Laundry Detergent question

bonnielu · ‎03-11-2010

Anyone having any difficulty with laundry detergent... alergic reactions. There are always new formulas "to clean better."

BirkiLady · ‎02-22-2015

@bonnielu I use Tide free & gentle. It's in the white container. Free of dyes & perfumes. Dermatologist Tested. Only laundry detergent that works for my DIL (and her family) and me. Neither of us use the recommended amount either! A little goes a long way. We also add a little vinegar to the rinse water to eliminate all detergent from clothing. Helps a lot with allergy sufferers.

Money screams; wealth whispers.

FranandZoe · ‎03-09-2010

I've used Era for 40 years - no problems. I use half the recommended amount. (1/2 a capful.)

software · ‎06-08-2016

A friend of mine with several diagnoses, including RA, many of which cause her skin to be very sensitive.

She uses All

There are several "free" formulas, as well as a "baby" formula.

She can't always find it so she stocks up when she does.

CinNC · ‎10-05-2012

I have a lot of allergies to laundry detergent. I always do a second rinse on my clothes as well as try to use a "free and gentle" detergent.

I remember my brother telling me once that he could tell when his wife was mad at him...........she would use the laundry detergent that he was allergic to and he would start itching and scratching.

lolakimono · ‎03-29-2012

@bonnielu

I'm very happy with Shaklee. They have a scented and an unscented version.

They have powder and liquid, and it works for HE washers.

No hazardous substances
Available in a fragrance-free formula

Clean credentials

Natural
Biodegradable
Concentrated
Hypoallergenic
No phosphates
No chlorine, phosphates, nitrates, or dyes

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

The problem with laundry detergents is that they are always changing them.

You can develop an allergy to something at any time in your life. Couple that with the fact that the ingredients in detergents are constantly changing and it can make it very difficult for some people to find something that works for them, and works consistently over time. Back in the day, Tide was Tide and that was it. Not any more. The selections of just one brand fill shelves and it becomes overwhelming for people with issues.

I will offer up some practical advice, rather than suggest a brand.

Use little.

I was raised to believe that you needed to see a washer full of 'suds' to get clothes clean.

I don't believe that anymore.

In reality I think most people way overuse the laundry products. That's why people think softeners (liquid) are now bad for fabrics. They aren't if used in very tiny (relative to what we used to think we needed....a whole cap full) amounts. I use only one teaspoon diluted in the dispenser for most loads. Enough to keep the static down, and provide a bit of softness to the water, but not enough that it clings to and coats the fabric, or leaves you smelling like a box of dryer sheets when you get dressed.

Same for soap. I've gotten to where I use just a tiny amount of soap for most loads, unless I have something like work clothes that are super dirty.

I've been doing this for a number of years now, and I don't see my whites in any worse shape, I don't have issues with clothes not looking or smelling clean and fresh, and I tend to wash in hot water, and dry in a somewhat hot dryer, so I believe I'm getting things sanitary enough.

So regardless of what brand or homemade detergent you decide on, maybe just much less of anything used will solve your issues.

And if you live somewhere that water supply isn't an issue, an extra rinse might fix things for you too.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

I like Nellie's. It rinses out completely so there's no leftover residue on your stuff to cause irritation. There's no fragrance...just leaves a clean smell to my clothes and stuff.

PINKdogWOOD · ‎05-13-2010

@BirkiLady, @bonnielu Yes this Tide is the same one we use and have for some time now. I like this one because I no longer use powdered as it can leave a residue. I also like Tide in this white bottle because it's clear and not blue, pink, yellow, purple or any other color.

And well yes it does a god job of cleaning the clothes especially DH's who works outside in the dirt/elements.

OKPrincess · ‎03-10-2013

@BirkiLady wrote:
@bonnielu I use Tide free & gentle. It's in the white container. Free of dyes & perfumes. Dermatologist Tested. Only laundry detergent that works for my DIL (and her family) and me. Neither of us use the recommended amount either! A little goes a long way. We also add a little vinegar to the rinse water to eliminate all detergent from clothing. Helps a lot with allergy sufferers.

This is what we use too. DH suffers from allergies and asthma.