If you’ve ever put on a clean and fresh piece of clothing only to have an itchy reaction on your skin, you may be asking yourself, “Can laundry detergent cause eczema?”
Laundry detergent is a well-recognized eczema trigger. Specifically, if you’re having a reaction to your freshly cleaned laundry, you’re likely experiencing contact dermatitis, a type of eczema that occurs when you come into direct contact with a substance that irritates the skin. Because you’re likely washing clothing that covers every part of the body, an eczema rash from your laundry detergent could appear anywhere on the body.
In short: Laundry products and leftover detergent residue can irritate eczema-prone skin. A few simple changes—like choosing fragrance-free products, using less detergent, and adding an extra rinse—can help make laundry day gentler on sensitive skin.
Here are 9 simple tips to make your laundry routine more eczema-friendly:
1. Check your detergent for eczema triggers & switch brands if necessary
Laundry detergents are common eczema triggers because they often contain many harsh and irritating ingredients. These are all ingredients to avoid if you have sensitive skin. Triggers found in many detergents include:
- Fragrance allergens
- Dyes
- Parabens and sulfates
- Fabric softeners
- Optical brighteners, which help make whites look whiter
2. Choose an eczema-friendly fabric softener alternative
Finding a fabric softener for eczema can be difficult. If you want to use fabric softener, choose a non-toxic, hypoallergenic softener free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, parabens, and sulfates. And you may not even need fabric softener at all. Laundry detergent formulations have gotten smarter, and some detergents now use biochemistry that include built-in softening technologies.
If you want soft clothes without having to worry about an ingredients list, you have another option: dryer balls. Dryer balls help separate clothing in the dryer, which allows warm air to better circulate. This in turn reduces your drying time, prevents static, fights wrinkles, and, yes, softens clothes.
3. Clean your washing machine to reduce detergent residue
Because your washing machine is used to, well, clean your clothes, you may not consider that the machine itself also occasionally needs to be washed out to prevent mold, mildew, and built-up detergent residue. There are several ways you can clean your washing machine.
4. Wash your clothes before wearing them
As tempting as it can be to wear that new top as soon as it arrives in the mail, it’s best practice to wash new clothes before wearing them. Clothing manufacturers can sometimes put formaldehyde on clothes to make them look better and to prevent mildew during long shipments. Formaldehyde is known as an irritating substance and can cause contact dermatitis as a result of exposure to very low dosages. Washing new clothes before wearing them also helps get rid of excess dye left over from the manufacturing process.
5. If your body reacts to outdoor allergens, avoid line drying
Line drying your clothes outside can be an effective way to cut down on your electricity usage. However, line drying isn’t the ideal solution when you have eczema-prone skin. Airborne allergens can deposit on your clothing and exacerbate eczema symptoms. The risk of this happening is greatest in the spring and summer when pollen counts are at their peak.
6. Pre-treat baby clothes if they’re not being washed right away
Let’s face it: babies get messy! When you have a little one with eczema-prone skin, removing food stains without harsh chemicals that trigger eczema can prove difficult. In order to skip harsh stain removers altogether, try soaking your baby’s clothes immediately after they get dirty. Most food stains should be rinsed in cold water, but be sure to research the correct water temperature for the specific type of food stain.
7. Use liquid laundry detergents vs. powder detergents
When figuring out what your best laundry detergent for eczema may be, focus on liquid detergents. These dissolve easier in the water, leaving behind less residue on your clothing. Also avoiding laundry pods allows you to adjust how much detergent you want to use. Often, the recommended amount of liquid detergent is more than you actually need. If you live in an area with hard water, you can add a tablespoon or two of soda crystals to your wash in order to soften the water and reduce the amount of detergent you need as well. When selecting a laundry detergent, you can also keep an eye out for laundry products recognized by the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance program.
8. Go easy on the detergent
Adding a lot of detergent to your laundry won't make your clothes cleaner - and it could have a negative impact on your skin. Using too much detergent makes it hard for your washing machine to rinse your clothes properly, which can leave your laundry with a soapy residue that contributes to itch and irritation. Most laundry detergents are pretty concentrated, so you only have to use what your package calls for - or even less.
9. Add a rinse cycle
Leftover laundry detergent on your clothing can irritate sensitive eczema-prone skin. To avoid contact dermatitis from residual detergent, add a second rinse cycle to your laundry routine. Some machines will have an ‘extra rinse cycle’ button you can easily press.
Care for Eczema-Prone Skin with Gladskin Biome Balancing Cream
Adjusting your laundry routine can be a helpful step in avoiding triggers and preventing irritation. But you may also want to consider your skincare routine. Approved by the National Eczema Association, our Biome Balancing Cream is a steroid-free moisturizer that soothes dry, itchy-feeling skin. It's clinically proven to relieve redness and irritation from eczema-prone skin. Plus, its non-greasy formula is as gentle on clothes as it is on your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laundry and Eczema
Can laundry detergent cause eczema?
Laundry detergent can irritate sensitive skin and may trigger contact dermatitis, a type of eczema caused by contact with an irritating substance or allergen. Fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients in laundry products can be particularly troublesome for eczema-prone skin.
What type of laundry detergent is best for eczema-prone skin?
Look for a gentle detergent without fragrances or dyes, and avoid ingredients you know irritate your skin. Liquid detergents may also be helpful because they dissolve readily in water and can leave less residue behind than powders.
Should you use fabric softener if you have eczema?
Some fabric softeners contain fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients that may irritate eczema-prone skin. If you use one, look for a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free option, or consider an alternative such as dryer balls.
Does an extra rinse cycle help with eczema?
An extra rinse can help remove detergent residue that may otherwise remain on clothing and come into contact with sensitive skin. This can be particularly useful if you find that freshly washed clothing leaves your skin feeling itchy or irritated.
Should you wash new clothes before wearing them if you have eczema?
Yes. Washing new clothing before wearing it can help remove excess dyes and residues from the manufacturing and shipping process that could irritate sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Can air-drying clothes outside make eczema worse?
For people who are sensitive to airborne allergens such as pollen, drying clothes outside may allow those allergens to collect on fabrics. If outdoor allergens tend to make your eczema symptoms worse, drying clothes indoors or in a dryer may be a better option.
