Detergent Chart for Use in Cloth Diapering

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DETERGENT CHOICES updated March 2008

Detergents abound on the supermarket shelf, but none have a bright, bold, beautiful cloth diaper on them to let you know that they are the product of choice for your cloth diapering laundry needs.

This page is a compilation of information regarding well-known name brand detergents and lesser-known environmentally friendly detergents. Compare your choices to determine which product is best for your baby's cloth diapers.

Recognize that washing conditions do vary from person to person. However, by eliminating known problems you should find success in washing your diapers more easily.

For information on HE detergent recommendations click here.

KEY TO DETERGENT CHART
	Considered a great choice for diaper laundry.	Easy Tip:	A green background highlights detergents that are recommended; an orange background highlights detergents to avoid.
	A good choice for cloth diaper laundry.
	An average detergent. Not the best for cloth diaper laundry.
	Not recommended for diaper laundry.		Detergent does NOT have this offending ingredient
	Should not be used for cloth diaper laundry.		Detergent does have this offending ingredient

Detergent Chart for diaper laundry success

updated March 2008

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		all� -Free & Clear Liquid -2x Ultra Free & Clear
		Personal Note: Some people use All Free and Clear for their diaper laundry and swear they have had no problems (many are prefold users, I wonder how many are military?). My understanding is that the problems come long-term and then they are unaware of what could be causing the diapers to leak. The optical brighteners in All Free and Clear have been noted for causing problems with pocket diapers and Bummis diaper covers.
		all� Free and Clear Liquid - Military
		This detergent will only be available from a military commissary.
		all� Small & Mighty� Free & Clear
		all� Small & Mighty� -Snuggle
		all� Small & Mighty� -Stainlifter -Fresh Rain -Wild Fresh -with Bleach Alternative
		all� Free & Clear Powder
		all� -Baby -2x Ultra Baby
		all� -with Stain Lifters -Ultra 2x -Ultra 2x with Bleach Alternative -Fresh Rain, 2x -Secret Garden 2x
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Allens Naturally Laundry Detergent -Liquid -Ultra Concentrated Powder Standard and HE compatible
		Arm & Hammer Fabricare
		Personal Note: This detergent has caused severe reactions among too many babies to recommend.
		Arm & Hammer FabriCare Free
		Personal Note: This detergent has caused severe reactions among too many babies to recommend.
		Arm & Hammer Essentials
		Personal Note: This detergent contains baking soda which may not be compatible for use with some diapers.
		Arm & Hammer -Regular -with Color Safe Beach Alternative -Clean Burst -Clean Mountain -Spring Breeze -Tropical Burst
		Arm & Hammer Plus A touch of Fabric Softener
		Arm & Hammer for Sensitive Skin
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Astra
		Personal Note: This is another cheap detergent. Cheap detergents are more likely to be free of cleaning aids/additives. This detergent is distributed by ALDI stores.
		Bi-O-Kleen Laundry Powder Standard and HE compatible
		Personal Note: This brand of detergent has repeatedly caused repellency issues with pocket diapers.
		Bi-O-Kleen Premium Plus Laundry Powder Standard and HE compatible
		Personal Note: This brand of detergent has repeatedly caused repellency issues with pocket diapers.
		Bi-O-Kleen Laundry Liquid Standard and HE compatible
		Personal Note: This brand of detergent has repeatedly caused repellency issues with pocket diapers.
		Bold 2 in 1 Liquid -Lavender & Camomile -Blossom & Lime Zest -Refreshing Water& Spa -Crushed Silk & Jasmine
		Bold 2 in 1 Powder -Lavender & Camomile -Blossom & Lime Zest -Refreshing Water& Spa -Crushed Silk & Jasmine
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Caldrea Laundry Detergent Standard & HE compatible				natural essential oils
		Charlie's Soap Powder
		Personal Note: There is great controversy over this detergent. Fact is: some (not all) babies have a severe skin reaction to this detergent. Manufacturers Note: "We have found that by following proper procedures with our detergents... we have remedied nearly all the problems. We know there can be a problem with hard water with our detergents" -Charlie Sutherland
		Charlie's Soap Liquid
		Personal Note: There is great controversy over this detergent. Fact is: some (not all) babies have a severe skin reaction to this detergent. Manufacturers Note: "We have found that by following proper procedures with our detergents...we have remedied nearly all the problems." "We know there can be a problem with hard water with our detergents" -Charlie Sutherland
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Cheer -Original -Colorguard -BrightClean -Dark
		Cheer with Bounce
		Cheer Free & Gentle Liquid
		Country Save Powder Laundry Detergent Standard and HE compatible
		Manufacturers Note: Independent lab results for this product http://countrysave.com/announce.php
		Country Save Liquid Laundry Detergent
		Manufacturers Note: Independent lab results for this product http://countrysave.com/announce.php
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Dreft -Liquid -Powder
		Earth Friendly Products Baby Hypoallergenic Laundry Soap				natural essential oils
		Eco-Max Standard and HE compatible
		ECOS Free & Clear Laundry Detergent Standard and HE compatible
		Personal Note: This detergent can act more like a soap and leave a residue in hard water conditions.
		ECOS Laundry Detergent with Soy Based Fabric Softener Standard and HE compatible				not present in powder
		Personal Note: This detergent can act more like a soap and leave a residue in hard water conditions.
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Ecover Liquid Standard and HE compatible				natural essential oils
		Personal Note: This detergent can act more like a soap and leave a residue in hard water conditions.
		Ecover Powder Standard and HE compatible				natural essential oils
		Personal Note: This detergent can act more like a soap and leave a residue in hard water conditions.
		Era -Ultra -Ultra Era Max with Bleach Alternative -Ultra Crystal Springs
		Era -Ultra Free
		Equator
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Gain -Original -Ultra -Fresh Awakenings -Island Fresh -Outdoor Sunshine -Joyful Expressions -Soothing Sensations
		Gain -Touch of Softness Simply Fresh -Touch of Softness Cotton Fresh
		Ivory Snow -Powder -Liquid
		Personal Note: Not considered strong enough for cloth diapers
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Kirklands Signature Free & Clear
		Kirklands Signature Ultra
		Melaluca MelaPower Fresh Scent
		Melaluca MelaPower Scent Free
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Method -Fresh Air -Lily and Aloe -Sweet Water Standard and HE certified
		Method Free and Clear Standard and HE certified
		Method Baby Standard and HE certified
		Mountain Green Free & Clear Standard and HE certified
		Mountain Green Free & Clear Baby Standard and HE certified
		Mountain Green Original Citrus Standard and HE certified				natural citrus
		Mountain Green Ultra Baby Standard and HE certified				natural essential oils
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Mrs. Meyer's Laundry Detergent -Basil -Lavender -Lemon -Verbena -Geranium -Baby Blossom				natural essential oils
		Nature Clean All Natural Laundry Liquid Standard and HE compatible
		Nature Clean All Natural Laundry Powder Standard and HE compatible
		Natural Value Naturally Gentle Laundry Detergent
		Personal Note: This product contains coconut diethanolamide. (CDEA, cocomide) which may cause contact dermatitis for some people with prolonged exposure.
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Nellie's -All natural Laundry Soda -Laundry Nuggets Standard and HE certified
		OXY-PRIME Powdered Laundry Detergent
		Planet 2x Ultra Liquid Laundry Detergent Standard and HE certified
		Personal Note: This hypoallergenic detergent has been independently certified by Scientific Certification Systems for biodegradability. The liquid detergent is a better choice for use in hard water conditions.
		Planet Ultra Liquid Laundry Detergent
		Personal Note: This hypoallergenic detergent has been independently certified by Scientific Certification Systems for biodegradability. The liquid detergent is a better choice for use in hard water conditions.
		Planet Ultra Powdered Laundry Detergent Standard and HE compatible
		Personal Note: This hypoallergenic detergent has been independently certified by Scientific Certification Systems for biodegradability. The powdered detergent is a bit stronger than the liquid detergent and may be suitable for tougher stains.
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Publix Free and Clear
		Personal Note: This detergent is another cheap detergent and is available only from Publix Grocers.
		Purex -Regular -With Bleach Alternative -2x Ultra
		Purex Plus Fabric Softener
		Purex Natural Elements -Linen & Lillies -Cherry Blossom Vanilla -Apple & Melon
		Purex -Free & Clear -Free & Clear 2x
		Personal Note: This is the detergent we regularly use for our diaper laundry.
		Purex Baby�
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		SA8 -Liquid -Sensitive Detergent -Premium Powder -Plus Powder Standard and HE compatible
		Sears -Stain Fighting -with Oxi Clean -with Bleach Alternative Standard and HE certified
		Sears Ultra Plus Detergent Dye and Perfume Free Standard and HE certified
		SensiClean
		Personal Note: This detergent works well for many people. However some babies will develop severe rash to this detergent. The manufacturer has been reluctant to investigate what could cause these problems.
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Seventh Generation -Baby Laundry -2x Concentrate Standard and HE certified
		Seventh Generation Natural Powdered Standard and HE certified
		Seventh Generation Delicate Care Standard and HE certified
		Shaklee Fresh Laundry Concentrate Powder Fragrance Free
		Shaklee Fresh Laundry Liquid Fragrance Free Standard and HE compatible
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Sportwash*
		Personal Note: This detergent works well for many people. However some babies will develop severe rash to this detergent. The manufacturer has been reluctant to investigate what could cause these problems.
		Sun
		Sun Free
		Personal Note: Sun Free does not have the odd scent of Sun. Interestingly enough this detergent is made with plant-based vs. petroleum based surfactants.
		Sun and Earth Standard and HE compatible
		Personal Note: Ingredients in this detergent are problematic for build-up/repellency issues with cloth diapers.
		Surf -Lavender & Oriental Blossom -Sunshine -Tropical -Cool Fresh
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Tide -Original -Clean Breeze -Mountain Spring -Tropical Clean -Spring & Renewal -Meadows & Rain -Citrus & Light -Fresh Scent -Glacier -April Fresh -Soft Ocean Mist -Vanilla & Lavender -Water Lily & Jasmine -Rose & Violet -Whitewater -Clean Simple Pleasures -with Dawn Stain Scrubbers -with Febreeze Freshness -Coldwater -with Bleach -with Alternative Bleach
		Tide -with a Touch of Downy
		Tide Free
		Personal Note: We used this detergent back in the first year of diapering. It did an excellent job of cleaning the diapers. However, when we switched I realized that my eldest child was sensitive to enzymes. The redness that only came when we were out and about for the day or visiting the grandma's never came back when we switched to an enzyme free detergent. Enzymes seem to effect skin the longer a wet diaper is on. If you change frequently like I did, skin damage from enzymes can go undetected.
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Trader Joe's Cleanliness is Next to Godliness Liquid Standard and HE certified		soy based		lavender oil
		Trader Joe's Cleanliness is Next to Godliness Powder
		VIP Deep Cleaning
		VIP Hypo-Allergenic
		Sam's Wind Fresh
		Wisk -Original Scent 1x, 2x, & 3x -Citrus Clean 1x, 2x, & 3x
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		XTRA Perfume and Dye Free
		XTRA -Mountain Rain -Tropical Passion -Summer Breeze -Floral Garden -Sparkling Fresh -Lemon

The "Detergent Chart for diaper laundry success" is under copyright to Sarah Gesiakowski and may not be used in part or whole without written consent from same person. Images used in the "Detergent Chart for diaper laundry success" may be under copyright and should not be used without expressed permission. 2005, 2008

what makes a good cloth diaper detergent?...

choosing detergents for pocket diapers...

information on using other laundry aids with cloth diapers...

view detergents and their ingredients...

For information on HE detergent recommendations click here.

Detergent Choices for Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers because of their synthetic fibers are more sensitive to detergent buildup than standard fitted diapers or prefold diapers. Your choice of detergent will determine how easy it is to care for your diapers. The best detergent for pocket diapers would rinse completely out of your diapers.

Detergents that contain fragrance/scent and brightening agents/optical brighteners are designed to leave chemicals on your diapers to make the diapers "appear" cleaner through your sense of smell and sight. These components of the detergent will in time buildup on your pocket diapers and lead to repellency issues. Natural detergents that are derived from soaps or have oils in them are not recommended for pocket diapers, and detergents with built- in softeners can lead to immediate diaper problems.

Learn more about washing pocket diapers...

Detergent Choices for Prefold Diapers, Fitted Diapers, and Covers

Choosing a detergent without additives would be the best choice even for use with prefolds and covers. However, as long as you don't choose a really bad detergent rated with either 1 or 2 red stars you should be ok. Realize that some diaper covers are negatively affected by optical brighteners.

What detergent do I personally use?

My detergent choice has changed since I first started diapering. With my first baby I used Tide Free. After learning about enzymes with my second baby, we chose to use Purex Free and Clear. Now 4 years later and diapering my 3rd baby, we are using Planet Powder detergent. Planet is available in our local Kroger supermarket as well as at our new Naturally Yours grocery on College Avenue in Normal.

We use a hodge-podge collection of diapers including: prefolds, fitteds, pocket diapers, and AIO's.

We definitely love the hassle free ease of using Planet. We have clean diapers without build-up and we know we are using a detergent that is not only good for our diapers but also agreeable with the environment.

Purex Free and Clear worked well for us back with our second. Since the detergent has become concentrated more and more people are experiencing stink associated with using too much detergent.

Tide Free is one of the only detergents a client of mine in Brazil can find that is suitable for her pocket diapers. She chooses to include extra rinses to ensure that the detergent is washing completely out of her diapers.

Evaluation Process for Detergents

This work is an elimination of detergents for cloth diaper laundry based on problem ingredients and a compilation of known detergent complications with cloth diaper laundry. Even from the recommended detergents all of the detergents may not be compatible with your water or washing routine. At least you will have fewer detergents to experiment with. Best success in your real-life chemistry adventure. Please let me know how I can help.

A product with a red star has known problems that make it unsuitable for cloth diaper laundry. Examples include Arm and Hammer Fabricare which has been known to cause severe reaction due to its enzyme content. Ivory Snow, Dreft and Zero which are just too mild of a detergent for diaper washing. Natural detergents may fall into the orange coding when they have ingredients that may act with hard water poorly and create a residue. Detergents with built in fabric softeners are all included as unsuitable. Biokleen has caused trouble with pocket type diapers but may work fine with prefold or fitted cloth diapers.

? A product with a question mark just hasn't had enough research done to honestly evaluate it. I just don't have the information yet to evaluate the product.

Is the product you are looking for not on the list? If you send an ingredients list, I am more than willing to help you evaluate.

- A product within this ranking includes a potentially problematic additive as is viewable from the detergent ingredients. A detergent that has dyes and/or fragrance may not be suitable for baby. Some diapering momma's do not feel chemical exposure is an issue, and prefer the "clean" illusions they get from their fragrance detergents or the super cleaning they get from enzymes. My opinion just differs.

Dyes are unnecessary ingredients added to detergents with the potential of being left on the cloth diapers.

Fragrances are unnecessary chemicals left by the detergent on purpose, which may irritate baby's skin and overload baby's sense of smell.

Enzymes are unacceptable because they can irritate baby's skin. I can not with good conscience recommend enzymes when I know from experience that many babies do experience, the bright red markings indicating enzyme irritation.

Optical brighteners are chemicals added to a detergent to be attached to the fabric and not rinsed off. Optical brighteners make your diapers appear cleaner by looking "whiter" through the refraction of light. These chemicals if loaded into the detergent can also compromise a cloth diapers ability to absorb and make covers, pocket diapers and AIO's leaky.

Detergents with optical brighteners do leave chemicals on your cloth diapers. However, these products may be acceptable for your cloth diaper laundry and may be a better choice than other readily available detergents. Note: optical brighteners have been identified with causing problems with several diaper brands performance so check with your manufacturer's instructions.

- A detergent in this categories may be a great choice for your cloth diaper laundry. You will have to determine which detergent in this category works best with your washing machine and your water supply, but you are on the right track to a great laundry routine. Do consider any notes of caution presented with the detergent and always seek to follow your manufacturer's instructions.

Citrus? Yes or No?

Is your baby sensitive to citrus? After your toddler eats oranges or you eat citrus fruits if nursing, do you notice a red diaper rash form around the anal opening? If so, you will want to consider avoiding citrus ingredients in your cloth diaper detergent as well. This is more of a concern when choosing a natural detergent. Sodium Citrate, Citrus Oils, etc.

OTHER LINKS:

Learn more than you ever wanted to know about detergents...

More about those optical brighteners and other ingredients...

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