Biological detergent and skin irritation
A review of 40 years of research on biological washing detergents, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, concluded that enzymes in biological laundry detergents are not a cause of skin irritation or skin allergy. Despite this, many people believe biological detergents cause itching or aggravate eczema. Other components of detergents – fragrances, preservatives, and residue from inadequate rinsing – may be more significant contributors to skin reactions.
What the Research Found
Researchers at universities including Nottingham and London conducted a review of 40 years of research into the biological agents (enzymes) used in biological washing machine detergents. Their findings were published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
“The balance of all the evidence is that enzymes in laundry detergents are not a cause of either skin irritation or skin allergy.”
British Journal of Dermatology – review of biological laundry enzyme research
The conclusion is that the biological enzymes specifically – the component that distinguishes biological from non-biological detergent – have not been shown in research to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in normal domestic laundry use.
Some consumer advocates have noted that research into laundry product safety has at times been funded or commissioned by detergent manufacturers. This does not automatically invalidate the findings, but it is a factor worth noting when evaluating the strength of the conclusion. The National Eczema Society’s guidance on household irritants and eczema provides independent advice – see eczema.org household irritants.
Why Many People Believe Biological Detergent Causes Irritation
Despite the research findings, a significant number of people are convinced that switching from biological to non-biological detergent resolved skin irritation for themselves or a family member. This belief typically arises from a clear pattern: itching appeared, they changed detergent, the itching stopped.
If the enzymes are not the cause, what might explain this pattern? Several possibilities exist:
Fragrance and preservatives
Biological detergents often contain fragrances, optical brighteners, and preservatives that non-biological versions may not, or may contain in different concentrations. These are known skin sensitisers for some people. Switching to non-biological may have removed one of these components rather than the enzymes.
Detergent residue from poor rinsing
Any detergent remaining in fabric after washing can irritate sensitive skin. Modern washing machines use less water than older models and may not rinse as thoroughly, leaving residue in laundry. Adding an extra rinse cycle reduces residue regardless of detergent type. See our guide on washing machines and poor rinsing.
Dosing and concentration
Over-dosing detergent leaves more residue in fabric. Biological detergents tend to be more concentrated than non-biological equivalents. Using less detergent – the correct amount for the load and water hardness – reduces residue and may reduce irritation without changing detergent type.
Wash temperature
Biological enzymes are designed to work effectively at lower temperatures. At very high temperatures (above 60 degrees) they are denatured and inactive. If a particular skin reaction was temperature-related – from incomplete rinsing at low temperatures, for example – changing temperature alongside changing detergent type could account for the apparent improvement.
Practical Guidance for Sensitive Skin
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Use fragrance-free detergent. Fragrance is a common skin sensitiser. Many biological and non-biological detergents are available in fragrance-free versions, which are generally better tolerated by people with sensitive skin or eczema. -
Add an extra rinse cycle. Reducing detergent residue in laundry by adding a second rinse is effective regardless of detergent type. Many machines include this as a programme option. -
Use the correct dose. Over-dosing leaves more residue in fabric. Use the amount recommended on the packet for the load size and water hardness in the area. -
Consult a dermatologist if symptoms persist. A dermatologist can patch test for specific allergens and identify the actual cause of a skin reaction. This is more reliable than trial and error with different detergent types.
Related Guides
Biological Detergent and Fabric DamageHow biological enzymes can damage wool, silk, and other protein-based fibres – a genuine and documented risk.
Which Type of Detergent Is Best?Biological vs non-biological, powder vs liquid, and tablet detergents compared on cleaning performance.
Washing Machines and Poor RinsingWhy modern machines may not rinse as thoroughly as older models – and how to improve rinsing.
How to Remove Stains From ClothesPre-treatment and washing techniques for common stains – where biological detergents genuinely excel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does biological washing powder cause skin irritation?
Research published in the British Journal of Dermatology – reviewing 40 years of evidence – concluded that the enzymes in biological laundry detergents are not a cause of skin irritation or skin allergy. However, other components present in many detergents (fragrances, preservatives, optical brighteners) are known skin sensitisers. People who find biological detergent irritating may be reacting to these components rather than the enzymes specifically.
Is non-biological detergent better for eczema?
The research does not support the claim that biological enzymes specifically cause eczema flares. However, non-biological detergents are sometimes formulated with fewer potential irritants overall. The most evidence-backed approach for eczema-prone skin is to use a fragrance-free detergent – which is available in both biological and non-biological versions – and to use an extra rinse cycle to minimise residue in laundry. If symptoms persist, patch testing with a dermatologist identifies specific allergens accurately.
If biological detergent doesn’t cause irritation, why did my symptoms clear up when I switched?
Switching detergent involves more than just changing the enzyme content. Non-biological detergents may have different fragrance formulations, different preservative systems, or different concentrations. Any of these changes could account for an improvement. Alternatively, reducing the dose when switching, or improved rinsing, may have reduced residue in fabric. The enzymes themselves are unlikely to be the cause based on current research.
30 Comments
Grouped into 21 comment threads.
4 replies Hi All All the power brands such as Ariel, Persil, Bold and Surf are ridden with perfumes and allergens. They are all trying to entice the consumer with fragrance and smells because people who are not 'well-informed' on cleanliness believe that fragrance equals clean clothes. All these people that buy into this baloney are just lining the pockets of Unilever and Proctor & Gamble. I have been using Simply Pure Soft-tabs - they are available in Sainsbury's and Holland & Barratts. They are manufactured in Castleford in the UK and is fragrance free, hypoallergenic, phosphate free and great for people with skin conditions. It's been fantastic for my family's skin and they support the National Eczema Society. The owner will even let you try samples for free. I suggest you all look them up.
3 replies I've been suffering from Atopic eczema three weeks now and it's at acute stage. I lost my career because of this allergic attack. My last attack prior to this, was when I was 8 years old (eczema in my hands). Now I'm 26, after so many years, I've been attacked again by eczema... on my groin. And guess what? It started having the ITCH when I used my underwear washed with Surf detergent. My underwear is not new. I use it regularly. The only difference is that this time, I washed it with Surf. Now, after 3 weeks, it's no longer just an itch. my skin is red, swelling, and wet! And for 3 weeks, I've been using the rest of my underwear which are also washed with Surf. And it's only three days ago when I had a clue that maybe it's Surf that triggered the attack. Then I started wearing clothes that are washed with other soap. Now, the eczema is no longer worsening day by day (but it's still here). My doctor insists that I got the allergy from food and not by contact irritants, especially, Surf! But he got a second thought when I told him that I had a severe eczema attack in my hands when I was 8 years old. It only disappeared when another doctor told my mom to never have me use again my blanket made of wool. I'm a living guinea pig of the effect of Surf detergent to a human with Atopic Eczema. Now tell me in my face that Biological detergents don't trigger eczema attack!
I’ve been suffering from Atopic eczema three weeks now and it’s at acute stage. I lost my career because of this allergic attack. My last attack prior to this, was when I was 8 years old (eczema in my hands). Now I’m 26, after so many years, I’ve been attacked again by eczema… on my groin.
And guess what? It started having the ITCH when I used my underwear washed with Surf detergent. My underwear is not new. I use it regularly. The only difference is that this time, I washed it with Surf. Now, after 3 weeks, it’s no longer just an itch. my skin is red, swelling, and wet!
And for 3 weeks, I’ve been using the rest of my underwear which are also washed with Surf. And it’s only three days ago when I had a clue that maybe it’s Surf that triggered the attack. Then I started wearing clothes that are washed with other soap. Now, the eczema is no longer worsening day by day (but it’s still here).
My doctor insists that I got the allergy from food and not by contact irritants, especially, Surf! But he got a second thought when I told him that I had a severe eczema attack in my hands when I was 8 years old. It only disappeared when another doctor told my mom to never have me use again my blanket made of wool.
I’m a living guinea pig of the effect of Surf detergent to a human with Atopic Eczema. Now tell me in my face that Biological detergents don’t trigger eczema attack!
Likely replying to Otan
Hi Otan,
I have Eczema and dermatitis and all non-bio and bio irritate, it is because it is not being rinsed out of clothing properly. Have a read of WHY CAN’T MODERN WASHING MACHINES RINSE PROPERLY? and see if that sheds any light on your problem, look for all comments with my name on that should help you, post 41 and from there on in!!!!!
Also you could re-run the rinse cycle on your washer to remove excess detergent.
HTH,
Oliver.
Likely replying to Oliver Shaw
Hi Oliver,
Thanks for the hint. My washing machine is LG (I don’t remember the model but it’s automatic and I bought it only this year–Feb2009). I usually wash all my underwear separately and when it is underwear I’m washing, I usually set my washing machine to rinse once since I think that underwears are not heavily soiled or dirty.
But now, dirty or not, I should rinse all laundry twice, or thrice if the washing machine allows. Because of your hint about the detergents, I researched and found out that detergents really cause an eczema flare up regardless of enzyme content. Most detergents are very alkaline in nature which destroy skins acid mantle, thus moisture is lost causing intense itching.
From what I’ve read, most soap that we use daily irritates the skin and eczema sufferers are more intolerant. But the clothing not rinsed well is worse than soap. Because we rinse out soap when we bath but detergents can stay on skin through badly rinsed clothing.
Thanks again Oliver, for that detergent hint. You made me aware about the detergents and give me a second thought about my old doctor and conventional medicine.
By the way, I’m now treating my eczema with an apple cider + water solution, and my skin is slowly going back to normal. My new doctor said, I will have new healthy skin after 15 days. I’m advised also to be cautious about the cosmetics that I put on to my skin especially those whose pH level is not 5.5 to 7.0, and I should always keep my skin hydrated.
I’ve abandoned my doctor who prescribes conventional medicine. They’re brains have escaped the natural world, only want you to buy expensive man-made western medicines. And they don’t educate their patients.
Now, I’m introduced to alternative medicine through my new medical doctor, and I love what I’m feeling.
:-D Just sharing my oops and gotchas. Cheers!
Likely replying to Otan
Hi Otan,
Thanks for the thanks!!!!
I have heard of issues with LG machines not rinsing properly, especially bad at suds-locking, so all the detergent gets carried all the way through the the 3 rinses. Does your model have “Medic Rinse” and “Rinse ++”, if so selecting them might help.
1 reply Sir, There is no doubt in my mind that biological washing machine detergents do cause skin irritation. I have tried various brands and they all have the same effect on my skin, stop the bio stop the irritation.
Sir, There is no doubt in my mind that biological washing machine detergents do cause skin irritation. I have tried various brands and they all have the same effect on my skin, stop the bio stop the irritation.
Likely replying to Andrew Graham
Hello Andrew: As you can see I expressed surprise at the report myself and even put a question mark on the statement in my headline. For all we know the research may have been funded by washing machine detergent manufacturers. However, that’s the conclusion they came up with.
It’s hard to imagine how it can be a “myth” that biological detergents cause skin irritation because if people suspected the detergent and then changed it whereupon the irritation ceased it’s difficut to see that as anything other than evidence.
I suppose it’s possible there is something else in the biological detergent causing the irritation which means the enzymes are not guilty – but potentially the biological detergent could still cause the irritation.
0 replies I don't know the manufacturer Rebel, but someone has the license to import them from USA I think.
I don’t know the manufacturer Rebel, but someone has the license to import them from USA I think.
0 replies Many thanks for your contribution David.
Many thanks for your contribution David.
0 replies An aspect that has not been properly explored is the use of Optical Brighteners in modern washing products. They are almost ubiquitous, and I have read suggestions that they can cause problems. They are an interesting class of chemical used in vast quantities in modern paper-making, and in laundry detergent products. They work by reducing the energy of Ultraviolet radiation and reflecting some of it back off as blue light. This increases the apparent brightness of washing, without actually contributing anything at all to making it more clean. It is a more sophisticated version of the old Laundry Blue that was still in use in my early 1960s childhood. You will look hard to find a brand (Ecover is one) that does not contain Optical Brighteners. In point of fact though, Atopic skin is sensitive and intolerant and it can produce an inflammatory response to many different things - even a change of perfume in a laundry detergent could trigger a chemical sensitivity and cause inflammation. The only recourse is trial and error to find what works or doesn't work for you. (I have atopic eczema and served on the board of the National Eczema Society some years ago).
An aspect that has not been properly explored is the use of Optical Brighteners in modern washing products.
They are almost ubiquitous, and I have read suggestions that they can cause problems. They are an interesting class of chemical used in vast quantities in modern paper-making, and in laundry detergent products. They work by reducing the energy of Ultraviolet radiation and reflecting some of it back off as blue light. This increases the apparent brightness of washing, without actually contributing anything at all to making it more clean. It is a more sophisticated version of the old Laundry Blue that was still in use in my early 1960s childhood. You will look hard to find a brand (Ecover is one) that does not contain Optical Brighteners.
In point of fact though, Atopic skin is sensitive and intolerant and it can produce an inflammatory response to many different things – even a change of perfume in a laundry detergent could trigger a chemical sensitivity and cause inflammation. The only recourse is trial and error to find what works or doesn’t work for you. (I have atopic eczema and served on the board of the National Eczema Society some years ago).
0 replies I wonder if the research was funded by the detergent companies?
I wonder if the research was funded by the detergent companies?
0 replies My boyfriend over the years has had several flare-ups in his groin area - and every time I used bio powder ! I am 100% sure that's what it is. He has the rash now and I will wash all his underwear in Non-Bio today and his rash will be gone in a day.
My boyfriend over the years has had several flare-ups in his groin area – and every time I used bio powder !
I am 100% sure that’s what it is. He has the rash now and I will wash all his underwear in Non-Bio today and his rash will be gone in a day.
0 replies It is quite curious that this seems to be a British myth: I have never heard of allergy problems with biological detergents before (I am not British). Honeslty speaking, I have never heard of "bio" detergents before: in the rest of Europe, "bio" is used for organic food and the same detergents that here can be bought in the "bio" and "non-bio" version, in the rest of Europe are sold in the "bio" version only, without writing "bio" or "contains enzymes" on the box.
It is quite curious that this seems to be a British myth: I have never heard of allergy problems with biological detergents before (I am not British).
Honeslty speaking, I have never heard of “bio” detergents before: in the rest of Europe, “bio” is used for organic food and the same detergents that here can be bought in the “bio” and “non-bio” version, in the rest of Europe are sold in the “bio” version only, without writing “bio” or “contains enzymes” on the box.
0 replies My daughter had suffered from skin allergies when we returned to the UK from the USA. We found that we couldn't use persil of any type and aeril non bio worked great for a long time(hadnt really tried other brands as we uhit lucky with aerial on the 2nd attempt). Over several years we gradually switched to aerial bio. All was well until March 2010 when she had a major flare up of eczema. It was around the the same time the turn to 30 degrees was in the supermarket so I guess they had changed the formula; we are now back to aerial non bio which is getting extremely hard to find. We had a Dyson which rinsed twice every time and we usually applied the extra rinse aswell. If we have to change brands I will post again
My daughter had suffered from skin allergies when we returned to the UK from the USA. We found that we couldn’t use persil of any type and aeril non bio worked great for a long time(hadnt really tried other brands as we uhit lucky with aerial on the 2nd attempt). Over several years we gradually switched to aerial bio. All was well until March 2010 when she had a major flare up of eczema. It was around the the same time the turn to 30 degrees was in the supermarket so I guess they had changed the formula; we are now back to aerial non bio which is getting extremely hard to find. We had a Dyson which rinsed twice every time and we usually applied the extra rinse aswell.
If we have to change brands I will post again
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0 replies Hello R Angus. I'm not aware of any change but presumably they change it all the time and we don't usually notice.
Hello R Angus. I’m not aware of any change but presumably they change it all the time and we don’t usually notice.
0 replies many years ago, my midriff and crutch were raw, directly related to Bio-detergent. I now have skin pain in the same area. Strangely there is no rash. As an old Highlander my clothing shields very sensitiv skin. Have the manufacturers introduced anything new inthe past three months? An old lady, Cambridge MD, (related to Nobel winner, brother Professor medicine) said to me that she was worried that Bio's were causing so much reproductive damage that the could wipe us out.
many years ago, my midriff and crutch were raw, directly related to Bio-detergent. I now have skin pain in the same area. Strangely there is no rash. As an old Highlander my clothing shields very sensitiv skin.
Have the manufacturers introduced anything new inthe past three months?
An old lady, Cambridge MD, (related to Nobel winner, brother Professor medicine) said to me that she was worried that Bio’s were causing so much reproductive damage that the could wipe us out.
0 replies I personally don't think it's down to the bio/non-bio issue or laundry detergent chemicals alone. If washing machines rinsed properly, I don't think people would be suffering skin allergies. It's easy to blame just the detergent brand and its ingredients, but if it wasn't left in your clothes in the first place there wouldn't be a problem. Would you come out of the shower without rinsing away the soap/shower gel/shampoo properly? If anyone reading these comments is having skin problems, I recommend you read the page "Why can't modern washing machines rinse properly?" Why can't modern washing machines rinse properly? There are plenty of tips on that page on how to force modern "water saving" washing machines to rinse better. I hope following the rinsing advice alleviates the skin complaints. All the best. :)
I personally don’t think it’s down to the bio/non-bio issue or laundry detergent chemicals alone. If washing machines rinsed properly, I don’t think people would be suffering skin allergies. It’s easy to blame just the detergent brand and its ingredients, but if it wasn’t left in your clothes in the first place there wouldn’t be a problem. Would you come out of the shower without rinsing away the soap/shower gel/shampoo properly?
If anyone reading these comments is having skin problems, I recommend you read the page “Why can’t modern washing machines rinse properly?”
Why can’t modern washing machines rinse properly?
There are plenty of tips on that page on how to force modern “water saving” washing machines to rinse better. I hope following the rinsing advice alleviates the skin complaints.
All the best. :)
0 replies Irrespective of any "research" done by these "experts". As someone who has suffered with these new washing powders - its obvious once you isolate/change powder what the cause is. I've suffered from contact ecxema and stiff joints and generally feeling quite ill when using several brands. I change the powder and rewash ALL my laundry and I miraculously recover. ( so much for their research). These pharmaceutical people should be more careful about what they use. IMHO they seem to continually change the ingredients ( no doubt in a bid to wash whiter than white) . Several times I've gotten used to even non-bio liquids and then suddenly the symptoms reappear and have to go through the whole rigmorole again. Its a pain in the a**e. Sheets,clothes, my fabric sofa covers, everything. So if any of you pharma guys read this please think twice about what you use.....
Irrespective of any “research” done by these “experts”. As someone who has suffered with these new washing powders – its obvious once you isolate/change powder what the cause is. I’ve suffered from contact ecxema and stiff joints and generally feeling quite ill when using several brands. I change the powder and rewash ALL my laundry and I miraculously recover. ( so much for their research). These pharmaceutical people should be more careful about what they use. IMHO they seem to continually change the ingredients ( no doubt in a bid to wash whiter than white) . Several times I’ve gotten used to even non-bio liquids and then suddenly the symptoms reappear and have to go through the whole rigmorole again. Its a pain in the a**e. Sheets,clothes, my fabric sofa covers, everything. So if any of you pharma guys read this please think twice about what you use…..
0 replies I have an extra rinse button on my older AEG I'm wondering if i should experiment over a period of time? Had some itchy scratchy problems myself. All this ecco awareness is a bit of a tyranny IMO. But the harsh facts are that the cost of water has risen enormously (for most areas) and is even more noticeable if you have a water meter! I don't want to go back to washing HUGE sheets in the bath ( back breaking)..though probably thoroughly rinsed. Something else occurred to me regarding rinsing. I have in the past done dying with some really intense colours (following instructions to the letter) and never saw any sign of any in the machine after the process. Is this a more obvious way of proving rinse efficiency? what does anyone else think?
I have an extra rinse button on my older AEG I’m wondering if i should experiment over a period of time? Had some itchy scratchy problems myself.
All this ecco awareness is a bit of a tyranny IMO. But the harsh facts are that the cost of water has risen enormously (for most areas) and is even more noticeable if you have a water meter!
I don’t want to go back to washing HUGE sheets in the bath ( back breaking)..though probably thoroughly rinsed.
Something else occurred to me regarding rinsing. I have in the past done dying with some really intense colours (following instructions to the letter) and never saw any sign of any in the machine after the process. Is this a more obvious way of proving rinse efficiency? what does anyone else think?
0 replies Sorry, forgot to add my doctors told me to use non-bio and told them at the time I did and they said "It won't be that then", luckily I am the suspicious type and did suspect it, so started to re-run the full rinse programme on my washing machine and that helped a bit. But I had a Hotpoint back then and it used far too little water to do a decent rinse, so didn't completely clear it up. I have replaced my machine with a 15 year old Bosch that does 4 rinses 1/3 up the door so does rinse properly and has cleared dermatitis on my body! But I still suffer with it on my hands but is kept fairly well under control with creams at night etc. I just about have to buy creams in "Bill posters bucket" size as I need so much!!!! IMHO doctors talk out of their back sides, well ours do anyway. I got no help what so ever, all my skin issues are SELF DIAGNOSED. I use Ariel Biological powder and if not rinsed away properly as with all detergents I will be on the sterroid (can't spell that, damn dislexia!) creams again. If my Bosch breaks down beyond repair I am well and truly stuffed. I hope you get better from the eczema soon, its bloody awful and not half painful. All the best, Oliver.
Sorry, forgot to add my doctors told me to use non-bio and told them at the time I did and they said “It won’t be that then”, luckily I am the suspicious type and did suspect it, so started to re-run the full rinse programme on my washing machine and that helped a bit. But I had a Hotpoint back then and it used far too little water to do a decent rinse, so didn’t completely clear it up. I have replaced my machine with a 15 year old Bosch that does 4 rinses 1/3 up the door so does rinse properly and has cleared dermatitis on my body! But I still suffer with it on my hands but is kept fairly well under control with creams at night etc. I just about have to buy creams in “Bill posters bucket” size as I need so much!!!!
IMHO doctors talk out of their back sides, well ours do anyway. I got no help what so ever, all my skin issues are SELF DIAGNOSED.
I use Ariel Biological powder and if not rinsed away properly as with all detergents I will be on the sterroid (can’t spell that, damn dislexia!) creams again. If my Bosch breaks down beyond repair I am well and truly stuffed.
I hope you get better from the eczema soon, its bloody awful and not half painful.
All the best,
Oliver.
0 replies * When I say BLEACH I mean a little bleaching agent powder, not liquid bleach. I often add a scoop of cheap vanish equivalent (I know some are bio, but I've never had a problem, be careful), the one I use with whites has bleaching agents.*
* When I say BLEACH I mean a little bleaching agent powder, not liquid bleach. I often add a scoop of cheap vanish equivalent (I know some are bio, but I’ve never had a problem, be careful), the one I use with whites has bleaching agents.*
0 replies I find it tends to be the perfumes that set me off with rashes/upset psoriasis & eczema so many non-bios are out, often even worse, but I still itch with bio. My mum, sister & I started making our own detergents (try sites like tipnut for recipes). I find they clean & rinse well (I use a liquid mix) even at 40, though I wouldn't recommend lower. Word of WARNING: be very careful about which soap you choose as a base, some are highly perfumed and palm oil soap is usually not that nice to orangutans (deforestation, not malicious saponic attacks). Using a small amount of vinegar instead of softner works brilliantly, I think it breaks down limescale deposits in fabric instead of covering clothes in oils and waxes. It doesn't smell if you use little and rinses out very well, also it doesn't clog the drawer with waxy nastiness. Adding a little bleach to white washes and washing some things hot also helps keep life nice, clean and smell free. Granted, if you have very little time in your life, it is extra effort but if you have friends who are willing to give a go and share a big batch I find it worth it. Even if I run out and use other emergency detergents nothing will shake me from the wonders of vinegar, although I do wonder if it damages my machine? I really hope not...
I find it tends to be the perfumes that set me off with rashes/upset psoriasis & eczema so many non-bios are out, often even worse, but I still itch with bio. My mum, sister & I started making our own detergents (try sites like tipnut for recipes). I find they clean & rinse well (I use a liquid mix) even at 40, though I wouldn’t recommend lower. Word of WARNING: be very careful about which soap you choose as a base, some are highly perfumed and palm oil soap is usually not that nice to orangutans (deforestation, not malicious saponic attacks).
Using a small amount of vinegar instead of softner works brilliantly, I think it breaks down limescale deposits in fabric instead of covering clothes in oils and waxes. It doesn’t smell if you use little and rinses out very well, also it doesn’t clog the drawer with waxy nastiness. Adding a little bleach to white washes and washing some things hot also helps keep life nice, clean and smell free.
Granted, if you have very little time in your life, it is extra effort but if you have friends who are willing to give a go and share a big batch I find it worth it. Even if I run out and use other emergency detergents nothing will shake me from the wonders of vinegar, although I do wonder if it damages my machine? I really hope not…
0 replies Where can i buy a HE laundry detergent that is suitable for these useless modern front loading washing machines? Persil and Ariel over suds and leaves residue in thr rinse water and on clothes. I currently buy SA8 but am getting fed up of having to order it through a distributor. Is there any place in the UK that makes HE detergents and where can i buy them from. Never had a problem with the old front loaders but the detergent manufacturers need to male suitable detergents for machines using less water. Any adice greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Where can i buy a HE laundry detergent that is suitable for these useless modern front loading washing machines? Persil and Ariel over suds and leaves residue in thr rinse water and on clothes. I currently buy SA8 but am getting fed up of having to order it through a distributor. Is there any place in the UK that makes HE detergents and where can i buy them from. Never had a problem with the old front loaders but the detergent manufacturers need to male suitable detergents for machines using less water. Any adice greatly appreciated. Thanks.
0 replies This research was a non-systematic selective study of existing literature. It was funded by Unilever, and there was no information or description of how the literature was selected. As such it is suspect, and I would recommend that if your children have just developed eczema then you should avoid biological powders. Having carried out plenty of substitution tests I would certainly not try using any biological washing detergents. This has been backed up by all the experts I have met with over the years (and I have spent time in hospital with my eczema). The National Eczema Society's advice is still: Wash clothes in the minimum effective quantity of non-biological, un-perfumed washing powder. Give clothes an extra rinse. Avoid fabric conditioners. It is also worth noting that the original move to biological powder by Persil was met with such uproar that they had to revert, and this has been the case every time they changed the formula however slight. If I remember correctly there was plenty of research at the time that showed an increased tendency to irritate. It is irresponsible of researchers to package up a selective review attacking so called 'myths' when eczema sufferers have been carrying out their own research en masse for over 30 years.
This research was a non-systematic selective study of existing literature. It was funded by Unilever, and there was no information or description of how the literature was selected.
As such it is suspect, and I would recommend that if your children have just developed eczema then you should avoid biological powders. Having carried out plenty of substitution tests I would certainly not try using any biological washing detergents. This has been backed up by all the experts I have met with over the years (and I have spent time in hospital with my eczema). The National Eczema Society’s advice is still:
Wash clothes in the minimum effective quantity of non-biological, un-perfumed washing powder. Give clothes an extra rinse. Avoid fabric conditioners.
It is also worth noting that the original move to biological powder by Persil was met with such uproar that they had to revert, and this has been the case every time they changed the formula however slight. If I remember correctly there was plenty of research at the time that showed an increased tendency to irritate.
It is irresponsible of researchers to package up a selective review attacking so called ‘myths’ when eczema sufferers have been carrying out their own research en masse for over 30 years.
0 replies We used to use cloth nappies when our children were babies and had lots of problems with nappy rash. We tried different brands of non-bio and still had the rash. We ran out of non-bio one day and I decided to try giving biological detergent a shot on the basis that it couldn't cause any worse rashing and the nappies might get cleaner. I was more than a little surprised to discover that the rashing completely vanished never to come back and I found the same thing when I had my next baby. I work for a cloth nappy company and have recommended trying biological detergent for many parents whose babies have repeated nappy rash - most have found the same thing, that using bio significantly improved their babies skin. Why would the research being funded by detergent manufacturers bias them in favour of bio - after all, virtually all the detergent companies make non-bio as well as bio!
We used to use cloth nappies when our children were babies and had lots of problems with nappy rash. We tried different brands of non-bio and still had the rash. We ran out of non-bio one day and I decided to try giving biological detergent a shot on the basis that it couldn’t cause any worse rashing and the nappies might get cleaner. I was more than a little surprised to discover that the rashing completely vanished never to come back and I found the same thing when I had my next baby.
I work for a cloth nappy company and have recommended trying biological detergent for many parents whose babies have repeated nappy rash – most have found the same thing, that using bio significantly improved their babies skin.
Why would the research being funded by detergent manufacturers bias them in favour of bio – after all, virtually all the detergent companies make non-bio as well as bio!
Hi All
All the power brands such as Ariel, Persil, Bold and Surf are ridden with perfumes and allergens. They are all trying to entice the consumer with fragrance and smells because people who are not ‘well-informed’ on cleanliness believe that fragrance equals clean clothes. All these people that buy into this baloney are just lining the pockets of Unilever and Proctor & Gamble.
I have been using Simply Pure Soft-tabs – they are available in Sainsbury’s and Holland & Barratts. They are manufactured in Castleford in the UK and is fragrance free, hypoallergenic, phosphate free and great for people with skin conditions. It’s been fantastic for my family’s skin and they support the National Eczema Society. The owner will even let you try samples for free. I suggest you all look them up.
Likely replying to Rebel
Hello Rebel, most people aren’t affected by the fragrances and genuinely love the fragrances, nor do they have any itching or irritation. Some prefer no smell, just nice and clean smell and have some reactions. Have you heard of the new device that may be coming onto the UK market that allows you to wash in cold water with no detergent or fabric conditioner? I may be testing one out soon.
Hi Andy
I was on Unilever’s website once looking at the product information for Comfort Vanilla & Gold Iris Fabric Conditioner once because I was worried it was making my skin itch – there were 9 ingredients on their that were all allergens – Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol and others. That device sounds great but what test reports have been conducted to substantiate those claims – is there proof that it actually cleans your clothes? This is why I opted for Simply Pure tabs because Valerie Hart from Alba Science backs it – it sanitises, disinfects and thoroughly cleans your clothes leaving a clean smell. I have always had an interest in detergents because my skin is sensitive and reacts to all the power brands that Tesco and Asda flaunt in every aisle. Whatever happened to creating value on retail shelves – the buyers ought to be sacked for sticking to ‘safe’ all day and not letting us have other options.
Likely replying to Rebel
Hi Rebel. The device is claimed to be based on more expensive devices that have been used in hospitals for a long time. It does something to the water, “Advanced oxidation gasses and electrical energy is infused into your water. Including Ozone (made from 3 oxygen atoms), Hydrogen peroxide (made of 2 x oxygen atoms + 2 x hydrogen atoms), Ionization / electrical charges. These gasses are all naturally occurring and generated in a eco-friendly way.”
It goes on to say, “The mixture of oxidized water gets to work cleaning your garments. Dissolved gasses penetrate fibers lifting and dissolving dirt, stains and odours.”
Sounds very interesting. It won’t be cheap (around £250 – £300) but it should definitely appeal to a lot of people. I doubt it would cope with heavily soiled stuff (they advise to pre treat heavy stains “as you would normally”) but if you can do most washes in cold water with no detergent that’s going to save a lot of wear and tear on the machine, electricity and hot water, the cost of detergent – and that’s before factoring in any of the environmental benefits. I will likely be promoting it if it tests out ok.
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hi Andy
That is interesting – who is the manufacturer?
I think there are many good ethical brands out there in detergents who don’t get given a chance because of the ££££ Unilever and P&G give to all our supermarkets to shove them in our faces. This is why everyone is going to Aldi because they are sick at the sight of ‘special offers’ every two minutes and just want what they need not cheap offers. and more money spent on things we do not need to buy in bulks etc.
That is expensive the device – be sure to let us know how you get on when you try – in the mean time I am happy to promote Simply Pure Soft-tabs to anyone with eczema in particular like me – like I said I have clean smelling not highly perfumed clothes now and my skin is top tip compared to when I use to use Ariel.