How to Wash Baby Clothes for Eczema-Prone Skin

Not medical advice: This guide shares laundry best practices that align with major dermatology/allergy organisations. If your baby’s eczema is severe, infected, or not improving, please speak with a GP, health visitor, or dermatologist.

The routine most families can start today)

If your baby has eczema, laundry is usually about reducing irritants and detergent residue rather than “extra-strong cleaning.” Dermatologists and allergy experts commonly recommend fragrance-free, dye-free detergent, washing new clothes before wearing, and adding an extra rinse if clothes still irritate skin.

Why laundry can trigger eczema in babies (simple science, no fluff)

Babies with eczema (atopic dermatitis) tend to have a weaker skin barrier, which makes skin more reactive to everyday exposures—especially things left on fabrics that sit against the skin all day. AAAAI explains that eczema skin is less effective as a barrier and that some detergents/cleansers can disrupt it further.

Two “big levers” in laundry are:

1. Fragrance/additives
   Dermatologists recommend fragrance-free and dye-free detergent for eczema-prone skin.
2. Residue (leftover detergent/softener on fabric)
   The UK National Eczema Society highlights that an extra rinse can reduce chemicals left on clothes and even reduce chemical build-up inside the machine.

There’s also research exploring how detergent exposure may interact with the skin barrier and allergic inflammation pathways (especially when the barrier is impaired). For example, a peer-reviewed PLOS ONE paper reports that laundry detergent exposure can damage barrier function and promote allergic skin inflammation in experimental models.

Translation: it’s sensible to reduce unnecessary exposure and residue—without panicking or over-obsessing.

The 7-step eczema-safe baby laundry routine (built for real life)

Step 1) Wash new baby clothes before first wear

New clothes can carry finishes, dyes, and residues from manufacturing and transport. The American Academy of Dermatology explicitly recommends washing new clothes before wearing for people with atopic dermatitis.

Hamlet tip: Wash everything that touches skin regularly—vests, sleepsuits, socks, hats, and especially bedding.

Step 2) Choose fragrance-free, dye-free detergent (and know what labels mean)

AAD: use laundry detergent that is fragrance free and dye free.
AAAAI: use fragrance-free laundry detergents.
AAP: use an additive-free (fragrance- and dye-free) detergent for laundering clothes.

Label note that prevents mistakes:

• Fragrance-free = no added perfume.
• Unscented can still contain masking fragrance (varies by brand). When in doubt, look for “fragrance” or “parfum” in ingredients, or pick products clearly marketed as fragrance-free.

Step 3) Use less detergent than thesuggests (residue matters)

The National Eczema Society advises using as little as is consistent with getting a clean wash, often less than suggested on packaging, and warns overdosing can cause problems.

Practical rule: If clothes feel “waxy,” “soapy,” or strongly scented after drying, reduce dose and add rinsing.

Step 4) Pick wash temperature based on soil level (not habit)

For most lightly soiled baby clothes:

• Use cool to warm (follow care labels).
• Prioritise rinsing well.

For heavily soiled items (milk/poo/vomit):

• Use the warmest temperature the fabric allows and a thorough cycle, then rinse well (more on this in the Hygiene section below).

(You don’t need to hot-wash everything daily—eczema routines work best when they’re consistent and realistic.)

Step 5) Add an extra rinse (often the biggest difference)

AAAAI: “Use fragrance free laundry detergents and consider adding an extra rinse cycle if you find your clothes still irritate your skin.”
National Eczema Society: “Adding an extra rinse cycle … can make a huge difference,” including “baby” cycles that add extra rinsing.

If you only change one thing this week, change this.

Step 6) Skip fabric softeners, scent boosters, and dryer sheets

The National Eczema Society notes detergents, stain removers, and fabric softeners can trigger issues because washed material is in direct contact with bare skin, and suggests removing fabric softener while testing detergents.

AAP adds nuance: if a fabric softener is used, it should be additive-free.
Real-life take: If you’re trying to reduce flares, skipping softener is the cleanest experiment.

Step 7) Dry and store in a “no re-scenting” way

Even if you wash perfectly, clothes can pick up fragrance again from:

• scented wardrobes/drawers
• strongly scented adult laundry stored nearby
• fragranced dryer sheets

Easy win: Keep baby items stored separately and avoid scented storage sachets.

Detergent & laundry product checklist

UK note on “non-bio”: National Eczema Society mentions many people report doing better with non-biological products, but also notes there isn’t a clear scientific reason why it should always be better for everyone.
So: use it as an option—not a guarantee.

Hygiene vs irritation: what to do with “real baby mess”

Parents often get stuck between “I need this properly clean” and “I don’t want a flare.” You can do both.

If clothes are lightly worn / not visibly soiled

• Cool–warm wash + fragrance-free detergent + correct dose + extra rinse.
• No softener.

If clothes are heavily soiled (poo / vomit / lots of milk)

• Rinse off solids first (cold water helps prevent setting protein stains).
• Wash using the warmest safe temperature for the fabric.
• Still use fragrance-free detergent.
• Add an extra rinse to reduce residue afterwards.

Key idea: Hygiene is handled by cycle choice + pre-rinse, while eczema comfort is protected by additive control + residue control.

Hard water in London: why eczema families notice more residue (and what to do)

If you’re in London, you’re often dealing with hard water (more dissolved minerals). Thames Water explains that most water in the South-East of England is naturally hard due to mineral content.
The UK Drinking Water Inspectorate also explains hardness comes from dissolved calcium and magnesium and varies by geology.

Why this matters for laundry: Hard water can make it easier to accidentally overuse detergent (and harder to rinse it fully), which can increase residue on clothes.

London adjustments that help:

• Use less detergent, not more.
• Prefer an extra rinse (or even two if your machine allows).
• Don’t overload the drum (rinsing works better).
• Keep the machine clean (next section).

Keep the washing machine clean (this matters more than people think)

National Eczema Society points out that an extra rinse can reduce chemical build-up in the machine as well as on clothes.
Their Washday Wisdom piece also stresses washer maintenance (drawer cleaning, letting the door/drawer dry between cycles) and warns that “nasties” like bacteria/mould/chemical build-up can accumulate.

Simple maintenance routine:

• Once a month: run an empty hot wash (follow your machine guidance).
• Weekly: rinse and wipe the detergent drawer area.
• After washes: leave door + drawer slightly open to dry.

What we do at Hamlet Laundry (London) for eczema-sensitive baby clothes

This is the part we wish more laundry advice included: the process.

When families tell us a baby has eczema-prone skin, our aim is simple: clean clothes with minimal irritant load—and a routine parents can replicate at home.

Here’s the approach we follow, aligned with AAD/AAAAI/AAP and eczema-charity guidance:

• Fragrance-free, dye-free detergent by default (additive-free where possible).
• Residue-first mindset: correct dosing + extra rinsing for sensitive loads.
• No scent boosters / no fragranced softeners during eczema-sensitive processing.
• Machine care to reduce build-up and cross-contamination (especially important when processing lots of loads).

A gentle, subtle note (for London parents)

If your baby’s eczema flares every time you change detergent—or you simply don’t have the headspace to keep experimenting—Hamlet Laundry can take the trial-and-error off your plate with a sensitive-skin laundry process designed around residue reduction and fragrance avoidance.

(Global readers: keep the routine; London readers: you’ve got a local option.)

Common mistakes we see (and quick fixes)

1. Using “more detergent for extra clean” → Use less + rinse more.
2. Relying on scented “baby” products → Choose fragrance-free/dye-free.
3. Skipping the extra rinse → Add it first before switching brands.
4. Overloading the machine → Better movement = better rinsing.
5. Softener “just this once” → Pause it during flare-ups/testing.

FAQs

Should I wash baby clothes separately if my baby has eczema?

Often, yes—especially if the household uses fragrance products on adult laundry. Separate loads reduce “fragrance transfer” and make it easier to control detergent dose and rinsing. Dermatology guidance emphasises fragrance-free/dye-free products and avoiding irritants against the skin.

Do I really need an extra rinse cycle?

If your baby’s skin reacts after laundry day, an extra rinse is one of the best low-effort tests. AAAAI recommends considering it if clothes still irritate skin, and National Eczema Society says it can make a “huge difference.”

Is fabric softener bad for eczema-prone skin?

It depends on the person, but for eczema troubleshooting it’s smart to remove it first. National Eczema Society advises taking softener out while testing detergents, and AAP notes that if used, it should be additive-free.

“Non-bio” vs “bio” detergent—what’s better for baby eczema?

Many people report better tolerance with non-bio, but National Eczema Society notes there isn’t a clear scientific reason it should always be better. In practice, fragrance-free/dye-free and good rinsing usually matter more than “bio vs non-bio.”

Can laundry detergent actually worsen eczema?

It can contribute—especially via irritants like fragrance or by leaving residue on fabrics that sit against skin. This is why major organisations recommend fragrance-free detergents and extra rinsing when irritation persists.
Research also explores how detergent exposure can impact barrier function and inflammation in experimental settings, supporting a “minimise irritant exposure” approach.

If you want the simplest plan

Start with these three:

1. Fragrance-free, dye-free detergent
2. Use less detergent
3. Add an extra rinse

Try it for 2–3 weeks (eczema is rarely a one-wash fix), change only one variable at a time, and watch your baby’s skin.

Let Hamlet Laundry Take Laundry Stress Off Your Plate (London Parents)

If you’re doing everything right—fragrance-free detergent, extra rinses, careful sorting—but laundry is still a source of stress (or flare-ups), you don’t have to handle it alone.

At Hamlet Laundry Ltd, we help London families care for baby clothes gently, consistently, and thoughtfully, especially when sensitive or eczema-prone skin is involved.

Why parents trust Hamlet Laundry 👶🧺

• ✅ Fragrance-free & dye-free washing for sensitive baby items
• 🔁 Extra rinse cycles to reduce detergent residue
• 🧼 Carefully maintained machines to avoid build-up and cross-contamination
• 👕 Separate handling for baby & sensitive-skin loads
• 🚚 FREE pickup & delivery across London — no trips, no heavy bags
• ⏰ Reliable turnaround times that fit real family schedules

When Hamlet Laundry is especially helpful

• You’re tired of trial-and-error with detergents
• Your baby’s eczema flares after laundry day
• You want peace of mind, not another thing to troubleshoot
• You’d rather spend time with your baby—not the washing machine 💛

Gentle laundry isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency.
That’s exactly what we aim to provide, load after load.

👉 If you’re in London, Hamlet Laundry can help you simplify laundry while caring for your baby’s sensitive skin.
Clean clothes. Fewer irritants. One less worry.