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Most of us with skin sensitivities don't think of them as a good thing. The thing is though, when you tend to have these kinds of reactions you naturally seek out products that have fewer chemicals: it really isn't so much about greener living, or toxins, or wanting to go organic -- it is simply about not wanting to itch your way through day or worse -- through the night.

Having these kinds of sensitives does provide a kind of radar when it comes to some chemicals. This is how some of us at Living the Science developed fairly non-toxic routines when it came to clothes care -- for many of us thsi happened years before we ever got interesed in studying chemicals and their effects on health. For example, several of us learned years and years ago to wash new clothes before wearing them because if we didn't we would get rashes. Same thing with certain kinds of detergents.

Although those with sensitivities tend to naturally gravitate towards natural and organic choices when it comes to clothes care products, individuals without sensitivities should recognize that they are by no means immune to the effects from many of the chemicals that are in and on clothes which in turn get inhaled and absorbed into the body through the skin. Here we share a handful of strategies for making your clothes care routine automatically non-toxic.

Rule number one: Switch to an eco-friendly, natural laundry detergent. The good news is that these kinds of detergents can now be bought just about anywhere. Even some of the big box stores are starting to carry brands like Seventh Generation -- a brand that offers several eco-friendly detergent alternatives. With so many cleaner alternatives available why even consider buying detergents that deposit man-made dyes and solvents onto your clothes and then into you and your family?

Rule number two: Start using natural spot removers. Conventional spot removers tend to contain particularly strong solvents -- some of which can be dangerous to human health like perchloroethylene (PERC), also know as PCE. This is pretty icky stuff and was classified as a hazardous air pollutant by the EPA. Several studies have shown an association between PERC exposure and increased rates of some kinds of cancers. Here is a great spot-treating hint: try saturating stains with a eco-friendly dish liquid and then pouring boiling water on them before placing the garment in the washing machine. I absolutely swear by this.

Rules three through six: Consider stopping your use of bleach, fabric softeners, fabric brighteners, and dryer sheets. Most of these conventionally bought items tend to have chemicals that can be irritating to the skin and in some cases, can be dangerous to human health. Consider using vinegar to help brighten your clothing or make it smell especially clean (1 cup per wash) or try using baking soda for softening if your water is quite hard (1/4 cup per wash).

Rule number seven: Wash all new clothes before wearing them -- preferably twice. New clothes often have chemicals embedded in them that were part of the manufacturing process. Often these chemicals include dyes and other types of carcinogens that keep them looking nice and bacteria free until purchase time. While this may seem like a good thing it can often take several washings to remove these chemicals. Be sure to wash all items in warm water with an eco-friendly detergent made of all natural ingredients before wearing them.

Rule number eight: Buy used clothing. Generally used clothing has been washed a number of times and as such, the chemicals used in its original manufacture have generally been washed out which is why buying used is often preferable in terms of chemical exposures (not to mention that it is certainly the more earth friendly decision). Keep in mind that used clothing won't have the anti-bacterial chemicals which is why they sometimes smell dingy. Give them a wash in warm water with an eco-friendly detergent and they will likely smell just fine. For tougher smells try throwing in a cup of white vinegar.

Rule number nine: Buy organically produced apparel. In general clothing made from organic cotton and bamboo tends to have been manufactured using less chemicals than traditionally made clothing. Their production is also easier on the environment which is an important consideration as well. You still need to wash apparel made from these fabrics before wearing but you can feel good about the safer and greener choice you are making.

Rule number ten: Find a "wet" dry cleaner. Don't be fooled by dry cleaners that offer "environmentally friendly" dry cleaning. There are zero regulations associated with using this slogan and as such, it is incorrect to make any assumptions about what your dry cleaner is or is not using based on a posted sign. In short, wet cleaning is exactly what it sounds like -- they use water and biodegradable soap in machines that insure no shrinking or damage to garment. No solvents or toxins are used and as such they are much safer in terms of preventing chemical deposits on your clothes which can then be inhaled or absorbed through your skin and also deposited throughout your environment. Typical dry cleaners use dry cleaning fluid that contains PERC. Wet cleaners can be tough to find. Although the list is far from complete, nodryclean.com has a page that allows you to find wet dry cleaners by zip code.

If you do use a non-wet dry cleaner at the very least you may want to try and reduce the number of clothes you send for dry cleaning. Also, after you pick up the clothes try and find a place outdoors or in the garage to unwrap the clothes from the plastic. PERC tends to build up under the plastic and as such when you unwrap your clothes you tend to get a strong does of exposure and so does your closet. If at all possible leave the clothes in the garage or outside to air out a bit before putting them in your closet. If pregnant or breastfeeding try and find someone else to do the unwrapping.

One more consideration: Buy a high efficiency washing machine. Front loading high efficiency washers use less water, less soap, and get your clothes cleaner - how great is that. As an added bonus, most front loading high efficiency washers tend to hold about fifty percent more clothes and most of the matching dryers are energy star rated, hold twice as many clothes and take a fraction of the time to dry clothes. Cleaner, quicker, and less energy -- what a deal. Having said that these appliances can be quite expensive -- a thousand plus bucks per unit. We bought our set at Sears which tends to have pretty good deals.

Read other parts in the series: Bring Water with You, Making Eating Organic Easy, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Green Cleaning, Reevaluate Your Relationship with Plastics.