People with sensitive skin must consider their soaps, hand sanitizers, beauty products, and, you guessed it, their laundry, too. Regular laundry detergent solutions contain irritants that can cause inflammation, dryness, and dermatitis for people with sensitive skin. Thankfully, small switches in your laundry regimen can alleviate some of your problems while doing laundry with sensitive skin.
Keep reading to learn some of the best laundry tips for people with sensitive skin.
1. Clean Your Washer & Dryer
The battle against irritation often begins long before your clothes are worn, starting in the laundry room. Regular maintenance of your laundry appliances is more than a matter of hygiene; it’s about preventing the spread of irritants that can linger in the nooks and crannies of your washer and dryer. Your washer and dryer should be free from remnants of detergents, fabric softeners, and previously washed garments.
When it comes time to clean your washer and dryer, start by wiping down the interior surfaces with a mild, fragrance-free cleaner. This will break down residue without introducing harsh chemicals into your appliances. Be sure to leave the washer door open after each use to air out any dampness that could harbor nasty mold or mildew, common skin irritants.
2. Wash Before You Wear
Have you just found the perfect sweater you’ve been looking for forever? Be sure to wash it before you wear it! New clothing items can be a source of discomfort for people with delicate skin due to formaldehyde, resins, and dyes. These chemical finishes are used during manufacturing to keep garments appealing on store shelves.
Luckily, prewashing removes most skin-irritating substances. For best results, use a double rinse cycle to ensure all potential chemicals are washed away. A gentle, hypoallergenic laundry detergent should do the trick without leaving behind any residue that might aggravate sensitive skin.
3. Use Sensitive-Skin Tailored Laundry Products
The market is flooded with detergents and fabric softeners claiming to be safe for sensitive skin. However, not all products are created equal. You should look for sensitive skin detergents free from fragrances, dyes, and other allergens. Hypoallergenic options are designed to minimize the risk of skin irritations and are often recommended by dermatologists.
It’s also important to consider the amount of sensitive skin laundry detergent you use. Overloading on detergent doesn’t equate to cleaner clothes and can actually leave a residue that annoys the skin. Measure carefully according to the manufacturer’s instructions and opt for additional rinses if your clothes still feel soapy after a wash cycle.
4. Leave It to the Pros
Professional laundry services can be a skin-friendly option when all else fails or when time and energy are sparse. Many laundromats offer hypoallergenic washing options tailored to customers with sensitive skin concerns.
LaundroLab is a convenient laundromat offering unbeatable services and amenities at affordable prices. In addition to our wash-and-fold, drop-off, and flip services, we’re happy to accommodate our laundry solutions to your sensitive skin needs. Visit one of our locations if you need any additional help or if you’d like us to handle your laundry entirely!
