Detergent Information
Washing Cloth Diapers – Detergent List
...another great guide from our friends at Bummis!
This list was put together based on feedback from our customers and suppliers. We are not detergent experts, and this list is by no means definitive- it is meant as a resource only. Since ingredient lists for detergents are not always readily available, we erred on the side of caution and have not recommended detergents with unknown ingredients.
Many factors can lead to a detergent giving you a residue problem –differences in water quality, washing machines and the ratio of water to detergent. Some detergents with additives can cause problems for one family, but pose no issues for the next. Because of this, your safest bet is to stick with a detergent that is zero-residue. That said, keep in mind, that most detergents when used in moderation will not cause a residue problem.
Whichever detergent you choose to use, make sure to use a reasonable quantity. If using a zero-residue detergent, stick to the lower end of the amount recommended on the package. If you are using anything other than a zero-residue detergent, use about 1/2 of what the manufacturer recommends in a top loading washing machine, and reduce to ¼ for a front loader or HE machine. This will give you enough detergent to clean properly but not enough to create a residue. Make sure your diapers are being rinsed well in plenty of water. Check out our washing guide for more information.
|
PRODUCT |
RECOMMENDED |
WHY NOT / USEFUL INFO | |
|
Ace Powder |
NO |
Enzymes | |
|
AJAX All-Purpose powder |
NO |
Brighteners | |
|
All Free and Clear |
NO |
Anti-allergens/brighteners | |
|
All Baby |
NO |
Brighteners | |
|
All w/stain lifters |
NO |
Full of extra ingredients | |
|
Allen’s Naturally liquid/powder |
YES | ||
|
Arm & Hammer liquid laundry detergent essentials |
MAYBE |
There are natural oils. Should be fine if used in moderation. | |
|
Arm & Hammer Fabric Care |
NO |
Full of extra ingredients. | |
|
Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Perfume Free and Dye Free |
NO |
Brighteners | |
|
Bi-O-Kleen All Temperature liquid/powder |
MAYBE |
Reports of repellency issues with pocket diapers - perhaps caused by natural extracts or degreasers. | |
|
Bi-O-Kleen laundry liquid |
MAYBE |
Reports of repellency issues with pocket diapers – perhaps caused by natural extracts or degreasers. | |
|
Bi-O-Kleen Premium Plus All Temperature Powder |
NO |
Enzymes | |
|
Biovert Detergent |
NO |
Some reports of residue | |
|
Biovert Stain Remover |
YES |
Low additive oxygen bleach | |
|
Cheer/Cheer Free |
NO |
Enzymes and brighteners | |
|
Charlie’s Soap |
YES |
The liquid leaves zero residue and is cost effective. The powder has not been tested. | |
|
Claudia’s Choices |
YES |
Zero residue | |
|
Country Save Liquid |
MAYBE |
Has not been tested for use with diapers | |
|
Country Save Powder |
YES |
Certified non residue by manufacturer | |
|
Dreft |
NO |
Enzymes and brighteners | |
|
Earth Friendly Products Baby Hypoallergenic |
NO |
Soy Softener | |
|
Ecos Free & Clear |
MAYBE |
Some reports of residue in hard water conditions | |
|
Ecos w/ soy softner |
NO |
Fabric softener | |
|
Ecover |
NO |
Some reports of residue | |
|
Envirorite |
NO |
Complete ingredient list unavailable | |
|
Era |
NO |
Enzymes | |
|
Fab |
NO |
Complete ingredient list unavailable. | |
|
Fresh Start |
NO |
Complete ingredient list unavailable. | |
|
Gain w/bleach |
NO |
Enzymes | |
|
Ivory Snow liquid/powder |
NO |
Enzymes | |
|
Jewel Ultra Original |
NO |
Enzymes | |
|
Hydrox |
YES |
Safe bleach alternative if used in moderation | |
|
Kirklands Signature |
NO |
Brighteners | |
|
Lemieux |
NO |
Oily softener could leave residue | |
|
Method |
NO |
Enzymes, brighteners | |
|
Mountain Green Ultra, Skin Sensitive, Baby |
MAYBE |
Recommended by many users but does contain natural oils | |
|
Mountain Green Baby Free & Clear |
YES | ||
|
Mrs. Meyer’s |
NO |
Enzymes | |
|
Nature Clean |
YES |
Powder and liquid are OK | |
|
Oxyboost |
YES |
Oxygenated bleach with no other additives | |
|
Oxi-clean |
NO |
Complete ingredient list unavailable | |
|
Oxi-Prime powder |
MAYBE |
Has oxygenated bleach in formula | |
|
Planet Delicate Laundry Wash, Hypo-allergenic |
MAYBE |
Recommended by many but no evidence as to zero residue | |
|
Planet Ultra, Powdered Hypo-allergenic |
MAYBE |
Recommended by many but no evidence as to zero residue | |
|
Purex, Purex Free & Clear, Purex Baby |
NO |
Brighteners | |
|
Sears Ultra Concentrated, powder |
NO |
Enzymes | |
|
Sensi-Clean (Sportwash) |
YES |
Confirmed zero residue by the manufacturer | |
|
7th Generation liquid, Baby |
NO |
Enzymes | |
|
7th Generation powder |
NO |
Enzymes | |
|
7th Generation Free & Clear |
NO |
Enzymes. | |
|
7th Generation Delicate Care |
YES | ||
|
Shaklee liquid |
NO |
Enzymes | |
|
Soap Nuts |
NO |
Not enough information available | |
|
Sun, Sun Free |
NO |
Brighteners, enzymes | |
|
Target Baby, powder |
NO |
Enzymes | |
|
Tide, Tide Free(Tide Nature), Tide Powder |
NO |
Brighteners, enzymes | |
|
Trader Joe’s Cleanliness Next to Godliness |
NO |
Brighteners, soy | |
|
Wisk, Wisk Free Clear |
NO |
Brighteners | |
|
Wonder Wash |
YES | ||
|
XTRA |
NO |
Brighteners | |