If you’ve ever dealt with a laundry detergent allergy in your family, you know how frustrating it can be—especially when it involves your baby or child. There’s nothing worse than seeing your little one in discomfort, and you’re doing everything right, but somehow the detergent you use is still causing irritation. It’s surprisingly common, but thankfully, there are solutions! In this post, we’ll break down the causes of allergies to laundry detergent, symptoms to watch for, and how to choose a safe, gentle alternative.
Understanding Laundry Detergent Allergies
The culprit behind laundry detergent allergies often lies in the ingredients. Common triggers include:
- Fragrances: Whether synthetic or natural, many fragrances in laundry detergents can irritate sensitive skin. Even some detergents labeled “unscented” contain masking fragrances to cover up chemical smells, making it harder to know what you’re really using.
- Dyes: These are purely cosmetic to make the formula look clean and pretty, but can be harsh for anyone with allergies, eczema, or sensitive skin.
- Preservatives and chemicals: Ingredients like methylisothiazolinone (a preservative) and phosphates can cause allergic reactions.
What Does a Laundry Allergy Look Like?
A laundry detergent allergy can show up as redness, itching, swelling, or a rash, often resembling eczema or contact dermatitis. This is particularly concerning for babies, whose skin is much more delicate. If you notice that your child seems to get rashy or uncomfortable after putting on freshly washed clothes, laundry detergent could be the culprit.
How Rare is Being Allergic to Laundry Detergent?
Laundry detergent allergies do happen more often than you’d think, especially in households with sensitive skin or eczema. It’s also one of those things that can develop over time, meaning that even if a detergent worked fine before, it might start causing irritation as your skin changes.
Tips for Preventing Allergies to Laundry Detergent
The good news? Preventing allergies to laundry detergent is possible with some smart choices and habits.
Choosing the Right Laundry Detergent
Opt for a hypoallergenic laundry detergent free from fragrances, dyes, and any harsh chemicals. This is essential for babies and anyone with sensitive skin or eczema. Here’s what to avoid:
- Fragrances: These are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to skin irritation. Be cautious, as many “unscented” detergents still contain masking fragrances. Look for truly fragrance-free formulas. Manufacturers don’t have to list their fragrance ingredients on product labels, so they often just disclose the single word, “fragrance”, which can hide a cocktail of more than 100 toxic ingredients. Another term to avoid is “parfum.”
- Dyes: These are added for aesthetic reasons but can be irritating, especially for those prone to eczema.
- Methylisothiazolinone (or MIT): Used as a preservative, this chemical can cause allergic reactions and should be avoided in any hypoallergenic detergent.
- Benzisothiazolinone (or BIT): Another preservative that can be problematic for people or children with allergies.
Washing and Rinsing Tips
- Use less detergent: More isn’t always better. Too much detergent can leave residue on clothes, which can trigger a reaction.
- Double-rinse: Running your clothes through an extra rinse cycle ensures that any remaining detergent is thoroughly washed out.
- Wash new clothes: Always wash new clothes before your baby or child wears them to remove any factory chemicals or dyes.
How to Manage and Treat Laundry Detergent Allergies
If you or your child develop skin irritation, stop using the detergent immediately. Rinse your clothes thoroughly to remove any lingering detergent, and switch to a hypoallergenic detergent. Consult your pediatrician or dermatologist for advice. In some cases, prescription-strength treatments may be necessary to fully resolve the reaction.
How Long Does It Take for a Laundry Detergent Allergy to Go Away?
Once you’ve eliminated the irritant, it can take a few days to a few weeks for a laundry detergent allergy to fully clear up, depending on the severity.
Why Force of Nature Laundry Detergent Sheets are the Safe Choice for Sensitive Skin
When you have children with allergies or sensitive skin, finding the right detergent can feel like an uphill battle. That’s why Force of Nature Laundry Detergent Sheets are such a game-changer. These sheets are gentle, fragrance-free, and free of dyes, preservatives, phosphates, and all those other nasties that can trigger allergies or skin irritation. Plus, they’re awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so you know they’re gentle for sensitive skin.
Best of all? Force of Nature Laundry Detergent Sheets are proven to be just as effective as Tide Liquid, Tide Pods, and Seventh Generation Liquid when it comes to cleaning the toughest stains and odors, all without the harsh chemicals.
If you’re ready for a detergent that’s both effective and kind to your family’s skin, Force of Nature is the perfect solution.
