Today, I’d like to share my current laundry routine at home.
As someone with sensitive skin, I’ve spent many years trying different ways to do laundry that are gentle on my body.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, but recently, I feel like I’ve finally found a laundry routine that works well for me.
The reason I started experimenting with different laundry methods goes back to when I developed palmoplantar pustulosis at the age of 24.
My skin became severely irritated, with rashes and inflammation spreading across my body, including the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet.
At one point, my skin was so irritated that even touching water was painful.
Naturally, I began paying close attention to the detergents and other products I used for laundry.
At first, I used liquid laundry soap.
However, soap residue tended to build up inside the washing machine drum, and I felt that this was contributing to mold growth.
I thought it would be better if I could rinse everything with hot water, but I simply didn’t have the time or energy for that kind of extra work.
I also tried various washing machine cleaners, including low-odor oxygen-based cleaners and soap-based cleaners.
But somehow, I never felt that the washing machine was completely clean.
Looking back, I even once damaged my washing machine by cleaning the drum with hot water. 😭
After that, I tried using magnesium for laundry.
For the past few years, I’ve also tried washing with sesquicarbonate of soda and enzyme-based detergents.
These options felt gentle on my body and were comfortable to use.
But ironically, what is gentle on our bodies can also be gentle on bacteria and mold… 😅
One problem was that mold tended to grow inside the washing machine drum.
The cleaning power was also relatively mild, so it didn’t always remove sebum and other body oils from clothes completely.
I sometimes soaked my clothes separately before washing them, but that took extra time, and I also felt that soaking could be hard on the fabric.
Finding a New Laundry Detergent
Earlier this year, I started using wellwash (Umi wo Mamoru Detergent).
I happened to find it at a natural food store and decided to give it a try.
wellwash is made primarily from plant-based oils and, according to the manufacturer, uses a technology called nanoparticle dispersion.
It is designed to provide good cleaning power while being biodegradable and reducing damage to clothing.
After actually using it, I found that the cleaning power was indeed more than enough.
My clothes also seem to be less likely to become damaged.
Another thing I really like is how easy it is to use.
I simply press the pump on the bottle a few times directly into the washing machine.
Since I don’t have to handle the detergent with my hands, it’s very convenient and comfortable.
Soon after I started using it, I also noticed that the smell coming from inside the washing machine had decreased.
Even so, during the summer, my laundry sometimes develops a slightly damp smell.
When that happens, I wash those items by hand using liquid laundry soap.
Thanks to this simple approach, I’ve been enjoying fresh-smelling laundry throughout this summer. ✨
Caring for the Washing Machine
If there is one thing I’m still working on, it’s how to care for the washing machine drum.
I’m also sensitive to mold, so I’d like to keep the inside of the washing machine as clean as possible.
At home, I currently use a top-loading fully automatic washing machine.
I did consider switching to a front-loading washer-dryer, but I decided to stick with a top-loading machine for two reasons.
First, I like the way the clothes are thoroughly washed by the movement of the water.
Second, the structure is relatively simple, which makes it easier to maintain.
Once a month, I clean the washing machine drum with a washing machine cleaner whose main ingredient is sodium percarbonate.
Then, once a year, I ask a professional cleaning service to take the washing machine apart and thoroughly clean it.
Even with this routine, I sometimes notice a slight moldy smell during the summer.
So I’m still experimenting and trying to figure out how to keep my washing machine comfortable to use all year round.
If you have any good tips, I’d love to hear them!
My Current Laundry Routine
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Washing machine: Top-loading fully automatic washing machine
Detergent: wellwash (Umi wo Mamoru Detergent)
When there is an unpleasant smell: Hand-wash with liquid laundry soap
Washing machine drum care:
Clean once a month with a washing machine cleaner whose main ingredient is sodium percarbonate
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Professional washing machine cleaning once a year
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Laundry is an important part of everyday life. It is one of the foundations of the clothing, food, and shelter that support our lives.
I’d like to keep my laundry routine as simple as possible and create a comfortable everyday life.
I’ll continue experimenting and enjoying the process of finding a lifestyle that is gentle on both my body and my mind. 🍀
Thank you so much for reading to the end. 😊