Laundry Detergent????

[Sprockets]

I was using Tide free and Clear and Purex Free and clear. I have irritated my vagina and the bottom of my butt. I switched to Dreft but still am irritated. The Dr told me that my butt looks like it is only the skin, not yeast. He did a culture. I don't know what to do?

Tpronto, Tide and Purex are still petroleum-based cleaners, even if they are "free and clear." Try to get hold of some Seventh Generation, which is a vegetable-based cleaner. And be sure to put each load of laundry through a couple of rinses to remove everything you can.

If you think the culprit is the laundry soap, it's worth doing a load without clothes in it, only a half cup of peroxide. That should clean out any residue. Also wipe the inside of the dryer out with vinegar and water, because that can get coated with residue.

[Sprockets]

Seventh Generation for years now. I decided to use Gain once recently, because I heard that it smelled so good, but afterward the sheets smelled exactly like petroleum to both of us. I know it used to smell good, but no more. They had to be taken off the bed immediately and washed in Seventh Generation.

No bleach, no dryer softener sheets, etc. Once I stopped buying white towels and sheets, I found I didn't need bleach anymore!

I'm convinced that all the chemicals we put into our environment in terms of cosmetics, cleaners, soaps, etc, have a huge impact on our health. There are also the chemicals we can't help but take in which are in our air and water.

[tpronti]

Irritation and don't know where it is coming from.

I was using Tide free and Clear and Purex Free and clear. I have irritated my vagina and the bottom of my butt. I switched to Dreft but still am irritated. The Dr told me that my butt looks like it is only the skin, not yeast. He did a culture. I don't know what to do?

[Diamic65]

My husband and I both can only use Gain. We can no longer use the Downy. It made us have horrible hives. My was so bad I think it caused an UTI.

DIAMIC65

[mary124]

I usually use "Arm and Hammer" or Purex- both powder kind-as my husband is allergic to ALL liquids and most powder detergents (breaks out in hives); don't have any problem with fabric softners (dryer sheets we do).

[maryla]

I make my own laundry soap (Borex, fels nafta, and baking soda wash, lavender essentail oil)and fabric softner( water, vinager, baking soda and lavender essential oil). And I don't use bleach at all. It is so harsh!

hugs and blessings,

[jenjen05]

I use All Small & Mighty Free and Clear with no problems. I also wash my undies separately and in addition to the All Free & Clear I use Clorox 2 Free Stain Fighter & Color Booster (green cap) with no problems.

[CherylSLP]

I can use the name brand detergents like Tide and All that are "free and clear" re: for people with sensitivity. Woolite is ok too.

[Diamic65]

I use the regular Gain. I all so use Clorox for colors. I have no problem using them. I have in the past that I can not use the others.

DIAMIC65

[Calinda]

Cleaning

I use the Free and Clear All and it is okay for me. For my undies (after watching Dr. Oz--I started washing them seperately--bleach is too awful for me) so I started using Hydrogen Peroxide in the wash with my detergent. I have Chemical Sensitivities so I use Hydrogen Peroxide to clean lots of things. Yes bleach probably really irritated you--because it doesn't go away.

[ljharris]

I just read this in the IC handbook earlier today:

"For laundry detergent, we recommend ONLY Ivory Snow or Dreft and please rinse twice to make sure that all residue is removed. The mass market Cheer, Tide, All brands are actually quite notorious for triggering irritation and urethral symptoms in many of us, including their "free" versions. Please DO NOT use any fabric softeners or dryer sheets to reduce static. These always leave a chemical residue in your clothes that can trigger irritation."

I have been using the All Free & Clear detergent for years (well before I was diagnosed with IC). I noticed a few people on the boards seem to use it with no problem. Anyone have a problem with it?

I am also thinking that maybe I'll get one of those dryer balls that are rubber but don't have any chemicals or what-not like fabric softeners. Anyone use those?

[Laurenn]

Dear Sucess-
I have allergies to things like perfume, etc etc, too------and scented detergent is one of them......I
use Tide unscented detergent, and the "second rinse"
cycle on the washing machine, after the washer has completed its cycle.......at least two times!!
It makes a huge difference re my other allergies, although I don't know if it helps re my bladder.......Hope this helps!
sending HUGS, Laurenn

[theclownster]

Thanks for the info on National Allergy Supply. I think I'm going to check them out - sounds like I might be able to find something that could help me too.

[Sarojini]

I have a LOT of allergies, and asthma too, and sensitive skin. When I was little my mother would wash my hair in Johnson's Baby Shampoo (supposedly gentle) and I would break out in hives all over my body. I still have pretty sensitive skin and tend to get hives/rashes easily. Dove Unscented in the shower is great like Jennifer said, and I have also had pretty good luck with Aveeno Unscented Body Wash for Sensitive Skin. For laundry, I use detergents that have no scent and no color added... right now we've got All Free and Clear. Also, National Allergy Supply (www.nationalallergy.com) sells a detergent called Allersearch Laundry Wash...it is really good too because it is completely hypoallergenic itself, but it supposedly cleans allergens like pet dander and pollen off of clothes and bedding really well.
Unfortunately it is a bit expensive.

Anyway, that National Allergy Supply place is really good... it was recommended to me by my allergy and asthma specialist, and they have all sorts of stuff, including body lotions and soaps and things for those of us with sensitive skin.

[theclownster]

Hi all! I have super sensitive skin and I've been battling with different types of rashes. I curentlly use All Free and Clear liquid detergent and that is it. I can not use anything else or I break out all over the place. My doctor also suggested that I use liquid fabric softener in all of my clothes. She says that dryer sheets have little fibers in them that attach to your clothes. She said not to even use them in my dryer at all (say with blankets and things) because the dryer sheet fibers could attach to the inside of the dryer and thus directly to my clothes (that I wash in a later load). The fabric softener she suggested I use is Ultra Downy Free and Sensitive. It comes in a white bottle. I also bought one of those Downy balls that you put the softener in and put right into your washer. It makes it really easy to use. I had never used liquid softener before and I think it has made a big difference. I also use the Dove sensitve unscented to wash with in the shower.

I hope that info helps.
Take Care!
Jennifer