Ah, laundry. It’s absolutely endless, especially if you have family members who require (or insist on) multiple outfit changes a day. And if you or someone in your family is among the 50% of people with sensitive skin, it’s not just the mountains of clothes that need to be washed, folded, and (why is this always the hardest part?) actually put away that weigh on you, but the irritation those clean clothes might cause to their skin.
Is it even possible to get in a laundry groove and not have to walk around overflowing baskets in the living room, or direct your kids to the dryer for clean underwear? Yes, yes it is. And once you’re in a good one, you’ll be amazed how much lighter you feel. Try this routine designed for sensitive types — from how to treat stains to how to make your clothing more skin-friendly — so you can sail through your washing and spare your skin.
1. Choose the right detergent.
Your detergent plays a huge role in streamlining your laundry process. You want something that can remove odors and lift stains with little work on your end. But when you have sensitive skin, you have to be really choosy about the detergent you use. One that’s heavily fragranced or laden with dyes may leave your sensitive skin feeling itchy and scratchy. Look for detergents that are free of dyes and perfumes so that they won't irritate skin.
2. Pre-treat soiled clothes.
At least 10 minutes before you’re ready to wash, scan clothing for any obvious stains. If you spot one, wet fabric and apply gentle detergent to the stain. Rub gently, wait 5 to 10 minutes, then wash immediately. Always test an inside seam first for colorfastness before applying detergent to the stain.
3. Select the right water temp.
To maximize your laundry time, using the right water temperature is a must. The wrong setting can leave your clothing not-so-clean — or ruined. To figure out which temperature to use, start by reading the care tags on your clothing, and group similarly colored clothing that require the same water temperature together. For brights and delicates, go with cold water, which will reduce the risk of shrinking and color bleeding; use hot for bedding and towels, as well as heavily soiled clothes. Go with warm water for synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester.
4. Use the right amount of detergent.
If you always fill that little cup to the brim and toss it in the dispenser, you may be left with residue on your clothing — and skin, especially if you have a high-efficiency washer (look for the “he” symbol), which uses way less water than a standard washer. You only need about a third capful (bar 1 on cap) for most medium-size loads, but you should use a half capful (bar 3) for cold washes and a full capful for large or heavily soiled loads.
5. Add a fabric softener.
If rough fibers on your clothing and towels send you — or your loved ones — scratching, consider adding a fabric softener to your wash cycle. It softens up the fibers so they lie smooth and feel less irritating on skin. Like your detergent, look for a fabric softener that is free of fragrance and dyes.
6. Rinse twice.
To ensure your clothes are clean and free of any lingering suds, give clothes an extra rinse before moving on to the drying stage. Many washing machines have an optional setting to do this automatically at the end of the cycle.
7. Get your wash in the dryer pronto.
The longer you wait, you risk mildew or mold setting in, which is not just icky and stinky, it can also irritate certain skin conditions. To be mindful of the time, use the alarm on your washer so you know when the cycle is complete. If you’re not home, aim to get your wet clothes in the dryer before the eight-hour mark.
8. Fold your clothes right from the dryer.
How to do away with baskets of clean laundry begging to be dealt with? Make it a personal policy to fold your clothes just as you take them out of the dryer. Then bring that basket to the wearer’s room and put the clothes away. A load a day gets it done!
