Eczema-Friendly Laundry: Protect Your Skin from Irritation

Choosing the Best Fabric Softener for Tide Detergent

Doing laundry can be a chore, but having clean, fresh-smelling clothes is important. Many people use Tide detergent for its cleaning power on dirt, grease, and stains. While Tide gets clothes clean, it doesn't leave them feeling soft. Adding a fabric softener helps refresh clothes and makes them more comfortable to wear.

Should You Use Fabric Softener with Tide?

Tide is formulated to clean deeply without extra additives. As a result, clothes washed in Tide can sometimes feel stiff and rough. The right fabric softener helps relax fibers, restore softness, and make garments easier to iron. It also reduces static cling from dryer sheets.

Fabric softeners work with all types of laundry detergents, including Tide. Adding one to your wash routine leaves clothes sleek and fluffy without affecting Tide's cleaning power. So you get maximally clean and soft laundry.

Choosing a Fabric Softener for Sensitive Skin

The wrong fabric softener can irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergic reactions. When picking a brand to use with Tide, choose a formula that is:

• Hypoallergenic
• Dye-free and perfume-free
• Dermatologist tested
• Free of phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde

Sensitive skin-friendly fabric softeners contain fewer chemicals that cause irritation or inflammation.

Natural Fabric Softener Options

For those wanting to avoid chemicals altogether, there are some great natural, non-toxic fabric softeners that are safe for sensitive skin. These are made using gentle, plant-based ingredients like essential oils and soap berries.

Look for options that are EWG Verified as being made without materials on their health concern lists. Some good natural fabric softener brands to try with Tide are:

• Seventh Generation
• Method
• Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day
• Attitude
• Better Life

Liquid vs. Dryer Sheet Fabric Softeners

There are two main types of fabric softeners that work great with Tide:

• Liquid: Added to the wash cycle along with detergent. Helps fabrics feel softer and fluffier.
• Dryer sheets: Tossed in the dryer to get rid of static cling and soften clothes.

Liquid softeners are better for Boosting softness as they interact directly with fabrics during cleaning. Dryer sheets mainly reduce static.

Some people use both productsliquid softener while washing and dryer sheets while drying. This double-softening gives amazing results. But you can also just choose one type depending on your needs and preferences.

Best Fabric Softener Sheets for Tide

If using dryer sheets with your Tide detergent, there are a few top options to consider:

Bounce Outdoor Fresh Scent

Bounce dryer sheets leave a light fresh linen smell instead of perfumey fragrance. They are dye-free and give 120 loads of static protection. The Outdoor Fresh scent features notes of citrus and apple blossom.

Snuggle Blue Sparkle Scent

With a more floral scent, Snuggle sheets provide softness and reduce static for over 80 loads. The Blue Sparkle variety has hints of lilac blended with citrus and sandalwood. Its formula helps prevent clothes clinging too.

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Unscented

For those needing hypoallergenic sheets, Seventh Generation Free & Clear is a top choice. The totally fragrance-free and dye-free sheets are safe for sensitive skin. And they give great softness for up to 80 loads.

Top Liquid Fabric Softeners for Tide

When it comes to liquid softeners, you have lots of nice-smelling options that pair beautifully with Tide:

Downy April Fresh

Downy is one of America's most popular fabric softener brands. Their April Fresh scent features floral and citrus notes for a bright, fruity aroma. The formula helps fight static and wrinkles too.

Method Sweet Water

Method Sweet Water uses plant-based softeners for a gentle, lightly scented formula. Notes of honey suckle, lush peach, and morning dew leave fabrics smelling dreamy.

Attitude Sensitive Skin

Ideal for easily irritated skin, Attitude's hypoallergenic softener uses natural oils and extracts. It moisturizes and softens safely without risking inflammation or redness.

Using Fabric Softener with Tide for Best Results

To get the benefits of both Tide detergent and fabric softeners, follow these simple steps:

1. Wash clothes in cold or warm (not hot) water using regular or gentle cycle.
2. Add recommended amount of Tide detergent to wash basin or drum before adding clothes.
3. If using liquid softener, add the recommended amount to the fabric softener dispenser or basin.
4. If washing by hand, dilute softener in water before adding.
5. After washing cycle finishes, dry clothing as normal.
6. If using dryer sheets, toss one in with wet laundry before drying.
7. Avoid using too much softener as that can leave buildup on clothes over time.

It is that easy! Tide and your choice of fabric softener give you maximally clean, conditioned laundry.

Tips for Softer Clothes Without Fabric Softener

If you prefer not to use liquid softeners or dryer sheets, there are still ways to make your Tide-washed clothes softer:

• Shake clothes out well before drying to reduce stiffness.
• Use vinegar as a natural softener during the wash cycle.
• Line dry clothing when possible to avoid harsh machine heat.
• Try dampening clothes slightly before ironing to smooth fibers.
• Wash garments inside out to protect the outer fabric surface.
• Look for laundry booster additives that help soften without chemicals.

With a few easy tweaks to your routine, you can still enjoy soft laundry without synthetic fabric softeners.

Finding the Best Products for You

Choosing fabric softeners ultimately comes down to your scent preferences, skin sensitivity, eco-goals, and more. Test out a few recommended options to discover which ones leave your Tide-washed clothes feeling their absolute softest.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.