Do you think you have a washing powder allergy?
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29.8.2017
Not sure whether you are allergic to washing powder or laundry detergent? Check the symptoms. The most common signs of an allergy are skin rashes, itching, sneezing, a runny nose and/or watery eyes. You may notice all of these symptoms or only some of them.
Did you know that washing powders and softeners contain a lot of synthetic substances (chemicals) and fragrances that can cause these problems? That's right. And the more efficient washing powders come with even more ingredients, that is, more synthetic materials.
Composition of washing powders
Washing powders contain:
- Water softeners: the main water softeners are phosphates, which are most commonly found in soaps.
- Bleach: an oxidizing agent, e.g. sodium perborate, which is an inorganic peroxide (water-soluble chemical compound without an odour).
- Enzymes: dispose of impurities by destroying proteins and fats.
- Artificial fragrances: they can be made from several types of chemicals.
Yes, some detergents can stay in the laundry even after the wash. This is the main cause of skin and respiratory hypersensitivity. An allergy to fragrances usually affects the respiratory system (irritating the mucosa of the nasal cavity and mouth), while an allergy to synthetic substances is reflected on the skin (phosphates and bleach cause skin irritations). You will know that you are allergic if your respiratory system responds and you start sneezing excessively or get a watery nose. The skin usually turns red, irritated and itchy.
Enjoy your life without allergies and save money
Remember: chemicals are allergens. They irritate the skin, the mucosa of the nasal cavity and the mouth, cause allergies, and in severe cases even asthma attacks. They are also bad for the environment: phosphates cause excessive algae growth in water, which negatively affects the aquatic ecosystem and deteriorates the water quality. That is why the European Detergents Regulation limits the use of phosphates and other phosphorous compounds in detergents that are used for laundries in households.
Eco-friendly detergents made of plant-based ingredients are available in most better-stocked shops. But with a little effort and good will you can make the washing powder yourself. This way your will avoid issues with allergies and even save money. How? Click on the video.
To get rid of mites, reduce the humidity in your room
If you dry your laundry in a room without fresh air, humidity increases, which causes mould and attracts mites. In smaller rooms, the level of humidity increases even faster. Keep in mind that mites and mould are the main causes of allergies, and the mites reproduce in humid places and find shelter in dense fabrics.
You can prevent the reproduction of mites by lowering the humidity level in the room and by washing your bedding, curtains and bedspreads at higher temperatures. How high? Click on the video
A washer with a gentle heart: Gorenje SensoCare generation of washing machines
Gorenje SensoCare washing machines provide cleaner laundry and help you breathe more easily. The AllergyCare function removes traces of detergent, mites, as rinsing is 49% more efficient than the average wash. Discover a number of washing machine programmes that perfectly match your wishes and lifestyle.
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