⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. The information presented is based on scientific studies but each situation is unique. Always consult a healthcare professional before changing your habits or using natural remedies, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or have a chronic condition.
Introduction: When cleaning made me cry
I have had eczema since childhood. But it was at age 35, after the birth of my second child, that the attacks became unbearable.
My hands were in tatters.
Every household chore triggered excruciating itching. Even with gloves. The skin on my forearms, my neck, my face… everything was on fire after the weekend cleaning.
My dermatologist prescribed cortisone after cortisone. It calmed temporarily, then it came back. Stronger.
The trigger came from a simple question from my allergist: “What products do you use to clean your house? »
I have listed: multi-surface spray, window cleaner, disinfectant, scented “sensitive skin” detergent, “hypoallergenic” softener, toilet product, anti-limescale…
She sighed. “Start by getting all that stuff out of the way. See you again in 2 months. »
Two months later, my eczema had reduced by 60%. Without changing my dermatological treatment. Just by changing the way I clean.
Today I’m sharing everything I’ve learned. Because if someone had told me that sooner, I would have saved myself years of suffering.
—
The proven link between household products and eczema
What the science says
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The skin barrier is weakened, which makes it hypersensitive to irritants and allergens.
And guess what? Household products are powerful irritants.
A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology (2020) analyzed 12,000 people with eczema. Results:
Substances to absolutely avoid
| Substance | Present in | Effect on eczema |
| SLS/SLES (Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate) | Dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, soaps | Destroys the skin barrier, dries |
| Synthetic perfumes | All scented products | Major allergen, inflammation |
| Conservatives (MIT, BIT) | Liquid products | Recognized skin sensitization |
| Ammonia | Window cleaners, degreasers | Powerful irritant |
| Chlorine | Bleach, toilet products | Burns the skin, worsens inflammation |
| Colorants | “Blue/Green/Pink” Products | Potential allergens |
The illusion of “sensitive skin” products
Be careful with marketing. The words “hypoallergenic” or “sensitive skin” are not regulated. It does not guarantee anything.
I used a “special sensitive skin” detergent… which contained 15 different scents. My dermatologist analyzed the composition and was amazed.
The only guarantee? Read the list of ingredients. Or better: use as few products as possible.
—
10 natural solutions to protect your skin
1. Microfiber: cleaning without touching chemicals
The principle: High-performance microfibers clean effectively with water alone. No product = no contact with irritants.
Why it’s revolutionary for eczema:
My experience: Since I started using H2O at Home microfibers, I no longer need gloves when cleaning. My hands are no longer exposed to any chemicals.
How it works: The fibers, 100 times finer than a hair, mechanically capture dirt, bacteria and allergens. It’s the friction that cleans, not the chemicals.
—
2. White vinegar: the alternative to chemical limestone
Why it’s safe: White vinegar (acetic acid) is naturally present in our food. It does not contain any surfactants or synthetic fragrances.
Uses:
Precautions:
—
3. Bicarbonate: the gentle multifunction cleaner
Why it’s suitable: Baking soda has a slightly alkaline pH (8.4) which does not disrupt the skin barrier. It is a very gentle abrasive.
Applications for eczematous patients:
My tip: I sprinkle the mattress with baking soda once a week. It absorbs humidity (mites love humidity) and odors.
—
4. Truly risk-free laundry
The problem with classic detergents: Even “hypoallergenic”, they often contain aggressive surfactants and perfumes masked under “perfuming composition”.
Solutions:
Option 1: Homemade laundry detergent
Option 2: Certified detergents
Rinsing: crucial!
—
5. Goodbye to fabric softeners
The Truth: Fabric softeners are some of the worst products for eczema. They deposit a layer of cationic surfactants on the linen… which remains in permanent contact with your skin.
Alternative: White vinegar as a softener
Bonus: It descales the washing machine at the same time.
—
6. Protect your hands intelligently
Latex gloves: a bad idea
Many people with eczema develop an allergy to latex. And the sweat under the gloves creates an environment conducive to breakouts.
Best approach:
Even better: Adopt cleaning without products (microfiber + water) and do without gloves. This is what I have been doing for 3 years.
—
7. Remove chemical residue from surfaces
The hidden problem: Even if you stop using chemicals, residue from old products remains on surfaces. Your skin is exposed to it with every contact.
Homemade “detox” protocol:
1. Clean all surfaces with hot water + microfiber
2. Rinse thoroughly
3. Let dry
4. Repeat 2-3 times to remove residue
Focus on:
—
8. Treat bedding without chemicals
The issue: You spend 8 hours a night in your sheets. If your laundry detergent leaves residue or dust mites thrive, your eczema has no chance of healing.
Anti-eczema bedding protocol:
Frequency: Minimum weekly change, ideally 2x/week in times of crisis.
—
9. Purify the air (your lungs and skin will thank you)
The air-skin link: VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) emitted by household products are deposited on your skin and irritate it. Even without direct contact.
Actions:
During cleaning: Open the windows, even if you use natural products.
—
10. Embrace minimalism: fewer products = fewer risks
The principle: Each product is a potential source of irritation. Reducing the number of products reduces risks.
My complete household kit (5 products instead of 15):
| Product | Usage | Why it’s safe |
| H2O at Home Microfibers | Multi-surfaces, windows, floors | Zero chemicals |
| White vinegar | Limescale, rinsing | Natural, without surfactant |
| Bicarbonate | Air Freshener, Stains | pH neutral, non-irritating |
| Marseille soap | Laundry detergent, stain remover | Minimal ingredients |
| Black soap | Floors, degreasing | 100% plant-based |
Savings: €50/year instead of €200-300. And fewer eczema attacks.
—
Comparison table: Classic vs. natural products for eczema sufferers
| Classic product | Eczema risk | Natural alternative | Efficiency |
| Multi-surface spray | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very High | Microfiber + water | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Dishwashing liquid | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very High | Marseille soap / dishwasher | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Scented laundry detergent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | Fragrance-free organic laundry detergent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Softener | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very High | White vinegar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Disinfectant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | Steam / vinegar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Window cleaner | ⭐⭐⭐ Average | Special microfiber + water | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
—
Transition planning for sensitive skin
Week 1: The emergency – eliminate the worst
Week 2: Laundry
Week 3: Surfaces
Week 4: Consolidation
—
Testimonials
“I had eczema on my hands for 15 years. Three months after eliminating all chemicals from my household, my hands healed. My dermatologist couldn’t believe it. » – Sophie, 42 years old
“My 8 year old son had terrible seizures. We changed the detergent, removed the fabric softener, adopted microfibers. In 6 weeks, his eczema was reduced by half. » – Aurélie, 38 years old
“I thought ‘hypoallergenic’ products were safe. When I read the compositions, I was hallucinated. Since I clean with water and microfiber, my skin is finally breathing. » – Claire, 45 years old
—
FAQ: Eczema and household products
Are gloves enough to protect my hands?
No. Gloves reduce direct contact, but irritating vapors are inhaled and settle on exposed skin. And sweating under gloves can make eczema worse. The best solution remains to eliminate irritating products.
Are “organic” products safe for eczema?
Not automatically. “Organic” is about the origin of the ingredients, not their irritating potential. Certain natural ingredients (essential oils, citrus fruits) are very allergenic. Always check the composition and favor strict labels (Ecocert, Nature & Progrès).
How long before you see an improvement?
Variable depending on the person and the severity of the eczema. In general:
Can I use essential oils?
With great caution. EOs are concentrates of active, potentially allergenic molecules. If you have eczema, avoid direct skin contact and prolonged diffusion. If in doubt, test on a small area of healthy skin.
My eczema is very severe. Is changing products enough?
Changing household products is one piece of the puzzle, not the complete solution. Severe eczema requires comprehensive care (dermatologist, allergist, possibly drug treatment). But eliminating irritants is an essential basis.
What should I do if I cannot dispose of all products (work, etc.)?
Focus on home, where you spend the most time. For work, wear suitable gloves and apply a barrier cream before exposure. In the evening, cleanse exposed skin thoroughly and moisturize generously.
—
Conclusion: Your skin deserves a clean home… properly
Eczema is a complex disease, but one thing is certain: your home environment plays a major role.
What 3 years of transition taught me:
My advice? Start with two changes:
1. Eliminate fabric softener (white vinegar instead)
2. Adopt H2O at Home microfibers for daily cleaning
These two actions eliminate 80% of exposure to household irritants. And it’s done in a week.
Your skin will thank you.
—
💰 Calculate your savings!
Did you know that natural cleaning can save you €190/year while improving your health?
Sources
—
*Article written by Maélis T., eczematous since childhood, 3 years of remission thanks to natural cleansing. Last updated: December 2024.*