OT (sorta): Laundry detergent

I use Tide myself, but that likely wouldn't help you.

My Dad and I both had a reaction to Snuggle fabric softener. My Mom bought it once, and she did the wash while I hung the clothes on the line. The entire time I was hanging out the clothes I was sneezing non-stop. That night when they went to bed on clean sheets from the line, my Dad also started sneezing. That was the end of Snuggle being in our house... my Mom gave it to someone else who had no problem with it. We went back to using Fleecy!

Gem

Mystified One a écrit dans le message : TvLaf.36525$ snipped-for-privacy@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...

Have you tried white soap flakes that you dissolve in warm water? Here in Brussels we have that and I never had a problem. It performs well and brings no harm to the skin. Hope you find what suits you better. Sofia D

You could also try your shampoo as a last resort.

If you've got soft water you can use Ivory soap flakes or another "just plain soap" product that is available in your area. You'll want to use HOT water for your whites or they'll start to get a bit dingy after while, and your washer will appreciate an occasional drink of vinegar to cut the soap deposits.

Hard water and soap don't get along, however, so if you have hard water look for an unfragranced/dye-free laundry product like AllFree or CheerFree.

Or, go ot a feed store and buy a gallon of "Orvis Paste". The stuff is straight sodium laurel sulfate (detergent), no dyes or fragrances. I use a teaspoon in a large load of laundry (two teaspoons for kid clothes that are full of grunge), or about 3 tablespoons per pound of raw fleece.

Reply to the list as I do not publish an email address to USENET. This practice has cut my spam by more than 95%. Of course, I did have to abandon a perfectly good email account...

Ivory Snow?

Katherine

Ivory dishwashing soap - the clear one, or Orvus. I use those to wash my needlework so they should be fine for your delicates.

Eimear

How about baby soap? My daughter has used that because she has eczema. Just a thought, Carol In WI

Shampoos have lots of parfumes, or added smells in it as well. Often all kinds of other stuff like conditioners and other dumb stuff as well. Maybe just going to the store and read lables will get you the right product. There are lots of good detergents out there without any smells or additives in it for people with allergic reactions. I use a local one that is calledVIP, it is made by VIP soap products in Mission BC, Canada. I am sure that it is not widely available. Two years ago, when we had another very dry summer, Otto and I decided that with shortage of water, we had to come up with some creative watering plans for the garden if we did not want to loose lots of plants. I now route my used water from the washing machine into to garden. That means that you have to work with cold water as well as with a detergent that is biodegradable, and has low suds. This is what we have come up with. I am sure there will be a good detergent for you as well. Go on line and start looking, and read lables as well.

Good luck

Els

Ivory Snow might be worth a try.

I always swear by Hair shampoo ,,,, but also leave all my `usual soap leftovers` , in a big glass jar, Pour HOT water over it to cover the left overs,,,, after a day or 2 you have a very nice liquid soap that won`t harm you at all ,,, keep pouring water in it and adding the soap leftovers.... mirjam

Reading labels is the first line of defense, but I've heard that even the "unscented" products often have a chemical cover-up added. I don't know whether it removes the smell of the other ingredients or whether it just makes your nose not notice the smell.

Most shampoos are very similar to most liquid dish detergents. Besides conditioners, the colors and scents are about the only difference. Liquid laundry detergent usually has bleaches or borax or some other "brightener" chemicals besides the detergent. Since the original poster is reacting to Woolite, maybe ordinary soap will work, but if she has a shampoo she can use, as long as it doesn't have a conditioner in it, it ought to be good for hand washable clothes. If she has a dishwashing detergent she likes, that should work, too.

=Tamar

I use ALL brand "free" laundry soap and SNUGGLE free and clear softener. During the cooler months I have to be careful to use laundry soap without any additives, or else I end up scratching all day and end up with bruises. Also, using a good moisturizing lotion everyday helps a lot, something with oatmeal is especially good. Good luck!

Ann

In fact, I've sometimes used dish detergent to wash my hair when I've forgotten to buy shampoo.

Likewise, when I travel I carry enough extra shampoo to wash a few articles of clothing in the sink.

I'd also like to mention Dr. Bronner's Peppermint soap and various imitations thereof, which wash anything (can even be used as toothpaste) and don't have additives (other than peppermint and other herbs).

Just food for thought here (nothing to do with washing clothes).... my hairdresser once told me that Johnsons Baby Shampoo is one of the *worst* shampoos that you can use on your hair. That totally blew me away because I used nothing but that shampoo for many many years (even when I had my hair long enough to sit on (twice)) and my hair was always strong and healthy, and very shiny. Who knows... maybe she was just trying to promote the shampoos that they have at beauty salons. It didn't work... I never bought any of that stuff, it's too expensive. I continued with my Johnson's Baby Shampoo until one time when I tried my sister's Herbal Essences Shampoo, and I love that stuff... and their conditioner. But, if they ever took that off the market, I would go back to the Baby Shampoo again, no doubt!

Gemini

I am with you, Gemini. I used Johnson's from the time my DD was born until I found Herbal Essences. (probably a good 35 years) I have dry skin and hair and need something gentle.

And it smells so nice too! ;o)

Gemini