Fast forward from my last sensitive skin post to late Sept. 2011. We get a high efficiency washer and dryer.
With our old washer and dryer, we used Tide Free and Gentle liquid. Liquid because powder doesn’t always dissolve, which leaves little bleached spots on clothing. (Just like my grandma said.) With h.e. machines, liquid detergents have animal fat, which causes the rubber seal of the washer to break down. Additionally, regular detergent can lead to the growth of mildew and mold because the “additional suds can escape the drum and leave residual moisture within the washing machine.” (source) [This was the undoing of Maytag with the Neptune.] The salesman suggested a washing machine cleaner if we opted to use liquid detergent — monthly use to keep the rubber seal intact.
We chose to use Tide h.e. powder. My grandma had sensitive skin — dyes bothered her, among other things — and her dermatologist advised her to use Tide, fragrance and all.
I am allergic to it.
My pillowcase was the worst, causing the skin around my eyes, nose, ears, and corners of my mouth to itch and get extremely flaky. My eyeballs and eyelids became swollen. I couldn’t open my eyes in the morning.
Heather
lilly
Dannette
femmefrugality
Hanna