If you or your child has eczema-prone or sensitive skin, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about what touches the skin — skincare, soaps, shampoos and moisturisers.

But what about the clothes themselves?

Your clothes, pyjamas, sheets and towels can sit against your skin for hours every day. That's why your laundry routine is worth considering if you're wondering how to wash clothes for eczema-prone skin.

The good news is that you don't need a complicated laundry routine. A few simple changes — including choosing a fragrance-free laundry detergent, using the right amount of detergent and making sure clothes rinse properly — can help you create a more sensitive-skin-friendly wash routine.

Here are 7 things to consider.

1. Choose a fragrance-free laundry detergent

One of the simplest places to start is your laundry detergent.

If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, you may want to avoid unnecessary fragrance in products that come into contact with your skin.

Look for a fragrance-free laundry detergent for sensitive skin rather than simply choosing a detergent because it says "fresh", "clean" or "gentle" on the front of the packet.

Fragrance is added to laundry products to give clothes a particular smell. But clean clothes don't actually need to smell fragranced.

This is particularly worth considering for children's clothing, underwear, pyjamas, bedding and towels — anything that spends a lot of time against the skin.

What does fragrance-free actually mean?

Fragrance can appear on a product label under different names, and "unscented" doesn't always mean exactly the same thing as fragrance-free.

If you're trying to minimise fragrance in your laundry, check the ingredients and look for a product that is specifically formulated without added fragrance.

At Barekin, we believe laundry should simply be clean — not perfumed.

2. Don't use more detergent than you need

It can be tempting to think that using extra detergent will make your clothes cleaner.

But more detergent isn't necessarily better.

Using too much laundry detergent can make it more difficult for your washing machine to rinse everything away, potentially leaving more detergent residue behind on fabrics.

For sensitive or eczema-prone skin, it's worth following the manufacturer's recommended dosage rather than adding an extra splash or scoop.

This is one reason we made Barekin Laundry Sheets pre-measured.

You don't need to pour, scoop or guess.

Just take a sheet, put it in the washing machine and wash as normal.

3. Don't overload your washing machine

This is one of the easiest laundry mistakes to make.

If your washing machine is completely packed, your clothes have less room to move around during the wash and rinse cycles.

That can make it harder for water and detergent to circulate effectively through the load.

If you're trying to work out how to wash clothes for eczema-prone skin, give your clothes enough room to move.

You don't need to wash tiny loads — just avoid cramming so much into the machine that there's no space left.

4. Skip heavily fragranced fabric softener

If you're using fragrance-free laundry detergent but adding a heavily fragranced fabric softener, you're still introducing fragrance into your laundry routine.

Fabric softener isn't necessary for getting clothes clean.

It is primarily used to change the feel of fabrics and add fragrance.

If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, you may prefer to simplify your laundry routine by skipping fabric softener altogether.

Try washing your clothes with your fragrance-free detergent and see how they feel without it.

5. Make sure your detergent dissolves and rinses properly

Detergent needs to do two jobs:

Clean your clothes — and then rinse away.

If detergent isn't dissolving properly or your washing machine isn't rinsing effectively, residue can potentially remain on fabrics.

There are several things that can contribute to this, including:

• Using too much detergent
• Overloading the washing machine
• Using an unsuitable wash cycle
• Using a detergent that doesn't dissolve well in your chosen wash conditions
• Problems with the washing machine itself

If your clothes come out feeling coated, stiff or unusually soapy, it's worth looking at your washing routine.

Barekin Laundry Sheets are designed to fully dissolve in the wash, making them a simple alternative to traditional liquid and powder detergents.

6. Wash new clothes before wearing them

New clothes might look perfectly clean, but washing them before wearing them is a good habit — particularly when you're buying clothes for babies and children with sensitive skin.

A first wash can remove residues from manufacturing, packaging and handling before the clothing sits against the skin.

This applies to more than just clothes.

Consider washing:

• New sheets
• Pillowcases
• Towels
• Baby blankets
• Pyjamas
• School uniforms
• New bedding

A simple wash before first use can become part of your normal laundry routine.

7. Don't forget bedding, towels and pyjamas

When we're thinking about eczema and laundry, it's easy to focus on clothing.

But your child might spend eight or more hours sleeping against their sheets and pyjamas every night.

That's a lot of skin contact.

If you're changing your laundry products because of sensitive skin, remember to use the same approach for:

Clothing + bedding + towels + pyjamas + blankets

Wash bedding and towels at a higher temperature when appropriate

Bedding and towels can also collect dust mites and their allergens, so consider washing them on a higher-temperature cycle where the fabric care label allows it.

A wash at 60°C or above can help reduce dust mites and their allergens in bedding and other washable fabrics.

You don't necessarily need to wash everyday clothing at this temperature. For bedding and towels, however, a hotter wash can be a useful addition to your laundry routine.

Always check the care label first to make sure the fabric can handle the temperature.

If you're managing eczema, it's worth remembering that dust mites and other environmental allergens can be potential triggers for some people. Keeping bedding clean is one practical step you can take as part of your overall routine.

There's not much point switching to a fragrance-free laundry detergent for your child's clothes while continuing to wash their bedding in a heavily fragranced product.

A consistent laundry routine makes things much simpler.

What laundry detergent is best for eczema-prone skin?

There isn't one laundry detergent that will work for every person with eczema.

However, when choosing a detergent for sensitive skin, you may want to look for:

• Fragrance-free
• Dye-free
• Designed for sensitive skin
• Clear ingredient information
• Easy and accurate dosing
• Good rinsing performance
• Recognition from a reputable eczema organisation, where applicable

If you're searching for an eczema safe laundry detergent Australia, these are some of the features worth comparing.

It's also important to remember that eczema has many potential triggers, and laundry detergent isn't necessarily responsible for every flare-up.

If your skin is persistently irritated, painful or worsening, speak with your doctor or dermatologist.

Can laundry detergent cause eczema?

Laundry detergent does not cause eczema itself.

Eczema is a complex inflammatory skin condition with multiple contributing factors.

However, some ingredients in laundry products may irritate sensitive skin or trigger symptoms in some people.

Fragrance is one ingredient that many people with sensitive skin choose to eliminate from their laundry routine.

If you've noticed that your skin seems more irritated after wearing freshly washed clothes, it may be worth simplifying your laundry products and seeing whether anything changes.

You could start by switching to a fragrance-free detergent and removing fabric softener.

What about detergent residue on clothes?

If you've ever pulled clothes out of the washing machine and noticed that they feel stiff, coated or strongly scented, you may be wondering whether detergent residue is being left behind.

There are several possible reasons.

Using too much detergent

More detergent doesn't necessarily mean cleaner clothes.

Overloading the machine

Your washing machine needs enough space for water to circulate through the load.

Poor rinsing

If your machine isn't rinsing properly, detergent may not be removed effectively.

The detergent itself

Different detergent formulations behave differently in different washing machines and wash conditions.

For sensitive skin, the goal isn't simply to find a detergent that cleans well.

It's also worth considering what remains on the fabric after washing.

How do you wash baby clothes for eczema?

If your baby has eczema-prone skin, you may want to keep their laundry routine particularly simple.

Choose a fragrance-free detergent, avoid heavily fragranced fabric softeners and don't use more detergent than recommended.

Wash baby clothes according to the care label and make sure your washing machine isn't overloaded.

It's also a good idea to wash new baby clothes before your baby wears them.

And remember that baby bedding, towels, wraps and blankets all form part of their laundry routine too.

Should you use hot or cold water for eczema-prone skin?

You don't necessarily need to wash everything in hot water.

The appropriate temperature depends on the fabric, garment care instructions, level of soiling and your washing machine.

Always follow the care label on your clothes.

A good sensitive-skin laundry routine is less about finding one "perfect" temperature and more about choosing an appropriate wash cycle, using the correct amount of detergent and ensuring the detergent rinses away properly.

For bedding and towels, however, consider a higher-temperature wash where the care label allows it, particularly if you're trying to reduce dust mites and their allergens.

Barekin Laundry Sheets are designed to work in both hot and cold water.

What makes Barekin different?

We created Barekin because laundry is one of those everyday things that families dealing with sensitive skin can't avoid.

You wash clothes constantly.

So we wanted to make the process simpler.

Barekin Laundry Sheets are:

• Fragrance-free
• Dye-free
• Pre-measured
• Designed for eczema-prone and sensitive skin
• Designed to fully dissolve in the wash
• Suitable for hot or cold water
• Suitable for front and top loading washing machines
• Lightweight and mess-free

Barekin is also recognised by the Eczema Association Australasia for suitability on eczema-prone skin.

Instead of measuring liquid or powder, you simply take a sheet and put it in your washing machine.

No measuring cup.

No bulky bottle.

No added fragrance.

Just laundry.

A simple laundry routine for eczema-prone skin

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the advice around eczema, start with the basics.

Your simple checklist:

✓ Choose fragrance-free laundry detergent

✓ Follow the recommended dosage

✓ Don't overload your washing machine

✓ Skip heavily fragranced fabric softener

✓ Make sure your clothes rinse properly

✓ Wash new clothes before wearing them

✓ Wash bedding and towels regularly and use a higher temperature where appropriate

✓ Use the same approach for bedding, towels and pyjamas

You don't need to completely overhaul your life.

Sometimes it's about making a few small changes to the everyday things you already do.

And if you're looking for a fragrance-free laundry detergent for sensitive skin, Barekin was created to make one of those everyday decisions a little easier.

Frequently asked questions about washing clothes for eczema

What is the best way to wash clothes for eczema-prone skin?

Use a fragrance-free detergent, follow the recommended dosage, avoid overloading your washing machine and ensure clothes are thoroughly rinsed. You may also want to avoid fragranced fabric softeners.

What detergent is best for eczema-prone skin?

A fragrance-free detergent designed for sensitive skin can be a good option for people with eczema-prone skin. Look for clear ingredients, appropriate dosing instructions and good rinsing performance.

Is fragrance-free laundry detergent better for eczema?

Fragrance-free laundry detergent can be a useful choice for people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin because it eliminates added fragrance from the laundry routine. However, individual eczema triggers vary.

Should I use fabric softener if my child has eczema?

You don't need fabric softener to clean clothes. Many families with sensitive skin choose to avoid fragranced fabric softeners as part of a simpler laundry routine.

Can laundry detergent irritate sensitive skin?

Some ingredients in laundry products may irritate sensitive skin or trigger symptoms in some people. If you're experiencing irritation, consider reviewing your laundry detergent and other products that come into contact with your skin.

Should I wash bedding at 60°C for eczema?

If the care label allows it, washing bedding at 60°C or above can help reduce dust mites and their allergens. A higher-temperature wash can be particularly useful for bedding and towels, which can accumulate allergens over time.

Is Barekin suitable for eczema-prone skin?

Barekin Laundry Sheets are designed for eczema-prone and sensitive skin and are recognised by the Eczema Association Australasia for suitability on eczema-prone skin.

The bottom line

When you're figuring out how to wash clothes for eczema-prone skin, you don't need to make laundry complicated.

Start with the products that touch the skin every day.

Choose a fragrance-free laundry detergent, use the correct amount, avoid heavily fragranced fabric softeners, don't overload your machine and make sure your clothes rinse properly.

For bedding and towels, consider a higher-temperature wash where appropriate to help reduce dust mites and their allergens.

Small changes to your laundry routine can make it one less thing to worry about.

And if you're looking for a fragrance-free laundry detergent for sensitive skin, Barekin was created with sensitive-skin households in mind.

Fragrance-free. Dye-free. Pre-measured. No bulky bottles. Just a simple laundry sheet designed with sensitive skin in mind.

Shop Barekin Laundry Sheets →