This is a really strange experience, but I am losing the ability to touch my clothes everytime I wash them, as in they feel slimy and are causing me to itch.
I am trying to figure this out: I use 7th generation detergent, which is pretty natural, plus I've been adding baking soda and borax. I've used 7th generation for a long time. The other two I added recently.
I'm facing two situations right now: one is to keep the rest of the clothes I've got, and the other is to rescue the ones I've washed and can't touch.
Does anyone have some information on how to wash clothes when you're really chemically sensitive?
I also can't touch fabrics in stores. This is a very bizarre predicament and I am in need of info I don't have about what options are.
I became chemically sensitive after being exposed to a petrochemical fire a year and a half ago.
Any info much appreciated now!!!
Thx -- Robin
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
Baking soda...Na bicarbonate is a water softener. It is making the clothes feel slimy. Try white vinegar in the rinse cycle. Quite a bit of it.
Posted by sapphire (Member # 4599) on :
try doing an extra rinse.It sounds like you are putting too much detergent type stuff in the washer which would leave it in the clothes.If you just started using the baking soda and borax cut out one to see what you are reacting to.But do at least one if not two extra rinse cycles to remove the detergent.if it still is a problem do a full wash with just water and no detergent
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Thx for the replies! Headed for a night of laundry. Yep -- got slimy clothes right now. Was trying to get toxic chemicals out of clothes and started using baking soda and borax. This time, will do as you all suggested.
I am extremely chemically sensitive now and can't touch new clothes. Am wondering what could be the best way to proceed to see if I can wash any of them in something to clear the chemicals? Obviously, I will never wash new clothes with my old ones again, which is what started off this whole mess with my regular clothes.
Chemical sensitivity is up the wazoo right now -- like I can't even touch Walgreens' new plastic bags and need to bring my own. Carry an icebag all the time to wash off residues from everything. I could get a job as a Canary In A Mine...
When clindamycin was working, for 6 months, it kept this at bay. I gave it 4 months break and have just started again to see if it will work. My next back-up med will be plaquenil.
Also am trying sessions in front of this biocharger machine -- Tesla coil EM machine, supposed to strengthen the immune system. It's been pretty powerful so far and I have a tiny herx after the session followed by more energy.
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
Formaldehyde in new clothes is often the culprit.
Get them out in the sunshine first (use an old clothes line), then wash and dry.
It's funny how these experiences change you, because as I was reading your post I was contemplating how prior to my illness, I would have thought you a "nut", and myself as well.
I spend most of the days hiding under the covers under the bedspread in a dark room - keeps out more light.
When I go out, I'm dressed up suspiciously like the invisible man. Who knew that all this could be so believable?
Best wishes for some relief very very soon,
canbravelyme.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Did my first laundry pass with vinegar -- slightly less slimy now but will take more work. Hope I can't overdo the vinegar...? Otherwise, here comes the oil, basil, oregano and I'll chomp on the clothes instead of wearing them!
This all started when I washed a couple new socks in with my regular load. So any washing of new clothes to get their chemicals off will be a separate wash from now on.
Yeah, I wouldn't have believed any of this before it all started too -- which could help us understand when others can't understand. Just to say that, I think, will be helpful in navigating.
Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :
Robin, I've always been sensitive to formaldehyde on fabrics. Usually washing once or twice gets rid of it but not always.
I had a particularly powerful smelling pair of jeans years ago that washing didn't help. I put on gloves and soaked them in a sink of hot water and vinegar.
The water turned screaming bright yellow! I was shocked but after that I washed them and they were fine.
Posted by sick (Member # 9143) on :
Robin 123 I have to use Amway laundry detergent or my skin just itches so much I can take it.
Also never use any fabric softener with stong spells like downy or they can make you itch too.
If I use any other detergent my skin brings out and starts to bleed where my clothes touch me. sick
Posted by on :
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
I was shocked but after that I washed them and they were fine.