DIY Hypo-Allergenic Laundry Detergent

Ah, yes. It’s allergy season. There are many things to love about Spring, but allergies are not among them.

Don’t you just love Spring? There’s something wonderful about seeing blue sky and sunshine after enduring a cold, dreary winter. As I sat at the kitchen table drinking my morning coffee today, I noticed the crisp breeze coming through the windows, the vibrant colors of the tulips outside and the itchiness in my eyes. As I left the table and scurried to the bathroom in search of allergy pills, it occurred to me that it might be a good idea for us to broach the subject of hypoallergenic laundry products.

People with sensitive skin are often allergic to the dyes and fragrances in laundry products. It often takes just one wash in the wrong detergent to cause their skin to itch or break out in rashes. As luck would have it, grocery stores shelves have become inundated with “free and clear” laundry products over course of the last ten years or so. One might think the laundry products would be cheaper, since they’re missing all of those extra dyes and perfumes, but that’s not the case. They actually cost just as much as their regular counterparts, and sometimes a little more. What follows is a recipe for a homemade hypoallergenic laundry detergent, which will be kind to both your wallet as well as your skin.

Benefits of Using Hypo-Allergenic Products

Switching to hypo-allergenic laundry detergent offers numerous benefits. For those with eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions, these detergents can help reduce irritation and flare-ups. Additionally, hypo-allergenic detergents are often more environmentally friendly because they tend to use fewer harmful chemicals, making them a safer option for your skin

Step-by-Step Guide to Making DIY Hypo-Allergenic Laundry Detergent

Supplies Needed:

3 cups of baking soda
3 cups of washing soda (Arm & Hammer makes a good one, which is available in most grocery stores)
3 cups of finely grated Castile soap (it’s made from vegetable oils and bars of it are usually large)
3 cups of 20 Mule Team Borax
1 large plastic container with a tight-fitting lid

Directions:

Combine the above ingredients in the large plastic container. Put the lid on and shake the container, in order to mix the ingredients. Make sure the container is clearly marked in order to easily identify its contents. Use 1/2 cup of the detergent for each load of laundry or 3/4 to 1 cup for heavily soiled loads. You can always double or triple the ingredients to avoid having to mix the detergent as often. Those of us who battle extreme cases of allergies will also benefit from buying hypoallergenic bed linens. Look for ones that are made of silk or bamboo, since both are naturally hypoallergenic.

If you’re too busy to do your own laundry, let alone make your own detergent, let us do it for you. Laundry Care is fast, affordable and offers quality service. Give us a call today and see why we’re quickly becoming one of the area’s busiest laundry services.

How to Test the DIY Detergent for Skin Sensitivity

Before using the detergent on all your clothes, it’s important to perform a patch test to ensure it’s safe for your skin. Apply a small amount of detergent to a patch of skin on your inner arm and wait for 24 hours. If there is no irritation or redness, it should be safe to use on your clothes. However, if any signs of discomfort occur, it’s best to discontinue use and adjust the recipe, perhaps reducing the amount of essential oils or switching ingredients.

Why DIY Hypo-Allergenic Laundry Detergent Is a Great Choice

Making your own DIY hypo-allergenic laundry detergent is not only easy and affordable, but it’s also a safer option for those with sensitive skin. With simple, natural ingredients, you can create a detergent that’s both effective and gentle, leaving your clothes clean and soft without the harmful chemicals. By switching to DIY, you’re making a positive change for your health, and the environment.

Ready to be Laundry-Free? Try Laundry Care’s Wash and Fold Laundry Service today!