Red, itchy skin? Unexplained rashes? Your laundry detergent could be to blame. Allergic reactions to laundry products are more common than you might think, especially among people who use conventional detergents that contain harsh chemicals, enzymes, and strong fragrances. Here’s how to spot the signs of detergent-related irritation, along with a few reasons to swap your suds for Clean Habits® Pre + Probiotic Laundry Detergent + Washing Machine Cleaner.
Clean Habits® isn’t just another cleaning brand—we’re pioneers in synbiotic cleaning science. Our formulas are powered by patented HEIQ Synbio Technology, a gentle yet powerful blend of prebiotics and probiotics. Our detergent is safe, effective, and designed to simplify your life, not complicate it by stressing out your skin.
Symptoms of a Laundry Detergent Allergy
A detergent allergy typically presents as contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by an irritant or allergen. In the case of a laundry detergent allergy, watch for an itchy, inflamed rash that appears on areas where your clothes touch your skin.
Symptoms can include:
- Redness or swelling
- Itchy, dry, or peeling skin
- Blisters or hives
- Burning or stinging sensation
The reaction may be immediate or take a few days to develop. Common hotspots include the underarms, groin, neck, and the backs of the knees. Clothing traps moisture and detergent residue on these parts of the body.
Common Irritants in Traditional Detergents
Many conventional laundry detergents contain ingredients that are known to trigger allergic reactions or skin sensitivities. These may include:
- Strong fragrances – Most people want their clothes to smell good. However, overpowering artificial perfumes in detergents and scent-enhancing wash add-ins are a common source of skin irritation.
- Optical brighteners – These are chemicals that make clothes appear whiter or brighter by reflecting light. They can linger in fabric and irritate your skin.
- Certain preservatives – Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) are preservatives commonly used in detergents that have been linked to allergic reactions.
- Enzymes – While enzymes help break down stains, they can also irritate sensitive skin, especially if the detergent leaves residue behind in the fabric.
- Cocamidopropyl betaine – A surfactant derived from coconut oil that’s frequently used for its foaming properties.
Skin Reactions Caused by a Dirty Washing Machine
Even if you switch to a gentle detergent, your washing machine could still be irritating your skin. Over time, washing machines collect detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, and grime from dirty clothes. This creates a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria, which can end up back on your “clean” laundry. If you’ve ruled out your detergent but still experience skin irritation, your washer may be the problem.
Clean Habits Pre + Probiotic Laundry Detergent + Washing Machine Cleaner addresses this issue head-on. As it cleans your clothes, it also populates your machine with beneficial bacteria that break down residue and continue working for up to five days.
Clean Your Clothes Without Irritating Your Skin
Clean Habits® Pre + Probiotic Laundry Detergent + Washing Machine Cleaner is designed with sensitive skin in mind. It’s free from sulfates, parabens, and harsh chemical fragrances. Instead, it uses natural, skin-safe ingredients and patented HEIQ Synbio® Technology to clean clothes and your washing machine. Order it online and transform your laundry routine.