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HE detergents that don't develop rashes

Are there any pediatric formulated or child friendly detergents for HE washers. I used the HE detergent for my machine and my young child developed a rash. How can I use my HE washer and not have the detergent bother my child?

Julie Crowe
Sat, 3 Dec 2005 13:12:38 -0800

I've been suffering from occasional hives; however, ever since the purchase of the kenmore calypso washer which requires the use of "he" detergent, I've been breaking out in hives everday. Since the purchase of the washer 3 weeks ago, this is when the hives erupted daily.....I've even cut down the amount of soap used. Could it be that the soap is the culprit?

bev o
Tue, 06 Jun 2006 12:20:42 -0700

Have you used regular Tide before? I cannot use any form of Tide without breaking out, and my wife has problems with Arm and Hammer.

Chuckles
Sat, 10 Jun 2006 09:18:29 -0700

There are several types of high efficiency detergent, I would try to locate a different brand if you're breaking out. We just bought a kenmore he4t that hasn't been delivered yet, and I'm nervous about using a different kind of detergent also, since my husband has an allergic reaction to some softeners and detergents. Here is the list of others:
Fab,
Fresh Start,
Amway SA8
Tide HE
Wisk HE
Equator

Heidi
Thu, 15 Jun 2006 06:21:55 -0700

An addendum to my previous post, according to Proctor & Gamble's website, Tide HE is also available as Tide HE Free and Tide HE Clean Breeze Liquid.

Heidi
Thu, 15 Jun 2006 10:24:15 -0700

All now makes All Free & Clear HE. This should work for anyone who has very sensitive skin. All Free & Clear is the only detergent that I can use without breaking out, I have also met people who use this for their babies because baby detergent gave them rashes.

Joanne
Mon, 13 Nov 2006 07:17:47 -0800

My daughter has been breaking out from the he detergents as well. I don't know if it's the brand or the he portion because we used tide before and she was ok now with the he she's not.

sandra
Mon, 09 Apr 2007 20:38:59 -0700

I have tested positive to a commonly used preservative in household products, called MCI or methylchloroisothiazoline and MI or methylisothiazolinone. I broke out in rashes. I found it is Kirland Ultra Dishwashing liquid soap, Pantene, Clairol, Suave, Nivea, Johnson, and other products. I got a flyer from my dermatologist which listed products that do not contain this product. We have used Kirland Ultra laundry soap and now I find rashes on my feet and legs, from I believe contact with my socks. I am returning a container we bought today from Costco after seeing my dermatologist yesterday. I have been trying to track down the ingredients for confirmation, but it has never happened before to me. Check the website householdproducts.nim.nih.gov at the US library of Medicine. These lists are brief and not comprehensive. I had previously tested positive-to rashes etc-to the above chemicals and try to read labels before purchasing a product. There are some products w/o these chemicals and I received a partial list from my dermatologist. I am going to try one of the laundry detergent mentioned above. Hope this helps, it is very frustrating I know.

Michael
Thu, 24 May 2007 10:29:20 -0700

Look in the hardware department of Sears for their bucket of powdered detergent with the HE logo that is free and clear of dyes and perfumes. I don't know if Sears still has it, but they used to carry it, among a bunch of other kinds of HE detergent with their brand on it. It's concentrated and very nicely priced and, in fact, all of the Sears detergents are HE-rated with the logo and marketed for use in regular machines, too, because the price is so nice. (You can use low-sudsing HE detergents in top-loading, agitator style machines, but not the other way around.)

Another tip is Trader Joe's, if you live where they have Trader Joe's. Try their "Next to Godliness" detergent which is hypoallergenic and compatible for front-loading and other HE machines (read the directions to see that). Comes in a 40-use and an 80-use size. I think usage double for HE machines because you use half as much according to the directions.

I note that Safeway and its subsidiaries such as Von's now even have "2X Ultra" liquid HE detergent and it comes in a "Free" variety that has no dyes or perfumes.

As previously mentioned, there are some name brands, too, nowadays, that have an HE "Free" variety. Tide has a liquid HE that is fragrance-free and totally colorless that I've tried, and I understand "All" does.

"All" products don't have enzymes and neither does the Trader Joe's detergent. Thus, they might not be as effective on protein-based stains such as blood or certain food stains. On the other hand, they won't digest wool and down and are thus better for woolens, wool blends and down-filled items.

Todd Leone
Sun, 02 Sep 2007 21:41:13 +0000

I also got terrible hives from new detergent. They went away when we switched to fragrance-free detergent. Your hives might be from the added fragrance, or from the detergent itself. Try fragrance-free product, first. If that doesn't work, then experiment with different detergents.

Julia Kaisch
Sun, 09 Sep 2007 19:10:50 +0000

I used Tide laundry detergent until they changed the formula in the mid 1970's. Whatever they changed at that time caused me to suffer from intense itching everywhere clothing wash in it touched my skin. Each occurance, after using Tide, took a period of time for the itching to subside.

Recently, I purchased a new HE washer and could find no HE detergent of the brand I normally use - Cheer. I purchased Tide Free HE x2 figuring it might be safe to use. No such luck. After using the Tide Free for some weeks, I developed a severe reaction again with the intense itching. Tide Free evidently contains the same enzymes or petrochemicals that caused my first problems in the 1970's. I will never again use any Tide Product. No other product has ever caused me such problems.

William C. Buckley
Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:40:49 +0000

I have been a Tide user for years. We recently a new front loader washer and I had to switch to Tide HE. I developed hives, something that I have never had in my life.

I am going to try the Trader Joe's brand and see what happens.

Sharon Machado
Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:09:32 +0000

I have used regular plain-old All Free & Clear for years in a high efficiency washer. I user 1/3 of the measuring cup and it works fine! It also lasts a lot longer since I get 3x the # of loads on the bottle.

Dan
Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:36:10 +0000

We have been using Tide for years and recently switched to Tide HE as we purchased new front-loaders. I now have rashes from the waistband of my underwear. Is there something in the cleaning agents or other additives between Tide Concentrate and Tide HE that would cause this? I'll be trying Tide HE Free and see if there is any difference.

Chuckie C
Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:51:34 +0000

I use the ECOS brand. Its wonderful! No enzymes and all the ingredients are safe and listed on the label.

Karen
Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:46:21 +0000

omg!!!! we thought we had something we have been to the dermitologest i took my daughter to the dr her iching is driving me nuts and my son has hives and they gave him 4 meds couldnt figuar it out ,i talked to my girlfriend the other day and she ask me if i was iching where my bra and underwear was i laughed and said yes.(iam digging as i speak) iam so glad i found this and we are not nuts ...lol i have switched soap 4 times and nothing worked i will have to go to sears and get theres and try also there is a place i found on here its called sunandearth.com they have some and not bad priced 300oz for like 25.00 i may try that.

michelle
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:15:53 +0000

you should definitely try Maggie's Soap Nuts - completely natural as they grow on trees - they're also HE compatible. I love them with my front loader and my cloth diapers - my clothes are much softer than with Trader Joe's (which I was also happy with)

M.R.
Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:55:08 +0000

Were getting hives from HE soap that is free and clear of all dyes.
Tide, Cheer and All..
I need a new soap to try.

Rae
Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:43:03 +0000

We bought an HE washer 6 mo ago and I developed a rash after about 2 months - it hasn't gone away since! I tried switching to Kirkland Env Friendly and All (not free/clear) but it hasn't gone away yet, I'm hoping swiching to a powder might help?!

karen
Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:09:26 +0000

i have been using Tide HE in the communal laundry room and used it with a new Frigidaire laundry machine I bought for the apartment, and broke out a day after the first run. does using a smaller amount help?

mike
Mon, 09 Feb 2009 07:34:19 +0000

Thanks for all the postings on this subject. I figured out after 2.5 months of hives and incredible itching, that the Tide HE Fragrance/Dye Free was causing the skin problems. Right now, I am trying oxyclean and a vinegar rinse, since I am concerened that the "HE" chemical process(es) in all HE detergents regardless of maker causes the allergic reaction.
I have read that Procter and Gamble HE products- Tide, Gain etc cause allergic reations. Are all HE products that bad and should I get rid of my front loader?

Thanks.

Jim
Sun, 29 Mar 2009 00:18:15 +0000

We have been doing reasonably well with Ecover's he liquid, but we also always run the extra rinse cycle. Even with the HE detergents, we find that we need to use about half the quantity listed on the label.

clean dean
Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:02:59 +0000

We purchased a Sears Kenmore HE washer 5 weeks ago, using Tide HE, a week ago I
came down with hives. I think its time that the health dept get involved. Sad I
gave away my old washer I bought in 1990.

roger
Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:23:17 +0000

We just bought a front loader and I have done a lot of loads using regular liquid detergent. The trick is to only use a SMALL amount! Like someone else posted above (that nobody paid attention to), just use 1/3 of what you would normally use. I use just under the "1" marking on the cup top on my bottle of ERA and have no problems whatsoever and the clothes come out clean and fresh smelling. HE detergents is just another way for these companies to rip us off, they are simply diluted detergent. I'm not paying for water.

Tonia
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:28:18 +0000

I am so lucky to have found this topic. I've had a front loading washer for 3 yeras but had never used HE detergent until recently like the last 3 loads.

Today my hands were really bad with hives, and I also had hive around my neck, my chest and around the waistband area of my underwear. I believe the hives on the hands were caused by Arm and Hammer OxyClean.. I just grabbed something at the store to clean things and didn't take much notice of what it was. At the same time I picked up an HE detergent... Tide HE fresh scent or something like that.

It was a double-dose of itchy hell! Reading the bottle of the Arm and Hammer clean it says if you have sensitive skin to use gloves... I didn't....

Anyway, I'm going back to the non-HE detergent which I never had a problem with. I've always used a small amount of that stuff and it cleans just fine... and in 3 years my machine hasn't broken or anything.

So whatever's in the "no-srub" Oxyclean kitchen cleaner and in the Tide HE is my problem. I'm now busy washing my sheets, comforters, and all my clothes again. Thanks to everyone who's posted here as it was starting to drive me nuts.

I should also note that I do get hives on a small part of my arm if I don't take a claritin everyday... my doctor said it was "seasonal" and to not bother getting an allergy test. I've been taking 1 claritin a day for about 7 years now which takes care of the problem.... but this was something entirely different... I think... anyone know what chemical causes this??

petec
Sun, 11 Apr 2010 18:44:42 +0000

When are people going to get it?????? This laundry powder from the big manufacturers like Tide (P&G) and others, has poison in it. By the way, they do not define "fragrance" with respect to any chemical name or formula. Folks are having all kinds of rashes, asthma, scratchy throats, ADD (makes me lose my concentration), etc.. Does the list ever end? Please use only a small amount of unscented detergent, if any at all. The only reason you need "fabric softener" is because you are using too much detergent and it stiffens your clothes. I use a tablespoon or less (as directed) of Charlie's Soap (see Amazon for free shipping) and always have perfectly clean clothes. I never have to add more poisonous chemicals (fabric softener). This was all a marketing gimmick years ago, and unfortunately, it really worked on you. Before the past 60 years or so, people just beat out their clothes with a little rubbing action (just like your washing machine), rinsed their clothes and wore them. Didn't hear of all the cancers, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, to name a few. We weren't exposed to as many chemicals. So start now and stop using these chemicals.

Betsy
Fri, 21 May 2010 20:42:44 +0000

Tide Ultra 2x gave me serious asthma problems. I can now relate to the person who commented on "poison" in the soaps.

Without much thought I switched laundry soaps a eight weeks ago and started wheezing a little, but thought that it was the onset of a cold that was going around. As the days went by I got worse and worse and the Doctor finally put me on an asthma inhaler, even though I never had any real asthma history. After the 3rd visit with little improvement after a period on steroids and an inhailer he asked if I had a new pet or brought anything new into the house. I hadn't (or so I thought). Later I had put on a freshly laundered shirt and in just minutes I could hardly breath. After thinking about it, all of my issues came to roost when I changed the laundry soap to Tide 2x.

I had to move all of my clothes, linens/towels out into the garage as I didn't know what had/hadn't been laundered in the last 8 or so weeks. One by one I am rewashing them with a natural clear and free laundry detergent. It's been 2 days straight of rewashing and I can tell that every time I fetch something that was washed in the Tide my lungs clothes up. I was reading that the new Tide 2x has a chemical called Monoethanolamine (MEA)in it and that is linked to Asthma.

At least I have an answer. I hope to wean myself off the asthma inhaler once I get all of the laundry redone. It's been a horrible experience!!

Stuart
Sun, 23 May 2010 23:31:20 +0000

I've used original Tide for 20+ years with no problems. Recently switched to the HE (high efficiency) type because we moved and use a different laundromat. All our other soaps, toiletries, & medications stayed the same. I developed contact dermatitis on my hands (I do the laundry) and my husband on his legs where his socks press closely against his skin. These were actually rashes that blistered -- not nice.

I called Procter & Gamble/Tide customer service, and they denied that anything is different about Tide HE except that it 'makes less suds.' (And how does it do that without being different, I wonder?)

The representative also said the problem I reported was 'unusual' and they have not had complaints of that kind. When I said that I'd seen others report the same problem online, she said firmly 'not with Tide' -- I guess she meant some other HE detergent was a problem. (Which tells you something anyway.)

I said, yes I have seen complaints about rashes with Tide HE. She then said condescendingly that I must be reading 'negative blogs with false information.' (!) Because you know, it makes so much sense for people to go online and *pretend* to have a rash from Tide HE -- while saying they like Tide Original just fine. They're not even slamming the entire brand, just the HE. So how does that make sense?

Anyway, she agreed to send me a refund check for the bottle I had bought and used once and could no longer use.

I encourage anyone with problems with Tide HE to call the number on the bottle and report it. If they tell you no one else has complained, they're lying.

Mary
Thu, 17 Jun 2010 19:25:28 +0000

We purchased a new front load washer and dryer a few weeks ago. Of course we heard that we had to start using HE Detergent, so we bought Tide HE (we have used the regular Tide for 10 years.) About a week after we bought the new appliances, I came down with a rash around the area where my underwear lines are. It kept on spreading and looks like a really long welt. Then came the outbreak on my legs where my capris touch my legs. Everyday I got more and more broken out. Wherever my pants were rubbing against my legs there are little red bumps and they itch like crazy!! I finally figured out that it was the Tide HE! So, I googled my problem to find that there are a lot of people out there with my same problem. I will be calling the number on my Tide HE bottle tomorrow. I will look for a milder detergent frangance free. Thanks for enlightening me!

J. Atkins
Thu, 08 Jul 2010 03:06:26 +0000

You do NOT need to use HE detergent in your HE machines. I have owned a fridgidaire gallery FL for 10 years and have Never used HE detergents nor have I used liquid. I just use less then recommended(a habit I got into long before I purchased my FL). Here is a shocker. In an effort to make money manufacturers recommend you use more of the product. I have never had the smelly washer issues that my friends and neighbors have complained about in their fancier color wheel HE machines. I have been using for the last 2 years Homemade laundry soap (powder)
and vinegar as fabric softener. My washer smells clean and fresh. My cloths don't make us itch. No need to leave my washer door open or clean the door seals. (something I never had to do). Check out some of the homemade laundry soap recipes. Give them a Try. :)

brady
Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:20:16 +0000

After battling with itching and breakouts for the past few months in areas of my body where my clothes made contact 24/7, I switched from conventional He detergents to all-natural HE detergents and I've had great success with Naturoli's Extreme 18x; the itching and breakouts have gone away (thank God). It's non-irritating, cleans a well as Tide, it rids your HE machine of odors and chemical residue and naturally softens clothing.
It's seem to be pretty new to the market. I ordered it at distributerra.com

Wilson
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:29:17 +0000

For the parent with a child that got a rash when exposed to the HE detergent.

Well, you can use your machine with no detergent and set it to the sanitize cycle, not practical.
You can use a very small amount of non suds producing pediatric formulated or child friendly detergents. It is amazing that you can use one eighth of a cup of non suds producing detergent and the clothes get clean. I also select the extra rinse cycle. I also select the "sanitizer" setting. It heats the hot water until it is extremely hot. My washer only rinse in cold and my cold water is near 50 degrees so it will build up scum if I don't select "self clean" periodically. I would rather rinse in warm and not worry about having a smelly washer. My washer operates fine and smells fresh because I periodically pour in some bleach and run the self cleaning cycle. I hate the thought of the bleach and detergent eating away at the cheap seals. That is why my washer sit inside a drain pan and if the seal ever starts leaking, the water will just go down the drain.

Just another engineer
Sun, 24 Oct 2010 09:57:07 +0000

I, too, have these rashes. I called the company that makes ECOS and they told me that although Methychloroisothiazolinone was not one of the ingredients, there was a chemical similar to MCI in the formula and they could not share what that chemical was because it was propriatary. So there seems to be another chemical that causes the same reaction. I have tried Ivory Snow and am having good results so far, but am thinking about soap nuts. There are far too many toxic/hazardous/dangerous chemicals in our environment.

Debra
Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:58:38 +0000

We have the same problem. I purchased a front-loading Samsung about 2 months ago based on the available rebates. We are all suffering from some of the same symptoms everyone else is complaining about. The problem started with Tide plus febreze HE. The itching started with our feet and lasted for days. It spread to our hands and areas covered by our underwear. We were up in the middle of the night trying to get relief. We bathed in oatmeal salve and covered ourselves in calamine lotion and hydrocortisone trying to get some relief. We took benedryl every day and still had the same problems. We switched to regular Tide HE thinking it was the febreze and perfume that was causing it, however that has not worked either. I'm now using All (still HE) and have spent the whole day rewashing everything in the house. Even picking up the allegedly clean clothes washed in the Tide is giving me a rash on my hands and arms where I touched the clothing. I don't know what is in this stuff but it is wreaking havoc in my household. I never had any of these issue with my old washer.. I will try the extra rinse cycle and reduce the quantity of the detergent as some suggest. I plan to call Tide tomorrow and give them my review. I have four bottles of their detergent sitting in my laundry room and don't plan on using any of it.

rj
Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:44:51 +0000

We thought we were the only ones allegic to Tide HE. Back in Nov. 2009, my wife's skin started getting all these bumps on it. After we finally figured out it was the Tide HE, we called Tide to complain and get a refund. They said they have never heard about any problems before and sent us a crummy coupon for a free Tide laundry product. We gave up on all Tide products and now use ALL Free and Clear. Procter and Gamble is just another heartless corporation.

Tony
Tue, 14 Dec 2010 04:27:17 +0000

Hello, i bought a bottle of Tide HE with febreeze a couple of weeks ago and now i have developed a severe rash that started in my underwear area and now has spread to my back, arms and chest. It already cost me a $150 visit to the dermatologist with no improvement. I will switch detergents and see if this helps.

JRF
Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:52:21 +0000

Same problem. Moved to a new house with HE washer. Switched to Tide HE. Son started getting hives around underwear waistband then all over. Daughter now getting the hives too. I switched to Tide Free HE. Still having problems. I plan to go to non-HE All & use the extra rinse cycle. Not looking forward to rewashing EVERYTHING, but will be happy to get rid of the hives. I might also try making some homeade laundry soap I've heard about. So glad to read this page.

A concerned mom
Mon, 28 Feb 2011 02:17:50 +0000

After suffering a bout of miserable skin allergies, I have narrowed down the problem to Tide HE. Last summer, we replaced our washer and it seems there are very few HE brands of detergent (compared to regular).

Normally I wash my work dress clothes in Cheer HE, and all of the rest of our laundry is washed in Tide HE. Over time this winter I have suffered with some rash, but not terrible. After returning from a business trip and washing all my clothes in Tide (because I was concerned about bed bugs, of all things), the rash flared up significiantly. I immediately changed bed sheets and began washing all of my clothes in All Free and Clear, and the problem is subsiding. We will no longer use Tide for any of our clothes, ever.

I am hoping there will not be skin damage where the rash was the harshest. This problem is miserable and very real, and I will pursue reporting it to Proctor and Gamble, and whatever agency I can that takes consumer complaints.

No more Tide in this family
Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:09:09 +0000

It isn't just the Tide HE causing this in people, I have a top loading machine and purchased regular 2x Tide with Dawn. I started getting a really bad rash under my arms and it burned and itched. I didn't think much of it because I had used Tide from time to time in the past and with no issues. After switching to scent free soap, unscented lotions, changing my deodorant to one of those mineral salt deodorant crystals, and cortisone cream, benedryl cream, etc... well you get the point, and I had no relief. It dawned on me it might be the laundry detergent. So I switched to All Free & Clear and have relief. I have been able to use scented products in the past so I think it must be the enzymes Tide is using in their product to combat protein stains. I gave away the big bottle of Tide to a neighbor and she said that while her daughter lived with them they couldn't use Tide either. Then I spoke to my mother and she has been having itching lately too (I do her laundry) and it must have been from the Tide. I will not be purchasing any more Proctor and Gamble laundry detergents to be on the safe side. From searching the web, it seems a lot of people have been having issues with Tide detergent lately. I don't have super sensitive skin so this took me by surprise. I will stick to All, Arm & Hammer, Costco brand, and a few others that have never caused issue before.

COS
Sun, 29 May 2011 03:32:26 +0000

btw, I started buying "Arm and Hammer for sensitive skin" and I started getting a little itchy again... didn't notice it had an HE logo on it... it wasn't bad as before probably because of the extra rinse cycle... this detergant has no fragrance or dyes... so I'm convinced that I'm allergic to the enzymes.

dand
Sat, 04 Jun 2011 20:08:38 +0000

Amazing. Found this site when I got hives after using Tide HE. Years back, my father, a chemist, told us that soap companies were adding unneeded chemicals to laundry soaps because people were convinced that more suds meant a cleaner wash!! Now, due to the high spin new washing machines they want to add chemicals (harmful!) to reduce the suds! Incredible.

Carolyn
Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:40:38 +0000

Add us to the list. Just returned from Emergency with a bad case of hives . . . . likely from Gain HE.

Barb Tate
Sun, 07 Aug 2011 17:41:39 +0000

Thank God for these posts - same issue started with us when we bought a new washer with HE Tide being used. Rashes started on all skin areas with close clothing contact - feet, waist, sleeve areas, etc. Switched to fragrance free Tide HE - same problem continuing today making for a miserable existence. Now have a dermatologist appointment and will be trying other detergents, extra rinse cycles, etc. But at least I have identified I believe the problem source.

Charles
Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:48:03 +0000

I bought a front loader 2 years ago and I've been going crazy itching ever since. I thought it was the machine but now I'm thinking it is the HE soap.
I think it is any brand but TIDE HE is the worst(even the FREE & GENTLE). I'm now using the seventh generation from Whole Foods and still I'm itching (not as bad as TIDE).
Please someone do some research about why this is happening. I'm going back to non HE detergent even if it kills my machine.
I miss my clunky, old, 1980's washer and dryer. I never though I would say that.
I feel like my clothes are made of sand paper.
Thanks for creating this site.

brenda
Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:40:15 +0000

I purchased a new front loader washer and dryer in April of this year. Suddenly I broke out all over my legs and I assumed it was poison ivy. Weeks later I started itching everywhere!!! Been to 3 doctors and been on half a dozen medicines for my rash. Could all my suffering be from laundry detergent? Amazing!!!!!!!

John
Tue, 27 Sep 2011 01:36:30 +0000

I am so glad I found this site! My daughter moved home from college with a severe case of eczema in May. She has been to her internist, dermatologist, allergist, has been on steroids, antihistamines, you name it, with no relief. It turns out she had been using Tide at school. Her dermatologist recommended a fragrance-free detergent, so I switched to All Free Clear 2x. Her symptoms started clearing up a bit (probably because of the steroids), but then my younger daughter and I BOTH started having itchy hives. So I switched back to Ecos, the detergent I used prior to this problem. No relief. I then switched to Seventh Generation Free & Clear, still no relief and it ruined all of our dark clothes (splotchy streaks everywhere). I even tried grinding up Ivory soap bars because I thought perhaps we all had a sensitivity to detergents, but that still didn't help. Out of desperation, I recently purchased Zum Clean with Lavender HE (Indigo Wild is the maker), which is supposedly a "soap" not a "detergent." But we are still experiencing horrible itchy rashes. I suspect that the fragrances might be causing our problems, and unfortunately all Indigo laundry products have fragrance added. The only other added ingredients that we might be sensitive to are "sodium borate" or "sodium bicarbonate," or perhaps the coconut oil, which is the main ingredient of this soap. I am at my wits end, having washed and rewashed all of our clean laundry a million times with each new product, only to have the itching get worse. Having read all the posts, I am now going to call Indigo Wild and ask if they add enzymes to their product (it's not listed in the ingredients). I think I will also try some of the natural soaps that were recommended (or make our own soap without fragrance). Thanks to everyone who posted such helpful comments!

Paula Keller
Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:20:20 +0000

I have found that soap nuts are just fabulous!! No rashes, no weird chemicals, and they work great in HE machines. They do work best with warm water so if you do most of your laundry on cold, I'd probably make the liquid form (you basically boil it and make a tea). I have had so many problems with ECOS... not so happy with their product. Soap nuts are my favorite!

Steph
Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:28:48 +0000

I have never had sensitive skin or any allergies. Have had irritation and hives for 4 or 5 weeks, been to doctor, got steroid cream, still itching like crazy. Did laundry last night and realized that new detergent was about 5 weeks ago - bought Tide because Target sent a coupon. I didn't know there was a different HE detergent, or even that there are HE washers, but the bottle has "HE" in very small letters on it. I can't believe these type of posts have been going on for more than 5 years and this stuff is still being sold! I will pursue Tide for a refund, the cost of my DR. visit and prescription co-pay. I will also contact the Consumer Product Safety commission. This is an outrage!

Rob
Sat, 12 Nov 2011 01:50:55 +0000

I bought a front load washing machine and started using Gain w/ HE. My I lids began to have a dry rash on them and swelling. It then started on my collar bones and now on my neck. It is even making my eye balls real red and hurt. I am glad I have seen all of these comments. I am going to try using my regular Gain w/o HE as I did fine before. I f it works I will continue. If the washer breaks because of it, I will buy another one that DOESN'T have to heve the HE. I am miserable.

Debra
Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:18:03 +0000

I am so disappointed in TIDE! i've been using tide products for years and decided to try TIDE He febreeze sport and broke out in a horrible rash! It started on my face then spread down my neck, chest, back, and stomach. I had to rewash 4 loads of laundry! It is incredibly itchy and uncomfortable. I called Proctor and Gamble (513)983-1100 and they seemed very unprofessional and very unsimpathetic. They are refunding my purchase of the detergent (supposadly), but will not pay for my doctors copays! I've spent $60 so far and the rash hasn't subsided at all. They say they're going to have someone call me back, but i doubt it! I told them that they really need to list EXACT ingredients on their detergent bottles not just the words "enzymes" and "biodegradable soaps!" UGGHHHH!!!

Alyse
Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:23:56 +0300

I bought my fl almost 2 yrs ago.For 6 months I didnt have any problems and then all of a sudden I woke up with itchy welps on my back.Because of the bedbug madness I did my research and ran to the exterminator to treat my home for something I never had.After that didnt work I went to an allergist for a whole yr of testing to realize I was allergic to pet dander,dust mites,mold and pollen.So I went and got a mattress cover and rounds of injections to help combat my allergies.Still I felt itchy on my inner thighs,arms, feet and sometimes my lip and eye would swell up.I came up on another posting like this that said front load washer was the problem because of mold and because Im allergic to mlds I said ahh haaaa! But the problem was I didnt have any musty smells like the people complained about.After further investigation I saw i may need to use free and clear dtergeants that also didnt help.Finally I learned about enzyme allergies so I went to Trader Joes bought their detergeant and they even called the back office to make sure there wasnt enzymes in it and it worked! That was the best sleep Ive had in 2yrs.Im starting to notice the itchy welps coming back but I think its because my son uses the armandhammer dye free that I had left over that I stopped using bc it had enzymes.And bc of the residue probably left behind I was my stuff with the extra rinse and vinegar in it with my stuff.Its a shame that we have to go through this for years until we come across a blog to see whats wrong.Not even my allergist picked up on it and she even had me do the patch test that tests for everyday household things.PS- I dont normally have itchy skin eczema etc this was very new to me and out of the blue.Hope this helps someone.

anonymous
Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:16:58 +0300

I'm so glad I found this blog about detergents. I have always used Tide and never seemed to have any reactions. We bought our HE washer about 2 years ago and I drew a line on the detergent cup showing where to fill it. The guy at the store said you never need as much as you think. Again, never had problems until yesterday when I broke out in hives. Couldn't source it to anything until I washed my sheets and when I made the bed my hands and arms broke out almost immediately in the places where I was tucking the sheets. I went to the supposed source and put a drop or 2 of Tide HE w/Febreeze directly on my arm - got rash after several minutes. I am worried about sleeping in my clothes and sheets tonight but will attempt a new detergent tomorrow. Shame on you Tide! Thx to everyone for their suggestions. I'll hit Trader Joe's tomorrow.

Laura A.
Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:12:09 +0300

I started using Tide boost about two months ago and my daughter broke out in a rash on her face that just would not go away. After several trips to the dermatologist still no relief . Does anyone have any insight.

Anonymous
Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:52:33 +0300

My 14 year old daughter recently began to break out in hives on a daily basis. As we were waiting for an appointment to see an allergist for what we suspected was a food allergy like wheat/gluten it dawned on me that we had switched laundry detergents from Arm & Hammer to Kirkland (Costco) Brand. We promptly switched back and she no longer is breaking out in hives and also sleeps better and feels better now! It seems quite a few people are extremely sensitive to certain laundry detergents!

Steve
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:32:40 +0300

I cannot believe it - I am sooooo itchy and it's the TIDE HE free.
I could not figure it out- now I know - its the only new thing I have been using because I just bought a front load washer.

Crystal
Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:24:52 +0300

Wow! Reading all of these problems with HE detergent. I have had a front loader HE washer for about 4 years and have never had a problem with my detergent--and I am one who is prone to the dry winter itch and I have problems with many dishwashing liquids causing rashes or hives. (Now I use gloves to to the dishes.) From day one for my FL I purchased Amway S-A-8 Bioquest and have had ZERO problems. It is a concentrated powder detergent, you only use 1/4 cup max and often when I have smaller loads I use even less. Never any rashes, no musky smells, fragarance free, low sidsing, clean smelling clothes! I used it when my children were babies and had an old top loader--no diaper rashes from the cloth diapers I chose to use (of course with those I sometimes had to use bleach to get out the stains.) I love the Amway S-A-8 brand. If you have the space, you can even purchase it in a 50 lb. box for about $150. With a family of 6, I wash alot of clothes! and that 50 pounder last me almost a year! My parents used to be Amway distributors, I am not--but there are many Amway products that I do like and still purchase now from having used them when I was younger. I strongly recommed many of you with these allergic reactions to other detergents to try
S-A-8. Just look Amway up on the web.

Kelli D.
Sun, 04 Mar 2012 07:34:41 +0300

I'm allergic to Tide. Have been since I was a baby. So is half my family (and I'm adopted). I break out in hives and painful boils from prolonged contact to clothes washed in it. When my mom actually figured it out, she tried A&H and all was well. Throughout the years, as I've been doing my own laundry, I've found that I can use All without issues as well. I'm trying Gain today (was on sale half price so no big loss if I have a reaction). Yes, Tide may be a big seller, but how many of those consumers have actually put 2 and 2 together when a family member starts displaying reaction signs? After so many years on the market, you would think they would remove whatever chemical is causing the issues. I mean, it does clean clothes very well, but at what price are people willing to sacrifice?

Jenn
Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:48:26 +0400

I've never used Tide and I've NEVER been allergic to any laundry detergent. I am extremely allergic to everything airborn though, mold, dust, all polens, cats, etc., and I have dry skin in the Winter. I got an HE washer about 6 months ago (wish I hadn't) and have been itching ever since. I had always used Pyrex before but started using Members Mark HE detergent (Sam's housebrand) when I got that machine. When I started breaking out in what I thought was exzema (I get occaissionally) I figured it was that detergent so I changed to Pyrex HE and it went away for a little while but is now back with a vengence. My eyes are also incredible itchy, watery and red lately. I thought that was tree pollen which has been very high in my area lately, but now reading these posts I think I'm allergic to whatever the heck they are putting in detergent to make it HE....is that enzymes? And how the heck do we get anything without them that won't destroy the washing machine I wish I hadn't spent over $500 on?

sheri
Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:00:18 +0400

My wife And I have NEVER experienced any rashes UNTIL we purchased our HE washer.. The chemical s used in he soaps are producing hives and rashes on most consumers that use them. Since the producers of these chemicals are not willing to take responsibility to make the necessary changes to their products. It is time for a class action law suit! The rashes are most frequent around your underwear elastic and for the ladies also their bra area. These areas are where the chemical comes into long contact with the skin thus producing uncomfortable rashes itching and on some hives.

Larry
Fri, 20 Jul 2012 19:55:17 +0400

I am also allergic to most detergents. After my son was born I started using Dreft detergent. Holding my baby left me with rashes all over my hands and arms. Several years ago, I found Melaleuca brand detergent which has both regular and HE. I've been itch and rash free for almost 7 years now.

Aleta
Sat, 08 Sep 2012 02:50:50 +0400

Enzymes. Enzymes. If my He laundry detergent contains ENZYMES, I get a rash. I'm looking for the best He detergent (via Consumer Reports) WITHOUT enzymes but they don't take enzymes into consideration. Ya gotta read the ingredients on the container. If it contains enzymes it will be listed. Don't buy/use enzyme detergents and your rash will be gone.

Kaye Greske
Sun, 04 Nov 2012 01:13:56 +0300

I don't have a rash, but all of a sudden all of my clothes are terribly irritating. I literally itch all over, but it is worst along elastic bands (bra, underwear) and in sensitive areas: like a collar rubbing my neck under my chin, the hairless side of my arms touching sleeves, the backs of my thighs with the cuff of my khacki shorts.
i've had eczema since i was 6. I've lived in a tide houshold my whole life. I did become sensitive to it once before when i was pregnant. I switched to dreft and loved it, but it was too expensive, so i switched back eventually.
We got a top-load HE washer for Christmas. We finished the regular Tide we already had without an issue. The last 2 weeks we started using Tide HE Free (no dyes nor perfumes) and now i want to claw my skin off. I had to spray myself all over with lidocaine to keep clothes on. There's something wrong with that.

Liz
Tue, 11 Feb 2014 04:32:35 +0300

My 16 year old son developed a severe case of hives. Took him to the emergency room twice. My wife just bought a new great smelling detergent (Arm & Hammer with Oxy Clean).We think that is the cause of his breakouts. They lasted for 6 days, off and on covering his whole body.

Joe
Wed, 12 Nov 2014 07:27:22 +0300

Tide HE Detergent? DON'T USE IT!!!! I purchased new machines that requires HE detergent. After using Tide for years I purchased the HE Tide. Let me tell you I broke out in hives and going crazing itching for over 2 months now. I've tried switching to a new HE detergent, with no results. I do get temporary relief from taking a warm, not hot shower, and applying Aveeno Active Naturals skin relief lotion, but I can't seem to get rid of the rash and itching. I am tired of this and disgusted with these detergent companies that put all these chemicals in their product without any consideration to the public. Of course, they tell us we must use the HE detergent or our machines will fail. Yea right! I say hog wash. I am going to find an all natural detergent (not HE) to see if helps.

Sally
Wed, 03 Feb 2016 02:20:51 +0300

Add my name to this list of very unhappy, itchy, bothered by a nasty skin rash too, people. We bought our top loading (no agitator) Kenmore (series 600) washer at Sears. In my opinion, they really "stuck it to us" with these machines and the detergents they sell to us. It's so disheartening.

Mike Morey
Wed, 07 Sep 2016 19:12:37 +0400

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Title: non-HE detergent for High Efficiency washer?
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Excerpt: We recently purchased a Kenmore Elite HE3 Front-Loading Automatic Washer. It's a very efficient washer that saves water and electricity. However, we didn't realize that it is designed to use High Efficiency detergent. Actually, I didn't even know that there are HE detergents until I read the washer' . . .
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Title: Procter and Gamble's Products with Cancer Causing Chemical
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Excerpt: Procter and Gamble Tide, Ivory Snow Gentle, Tide Free, Gain 2X Ultra, Cheer Bright Clean Detergent and Era 2X Ultra Conventional Brands had significantly higher levels of contaminant, which is 1,4-dioxane a known cancer causing chemical. Below are some of Procter & Gamble Products that contains 1,4- . . .
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