How to Wash Clothes for Eczema & Psoriasis

For people living with chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, skin care doesn’t end at lotions and creams. Your clothing, bedding, and towels are in near-constant contact with your skin, acting as a “second skin”. Unfortunately, many London residents—from the leafy streets of Acton (W3, W4) to the bustling areas of Aldgate (EC3)—may be unknowingly triggering flare-ups through their laundry routine.

Flash Sale Alert: To promote skin health, Hamlet Laundry Ltd is offering a flat 15% discount on all services for 24th–25th January 2026. Use coupon code SKINCARE15 at checkout.

Why Laundry Can Trigger Eczema and Psoriasis Flare-Ups

Many people assume that clean clothes are always safe for sensitive skin—but that’s not always true. Research shows that residual detergents, hard water minerals, and chemical finishes can irritate the skin and disrupt its natural barrier. Two key factors make laundry particularly challenging for sensitive London skin:

1. Alkaline Detergents & Skin Barrier Disruption

Healthy human skin maintains an acidic “acid mantle” with a pH of around 5.5. Most conventional UK laundry detergents are highly alkaline, sometimes exceeding a pH of 10.

Studies, including research in Acta Dermato-Venereologica, show that alkaline detergents can strip protective lipids, causing increased Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). A compromised skin barrier allows irritants to penetrate, leading to inflammation, itching, and worsening eczema or psoriasis.

2. London’s Hard Water Challenge

In areas like Addiscombe (CR0) and Abbey Wood (SE2), London water is classified as very hard, containing high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals react with detergent to form a fine, insoluble residue known as soap scum.

This residue can:

• Make fabrics stiff and abrasive
• Trap chemical irritants inside fibers
• Increase friction against sensitive skin

Residents may feel their clothes are “clean,” but microscopic irritants remain, aggravating eczema and psoriasis.

7 Dermatologist-Approved Steps for Sensitive-Skin Laundry

1. The “New Garment” Detox

New clothing often contains formaldehyde, resins, and chemical finishes to prevent wrinkles, mildew, or color fading. Stockholm University research shows these chemicals are common contact allergens.

Action: Always double-wash new items before the first wear. This removes residual dyes and chemical finishes, reducing the risk of immediate skin irritation.

2. Liquid Detergent Over Powder

Powder detergents often fail to dissolve completely in cooler, eco-friendly washes (30°C), leaving micro-granules lodged in seams and fibers. These act like sandpaper against delicate or inflamed skin.

Solution:

• Use high-quality, fragrance-free liquid detergents.
• Avoid “unscented” detergents—they often contain masking chemicals, which can trigger allergic reactions.

3. Wash Bedding at 60°C

Low-temperature washes are great for saving energy but do not remove dust mites, a major environmental trigger for eczema and atopic dermatitis.

Tip: Wash pillows, duvet covers, and sheets at 60°C weekly. This ensures complete eradication of dust mites, allergens, and microbial contaminants.

4. High-Extraction Rinsing

Standard domestic washing machines often leave detergent residues due to water-saving designs. Residual surfactants can irritate skin over time.

The Hamlet Laundry Difference:

• We use professional-grade extractors in central London to remove up to 3x more chemical residue than home machines.
• Our high-extraction rinsing ensures no irritants remain in fibers, protecting sensitive skin.

5. Avoid Synthetic Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners coat fabrics with a waxy cationic surfactant film. While they feel soft, they:

• Reduce breathability
• Trap sweat and heat against the skin
• Increase the risk of heat-induced eczema

Safe Alternative: Use distilled white vinegar in the rinse cycle. It neutralizes alkaline residues, softens hard water minerals, and leaves no scent or chemical film.

6. Bio-Film Prevention & Drum Hygiene

Low-temperature washes can cause bio-film buildup—bacteria and mold colonies inside the machine drum and seals. These microorganisms can transfer to clothes, potentially causing secondary skin infections in broken or cracked skin.

Action: Run a monthly “Service Wash” at 90°C with an empty drum and a machine sanitizer. This eliminates bacteria and mold effectively.

7. Humidity-Controlled Drying

Air-drying clothes outside in London exposes them to pollen, dust, and urban particulate matter (PM₂.₅). Additionally, air-dried fabrics can become stiff, increasing mechanical friction on sensitive skin.

Solution: Use a professional dryer on a low, humidity-controlled setting to keep fibers soft, airy, and gentle against the skin.

Choosing the Right Fabrics for Sensitive Skin

Not all “natural” fabrics are safe. Here’s a guide for eczema and psoriasis-friendly clothing:

Why London Residents Trust Hamlet Laundry Ltd

Hamlet Laundry doesn’t just wash clothes; we provide dermatological-grade garment care tailored to sensitive skin. Our services are ideal for residents in Abbey Wood, Acton, Albany Park, Aldborough Hatch, Addiscombe, Addington, and Aldgate.

Our Promise:

• Medical-Grade Rinsing: Removes up to 3x more detergent residue than home machines.
• Hard Water Treatment: Eliminates soap scum and mineral buildup.
• Hygiene Excellence: Sanitized loads prevent bacterial and mold contamination.
• Expert Fiber Care: Humidity-controlled drying keeps clothes soft and non-reactive.

Convenience:

• Free Pickup & Delivery across London
• Fast 24-Hour Turnaround
• Service for All London Postcodes

Claim Your Specialist Care This Weekend

Take control of your skin health—your laundry can become part of your eczema and psoriasis management plan.

• Offer: 15% OFF all services
• Dates: 24th & 25th January 2026
• Coupon Code: SKINCARE15
• Service Areas: Abbey Wood, Acton, Albany Park, Aldborough Hatch, Addiscombe, Addington, Aldgate

🧺 Book Your Eczema-Safe Laundry Collection Now!