Mumsnet Talk

Strange title, but I couldn't think how to phrase it.

DS has sensitive skin/eczema, I have eczema and DH has contact dermatitis.

At the moment I wash clothes using non bio laundry liquid, and sensitive fabric conditioner and routinely wash at 60. Delicates get washed at 40 and towels at 95.

A friend recently berated me for washing too hot and wasting energy. Is it possible to do it any other way? Do you all use non bio?

Thanks!

Yes, have always used non bio.

If that works for you and washing at higher temperatures is advised then ignore your friend.

we use bio powder mostly as non bio just doesn't get man stains out.
it's a case of trial and error, really. we found that bio vs non-bio didn't make a difference and using 30 or 40 is ok (for us). we usually use an extra rinse at the end.
give lowe temperatures a try. if it works, great. if not go back to what you are oing if it works for you.

Don't use a powder.

Use Ecover liquid, but NOT the concentrated formulation ,

Don't use fabric conditioner.

Wash his clothes alone at. Highest possible temp.

Wash bedsheets and towels at 60 or higher.

Tumble dry, line drying means pollen gets on the clothes which can make things worse.

Other non laundry things are washing his skin as little as possible. Using dream cream from lush as a moisturiser rather than anything containing mineral oil. DP skin was so bad he went to the Dead Sea, it's the sunlight NOT the salt water which helps. This got his untreatable skin problem under control. Very expensive but we were all out of options.

All or whites look a little grey and it's difficult to get stains out it's true, but honestly it's better this than the physical and mental pain dp has been in with his skin.

I would definitely drop the fabric conditioner.

If you live in a hard water area, get a water softener fitted. Not only does this help some people with eczema just by being nicer to wash in and kinder to the skin, it means you don't need to use washing powder unless your laundry is very stained. Soap nuts or very simple soap powder is all you need.

Good point starfish. We live on rented avcompdationnor we would have done that, instead we put a water softner shower head on. Again not laundry, but might help

I use surcare
wash most stuff at 40, bedding & towels at 60
all with extra rinse

Thanks, all. Lots of things to consider and try.

We have soft water, so thankfully that's one less thing to worry about. Sounds like your family have had an awful time, greeneggs

non bio - liquid tabs, no softener. Not sure temp has much extra effect...

The temp I use is mainly to get things actually clean. DS is a toddler, DH works outside and we live fairly rurally, so clothes can be very dirty.