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How to Make Laundry Smell Good When You Have Sensitive Skin

Kaya Deluy
July 19, 2022
It seems there are few options on how to make laundry smell good when you have sensitive skin. While there are many quality laundry brands and remedies that are available for those with sensitive skin, the one downside to these is that these products either don’t smell good or don't have a smell at all. Ideally, when it comes to laundry detergent, we all want our clothes to smell fresh as well, so to ensure that you get good value for your money, make your laundry smell good with sensitive skin by following this guide.
3 Common Causes of Sensitive Skin

Before I get into the remedies you can incorporate into your laundry routine, it’s important to discuss the common causes of these sensitive skin so you can identify or prevent issues with them moving forward.
#1: Fragrances

It is common for you to see laundry products, such as softener or laundry detergent marketed based on how they smell, not on how clean or pure they truly are. While these smells may seem tempting and harmless, did you know that these common fresh-smelling products can trigger adverse reactions to your skin?
What’s even more shocking is that this is not only the case for those who have sensitive skin but can generally affect anyone. Based on a study explained in an article by Coveteur, a survey on the prevalence of fragrance sensitivity found that 30 percent of participants experienced adverse effects to the skin at the hands of scented laundry products, showing its severity, and thus should be a reason to take caution.
#2: Surfactants

A more subtle reason for laundry-related allergies is the hidden allergens in these products. Like most soaps and perfumes, detergents contain one or more surfactants or surface-acting agents. What are surfactants you might ask? They work by loosening dirt and oil particles and allowing them to be washed away by water. For people with sensitive skin, these surfactants can cause visible and harsh rashes.
#3: Other Common Allergens

Like surfactants, there are other common allergens that can trigger these allergic reactions. Some of these hidden allergens include:
* Parabens
* Enzymes
* Colour and dyes
* Moisturizers
* Fabric softeners
* Thickeners and solvents
* Emulsifiers
Consider these precautions next time you decide to purchase laundry products by remembering to read the ingredients label carefully.
3 Remedies to Make Your Laundry Smell Good with Sensitive Skin
Now, it’s time to consider the 3 ways in which you can ensure your laundry will smell good, all on your own and in little time.
#1: Essential Oils

Essential oils serve so many different functions and benefits. They are made from plants naturally, with little to no invasive techniques for the environment. These products also kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses, as well as other harmful chemicals or potential dangers to you and your skin. Last but not least, their potency stimulates mood, increases attentiveness, improves sleep, and reduces pain, among many other health benefits. Make sure you do not have sensitivities to any oils or fragrances before attempting this method.
* 1 cup of baking soda
* 1 ½ cup of borax with 1 cup of white vinegar
* 20 drops of your favourite smelling lemon or orange citrus oil
This will make a homemade citrus oil. Use the citrus oil in a safe manner and always follow product labels before mixing with other cleaning products or other similar materials.
#2: Lavender Dryer Bags

Using lavender dryer bags is a natural method of freshening your laundry and can be used for other purposes later, as well, so it’s guaranteed to not be wasted. All you need is:
* Dried-up lavender (or whichever dried-up plant you prefer)
* Reusable bag (ideally linen, as this is one of the most sustainable materials)
Use a small reusable bag to fill with dried lavender, secure it tightly, and toss it in your dryer for a natural scent boost. To increase the potency, you can add a few drops of essential oil to your liking.
NOTE: The re-usability of these bags is no joke, as each of these dryer bags will last up to 10 loads in the dryer.
#3: Baking Soda

Baking soda is another chemical-free way to make your laundry smell better. Despite not having a strong, fresh smell like the other remedies in this article, baking soda plays a crucial role in preventing and neutralizing lingering odours. Balanced pH levels serve not only as a natural deodorizer but also as a brightener, allowing your clothes to return to their original colour.
This remedy is quite simple. All you need to do is add ½ cup of baking soda to a rinse cycle to your washing machine and it will do the job. If you want an extra boost of freshness in your laundry, you can combine this remedy with the others above!
Conclusion
I hope you found these remedies useful. Now, you can have laundry that smells fresh, clean, and most importantly, that is naturally good for your skin. To continue learning facts, or general information like this, click on one of the links below or scroll through our blog! We hope you enjoyed learning how to make your laundry smell good with sensitive skin.
Disclaimer: Always remember to consult your garments and these products' labels prior to adopting these methods into your laundry routine. Everyone has different sensitivities so use caution and consult your doctor before using these methods. Use these methods at your own risk. If you are unsure of mixing certain chemicals or properties, it is best to consult with a cleaning expert or other qualified professional before doing so.
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