{"id":3410,"date":"2025-05-07T09:43:10","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T08:43:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/?p=3410"},"modified":"2026-01-10T10:05:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T10:05:23","slug":"wash-baby-clothes-eczema-prone-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wash-baby-clothes-eczema-prone-skin","title":{"rendered":"How to Wash Baby Clothes for Eczema-Prone Skin (Derm-Approved Laundry Routine)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3410\" class=\"elementor elementor-3410\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56ec6a0f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"56ec6a0f\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2dfc0837 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2dfc0837\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 05-08-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<h1>How to Wash Baby Clothes for Eczema-Prone Skin<\/h1><p><strong>Not medical advice:<\/strong> This guide shares <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-berrylands\">laundry<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-best-dry-cleaning-service-in-london\">best<\/a> practices that align with major dermatology\/allergy organisations. If your baby\u2019s eczema is severe, infected, or not improving, please speak with a GP, health visitor, or dermatologist.<\/p><h2>The routine most families can start today)<\/h2><p>If your baby has eczema, laundry is usually about <strong>reducing irritants and detergent residue<\/strong> rather than \u201cextra-strong cleaning.\u201d Dermatologists and allergy experts commonly recommend <strong>fragrance-free, dye-free detergent<\/strong>, <strong>washing new clothes before wearing<\/strong>, and <strong>adding an extra rinse if clothes still irritate skin<\/strong>.<\/p><h2>Why laundry can trigger eczema in babies (simple science, no fluff)<\/h2><p>Babies with eczema (atopic dermatitis) tend to have a <strong>weaker skin barrier<\/strong>, which makes skin more reactive to everyday exposures\u2014especially things left on fabrics that sit against the skin all day. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AAAAI<\/a> explains that eczema skin is less effective as a barrier and that some detergents\/cleansers can disrupt it further.<\/p><p>Two \u201cbig levers\u201d in laundry are:<\/p><ol><li><strong>Fragrance\/additives<\/strong><br \/>Dermatologists recommend <strong>fragrance-free and dye-free<\/strong> detergent for eczema-prone skin.<\/li><li><strong>Residue (leftover detergent\/softener on fabric)<\/strong><br \/>The UK National Eczema Society highlights that an <strong>extra rinse<\/strong> can reduce chemicals left on clothes and even reduce chemical build-up inside the machine.<\/li><\/ol><p>There\u2019s 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.<\/p><p><strong>Translation: it\u2019s sensible to reduce unnecessary exposure and residue\u2014without panicking or over-obsessing.<\/strong><\/p><h2>The 7-step eczema-safe baby laundry routine (built for real life)<\/h2><h3>Step 1) Wash new baby clothes before first wear<\/h3><p>New clothes can carry finishes, dyes, and residues from manufacturing and transport. The American Academy of Dermatology explicitly recommends <strong>washing new clothes before wearing<\/strong> for people with atopic dermatitis.<\/p><p><strong>Hamlet tip:<\/strong> Wash <em>everything<\/em> that touches skin regularly\u2014vests, sleepsuits, socks, hats, and especially bedding.<\/p><h3>Step 2) Choose fragrance-free, dye-free detergent (and know what labels mean)<\/h3><p>AAD: use laundry detergent that is <strong>fragrance free and dye free<\/strong>.<br \/>AAAAI: use <strong>fragrance-free laundry detergents<\/strong>.<br \/>AAP: use an <strong>additive-free (fragrance- and dye-free) detergent<\/strong> for laundering clothes.<\/p><p><strong>Label note that prevents mistakes:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><strong>Fragrance-free<\/strong> = no added perfume.<\/li><li><strong>Unscented<\/strong> <em>can still contain masking fragrance<\/em> (varies by brand). When in doubt, look for \u201cfragrance\u201d or \u201cparfum\u201d in ingredients, or pick products clearly marketed as fragrance-free.<\/li><\/ul><h3>Step 3) Use <em>less<\/em> detergent than the label suggests (residue matters)<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/eczema.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The National Eczema Society advises<\/a> using <strong>as little as is consistent with getting a <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-canary-wharf\">clean<\/a> wash<\/strong>, often <strong>less than suggested on packaging<\/strong>, and warns overdosing can cause problems.<\/p><p><strong>Practical rule:<\/strong> If clothes feel \u201cwaxy,\u201d \u201csoapy,\u201d or strongly scented after drying, reduce dose and add rinsing.<\/p><h3>Step 4) Pick wash temperature based on <em>soil level<\/em> (not habit)<\/h3><p>For most lightly soiled baby clothes:<\/p><ul><li>Use <strong>cool to warm<\/strong> (follow care labels).<\/li><li>Prioritise rinsing well.<\/li><\/ul><p>For heavily soiled items (milk\/poo\/vomit):<\/p><ul><li>Use the warmest temperature the fabric allows and a thorough cycle, then rinse well (more on this in the Hygiene section below).<\/li><\/ul><p><em>(You don\u2019t need to hot-wash everything daily\u2014eczema routines work best when they\u2019re consistent and realistic.)<\/em><\/p><h3>Step 5) Add an extra rinse (often the biggest difference)<\/h3><p>AAAAI: \u201cUse fragrance free laundry detergents and <strong>consider adding an extra rinse cycle<\/strong> if you find your clothes still irritate your skin.\u201d<br \/>National Eczema Society: \u201cAdding an <strong>extra rinse cycle<\/strong> \u2026 can make a huge difference,\u201d including \u201cbaby\u201d cycles that add extra rinsing.<\/p><p><strong>If you only change one thing this week, change this.<\/strong><\/p><h3>Step 6) Skip fabric softeners, scent boosters, and dryer sheets<\/h3><p>The National Eczema Society notes detergents, <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/how-to-get-mud-stain-out-of-clothes\">stain<\/a> removers, and <strong>fabric softeners<\/strong> can trigger issues because washed material is in direct contact with bare skin, and suggests removing fabric softener while testing detergents.<\/p><p>AAP adds nuance: if a fabric softener is used, it should be <strong>additive-free<\/strong>.<br \/><strong>Real-life take:<\/strong> If you\u2019re trying to reduce flares, skipping softener is the cleanest experiment.<\/p><h3>Step 7) Dry and store in a \u201cno re-scenting\u201d way<\/h3><p>Even if you wash perfectly, clothes can pick up fragrance again from:<\/p><ul><li>scented wardrobes\/drawers<\/li><li>strongly scented adult laundry stored nearby<\/li><li>fragranced dryer sheets<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Easy win:<\/strong> Keep baby items stored separately and avoid scented storage sachets.<\/p><h2>Detergent &amp; laundry product checklist<\/h2><table><thead><tr><td><strong>Choose (usually better for eczema)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Avoid (common irritants\/residue sources)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Why<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Fragrance-free &amp; dye-free \/ additive-free detergents<\/td><td>Perfumed detergents, \u201cscent boosters,\u201d heavily fragranced \u201cbaby\u201d products<\/td><td>Fragrance is a frequent trigger; residue sits on fabric against skin<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Extra rinse \/ \u201cbaby cycle\u201d<\/td><td>Overdosing detergent, overloaded machine<\/td><td>Rinsing removes leftover chemicals more effectively<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Simple routine + patch-test changes<\/td><td>Changing 3 things at once<\/td><td>Lets you identify what actually helps<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p><strong>UK note on \u201cnon-bio\u201d:<\/strong> National Eczema Society mentions many people report doing better with non-biological products, but also notes there isn\u2019t a clear scientific reason why it should always be better for everyone.<br \/>So: use it as an option\u2014not a guarantee.<\/p><h2>Hygiene vs irritation: what to do with \u201creal baby mess\u201d<\/h2><p>Parents often get stuck between \u201cI need this properly clean\u201d and \u201cI don\u2019t want a flare.\u201d You can do both.<\/p><p><strong>If clothes are lightly worn \/ not visibly soiled<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>Cool\u2013warm wash + fragrance-free detergent + correct dose + extra rinse.<\/li><li>No softener.<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>If clothes are heavily soiled (poo \/ vomit \/ lots of milk)<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>Rinse off solids first (cold water helps prevent setting protein stains).<\/li><li>Wash using the warmest safe temperature for the fabric.<\/li><li>Still use fragrance-free detergent.<\/li><li>Add an extra rinse to reduce residue afterwards.<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Key idea:<\/strong> Hygiene is handled by <strong>cycle choice + pre-rinse<\/strong>, while eczema comfort is protected by <strong>additive control + residue control<\/strong>.<\/p><h2>Hard water in London: why eczema families notice more residue (and what to do)<\/h2><p>If you\u2019re in <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/travel-guide-to-london\">London<\/a>, you\u2019re often dealing with <strong>hard water<\/strong> (more dissolved minerals). Thames Water explains that most water in the South-East of England is naturally hard due to mineral content.<br \/>The UK Drinking Water Inspectorate also explains hardness comes from dissolved calcium and magnesium and varies by geology.<\/p><p><strong>Why this matters for laundry:<\/strong> Hard water can make it easier to accidentally overuse detergent (and harder to rinse it fully), which can increase residue on clothes.<\/p><p><strong>London adjustments that help:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>Use <strong>less detergent<\/strong>, not more.<\/li><li>Prefer an <strong>extra rinse<\/strong> (or even two if your machine allows).<\/li><li>Don\u2019t overload the drum (rinsing works better).<\/li><li>Keep the machine clean (next section).<\/li><\/ul><h2>Keep the washing machine clean (this matters more than people think)<\/h2><p>National Eczema Society points out that an extra rinse can reduce chemical build-up <strong>in the machine<\/strong> as well as on clothes.<br \/>Their Washday Wisdom piece also stresses washer maintenance (drawer cleaning, letting the door\/drawer dry between cycles) and warns that \u201cnasties\u201d like bacteria\/mould\/chemical build-up can accumulate.<\/p><p><strong>Simple maintenance routine:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>Once a month: run an <strong>empty hot wash<\/strong> (follow your machine guidance).<\/li><li>Weekly: rinse and wipe the detergent drawer area.<\/li><li>After washes: leave door + drawer slightly open to dry.<\/li><\/ul><h2>What we do at Hamlet Laundry (London) for eczema-sensitive baby clothes<\/h2><p>This is the part we wish more laundry advice included: the <strong>process<\/strong>.<\/p><p>When families tell us a baby has eczema-prone skin, our aim is simple: <strong>clean clothes with minimal irritant load<\/strong>\u2014and a routine parents can replicate at home.<\/p><p>Here\u2019s the approach we follow, aligned with AAD\/AAAAI\/AAP and eczema-charity guidance:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Fragrance-free, dye-free detergent by default<\/strong> (additive-free where possible).<\/li><li><strong>Residue-first mindset:<\/strong> correct dosing + <strong>extra rinsing<\/strong> for sensitive loads.<\/li><li><strong>No scent boosters \/ no fragranced softeners<\/strong> during eczema-sensitive processing.<\/li><li><strong>Machine care<\/strong> to reduce build-up and cross-contamination (especially important when processing lots of loads).<\/li><\/ul><h3>A gentle, subtle note (for London parents)<\/h3><p>If your baby\u2019s eczema flares every time you change detergent\u2014or you simply don\u2019t have the headspace to keep experimenting\u2014<strong>Hamlet Laundry can take the trial-and-error off your plate<\/strong> with a sensitive-skin laundry process designed around residue reduction and fragrance avoidance.<\/p><p><em>(Global readers: keep the routine; London readers: you\u2019ve got a local option.)<\/em><\/p><h3>Common mistakes we see (and quick fixes)<\/h3><ol><li><strong>Using \u201cmore detergent for extra clean\u201d<\/strong> \u2192 Use less + rinse more.<\/li><li><strong>Relying on scented \u201cbaby\u201d products<\/strong> \u2192 Choose fragrance-free\/dye-free.<\/li><li><strong>Skipping the extra rinse<\/strong> \u2192 Add it first before switching brands.<\/li><li><strong>Overloading the machine<\/strong> \u2192 Better movement = better rinsing.<\/li><li><strong>Softener \u201cjust this once\u201d<\/strong> \u2192 Pause it during flare-ups\/testing.<\/li><\/ol><h2>FAQs<\/h2><p><strong>Should I wash baby clothes separately if my baby has eczema?<\/strong><\/p><p>Often, yes\u2014especially if the household uses fragrance products on adult laundry. Separate loads reduce \u201cfragrance transfer\u201d and make it easier to control detergent dose and rinsing. Dermatology guidance emphasises fragrance-free\/dye-free products and avoiding irritants against the skin.<\/p><p><strong>Do I really need an extra rinse cycle?<\/strong><\/p><p>If your baby\u2019s 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 \u201chuge difference.\u201d<\/p><p><strong>Is fabric softener bad for eczema-prone skin?<\/strong><\/p><p>It depends on the person, but for eczema troubleshooting it\u2019s 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.<\/p><p><strong>\u201cNon-bio\u201d vs \u201cbio\u201d detergent\u2014what\u2019s better for baby eczema?<\/strong><\/p><p>Many people report better tolerance with non-bio, but National Eczema Society notes there isn\u2019t a clear scientific reason it should always be better. In practice, fragrance-free\/dye-free and good rinsing usually matter more than \u201cbio vs non-bio.\u201d<\/p><p><strong>Can laundry detergent actually worsen eczema?<\/strong><\/p><p>It can contribute\u2014especially 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.<br \/>Research also explores how detergent exposure can impact barrier function and inflammation in experimental settings, supporting a \u201cminimise irritant exposure\u201d approach.<\/p><p><strong>If you want the simplest plan<\/strong><\/p><p>Start with these three:<\/p><ol><li><strong>Fragrance-free, dye-free detergent<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Use less detergent<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Add an extra rinse<\/strong><\/li><\/ol><p>Try it for 2\u20133 weeks (eczema is rarely a one-wash fix), change only one variable at a time, and watch your baby\u2019s skin.<\/p><h2>Let Hamlet Laundry Take Laundry Stress Off Your Plate (London Parents)<\/h2><p>If you\u2019re doing <em>everything right<\/em>\u2014fragrance-free detergent, extra rinses, careful sorting\u2014but laundry is still a source of stress (or flare-ups), you don\u2019t have to handle it alone.<\/p><p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/\"><strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd<\/strong><\/a>, we help London families care for baby clothes <strong>gently, consistently, and thoughtfully<\/strong>, especially when sensitive or eczema-prone skin is involved.<\/p><p><strong>Why parents trust Hamlet Laundry <\/strong><strong>\ud83d\udc76<\/strong><strong>\ud83e\uddfa<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>\u2705 <strong>Fragrance-free &amp; dye-free washing<\/strong> for sensitive baby items<\/li><li>\ud83d\udd01 <strong>Extra rinse cycles<\/strong> to reduce detergent residue<\/li><li>\ud83e\uddfc <strong>Carefully maintained machines<\/strong> to avoid build-up and cross-contamination<\/li><li>\ud83d\udc55 <strong>Separate handling for baby &amp; sensitive-skin loads<\/strong><\/li><li>\ud83d\ude9a <strong>FREE pickup &amp; delivery across London<\/strong> \u2014 no trips, no heavy bags<\/li><li>\u23f0 <strong>Reliable turnaround times<\/strong> that fit real family schedules<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>When Hamlet Laundry is especially helpful<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>You\u2019re <strong>tired of trial-and-error<\/strong> with detergents<\/li><li>Your baby\u2019s eczema <strong>flares after laundry day<\/strong><\/li><li>You want <strong>peace of mind<\/strong>, not another thing to troubleshoot<\/li><li>You\u2019d rather spend time with your baby\u2014not the washing machine \ud83d\udc9b<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Gentle laundry isn\u2019t about perfection \u2014 it\u2019s about consistency.<\/strong><br \/>That\u2019s exactly what we aim to provide, load after load.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udc49 <strong>If you\u2019re in London<\/strong>, Hamlet Laundry can <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/order\">help<\/a> you simplify laundry while caring for your baby\u2019s sensitive skin.<br \/><strong>Clean clothes. Fewer irritants. One less worry.<\/strong><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Wash Baby Clothes for Eczema-Prone Skin Not medical advice: This guide shares laundry<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3411,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[419,510,19],"tags":[438,421,430,437,439],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3410"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3410"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3410\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3415,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3410\/revisions\/3415"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3411"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3410"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3410"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}