posted
Does anyone have any knowledge of what laundry item to use to get chemicals out of clothes, if possible, in order to get them as chemical-free as possible?
I am so chemically sensitive now that I can't touch most clothes. Very frustrating. My wardrobe is getting rather worn, to the point of getting embarassing!
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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My friend with MCS uses them and is very happy with them.
I use them sometimes for laundry which is not sooo dirty as I think the nuts don't wash as well as the chemicals.
Gabrielle
Posts: 767 | From Germany | Registered: Feb 2004
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geniveve
Unregistered
posted
i never thought of it until now but my jeans lately have caused my legs to itch something awful. seems no matter what i wear it bothers me.
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posted
Someone gave me the best idea the other day -- using baking soda in the wash. I just dump a bunch in with my clothes and it really seems to help get them pretty clean and also eliminate a lot of the chemically stuff.
I get sick if anyone in the neighborhood is even drying clothes with any kind of dryer sheet. I swear some days it feels like dryer sheets are just loaded with toxic horrible stinky awfulness. Is it just me?
Alison
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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005
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Geniveve -- you could be itching from chemicals in/on your clothing and/or the laundry detergent you're using. I'd suggest investigating the same kind of question I'm asking here.
I already use 7th Generation detergent. It's just that it's not getting out the new chemicals in/on clothing.
Alison -- I can't breathe the dryer sheet either. I bet a lot of Lymies go thru this.
Summerlove, thx for the referral to the Clean and Green site. I think I'll get a print-out of it. I've used baking soda already and it does cut some of the chemicals out. Do you think borax works as well?
(Also, could you fix the website address so we can click on it? Right now, there's a one-space separation btn the co and m of com! Thx!)
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
Good old Ivory flakes is gentle too.
A 2nd rinse cycle might help.
Dry cleaning...clothes need to be out in the fresh air to eliminate that smell and reaction to that smell.
Several years ago, I heard that one lyme patient could not even stand the feel of ANY clothing on his body.
This is called
sensory defensiveness.
Posts: 9481 | From Sunshine State | Registered: Mar 2001
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
If you can handle Tide Free, I would try that. Tide is supposed to be one of the best detergents (from a former friend of a friend who worked for the Chemical Manufacturers Association).
Tide Free has no dies or scents, and I know many sensitive people can handle it. But I'm not sure about MCS. So maybe do a trial first to see if you react.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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I am chemically sensitive and my 2 boys and husband have eczema. Trader Joe's is unscented. We use the clothing detergent, dishwasher powder and glycerin hand soap pump. Did notice that the clothing detergent works best in warm or hot water (not so good with cold).
I order glycerin body soap in bulk from Sappo Hill in Ashland, OR - [email protected]. It's not cheap, but it is what works for me.
Good luck,
wiserforit
Posts: 508 | From Banks of the Hudson | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
I use All Free and Clear, it has made a big difference in sleeping.
Posts: 243 | From chicago | Registered: Dec 2005
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
I have used the All free& Clear to but for some odd reason it gave me some itchie problems . I now am using Arm & Hammer-New Mild formula-dematologist tested- fragrance/dye free.
Running on double rinse cycle like Marine suggested does help also.
Thanks summerlove& AllisonP for mentioned using pure baking soda....Is this safe on all colors?
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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I don't know if it is Ok for colors - I have used it on colors and it seems to be fine. What really impresses me is the stain busting capabilities. I washed something 4 times trying to get a bloodtain out, even using spot cleaner, andit wasn't coming out and then I put baking soda on it and voila!
Alison
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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
I forgot, (shocker), I run clothes through twice, the first time just white vinegar and the second time all free and clear.
Posts: 243 | From chicago | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
I've had MCS for 10 years (could it really be another gift of Bb?). I got it about the same time I got sick, but I thought it was from living in a very polluted city.
I use Arm & Hammer Dye and Fragrance Free, a powder. A lot of the liquid detergents bother me.
For body soap, I love Kiss My Face olive oil soap (and their deodorants)
Dryer sheets ARE loaded with toxic chemicals -- very nasty. Regular detergents and many body lotions and personal care products are loaded with harsh chemicals.
Borax, vinegar, and baking soda can also be used for laundry.
Posts: 211 | From NC | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
robin i haven't used borax specifically for 'cutting out chemicals' but it does work well to clean clothes. i use it to boost laundry soap. i also use it to deodorize, for example i use it at the bottom of the trash can. you can find borax on the laundry isle.
i accidently got borax in my eyes once, when i was reaching for the box off the top shelf at the store, and for some reason it did not burn my eyes. i was amazed! ( don't try this at home)
Posts: 117 | From . | Registered: Oct 2006
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MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
Castille soap includes Dr Bronner's- it comes in 'unscented' if your store has a big enough selection (health food stores may carry the unscented). Its very concentrated so may be a booster for laundry solutions like baking soda or borax or vinegar, though you'd never want to use it in huge quantities. But the label will scream that at you over and over again, so you can't miss the warning to dilute.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
Just to add my 5 cents!!! When I had MCS no matter what kind I tried it still made me sick. Laundry detergents were the worst!!! Next to paint. Anywayz, it is all gone now!!!! All gone. Thank goodness.
I hope yours goes away too!!! Sincerely, Sarah
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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There is a product called Planet Solution. You can obtain it from Heartland products It is a concentrate that you use for anything. Also they have a spray concentrate I use for the shower called Tidy Up. The website is www.heartlandnatural.com
Debbie
The physician I saw for MCS recommended it. Also there is good old Bon Ami-- great cleanser
Posts: 54 | From Clovis, California | Registered: Nov 2006
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breathwork
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 567
OK here I go again, but there seem to be more questions that I can respond to with Shaklee products...
Click on the link and you can see exactly what is and what is not in all their household cleaners. They've received awards for their environmental impact. The products really work.
I began using them when my kids were extemely sensetive to cleaners and laundry detergents. They would get horrible rashes. First I switched the laundry detergent and fabric softener....then the rest of my house cleaning products. They work and cost less. They keep my fair skinned, sensetive kids safe. That's enough for me.
I am a distributor because I use many of their products. They were cheaper for me if I became a distributor. I will not sell to the lyme community as it seems smarmy somehow. Shaklee is not a business for me. However, I would be glad to refer you to someone else if you have any questions or want to order products.
Check out the website and see what you think....
Carol Ann
Posts: 1062 | From CA USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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posted
Yes! Dr. Bronners is the greatest. I use it for just about everything. Bathing, the pets, cleaning....
A.
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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005
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