Laundry is such a simple chore, but an incredibly important one. We all want to be walking around in clean clothes and sleeping in nice, soft bedding. That’s something that most of us take for granted. Unfortunately for the allergy-prone folk among us, if we don't get our washing powder selection right, we can find our clothing and bedding to be itchy, uncomfortable and in some cases, unbearable.
If you're reading this, you or someone you love probably suffers from some kind of allergies. Stick with us, and we will help you find the best washing powder for you and your family.
Being a staple of every home, it's safe to say we would be lost without washing powder. It makes our clothes feel and smell nice, removes stains and brightens our favourite clothes. However, in recent times there has been more of a focus on just what goes into our household detergents.
There has been a lot of research into the potential risks of the commonly used chemicals in products we had been purchasing without a second thought, and the results have shown that some of the harsh ingredients could be putting you and your family at risk.
As much as we would like to think of washing powder as a humble household product that smells of daisies and makes our whites whiter and our brights brighter - but surprisingly, there could be a bunch of toxic chemicals, preservatives, artificial fragrances, dyes and even potential carcinogens lurking under the surface.
The effects these ingredients could have to your body can be quite dire, with adverse skin reactions and conditions quite common. Those with a history of skin allergies or eczema should be extra careful not to overdo it when it comes to exposure to these ingredients.
A common reaction to washing powders is the way it can trigger nasty skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, which comes about when your skin experiences exposure to a foreign substance and has a bad reaction to it.
Hot water, not warm, is what it takes to eliminate pet hair, dust mites and other allergens from your washing machine cycle.
Studies show that washing your laundry in temperatures of 60 degrees celsius and above has the ability to kill 100% of dust mites, 97% of pollen and 90% of pet hair that may be present in your clothes and bedding.
If you turn the dial down just twenty degrees, you will find that only an estimated 6.5% of dust mites will be killed, 60% of pet fur and 69% of pollen will be removed. This obviously makes a huge difference, and shows just how important it is to use a hot wash to get rid of all of the nasties.
When washing delicate items, if they can't handle the hotter water, another option for the best allergen removal results is to set it on a lower temperature and opt for at least two rinses.
When tested on bed sheets, steam cleaning has been proven to be equally as effective as a hot wash cycle, in eliminating allergens such as pet hair, pollen and dust mites. A double rinse in cold water following a regular wash at any temperature has also been shown to be effective at removing all traces of dog dander.
How can I be sure that my washing powder is to blame?
If you are suffering an allergic reaction but aren't sure exactly what is causing it, it can be frustrating trying to pinpoint the culprit.
When you see a strange rash appear randomly on your skin, you're probably going to look first towards the food and drink you've been consuming lately. If nothing has changed about your diet, you will probably move on to your skin care routine to assess whether you have added anything new into the mix.
If you can safely rule out any of those, then consider the location of your rash. Is it only on one side of your face? If you are a side-sleeper, it sounds as though it could be contact dermatitis from your pillow - which of course highlights a possible allergic reaction to your washing powder.
If you have ruled out all the possibilities you can think of and the root of the issue is still eluding you, it is best to seek medical advice for tests and treatment. This will put your mind and your body at ease.
It is also worth noting that whilst unlikely, it is possible to develop an allergic reaction to an existing factor in your life at any time, although it is much more common that any new additions to your world should be ruled out first.
If you have developed allergies towards laundry detergents, or tend to be allergy prone and have sensitive skin, the good news is there is a washing powder out there just for you.
Being allergic to the traditional washing powders due to their chemical ingredients is actually more common than you would think. Many brands are now releasing allergy-friendly products without the potential nasties, so you and your family can wash and wear in peace.
Finding the best washing powder for sensitivities and allergies is certainly not a
one-size-fits-all situation, however we think we have a pretty amazing contender for you to try.
Top tips for keeping allergies at bay
- Take advantage of a second rinse cycle on your washing machine where possible in order to remove every trace of detergent you possibly can
- Always hold off on wearing your new clothes until you have given them a wash first, to remove any manufacturing residues that have the potential to irritate your skin
- Simply put, use less powder. Experiment with using a little less detergent than you ordinarily would
If you’re in the market for a new machine, find one with the highest rinse score.Again,thisallowsforthemostpossibledetergenttoberemovedfromyourclothes
Which Washing Powder is the Best for My Allergies?
At Hudstone, we strive to bring only the best quality washing powders to market. Our entire range has been crafted with only the best ingredients, with the aim to look after you and your family - not only by ensuring you have beautifully clean and soft clothing and bedding to live in, but by giving your skin the gentle care it deserves.
We are often asked what exactly we put into our laundry products, which results in them being so tender yet so effective in fighting dirt and grime. We believe we have found the perfect balance in our formula, which not only works great, but is safe for you, your family and the environment.
We have gone back to basics and stripped back the laundry process, to formulate a range of products that contain only the most premium ingredients, all of which are there to serve a fundamental purpose - giving you a brighter wash each and every time.
You will never find any nasty fillers, irritants, or synthetic fragrances in any of our products, and we have absolutely nothing to hide. We truly only put the best bits in.
This goes for all Hudstone washing powders, but we also have an extra carefully crafted sensitive blend, for those who need something even milder. This Hudstone Sensitive Washing Powder (Super Concentrate) blend is composed of alkaline mineral salt, nonionic and anionic surfactant.
For our sensitive laundry blend, which has been lovingly crafted with the most sensitive of skin in mind, we hold off on adding in any fragrances or essential oils, in order to provide the most gentle wash we possibly can. This powder is perfect for those with existing skin conditions and even the babies in your life will love it.
Our sensitive blend is sold in various quantities - suitable for all families and lifestyles.
- 2kg, averaging 80 top loader and 160 front loader cycles
- 4kg, averaging 160 top loader and 320 front loader cycles
- 6kg, averaging 240 top loader and 480 front loader cycles
- 8kg, averaging 320 top loader and 640 front loader cycles
- 10kg, averaging 400 top loader and 800 front loader cycles
For the best results, we would recommend using it alongside our all-purpose spray and pre-soaker, which is guaranteed to eradicate even the toughest of stains.
For your peace of mind, every product in our range is biodegradable, non-toxic, environmentally friendly and of course, safe for you and your family. We are vegan friendly, and we have and will never test any products on animals.
Hudstone are a proudly Australian owned and operated business who have been operating for nearly 40 years.
You don’t have to look very far to find plenty of our happy customers, who have made the switch to our product range and are loving the results. If you would like to be one of them, be sure to check out our lovingly created range. We’re confident we have something for you and your home.
