Lifestyle Desk – Use of soap and detergent is common in household cleaning and everyday tasks. From washing utensils to cleaning clothes, many tasks seem difficult without them. However, prolonged exposure to soap or detergent can cause the skin on some people's hands to become dry, red, or sensitive. In some cases, problems like itching and burning may also be felt. Especially people who have sensitive skin should take a little extra care while cleaning.
In such a situation, it is not necessary to stop using soap or detergent completely, but it is important to use it properly and protect the skin from direct contact with them. Let us know which small things can be kept safe by keeping hands in mind while cleaning.
Clean thoroughly after washing utensils
After washing the utensils, there should not be any residue of soap or dishwash left in them. Wash the utensils thoroughly with clean water, so that the detergent on them is completely removed. If needed, the utensils can be rinsed with water more than once. It is especially important to wash the utensils in which food is served or cooked thoroughly.
After washing the utensils, wipe them with a clean and dry cloth or let the water drain thoroughly. Keeping wet utensils in a closed place for a long time can cause moisture to remain in them.
Protect hands from direct contact with detergent
If your hands frequently become irritated, dry, or itchy while washing dishes or clothes, wearing rubber gloves may be a simple solution. Wearing gloves reduces direct contact between skin and soap or detergent.
However, before wearing gloves, keep in mind that the hands inside them should not remain wet or sweaty for a long time. After the work is completed, remove the gloves and clean them and wash and dry the hands thoroughly.
Apply moisturizer after cleansing
Frequent use of soap and detergent can make the skin of hands feel dry. Therefore, after completing the cleaning work, wash your hands with clean water, dry them thoroughly and then apply moisturizer. Especially if the skin feels stretched or dry after washing hands, applying moisturizer can be helpful. Washing hands repeatedly with very hot water can also increase dryness of the skin. Therefore, use normal or lukewarm water to clean hands.
Take special care while washing clothes
Detergent residue left in clothes can also irritate the skin of some people. Therefore, after washing clothes, it is important to rinse them thoroughly in clean water. If using a washing machine, use as many rinse cycles as needed.
Take special care when washing children's clothes, as their skin can be more sensitive. Always use the amount of detergent recommended by the product for washing clothes. Adding more detergent than required does not mean that the clothes will be cleaner.
Use household items wisely
Many people use household items like baking soda, lemon or salt to clean utensils and house. They can be used on some surfaces, but are not necessarily suitable for every type of cookware, metal or surface. Therefore, before using any home remedy, be sure to know about the surface and if necessary, test it on a small area first. Also, avoid mixing different cleaning products. Mixing certain chemicals may cause harmful gases or reactions.
If there is persistent burning sensation, do not ignore it
If minor dryness occurs occasionally after using soap or detergent, taking care of the skin and reducing contact may provide relief. But if problems like persistent itching, redness, swelling, burning, tearing or wounds persist in the hands, then do not ignore it considering it as normal. In such a situation, it is better to stop using the concerned product and consult a doctor or dermatologist.
Cleaning the house is important, but it is equally important to take care of your skin while cleaning. Small precautions like using the right amount of detergent, cleaning utensils and clothes thoroughly with water, wearing gloves and moisturizing hands after work can help reduce skin irritations.
