Does a sensitive bio powder exist? Fed up of crusty armpits

[Whatinthe]

Dh's t-shirts all end up with really crusty armpits. He's replacing them with new ones and I want to know how to prevent it from happening. I've read bio detergent is good but he has sensitive skin and usually itches if we try a different detergent to the normal non bio one we use. Does a sensitive bio detergent exist?

Or does anyone have any other tips on preventing them from crusting up? He's reduced the amount of deodorant but that's not stopped it. Thanks!

I think it’s the enzymes themselves (the ones that make it biological) that cause the irritation.

Have you tried treating the underarms with something like a Vanish stick before the wash?

I use Shout spray on stains and stuff before I put things in the wash. We used to have this problem with DH’s work shirts and Shout usually sorted it for us. Also washing on a slightly warmer wash - I used to do them on cold with a bio detergent, to stop the cotton shrinking, but I found going up to 30 degrees helped.

Dr Beckmann does a spray for deodorant stains. I had to buy online as I can't find it in the shops any more

You could perhaps do a shirt wash with a strong detergent and then run them through the wash again with just water. It's not very eco friendly but better than throwing out shirts and replacing. DS has gets a rash from most detergents but we used to use M&S Colour liquid with no problems and now we use Tru Earth / Earth Breeze with no problems.

I use non-bio powder for the same reasons, I rub Dettol Laundry Liquid on the underarm bit of any smelly shirts and then wash them with the non-bio powder. It gets rid of the smell, not sure about the crustiness (I know what you mean though).

Have you tried soaking them in a solution of soda crystals before washing or adding soda crystals to the wash with your normal powder?

I use bio then the rinse cycle. I wash at 30 and do a low spin, no tumble dryer, so hopefully not too awful energy-wise. However soaking with soda crystals sounds like a good measure.

Aldis own brand bio is good. We have eczema and have never had a problem with it

Thanks all, I thought it was unlikely but some good ideas to try!

Cheap, white vinegar on the armpits (leave to soak for 20 minutes or so before washing) works well, if it’s fairly recent. Doesn’t work on historical crustiness.

I was also going to suggest vinegar sprayed on before washing - it definitely gets rid of any smells, but I'm afraid I'm not sure about crustiness!