A Psoriasis-Friendly Guide to Doing the Laundry

If you have psoriasis, you know how sensitive your skin can be and how easily flare-ups can happen. What you wear can make a difference in whether your already delicate skin becomes irritated and those itchy, dry patches that accompany your condition get worse.

The laundry detergents and products you wash your clothes with can also have an impact on whether your skin becomes more inflamed.

“Lightweight, natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and silk are all great options for those with psoriasis,” says Jody A. Levine, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. “Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, can trap heat and moisture close to the skin, causing irritation. I also recommend looser-fitting, flowy silhouettes, stretchy waistbands, flatlock seams, and even cutting the tags out to prevent irritation.”

Certain fabrics can be more problematic for those with psoriasis.

“Wool is the most irritating material,” says Kord S. Honda, MD, the chair of the department of dermatology at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio.

So what kinds of laundry products should you use to minimize irritation if you have psoriasis? Here’s what the experts recommend.

Laundry Detergent and Other Products

People with psoriasis should steer clear of laundry detergents and other products that contain certain ingredients, says Dr. Levine.

“I recommend that patients with psoriasis avoid laundry detergents containing artificial scents, colorants, and bleach, as these can trigger flare-ups,” Levine says. “A good rule of thumb is: If a detergent contains bleach, is labeled as “brightening” or “softening,” or has a strong scent, it's probably not the right choice.”

But Dr. Honda says that in his experience, laundry detergents typically don’t pose a problem for those with psoriasis.

“This is usually not an issue for patients with psoriasis,” he says. “It is more of an issue for patients with contact dermatitis or eczema.”

As far as choosing products based on how they’re labeled, Levine says the best bet for those with psoriasis is looking for detergents marked “fragrance-free.”

“‘Fragrance-free’ means no fragrances have been added at all. ‘Unscented’ products, on the other hand, may still contain masking fragrances designed to neutralize the chemical smell of the cleaning agents,” Levine says.

Products labeled as “free and clear” can also be good choices, as they mean fragrance-free with no dyes or perfumes and are usually free of optical brighteners, which are known irritants. But anything marketed as “hypoallergenic” isn’t reliable, as those products may still contain fragrance and other problematic ingredients, Levine says.

“A good rule of thumb for anyone is to use less detergent than the measurements listed on the label — for a regular or medium-size load, you really only need about 2 tablespoons of detergent,” says Levine. “This is especially true for those with psoriasis, who often experience irritation from residual detergent left on clothing after washing.”

At minimum, you shouldn’t use more than the suggested amount of detergent on the label.

“Using the recommended amount of detergent is best for less residue and for not overflowing your skin with suds,” says Honda.

Running your clothing through an extra rinse cycle and using white vinegar can sometimes help limit irritation from laundry products.

“Residual laundry detergent in fabric is an incredibly common (and underrecognized) contact irritant for psoriasis-prone skin,” Levine says. “Running an extra rinse cycle can help clear any lingering detergent from the fabric. Some people with psoriasis also use white vinegar as a rinse — it leaves no smell and softens clothes without the same risk of irritation as conventional fabric softeners.”

Those with psoriasis should avoid using fabric softener and dryer sheets, both of which can cause flare-ups.

Water Temperature

The temperature of the water you wash your clothes in can also make a difference. Warm water is often the best choice for those with psoriasis, according to Levine.

“Hot water cleans best, but is harsh on the soft, natural fabrics that are best for psoriasis-prone skin, so I recommend reserving it for towels and bedding, where disinfection matters the most,” Levine says.

“Cold is gentlest on fabric, but risks leaving detergent residue behind, especially in machines. Warm water hits the sweet spot: It dissolves and rinses detergent more thoroughly than cold, lifts body oils and skin cell buildup from fabric, and does so without the fiber damage of hot water. For most everyday clothing loads, warm is the right call,” she says.

Drying Your Clothes

When it comes to drying your clothes, both the dryer and line-drying have pros and cons when you have psoriasis.

Line-drying is typically easier on fabrics, and the sun’s UV rays have some mild, natural, antibacterial effects, says Levine. Plus, line-drying means you don’t need dryer sheets, which are known skin irritants.

But drying your clothes outside means they’ll typically come out stiff, which can be irritating for those with psoriasis, and dust or pollen may settle into the fabric, which can also trigger symptoms.

“The dryer, run on a low or medium heat setting and without dryer sheets, is the more controlled option: It keeps allergens out and maintains fabric softness, and sanitizing settings can actually kill allergens in clothing and bedding,” Levine says.

Line-drying your clothes inside on a drying rack may be another good option, as can replacing dryer sheets with fragrance-free, chemical-free dryer balls.

Hand-Washing and Dry-Cleaning

If you hand-wash your clothes, use a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent that’s made for sensitive skin.

As for dry-cleaning, it’s not inherently harmful to those with psoriasis, but some of the chemicals used in the process may be irritating to some.

Levine recommends letting your dry-cleaned clothes air out before wearing them and putting on a soft, cotton layer underneath so the dry-cleaned garments don’t come in direct contact with your skin.

“For people with psoriasis, the goal is to minimize exposure to anything that could further irritate sensitive skin,” she says.

How Frequently to Wash Clothes and Linens

How often you wash your clothes and linens is also important when you have psoriasis.

“Clothes worn directly against the skin should be washed after each wear, as sweat, body oils, skin-care products, and dead skin cells can accumulate in the fabric and contribute to discomfort,” Levine says.

She suggests washing sheets and pillowcases at least once a week, or every three to four days if you’re having flare-ups, are sweating at night, or are using medicated ointments on the skin.

“Bedding is especially important, as your skin comes into contact with it for several hours each night,” says Levine.

Things like comforters, duvet covers, and mattress protectors can be washed less frequently. Duvet covers should be cleaned every two to four weeks, and comforters and mattress protectors every two to six months, Levine says.