Do you think that you’re allergic to your current laundry detergent? If you’ve got rash, blisters, or itching after putting on clothes that have just been washed you could be allergic to your detergent.
Here, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know from the potential ingredients in laundry detergents that you’re allergic to and providing you with some hypoallergenic laundry detergent options.
Read on to find out more!
What Are The Symptoms Of A Laundry Detergent Allergy?
If you’re allergic to laundry detergent, you’ll most likely have any of the following symptoms:
- Rashes
- Blisters
- Dry, cracking or scaly skin
- Itching
- Burning and tender skin
- Swelling
These can manifest when you come into direct contact with the detergent, when you wear clothes that have been washed with it or when you sleep in bedding that has been washed with it too.
How Does Laundry Detergent Cause Allergies?
It’s mainly the ingredients within the washing detergent that causes allergies. Some examples of these ingredients include chemicals such as potassium hydroxide along with fragrances, preservatives and dyes.
Below is a breakdown of some of the more common allergens found in laundry detergent:
- Preservatives
- Enzymes
- Parabens
- Colors and dyes
- Moisturizers
- Fabric softeners
- Emulsifiers
Apart from the allergens listed above, there are some other dangerous chemicals that you should avoid in laundry detergent. They include:
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
- Phosphates
- Formaldehyde
- Chlorine bleach
- Ammonium sulfate
- Benzyl Acetate
List of The Best Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergents
The best way to look for detergents without the harmful ingredients listed above is to look for safer and greener alternatives that don’t utilize toxins. Opt for detergents with plant-based surfactants that are free of phosphates. Some ways to do so include:
- Purchase detergents from a company that you can refill
- Use homemade soap or milled laundry soap instead
- Use commercial detergents that you’ve researched online
As always, we’ve also got you covered with a list of the best allergy free laundry detergents you can check out.
Planet
Planet’s hypoallergenic laundry soap is not only biodegradable, it also uses ingredients from plant-based sources and has no added fragrances, dyes or synthetic preservatives. It works in both standard and high-efficiency washers and has never been tested on animals.
Solimo
Another great hypoallergenic laundry detergent, Solimo is free from perfumes and dyes, and dissolves in any water temperature. It’s great for all types of washing machines and comes with packs that are enough for 120 loads.
Seventh Generation
Looking for a hypoallergenic clothes detergent that’ll fight tough stains? This Seventh Generation detergent is made of a powerful triple-enzyme formula that’s great at fighting tough stains. It’s hypoallergenic, and is designed with safety in mind. Each purchase will provide you with 53 medium loads in a high-efficiency or standard machine. In terms of ingredients, 96% of the detergent is also made with plant-based ingredients.
Puracy
This fantastic Puracy detergent uses plant-powered ingredients that’s safe for the entire family. It’s rated highly and has been approved by doctors. It’s great for sensitive skin and allergy sufferers and contains no harmful chemicals such as sulfates, bleach or toxic chemicals. Since it’s a safe and effective plant-powered formula you can use it on all clothing and it’s never been tested on animals.
Woolite
Finally, you’ve got Woolite detergent, an allergy free detergent formula that’s gentle on your skin, hands and clothes. It’ll keep the clothes that you love looking brand new and never causes any fading, stretching or shrinking – even on more delicate fabrics such as wool and silk. You can use Woolite for your washing machines or to hand wash your clothes and it contains no added chemicals such as bleach, phosphates or enzymes.
FAQ’s – You Ask, We Answer
Below are answers to some of the commonly asked questions we’ve received.
How Long Does It Take For A Detergent Allergy To Go Away?
On average, in most people it’ll take anywhere from 2 hours to 3 days. Even with treatment however, symptoms can last for 2 to 4 weeks for more serious reactions.
Can I Suddenly Become Allergic To My Laundry Detergent?
Yes, it’s possible for you to become allergic to your laundry detergent after repeated exposure. While allergies or sensitivities can develop the first time, they can also develop over time.
What Precautions Should You Take When Using Detergents?
- Follow the recommended product instructions.
- Pay attention to any warning statements such as “danger” or “poison”.
- Clean up any spills.
- Wash your hands after doing your laundry, and wash any tools that you may have used to measure the products.
- Observe your reactions to items you washed and if allergies persist, use a different product.
Can Bleach Cause Allergies?
Yes, it can as it is a harsh chemical that can easily damage the epidermis, even in people who don’t typically have sensitive skin. It’s best to use natural bleach alternatives. Some examples include:
- Adding lemon essential oil to your laundry detergent.
- Using diluted hydrogen peroxide. Have it in a squirt bottle to treat certain spots before you place your clothes in the washing machine.
- Pre-soak stains in either an oxy-boost or enzyme stain remover prior to washing.
Does Detergent Expire?
Yes, detergent should only be used for about six months from opening. Unopened bottles can last for about nine months to a year. You shouldn’t be keeping detergent for an extended period of time as oils can go rancid and other ingredients can also become noxious.
So there you have it, a comprehensive overview of laundry detergent allergies. Even if you’re not allergic to your current detergent, you should take a look at the ingredients list and make sure that there are no harmful chemicals in there. If there are, switch to a hypoallergenic laundry detergent formula for sensitive skin that’ll not only be gentle on your clothes, it’ll also be better for your overall health.
