Gentle laundry routine
A mild, fragrance-free and dye-free laundry detergent, used in small amounts, with no fabric softener or dryer sheets.
Why it helps
Detergent, perfume and softener residue can stay in clothes and sheets and rub on your skin all day. Using less product and rinsing well leaves fewer irritants against the skin, which helps itchy, dry or reactive skin.
Look for
- Detergent labeled fragrance-free and dye-free (not just "unscented")
- Mild liquid or pod detergent with a short ingredient list
- Using the smallest amount that gets clothes clean
- An extra rinse cycle on your machine
- Wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets
Avoid
- Fabric softener and dryer sheets
- Scented laundry boosters and scent beads
- Overfilling the detergent cup
Caution
Wash new clothes and bedding before wearing them, and stop any product that leads to a new rash.
Products
all
free clear Original Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent
Price: medium price · Other
A concentrated liquid laundry detergent made without perfumes or dyes, for regular and high-efficiency washers.
- NEA Seal
- Dye free
Tide
Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
Price: medium price · Other
A liquid laundry detergent made without dyes or perfumes, for regular and high-efficiency washers.
- NEA Seal
- Dye free
Tide
evo Laundry Detergent Tiles, Free & Gentle
Price: medium price · Other
A solid laundry detergent tile with no dyes or perfumes, sold without a plastic bottle.
- NEA Seal
- Dye free
Arm & Hammer
Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
Price: low price · Other
A liquid laundry detergent with no fragrance or dyes, labeled hypoallergenic and for sensitive skin.
- Fragrance free
- Dye free
- Hypoallergenic (brand)
- For sensitive skin (brand)
Seventh Generation
Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
Price: medium price · Other
A plant-based liquid laundry detergent made without dyes, optical brighteners, or fragrances.
- Fragrance free
- Dye free
- For sensitive skin (brand)
Puracy
Natural Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear (Unscented)
Price: medium price · Other
A concentrated, enzyme-based liquid laundry detergent in an unscented Free & Clear version, made without dyes.
- Fragrance free
- Dye free
- Vegan
- Hypoallergenic (brand)
Molly's Suds
Baby Laundry Powder (Fragrance Free option)
Price: higher price · Other
A concentrated baby laundry powder with minerals and enzymes, sold in a fragrance-free option, with no synthetic dyes.
- Fragrance free
- Dye free
These are products Dr. Haque has reviewed and recommends for different reasons. Unless a product is clearly marked 'Affiliate link,' it is not one. Most are not.