Fabric softener and shared machine- help!

[WindyCityMom]

Hello again everyone! I have a 3 month old who is currently exhibiting sensitivites to scented fabric softeners, detergents, and synthetic fibers like polyester.

Up until today, it was just a contact allergy that led to little red bumps (probably itchy, too) where there was contact. This morning, I noted a bit of wheezing.

We share a washing machine and dryer with our in laws, who live upstairs. We purchased a washer and dryer for them (to pay us back, and they did) a few months ago. We have one of those LG washers with the dispensing drawer. Every wash load, I have to take the drawer out and rinse it immaculately clean. I also have to throw in a few of our towels and do a rinse cycle to clean out the tub- other times I have to do a tub clean cycle because it it so.bad. Fabric softener is just slathered on in there, the in laws literally soak their clothes in it.

So this morning, I did my usual routine of cleaning the washer before washing the clothes. When our clothes were washed, said and done, and I put them on DD, she had her allergic reaction (the bumps and the wheezing). I quickly got her changed and cleaned and nursed... she was fine.

WWYD? Do you think that there's a risk of anaphylaxis here? Thank you in advance.

[DevaMajka]

Can't answer your question really, but would your IL's be willing to use dryer sheets instead of fabric softener in the washer? You could line dry yours and dd's clothes then.

Have you talked to them about it? Might they be willing to forgo fs for a while, to see if it helps?

[sbgrace]

How horrible. My son is very reactive to fabric softener and it's extremely difficult to get out of clothing. Would they stop if you asked? That would be ideal. I wouldn't want it in the dryer cycle if you ever plan to put her clothing in that dryer again. I'd rather deal with the washer mess.

If they won't stop doing it voluntarily I'd run a vinegar only cycle on hot between each wash of their clothing and yours.

I don't know on the anaphylaxis question. But triggering asthma is serious enough to take pretty serious action in my mind.

[luv-my-boys]

I would serious talk over not using fabric softner in the laundry considering the type of reaction it is cauisng with your dd. So they realize how serious it has become? or do they think its simply irritation?

there are things out there that do not use chemicals for fabric softning in the dryer (they look like little balls with a textured surface) that soften the clothes. We are softner free due to allergies as well and they work pretty well on items like jeans and such that get stiff.

[Drummer's Wife]

I would ask them to please stop using fabric softener. It coats clothing and the machine -so I think it would be hard to get it cleaned out in between uses. It makes me ill, personally, and if I buy any used clothing with fabric softener on it it takes tons of washes to get it out to where if my kid wears it, it doesn't bother me.

[earthmama369]

The wheezing would be a big concern for me, especially as the reaction seems to be getting worse (i.e. it wasn't just a bit of wheezing every time, it's a new complication to her reaction). Anything involving the breathing is a serious allergic reaction. In a baby that young, I'd consult with a doctor on that and I would definitely ask the ILs to stop using fabric softener, at least until you see a doc and get a professional recommendation. That way you can then come back and say, "The doc said..." and they're more likely to take it seriously.

[WindyCityMom]

Thank you all a ton. I have a feeling that this won't go over well with them, which is horribly sad.. but I do need to let them know (again). They have a 15yo daughter who will be pretty devestated about it

They also use dryer sheets

We see our family doctor next friday so hopefully that will give me a good "the doc said..."

thanks again.

[CrunchyChristianMama]

I would be looking into hand washing her clothes if they refused. My DD reacts to fabric softener as well. We switched to using vinegar as softener and have been really pleased with it. Maybe they will go for that as an alternative, although they sound pretty hard core about their soft clothes!

[WindyCityMom]

I mentioned it to MIL today and she shrugged. Hopefully things will go better after the doctor's appointment.