Choosing Eczema-Friendly Household Cleaning Products in New Zealand
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
Eczema-friendly household cleaning products may help reduce unnecessary exposure to ingredients that can leave sensitive or eczema-prone skin feeling dry, itchy or irritated.
When someone in your household lives with eczema, it is worth considering more than the skincare products they use. Dishwashing liquids, laundry products, surface sprays, disinfectants and bathroom cleaners can all come into contact with the skin or leave residue on frequently touched surfaces.
Some products may also release fragrances or fumes into the air. Knowing what to look for can make it easier for people living with eczema and their carers to choose cleaning products with confidence.
How can cleaning products affect eczema-prone skin?
Eczema affects the skin barrier, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture and protect itself from irritants.
Frequent contact with water, detergents and cleaning chemicals can remove some of the skin’s natural oils. This may increase dryness, itching, stinging and irritation, particularly on the hands.
Cleaning products may affect the skin through:
Direct contact with the hands
Splashes landing on uncovered skin
Residue left on surfaces, clothing or dishes
Repeated handwashing during cleaning
Fragrances, sprays or fumes released into the air
Moisture and sweating underneath protective gloves
Signs that a product may be irritating the skin include increased redness, dryness, itching, cracking, peeling, stinging or a flare that regularly appears after cleaning.
Choose fragrance-free products where possible
When comparing eczema-friendly household cleaning products, look for options clearly labelled fragrance-free.
Fragrances can irritate sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Products described as natural, botanical or plant-based may still contain essential oils, perfumes or fragranced plant extracts.
A natural ingredient is not automatically suitable for eczema-prone skin.
It is also important to understand that “unscented” and “fragrance-free” do not always mean the same thing. An unscented product may contain masking ingredients designed to cover the smell of the formulation.
Where possible, choose a product that specifically states that it is fragrance-free.
Do not rely only on “sensitive” or “hypoallergenic” labels
Words such as sensitive, gentle, dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic can provide a useful starting point, but they do not guarantee that a product will suit everyone with eczema.
People can react differently depending on their individual sensitivities, allergies and the condition of their skin.
Where an ingredient list is available:
Check for fragrance, perfume or parfum.
Look for essential oils or fragranced plant extracts.
Avoid ingredients you already know cause a reaction.
Compare the formulation with products you have previously tolerated.
Contact the manufacturer when the full ingredient list is not available.
A product marketed for sensitive skin may still contain ingredients that do not suit a particular person.
Take care with strong household cleaners
Products such as bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, oven cleaners, drain cleaners and strong disinfectants may be necessary for certain household tasks.
However, direct or repeated exposure can be drying and irritating to eczema-prone skin.
Follow the instructions on the label.
Use only the recommended amount.
Dilute the product only when directed.
Keep the room well ventilated.
Wear suitable protective gloves.
Avoid touching your face or exposed skin.
Rinse away accidental splashes promptly.
Keep all cleaning products away from children.
Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, disinfectants or other household cleaning products. Combining cleaning chemicals can produce dangerous fumes.
Using extra product does not necessarily provide better cleaning results and may increase unnecessary exposure.
Look for the Eczema Association New Zealand logo
Where available, look for products displaying an authorised Eczema Association New Zealand Proud Partner or Proud Supporter logo.
The logo indicates that the specific product has been assessed against the Association’s criteria for suitability for eczema-prone and sensitive skin. This can offer additional reassurance when comparing products.
However, no product can be guaranteed to suit every person. Individual triggers and sensitivities vary, and a person may still react to an ingredient that is generally considered suitable.
Always stop using a product if it appears to worsen your eczema or cause irritation.
Protect your hands while cleaning
Reducing direct contact with cleaning products is one of the most practical ways to protect eczema-prone hands.
Consider the following steps:
Wear suitable waterproof gloves for washing dishes and wet cleaning.
Use cotton glove liners underneath waterproof gloves when needed.
Make sure the inside of the gloves remains clean and dry.
Remove the gloves if your hands become hot or sweaty.
Avoid leaving your hands immersed in water for long periods.
Gently pat your hands dry after cleaning.
Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser after washing and drying your hands.
Some people may react to latex or chemicals used in rubber gloves. If gloves appear to worsen your symptoms, try a different material or discuss suitable options with a healthcare professional.
Gloves should also be replaced if they develop holes, become damaged or remain damp inside.
Consider sprays, fumes and ventilation
Spray cleaners can release small droplets into the air and may settle on nearby skin, household surfaces or fabrics.
Where the product instructions allow it, consider applying the cleaner directly to a cloth rather than spraying it widely around the room.
Open doors or windows when using products with noticeable fumes and avoid using strong cleaners in poorly ventilated spaces.
People with sensitive skin or respiratory conditions may prefer to leave the room while another household member completes a strong cleaning task.
Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions, as some products should not be transferred to another container or applied differently from the directions on the label.
Are vinegar and bicarbonate of soda eczema-friendly?
Diluted white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda can be useful for some general household cleaning tasks. They may also reduce the number of ingredients used in a cleaning routine.
However, natural alternatives should still be handled carefully.
Vinegar is acidic and can sting cracked or inflamed skin. Bicarbonate of soda can be drying or abrasive, particularly with repeated contact.
When using these ingredients:
Avoid direct contact with the skin.
Wear gloves.
Check that the method is suitable for the surface.
Do not use them as a substitute for disinfectants when disinfection is required.
Never combine vinegar with bleach or other household chemicals.
Simple ingredients are not automatically risk-free, and they may not be suitable for every cleaning task.
Introduce new household products carefully
Household cleaning products should never be tested directly on the skin.
When introducing a new product, start by using it for a small cleaning task. Wear gloves, follow the directions and monitor your skin afterwards.
Consider whether you notice:
Increased dryness
Redness or inflammation
Itching or burning
Cracking around the fingers
A flare on the hands, wrists or forearms
Stop using the product if irritation develops.
If hand eczema continues despite changing products and protecting your skin, speak with your GP, pharmacist, dermatologist or another qualified healthcare professional. Further assessment may be needed, particularly if allergic contact dermatitis is suspected.
Eczema-friendly household cleaning checklist
Before purchasing a cleaning product, ask:
Is the product fragrance-free?
Does it contain essential oils or added perfume?
Is the full ingredient list available?
Have I reacted to any of these ingredients before?
Can the product be used without prolonged skin contact?
Are the safety and dilution instructions clear?
Will I be able to ventilate the room during use?
Is the cleaner appropriate for the intended task?
Does it display an authorised Eczema Association New Zealand logo?
Small changes can help protect eczema-prone skin
Choosing eczema-friendly household cleaning products does not mean that every cleaner in your home needs to be replaced at once.
Start with the products used most often or those that regularly come into contact with the hands. Choosing fragrance-free options, wearing gloves, reducing direct exposure and following label instructions may help minimise avoidable irritation.
At Eczema Association New Zealand, we are here to support people living with eczema and their carers with trusted information, practical resources and a caring community. Explore our website for further guidance on managing eczema at home and protecting sensitive skin.
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Speak with your GP, dermatologist, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional if you are concerned about eczema symptoms or ongoing skin irritation.
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