{"id":3621,"date":"2026-01-24T12:54:53","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T12:54:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/?p=3621"},"modified":"2026-01-24T12:58:54","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T12:58:54","slug":"sensitive-skin-laundry-eczema-psoriasis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/sensitive-skin-laundry-eczema-psoriasis","title":{"rendered":"The Sensitive Skin Guide: How to Wash Clothes for Eczema &#038; Psoriasis (7 Dermatologist-Approved Steps)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3621\" class=\"elementor elementor-3621\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6442fb0c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6442fb0c\" 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-3aff3ea0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3aff3ea0\" 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 Clothes for Eczema &amp; Psoriasis<\/h1><p data-start=\"334\" data-end=\"773\">For people living with chronic skin conditions like <strong data-start=\"386\" data-end=\"396\">eczema<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"414\">psoriasis<\/strong>, skin care doesn\u2019t end at lotions and creams. Your <strong data-start=\"466\" data-end=\"499\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-bickley\">clothing<\/a>, bedding, and towels<\/strong> are in near-constant contact with your skin, acting as a <strong data-start=\"557\" data-end=\"574\">\u201csecond skin\u201d<\/strong>. Unfortunately, many <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/travel-guide-to-london\">London<\/a> residents\u2014from the leafy streets of <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/services\/laundry-service-acton\"><strong data-start=\"639\" data-end=\"657\">Acton (W3, W4)<\/strong><\/a> to the bustling areas of <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/services\/laundry-ironing-dry-cleaning-services-in-aldgate\"><strong data-start=\"683\" data-end=\"700\">Aldgate (EC3)<\/strong><\/a>\u2014may be unknowingly triggering flare-ups through their <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-berrylands\">laundry<\/a> routine.<\/p><p data-start=\"777\" data-end=\"975\"><strong data-start=\"777\" data-end=\"798\">Flash Sale Alert:<\/strong> To promote skin health, <strong data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"845\">Hamlet Laundry Ltd<\/strong> is offering a <strong data-start=\"860\" data-end=\"881\">flat 15% discount<\/strong> on all services for <strong data-start=\"902\" data-end=\"928\">24th\u201325th January 2026<\/strong>. Use coupon code <strong data-start=\"946\" data-end=\"960\">SKINCARE15<\/strong> at checkout.<\/p><h2 data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1041\">Why Laundry Can Trigger Eczema and Psoriasis Flare-Ups<\/h2><p data-start=\"1043\" data-end=\"1369\">Many people assume that <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-canary-wharf\">clean<\/a> clothes are always safe for sensitive skin\u2014but that\u2019s not always true. Research shows that <strong data-start=\"1164\" data-end=\"1231\">residual detergents, hard water minerals, and chemical finishes<\/strong> can irritate the skin and disrupt its natural barrier. Two key factors make laundry particularly challenging for sensitive London skin:<\/p><h3 data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1425\">1. Alkaline Detergents &amp; Skin Barrier Disruption<\/h3><p data-start=\"1427\" data-end=\"1615\">Healthy human skin maintains an acidic <strong data-start=\"1466\" data-end=\"1483\">\u201cacid mantle\u201d<\/strong> with a pH of around <strong data-start=\"1504\" data-end=\"1511\">5.5<\/strong>. Most conventional UK laundry detergents are highly <strong data-start=\"1564\" data-end=\"1576\">alkaline<\/strong>, sometimes exceeding a pH of <strong data-start=\"1606\" data-end=\"1612\">10<\/strong>.<\/p><p data-start=\"1617\" data-end=\"1925\">Studies, including research in <a href=\"https:\/\/medicaljournalssweden.se\/actadv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em data-start=\"1648\" data-end=\"1676\">Acta Dermato-Venereologica<\/em><\/a>, show that <strong data-start=\"1688\" data-end=\"1739\">alkaline detergents can strip protective lipids<\/strong>, causing increased <strong data-start=\"1759\" data-end=\"1795\">Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)<\/strong>. A compromised skin barrier allows irritants to penetrate, leading to inflammation, itching, and worsening eczema or psoriasis.<\/p><h3 data-start=\"1927\" data-end=\"1965\">2. London\u2019s Hard Water Challenge<\/h3><p data-start=\"1967\" data-end=\"2217\">In areas like <strong data-start=\"1981\" data-end=\"2001\">Addiscombe (CR0)<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"2006\" data-end=\"2026\">Abbey Wood (SE2)<\/strong>, London water is classified as <strong data-start=\"2058\" data-end=\"2071\">very hard<\/strong>, containing high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals react with detergent to form a fine, insoluble residue known as <strong data-start=\"2201\" data-end=\"2214\">soap scum<\/strong>.<\/p><p data-start=\"2219\" data-end=\"2238\">This residue can:<\/p><ul><li data-start=\"2242\" data-end=\"2275\">Make fabrics stiff and abrasive<\/li><li data-start=\"2278\" data-end=\"2317\">Trap chemical irritants inside fibers<\/li><li data-start=\"2320\" data-end=\"2362\">Increase friction against sensitive skin<\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"2364\" data-end=\"2483\">Residents may feel their clothes are \u201cclean,\u201d but <strong data-start=\"2414\" data-end=\"2446\">microscopic irritants remain<\/strong>, aggravating eczema and psoriasis.<\/p><h2 data-start=\"2490\" data-end=\"2552\">7 Dermatologist-Approved Steps for Sensitive-Skin Laundry<\/h2><h3 data-start=\"2554\" data-end=\"2586\">1. The \u201cNew Garment\u201d Detox<\/h3><p data-start=\"2588\" data-end=\"2797\">New clothing often contains <strong data-start=\"2616\" data-end=\"2663\">formaldehyde, resins, and chemical finishes<\/strong> to prevent wrinkles, mildew, or color fading. Stockholm University research shows these chemicals are <strong data-start=\"2766\" data-end=\"2794\">common contact allergens<\/strong>.<\/p><p data-start=\"2799\" data-end=\"2966\"><strong data-start=\"2799\" data-end=\"2810\">Action:<\/strong> Always <strong data-start=\"2818\" data-end=\"2843\">double-wash new items<\/strong> before the first wear. This removes residual dyes and chemical finishes, reducing the risk of immediate skin irritation.<\/p><h3 data-start=\"2973\" data-end=\"3010\">2. Liquid Detergent Over Powder<\/h3><p data-start=\"3012\" data-end=\"3223\">Powder detergents often <strong data-start=\"3036\" data-end=\"3056\">fail to dissolve<\/strong> completely in cooler, eco-friendly washes (30\u00b0C), leaving <strong data-start=\"3115\" data-end=\"3133\">micro-granules<\/strong> lodged in seams and fibers. These act like sandpaper against delicate or inflamed skin.<\/p><p data-start=\"3225\" data-end=\"3240\"><strong data-start=\"3225\" data-end=\"3238\">Solution:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li data-start=\"3244\" data-end=\"3301\">Use <strong data-start=\"3248\" data-end=\"3298\">high-quality, fragrance-free liquid detergents<\/strong>.<\/li><li data-start=\"3304\" data-end=\"3410\">Avoid \u201cunscented\u201d detergents\u2014they often contain masking chemicals, which can trigger allergic reactions.<\/li><\/ul><h3 data-start=\"3417\" data-end=\"3446\">3. Wash Bedding at 60\u00b0C<\/h3><p data-start=\"3448\" data-end=\"3598\">Low-temperature washes are great for saving energy but <strong data-start=\"3503\" data-end=\"3531\">do not remove dust mites<\/strong>, a major environmental trigger for eczema and atopic dermatitis.<\/p><p data-start=\"3600\" data-end=\"3761\"><strong data-start=\"3600\" data-end=\"3608\">Tip:<\/strong> Wash pillows, duvet covers, and sheets at <strong data-start=\"3651\" data-end=\"3666\">60\u00b0C weekly<\/strong>. This ensures <strong data-start=\"3681\" data-end=\"3719\">complete eradication of dust mites<\/strong>, allergens, and microbial contaminants.<\/p><h3 data-start=\"3768\" data-end=\"3800\">4. High-Extraction Rinsing<\/h3><p data-start=\"3802\" data-end=\"3948\">Standard domestic washing machines often leave detergent residues due to water-saving designs. Residual surfactants can irritate skin over time.<\/p><p data-start=\"3950\" data-end=\"3986\"><strong data-start=\"3950\" data-end=\"3984\">The Hamlet Laundry Difference:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li data-start=\"3990\" data-end=\"4115\">We use <strong data-start=\"3997\" data-end=\"4030\">professional-grade extractors<\/strong> in central London to remove up to <strong data-start=\"4065\" data-end=\"4093\">3x more chemical residue<\/strong> than home machines.<\/li><li data-start=\"4118\" data-end=\"4217\">Our <strong data-start=\"4122\" data-end=\"4149\">high-extraction rinsing<\/strong> ensures no irritants remain in fibers, protecting sensitive skin.<\/li><\/ul><h3 data-start=\"4224\" data-end=\"4265\">5. Avoid Synthetic Fabric Softeners<\/h3><p data-start=\"4267\" data-end=\"4368\">Fabric softeners coat fabrics with a <strong data-start=\"4304\" data-end=\"4337\">waxy cationic surfactant film<\/strong>. While they feel soft, they:<\/p><ul><li data-start=\"4372\" data-end=\"4394\">Reduce breathability<\/li><li data-start=\"4397\" data-end=\"4435\">Trap sweat and heat against the skin<\/li><li data-start=\"4438\" data-end=\"4480\">Increase the risk of heat-induced eczema<\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"4482\" data-end=\"4658\"><strong data-start=\"4482\" data-end=\"4503\">Safe Alternative:<\/strong> Use <strong data-start=\"4508\" data-end=\"4535\">distilled white vinegar<\/strong> in the rinse cycle. It neutralizes alkaline residues, softens hard water minerals, and leaves no scent or chemical film.<\/p><h3 data-start=\"4665\" data-end=\"4708\">6. Bio-Film Prevention &amp; Drum Hygiene<\/h3><p data-start=\"4710\" data-end=\"4950\">Low-temperature washes can cause <strong data-start=\"4743\" data-end=\"4763\">bio-film buildup<\/strong>\u2014bacteria and mold colonies inside the machine drum and seals. These microorganisms can transfer to clothes, potentially causing <strong data-start=\"4892\" data-end=\"4921\">secondary skin infections<\/strong> in broken or cracked skin.<\/p><p data-start=\"4952\" data-end=\"5097\"><strong data-start=\"4952\" data-end=\"4963\">Action:<\/strong> Run a <strong data-start=\"4970\" data-end=\"5004\">monthly \u201cService Wash\u201d at 90\u00b0C<\/strong> with an empty drum and a machine sanitizer. This eliminates bacteria and mold effectively.<\/p><h3 data-start=\"5104\" data-end=\"5139\">7. Humidity-Controlled Drying<\/h3><p data-start=\"5141\" data-end=\"5355\">Air-drying clothes outside in London exposes them to <strong data-start=\"5194\" data-end=\"5248\">pollen, dust, and urban particulate matter (PM\u2082.\u2085)<\/strong>. Additionally, air-dried fabrics can become stiff, increasing <strong data-start=\"5311\" data-end=\"5334\">mechanical friction<\/strong> on sensitive skin.<\/p><p data-start=\"5357\" data-end=\"5495\"><strong data-start=\"5357\" data-end=\"5370\">Solution:<\/strong> Use a <strong data-start=\"5377\" data-end=\"5437\">professional dryer on a low, humidity-controlled setting<\/strong> to keep fibers soft, airy, and gentle against the skin.<\/p><h2 data-start=\"5502\" data-end=\"5552\">Choosing the Right Fabrics for Sensitive Skin<\/h2><p data-start=\"5554\" data-end=\"5654\">Not all \u201cnatural\u201d fabrics are safe. Here\u2019s a <strong data-start=\"5599\" data-end=\"5651\">guide for eczema and psoriasis-friendly clothing<\/strong>:<\/p><table data-start=\"5656\" data-end=\"6136\"><thead data-start=\"5656\" data-end=\"5704\"><tr data-start=\"5656\" data-end=\"5704\"><td><strong>Fabric<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Skin Impact<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Expert Recommendation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr data-start=\"5751\" data-end=\"5836\"><td data-start=\"5751\" data-end=\"5769\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"5753\" data-end=\"5768\">100% Cotton<\/strong><\/td><td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"5769\" data-end=\"5804\">Breathable, soft, non-irritating<\/td><td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"5804\" data-end=\"5836\">Gold standard for daily wear<\/td><\/tr><tr data-start=\"5837\" data-end=\"5924\"><td data-start=\"5837\" data-end=\"5848\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"5839\" data-end=\"5847\">Silk<\/strong><\/td><td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"5848\" data-end=\"5884\">Smooth, reduces friction and heat<\/td><td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"5884\" data-end=\"5924\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-best-dry-cleaning-service-in-london\">Best<\/a> for nightwear and undergarments<\/td><\/tr><tr data-start=\"5925\" data-end=\"5996\"><td data-start=\"5925\" data-end=\"5936\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"5927\" data-end=\"5935\">Wool<\/strong><\/td><td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"5936\" data-end=\"5967\">Prickly, triggers scratching<\/td><td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"5996\">Avoid direct skin contact<\/td><\/tr><tr data-start=\"5997\" data-end=\"6070\"><td data-start=\"5997\" data-end=\"6010\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"5999\" data-end=\"6009\">Bamboo<\/strong><\/td><td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"6010\" data-end=\"6040\">Absorbent; may dry out skin<\/td><td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"6040\" data-end=\"6070\">Use soft-weave blends only<\/td><\/tr><tr data-start=\"6071\" data-end=\"6136\"><td data-start=\"6071\" data-end=\"6087\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"6073\" data-end=\"6086\">Polyester<\/strong><\/td><td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"6087\" data-end=\"6110\">Traps sweat and heat<\/td><td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"6110\" data-end=\"6136\">Avoid during flare-ups<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><h2 data-start=\"6143\" data-end=\"6193\">Why London Residents Trust Hamlet Laundry Ltd<\/h2><p data-start=\"6195\" data-end=\"6445\">Hamlet Laundry doesn\u2019t just wash clothes; we provide <strong data-start=\"6248\" data-end=\"6285\">dermatological-grade garment care<\/strong> tailored to sensitive skin. Our services are ideal for residents in <strong data-start=\"6354\" data-end=\"6442\">Abbey Wood, Acton, <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/services\/laundry-ironing-dry-cleaning-services-in-albany-park\">Albany<\/a> Park, Aldborough Hatch, <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/services\/laundry-ironing-dry-cleaning-services-in-addiscombe\">Addiscombe<\/a>, Addington, and Aldgate<\/strong>.<\/p><p data-start=\"6447\" data-end=\"6465\"><strong data-start=\"6447\" data-end=\"6463\">Our Promise:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li data-start=\"6469\" data-end=\"6557\"><strong data-start=\"6469\" data-end=\"6495\">Medical-Grade Rinsing:<\/strong> Removes up to 3x more detergent residue than home machines.<\/li><li data-start=\"6560\" data-end=\"6629\"><strong data-start=\"6560\" data-end=\"6585\">Hard Water Treatment:<\/strong> Eliminates soap scum and mineral buildup.<\/li><li data-start=\"6632\" data-end=\"6715\"><strong data-start=\"6632\" data-end=\"6655\">Hygiene Excellence:<\/strong> Sanitized loads prevent bacterial and mold contamination.<\/li><li data-start=\"6718\" data-end=\"6806\"><strong data-start=\"6718\" data-end=\"6740\">Expert Fiber Care:<\/strong> Humidity-controlled drying keeps clothes soft and non-reactive.<\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"6808\" data-end=\"6826\"><strong data-start=\"6808\" data-end=\"6824\">Convenience:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li data-start=\"6830\" data-end=\"6872\"><strong data-start=\"6830\" data-end=\"6856\">Free Pickup &amp; Delivery<\/strong> across London<\/li><li data-start=\"6875\" data-end=\"6904\"><strong data-start=\"6875\" data-end=\"6902\">Fast 24-Hour Turnaround<\/strong><\/li><li data-start=\"6907\" data-end=\"6945\"><strong data-start=\"6907\" data-end=\"6943\">Service for All London Postcodes<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><h2 data-start=\"6952\" data-end=\"6996\">Claim Your Specialist Care This Weekend<\/h2><p data-start=\"6998\" data-end=\"7111\">Take control of your skin health\u2014your laundry can become part of your <strong data-start=\"7068\" data-end=\"7108\">eczema and psoriasis management plan<\/strong>.<\/p><ul><li data-start=\"7115\" data-end=\"7148\"><strong data-start=\"7115\" data-end=\"7125\">Offer:<\/strong> 15% OFF all services<\/li><li data-start=\"7151\" data-end=\"7188\"><strong data-start=\"7151\" data-end=\"7161\">Dates:<\/strong> 24th &amp; 25th January 2026<\/li><li data-start=\"7191\" data-end=\"7220\"><strong data-start=\"7191\" data-end=\"7207\">Coupon Code:<\/strong> SKINCARE15<\/li><li data-start=\"7223\" data-end=\"7324\"><strong data-start=\"7223\" data-end=\"7241\">Service Areas:<\/strong> Abbey Wood, Acton, Albany Park, Aldborough <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/services\/laundry-ironing-dry-cleaning-services-in-colney-hatch\">Hatch<\/a>, Addiscombe, <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/services\/laundry-ironing-dry-cleaning-services-in-addington\">Addington<\/a>, Aldgate<\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"7326\" data-end=\"7377\">\ud83e\uddfa <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/order\">Book Your Eczema-Safe Laundry Collection Now!\u00a0<\/a><\/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 Clothes for Eczema &amp; Psoriasis For people living with chronic skin conditions<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3622,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[419,510,19],"tags":[438,21,421,47,439,33],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3621"}],"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=3621"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3621\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3626,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3621\/revisions\/3626"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3622"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}