Best Laundry Routines for Households with Allergies or Eczema

Allergies and eczema can turn everyday laundry into a major trigger. A few smart changes to how you wash, dry, and store clothes can dramatically cut itching, rashes, and nighttime coughing for everyone in your home.

Why laundry routines matter for allergies and eczema

Your skin spends most of the day pressed against clothing, sheets, and towels. If those fabrics hold detergents, fragrances, dust, or mold, they become constant sources of irritation or allergy.

For eczema and sensitive skin, the biggest problem is usually irritation. Harsh detergents, strong scents, and leftover product on fabric can disrupt the skin barrier so it becomes dry, cracked, and more easily inflamed.

For allergies, the issue is often proteins from dust mites, pets, pollen, or mold that cling to fibers. Every time you move, those particles are released and inhaled or pressed into your skin, which can set off sneezing, wheezing, or hives.

You cannot control every trigger, but a consistent, gentle laundry routine removes a large chunk of what touches your skin every day. That is why specialists often suggest cleaning up laundry habits before adding more medications or treatments.

Step-by-step laundry routine for sensitive households

This routine works for most homes where one or more people have allergies or eczema. Adjust the frequency based on how severe symptoms are and how quickly your laundry basket fills up.

Every load: simple steps that protect skin

1. Choose a gentle detergent. Use a liquid or powder labeled fragrance free and dye free. Avoid heavily scented products and in-wash scent boosters, which often leave strong residues.
2. Sort laundry by how dirty it is. Keep sweaty, outdoor, or pet-exposed clothes separate from lightly worn items so you can choose stronger settings only when needed.
3. Do not overload the washer. Clothes need room to move around so detergent and water can rinse irritants away. A tightly packed drum almost guarantees residue.
4. Select a longer wash cycle. A normal or heavy-duty cycle cleans better than a quick wash, especially for bedding and towels that collect allergens.
5. Use warm water for most loads. Warm water balances cleaning power with fabric care and is often enough to reduce allergens when combined with a good detergent.
6. Add an extra rinse. An additional rinse cycle is one of the easiest ways to reduce leftover detergent and fragrance on fabric.
7. Dry completely. Dry on low or medium heat until items are fully dry, then remove them promptly. Lingering dampness encourages mold and musty smells.

Weekly or twice-weekly tasks

On top of your regular loads, a few weekly habits can make a big difference for allergies and eczema:

• Wash bedding at least once a week. For dust mite or pollen allergies, consider twice a week during peak seasons or flare ups.
• Clean bath towels every 3 uses. For severe eczema or skin infections, daily towel changes are safer, especially for children.
• Wipe the washer door and gasket. Mold loves the rubber seal on front loaders. After your last load of the day, wipe it dry and leave the door slightly open.
• Run a hot cleaning cycle monthly. Use the washer cleaning program or a hot cycle with no clothes to flush out detergent buildup and biofilm inside the machine.

When someone is actively flaring

During bad eczema flares, infections, or intense allergy seasons, tighten the routine for a few weeks:

• Wash that person's clothing, pajamas, and bedding separately in a gentle detergent.
• Increase bedding changes to every 3 to 4 days.
• Switch to all cotton or bamboo fabrics that breathe better and hold less static.
• Skip fabric softener entirely and use an extra rinse on everything they touch.

Choosing laundry products that are kinder to skin

Detergent features to look for

Most people with allergies or eczema feel better when they switch to a truly simple detergent. Marketing words like "natural" or "dermatologist tested" are not enough on their own. Focus on the label details instead.

• Fragrance free, not just unscented. "Unscented" products sometimes contain masking fragrances. Look for "fragrance free" or "free and clear" instead.
• No added dyes or brighteners. These chemicals make colors pop in the bottle and under store lights but are unnecessary for cleaning and can bother skin.
• Shorter ingredient lists. Fewer extra ingredients usually mean fewer potential irritants. If you cannot pronounce half the list, consider a simpler option.
• Enzymes in moderation. Enzymes break down stains well but can irritate very damaged skin. If eczema is severe, trial a detergent with reduced or no enzymes for a month to see if symptoms improve.

Liquid vs powder detergent

Both liquid and powder detergents can work for sensitive households, but they behave differently in the washer.

• Liquid pros: Dissolves easily in cold and warm water, good for pre-treating spots, less likely to leave visible white residue.
• Liquid cons: Easier to overdose, which means more residue on clothes and in the machine; bottles can build up thick soap films.
• Powder pros: Often rinses very clean when fully dissolved, especially in warm or hot water; tends to be more concentrated and cost effective.
• Powder cons: May clump or leave grains on fabric if used with very cold water or overloaded loads; some contain more builders that can bother very sensitive skin.

If you are not sure where to start, a fragrance free liquid used sparingly with an extra rinse is a reliable baseline. From there you can adjust based on how your skin and clothes respond.

Fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and safer alternatives

Traditional fabric softeners and dryer sheets are top offenders for both fragrance overload and residue. They coat fibers to make them feel smoother, but that coating can sit on your skin all day and attract more dust and pet dander.

For most allergy or eczema households, the simplest plan is to skip softener entirely and try one of these options:

• Wool or plastic dryer balls. They gently separate clothes in the dryer, which reduces static and helps items dry faster.
• White vinegar in the rinse. A half cup of plain white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment can help break down detergent residue and slightly soften cottons without a lingering smell once dry.
• Line drying when possible. Air drying is kind to fabrics and avoids heated fragrances, though it may allow outdoor pollen to settle on clothes in high pollen seasons.

Laundry additives that may help

Used carefully, a few extra products can support cleaner, less irritating laundry:

• Oxygen bleach (non chlorine). Fragrance free oxygen bleach helps with stains and can reduce dust mites at higher temperatures. Avoid splashless or scented versions.
• Baking soda. A half cup in the wash can help control odors and slightly soften water, which may improve rinsing.
• Anti-allergen laundry rinses. Some specialty rinses are designed to denature dust mite and pet proteins. These can be useful if hot washing is not possible for all fabrics.

Add only one change at a time and give it a couple of weeks so you can see what truly helps instead of guessing.

Washer and dryer settings that actually matter

Water temperature choices

Water temperature affects both allergens and fabrics.

• Hot water (130°F / 54°C or higher). Most effective at killing dust mites and washing away body oils, but can fade colors and shrink delicate items. Reserve for white cotton sheets, towels, and underwear that tolerate heat.
• Warm water. Often the best compromise for everyday laundry. It improves cleaning over cold water without as much fabric damage.
• Cold water. Gentlest on clothes and energy use but less effective for heavy allergens unless combined with a strong detergent and longer cycles. Good for lightly worn clothes from non-allergic family members.

If someone in the home has strong dust mite or pet allergies, prioritize hot or warm washes for anything that touches their face or spends hours against their skin, like pillowcases, sheets, and pajamas.

Cycle length and agitation

Short, gentle cycles sound appealing for delicate skin, but they can leave more detergents and allergens behind. For most loads, choose a normal or heavy-duty setting and adjust only if fabrics are very delicate.

Delicate cycles are best reserved for items that could be damaged, like lace, fine knits, or special sports fabrics. Even then, an extra rinse helps cut down on residue.

Spin speed and drying

A higher spin speed pulls more water from clothes, which shortens dryer time and reduces the chance of musty smells. If your washer allows it, use higher spin for towels and bedding and medium for regular clothes.

In the dryer, moderate heat is often enough. Very high heat can damage elastic and irritate skin that is already sore. The critical step is to dry items fully so they do not sit damp in a basket or closet.

Keep the washer and dryer clean

Even a perfect detergent choice will not help if your machines are harboring mold or soap scum.

• Leave the washer door and detergent drawer slightly open between loads so they can dry out.
• Once a month, clean the rubber seal on front-loaders with a cloth and a bit of diluted vinegar or gentle cleaner.
• Empty the dryer lint trap every load and occasionally vacuum around it to prevent build up of dust that can blow back onto clothes.

Handling bedding, towels, and soft furnishings

Bedding for people with allergies and eczema

Because you spend roughly a third of your life in bed, bedding deserves extra attention.

• Sheets and pillowcases. Wash at least weekly in hot or warm water. During flares or high pollen seasons, aim for every 3 to 4 days.
• Blankets and duvets. Use washable covers and launder the covers every 1 to 2 weeks. Wash the inserts themselves every 1 to 3 months, or more often if symptoms are severe.
• Mattress and pillow protectors. Allergy-proof covers create a barrier against dust mites living deep inside mattresses and pillows. Wash these every 1 to 2 months.

Towels and washcloths

Towels collect soap, skin cells, and sometimes topical medications, all of which can irritate damaged skin if they linger.

• Assign each family member their own bath towel and face cloth, especially if anyone has infected eczema areas.
• Wash towels on hot when fabric allows, and fully dry them between uses.
• Consider white cotton towels so you can use hot water and occasional oxygen bleach without worrying about fading.

Stuffed animals and soft toys

Plush toys can be major dust mite reservoirs, especially in children's bedrooms.

• Choose fully washable stuffed animals whenever possible and launder them every 1 to 2 weeks.
• If a toy cannot be washed, some families place it in a plastic bag in the freezer overnight to temporarily reduce dust mites, then air it out and vacuum it gently.
• Limit stuffed animals on the bed to a few favorites that you can wash frequently.

Soft furnishings and shared items

Throws, cushion covers, and frequently used robes or hoodies often slip under the radar. If someone has strong allergies, make a simple rotation:

• Wash couch throws and frequently used blankets weekly.
• Use removable, washable covers for decorative cushions if possible.
• Refresh shared robes or lounging clothes at least weekly, and more often in hot weather.

Daily habits that support cleaner, calmer skin

Laundry does not exist in isolation. A few small daily habits reduce how many allergens and irritants reach your hamper in the first place.

• Change clothes after high exposure. After yard work, sports, or playing with pets, change into clean clothes and place the worn ones directly into a hamper.
• Choose breathable hampers. Use baskets or hampers with airflow so damp clothes can dry instead of growing mildew. Avoid sealed plastic bins for worn laundry.
• Do not let wet items sit. Hang up wet swimsuits, sweaty gym clothes, and damp towels as soon as possible and wash them within 24 hours.
• Wash new clothes before wearing. New fabrics can carry finishing chemicals, excess dyes, and warehouse dust that irritate skin.
• Handle clean laundry with clean hands. Washing your hands before folding helps keep allergens and irritants from moving back onto freshly washed clothes.

See also

For help choosing a detergent that matches these routines, see our guide to laundry detergents for itchy skin, and if frequent washing is rough on your hands, our picks for hand creams for eczema can make the chore more comfortable.

• Reduce airborne triggers with our recommendations for air purifiers for dust mite allergies.
• Control dampness and spores using a dehumidifier designed for mold prone homes.
• If mold is a concern in laundry areas or bedrooms, review our top air purifiers for mold.

FAQ

How often should I wash bedding for someone with eczema or allergies?

For most people with eczema or allergies, washing sheets and pillowcases once a week in warm or hot water is a good baseline. During bad flares, dust mite season, or high pollen days, changing pillowcases every 2 to 3 days and washing full bedding every 3 to 4 days can noticeably reduce itching and congestion.

Is hot water always necessary to control dust mites in laundry?

Hot water at or above 130°F is the most reliable way to kill dust mites in fabrics that can tolerate it, such as cotton sheets and towels. For delicate items, you can compensate somewhat by using a longer warm wash, an effective detergent, an extra rinse, and then drying on medium to high heat until fully dry.

Can I safely use fabric softener in a household with allergies or eczema?

Many households with allergies or eczema do best when they avoid traditional fabric softeners and dryer sheets, because the fragrances and coating agents easily irritate skin. If you miss the feel of softened laundry, try fragrance free options in very small amounts, or switch to wool dryer balls and a vinegar rinse, and watch closely for any increase in itching or rashes.

What is the best way to wash new clothes for someone with sensitive skin?

Always wash new clothes before the first wear using your regular fragrance free, dye free detergent. Choose a normal length cycle with warm water when the fabric allows, add an extra rinse, and avoid fabric softener so you remove finishing chemicals and excess dyes without adding new irritants.

How can I tell if our laundry detergent is causing skin problems?

Signs that detergent might be a problem include itching or redness only where clothing touches, rashes that appear after switching products, or symptoms that improve when you spend time away from home in different clothes and bedding. If you suspect a reaction, switch to a very simple fragrance free detergent, add an extra rinse, and see whether symptoms ease over 2 to 4 weeks; for persistent or severe reactions, consult a healthcare professional.

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