If you've ever taken clothes out of the washing machine and noticed they feel stiff, heavily scented or coated, you may have experienced something many people never think about—laundry detergent residue.

Before I started researching my son's eczema, I never thought about what was left behind on our clothes after washing.

Like many parents, I believed that once the washing machine finished its cycle, the detergent was completely gone.

But I soon learnt that wasn't always the case.

As an eczema mum, this completely changed the way I thought about laundry.

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What Is Laundry Detergent Residue?

Laundry detergent residue refers to small amounts of detergent that may remain on clothing, towels or bedding after a wash cycle.

This can happen for a number of reasons, including:

• Using more detergent than recommended
• Cold water washing with products that don't dissolve well
• Overloading the washing machine
• Hard water
• Products that don't rinse away effectively

Residue isn't always visible.

Sometimes it's noticeable because clothes feel stiff or have a strong fragrance.

Other times you won't notice it at all.

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Why Does Detergent Residue Matter?

For many people, detergent residue may not cause any noticeable problems.

However, if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, what sits against your skin all day can be worth considering.

Your clothes, pyjamas, towels and bedding spend hours in direct contact with your skin.

That's why I started paying much closer attention to the products we were using in our laundry.

Laundry is one of those everyday routines that often gets overlooked.

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Signs Your Laundry Routine Might Need a Closer Look

Every family is different, but you may want to review your laundry routine if you notice:

• Clothes that feel stiff after washing
• Strong fragrance remaining after the wash
• Sensitive skin becoming irritated after wearing freshly washed clothes
• Towels that feel coated rather than soft
• White marks or detergent build-up inside your washing machine

While these signs don't automatically mean detergent residue is causing skin irritation, they can be worth investigating.

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How to Reduce Laundry Detergent Residue

Simple changes can make a difference.

These include:

Use the correct amount of detergent

Using more detergent doesn't necessarily clean clothes better.

Choose fragrance-free products

Fragrance is added to create scent, not improve cleaning performance.

Avoid unnecessary laundry additives

Products like fabric softeners and scent boosters can add extra ingredients to your wash.

Choose products that dissolve completely

A detergent that dissolves properly is less likely to leave undissolved product behind.

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Why I Created Barekin

I wasn't trying to start a laundry brand.

I was simply trying to find a laundry detergent I felt confident using on my son's clothes.

Many products I found were heavily fragranced or marketed as "sensitive" while still containing added fragrance.

I wanted something simple.

Something fragrance-free.

Something that dissolved completely and cleaned our clothes properly.

That's why I created Barekin.

Barekin laundry sheets are fragrance-free, designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, and fully dissolve during the wash.

They're made for families who want a simpler laundry routine without compromising on cleaning performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes laundry detergent residue?

Residue can be caused by using too much detergent, overloading your washing machine, hard water, or using products that don't dissolve effectively during the wash cycle.

Can detergent residue irritate sensitive skin?

Some people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin may find that reducing potential irritants in their laundry routine is helpful. Skin is individual, so it's important to find what works for you and seek medical advice for persistent symptoms.

How do I know if detergent has rinsed out properly?

Signs such as stiffness, visible build-up or a lingering strong fragrance may indicate detergent has not rinsed away as effectively as expected.

Are laundry sheets better than liquid detergent?

Laundry sheets offer a convenient alternative to traditional powders and liquids. Choosing a fragrance-free product that dissolves completely may be beneficial for people looking to simplify their laundry routine.

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Final Thoughts

When I first started researching eczema, I never imagined that laundry would become such an important part of the conversation.

But over time, I realised that the little things we do every day can add up.

Looking at what touches your skin for hours at a time is one of those small changes that was worth making for our family.

If you're looking for a fragrance-free laundry detergent designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, explore Barekin laundry sheets today.

👉 Shop Barekin at www.barekin.com.au