Jump to content

Allergic To Washing Powder?


Critterz
 Share

Recommended Posts

I realise now it started about the time they brought out the new concentrate washing powders.

All 3 of my dogs have rashes and constantly scratch. We have done the process of elimination with foods, gardens, grass and nothing has worked. Then today i washed all the couch covers while the dogs were outside playing. After coming inside and rolling all over the couches as they do my pink skinned girl turned bright red, almost like a burning look. So i bathed her straight away in Aloveen then put some aloa vera gel on her to try to sooth it. Then proceeded to pull all the covers back off. Will try to rewash them in plain water tomorrow.

Has anyone else had this problem and if so what do you suggest i wash everything in? I would have to include all beds in the house and couches, clothes etc. Would washing in detergent once then rewashing in plain cold water help? or is there a problem free detergent i can use.

Any help urgently would be very welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We use Martha Gardners Woolmix because of people with allergies to washing detergents. We do all of our washing as well as dog mats etc in it with no problems and it is environmentally friendly so the water can be put straight out onto the lawn with a grey water hose. The least allergenic fabric softener we have found is the original blue Huggy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've never had an issue with dogs but had a son who was horribley illergic to washing powder. Started as soon as I brought him home from hospital.

I had to rinse everything in amonia, then rinse again, as it was the only thing that would remove the traces of washing powder. I think white cleaning vinegar will do the same thing.

At hospital they washed my son in Lux Flakes (which I thought was weird)

Then he began oatmeal baths. Which was an oatlmeal mix in a stocking that was tried to the tap.

Cleaning vinegar and bi card (as someone mentioned) is good. I use this for almost all my household cleaning.

Brown vinegar + water is good for dark carpets, toilets and even dandruff.

Bi card is a natural smell absorber. Put it in shoes/boots, sprinkle on carpets bedding, then shake off or vacuum.

Sometimes when washing powders are assumed to be the culprit, it can actually be the softener. So if you are using a concentrate with built in softener that might be the problem. Softener is made to stay in the clothes to keep them soft. When hot or sweaty the softener residue can release from the material causing irritation.

Wish they had those washing 'balls' out when my son was born.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

ditch any softeners! As said they are a chemical which stays in fabric- so you or your dogs are continually absorbing minute amounts of it :thumbsup:

Also use a pure soap product.Soap, NOT detergent.

Soap is animal/vegetable fat based, and should only have few ingredients.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What did you use before they reacted??

What are you using now??

just one of the usual brands...but before they brought in the new tiny scoop use only a tiny bit of powder boxes, which i imagine is much stronger.

I will give the wool wash a try. As its going to be 39 here today i am going to wash the whole house, sorry about the water restrictions but cant have upset dogs scratching and unhappy.

Thanks. Any more suggestions are welcomed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Many dogs show sensitivity to Eucalyptus. I'd not suggest wool wash.

Pure soap flakes or a sensitive detergent would be the go I reckon. Use white vinegar instead of fabric softener.

If you use carpet powder etc, discontinue it.

One issue though.. are you absolutely certain they're reacting to something inside? Many common allergens are in the garden.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

my dog was the same, all he did was sit a little on some of my clean washing (grrr) and he broke out

I use a powder from Serbia, not sure what it's called but because my OH is allergic too I stick to it. Will have to find out what it's called

Link to comment
Share on other sites

OK i have done ten loads of washing today trying to wash every single thing they come into contact with. I eventually bought a natural eco dermatologically tested liquid wash. Now i just have to wait and see how they go over the next few days.

>Poodlefan> Yes we have basically torn out all the gardens and cut back all overgrown weeds, grasses, and creepers etc. Still no success.

Wish me luck - i am just about out of ideas!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I use Dominant washing powder and have done so for years. You can get it off the internet - is based in South Oz

OH is highly allergic to normal soap powders and as I use the phosphate free washing powder I wonder if it is the phosphate that causes a problem?

I also use Glycerine soap (you kow that see through orange soap stuff)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...