sensitive skin and cause allergic reactions.
Other people who try on clothing in stores may also be wearing cologne, perfume, or other fragrances that could trigger an allergic reaction.
Giving brand-new garments a quick wash is a great way to ensure your new clothes are free of harmful chemicals and irritating allergens.
3. Separate Your Clothing
Separating heavily soiled and stained clothing from laundry that needs regular cleaning can help people with sensitive skin avoid allergic reactions and irritation.
Garments that need a quick wash can use items with fewer active ingredients, like fragrance-free detergents and fabric softeners, while heavily soiled clothes may require heavy-duty cleaning products with properties that can lead to skin irritation.
4. Use Unscented Detergents and Products
Using the appropriate products is one of the most important precautions you can take to ensure that your clothes won’t cause any allergic reactions or irritate sensitive skin. One way to find the right products is to look out for detergents and fabric softeners that are free from fragrances and dyes and look out for labels that say hypoallergenic.
All of these items are great choices for people who suffer from allergies and skin sensitivities, just be sure to use the instructed amount to avoid using too much detergent.
5. Use the Rinse Cycle
When washing clothes for someone with allergies or skin sensitivities, make sure to take advantage of the rinse cycle. If your washing machine has the option for a second rinse, be sure to use it.
Detergent can often leave a residue that gets stuck in the seams and creases of clothing, which can seep into your skin when you sweat. This residue can cause discomfort and skin irritation if left unchecked.
The additional rinse cycle should remove all the remaining detergent from the fabric and prevent residue from building up.
6. Use a Gentle Stain Remover Alternative
Removing stains can be challenging under ideal conditions, but for people with sensitive skin, it can be even trickier.
Most stains come out when you soak them in cool water and use an all-purpose stain remover. Afterward, you can wash them with a tough yet gentle detergent or shampoo.
For heavy stains such as urine, it’s important to soak the affected area in a solution of ammonia and water. To make the solution, mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of water. For oil stains, you should use a pre-wash stain remover before washing the clothes according to the care label. After washing, allow the clothes to air dry.
7. Always Follow the Directions
One common mistake many people make is using more detergent than necessary when doing their laundry. Using too much detergent or product is costly and makes your washer work overtime to completely rinse it out of the clothing.
If laundry detergent cannot be properly rinsed out of the clothing, it can create additional problems for people with allergies and sensitive skin. For this reason, ensure that you are using the proper amount of detergent and fabric softener to ensure that it gets fully rinsed out of your clothing.
You should always wash your garments in the hottest water setting that the care directions will allow, as hot water can kill bacteria and prevent the growth of mold.
8. Leave It to the Professionals
Doing laundry when you have sensitive skin can be a challenge, but with the proper techniques, you can make laundry day much easier and less stressful. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this blog, you can avoid the discomfort of itchy clothes or skin irritation caused by clothing.
Remember to choose the right laundry products, use the correct washing techniques, and take extra precautions when dealing with tough stains. With these simple steps, you can make laundry day a breeze and enjoy comfortable, irritation-free clothes throughout the week!
If you are short on time and need your clothing cleaned and handled professionally, try using a cleaning service like ZIPS. At ZIPS, we treat your garments with the utmost care to maximize their longevity and keep you looking your best every day of the week. Find a location near you, and let us take care of it today!