Pinstripes and Polkadots Education on the positives of cloth diapering

DETERGENT CHOICES

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, lesser-known environmentally friendly detergents and newer detergents from specific cloth diapering manufacturers. Compare your choices to determine which product is best for your baby's cloth diapers.

If you are just starting your cloth diapering journey, I can not emphasize enough how advantageous it is to choose a really good detergent. Remove as many obstacles as you can at the beginning to ensure your success. If you want to experiment with your favorite detergent down the road, do so, but only after you are successfully cloth diapering so you know what normal is.

Recognize that washing conditions, such as machine and water supply, 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

information updated June 2010; images may be older

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 Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Ajax 2x Ultra
		all® -Free & Clear Liquid -Ultra Free & Clear 2x -Free & Clear 3x
		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, but it does have a bright red label on it stating that it does not have optical brighteners.
		all® Small & Mighty® Free & Clear
		all® Small & Mighty® -Snuggle
		all® Small & Mighty® -Stainlifter -Fresh Rain -Wild Fresh -with Bleach Alternative -Relax & Refresh
		all® Free & Clear Powder
		all® -Baby -2x Ultra Baby
		all® -with Stain Lifters 2x -Ultra 2x -Ultra 2x with Bleach Alternative -Fresh Rain 2x -Secret Garden 2x -Dancing in the Tropics 2x -Floral Melody 2x -Sunshine Energy 2x -Wandering Through the Wildflowers 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 & HammerFabricare
		Personal Note: This detergent has caused severe reactions among too many babies to recommend.
		Arm & HammerFabriCare Free
		Personal Note: This detergent has caused severe reactions among too many babies to recommend.
		Arm & HammerEssentials -Mountain Rain
		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 2x -Clean Mountain -Spring Breeze -Tropical Burst
		Arm & Hammer Plus the Power of OxiClean -Clean Meadow - Fresh Scent -Fresh Scent Powder
		Arm & Hammer Plus A touch of Fabric Softener
		Arm & Hammer for Sensitive Skin
		Attitude -Baby -Fragrance Free Standard and HE compatible
		Attitude -Lavender & Grapefruit -Ylang-Ylang & Lime 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
		BabyGanicsLoads of Love 3X -Fragrance Free Standard and HE compatible
		Bi-O-Kleen Laundry Powder -Free & Clear Standard and HE compatible
		Personal Note: This brand of detergent has repeatedly caused repellency issues with pocket diapers.
		Bi-O-KleenPremium Plus Laundry Powder Standard and HE compatible
		Personal Note: This brand of detergent has repeatedly caused repellency issues with pocket diapers.
		Bi-O-KleenLaundry Liquid Standard and HE compatible
		Personal Note: This brand of detergent has repeatedly caused repellency issues with pocket diapers.
		Bio-Vert
		Bio-Vert -with no perfume
		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
		BumGenius Diaper Detergent
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 -Basil Blue Sage -Ginger Pomelo -Lavender Pine -Sweet Pea -Sea Salt Neroli -Sandalwood Riceflower 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 BrightClean -Original -Colorguard -BrightClean -Dark -Fresh Clean Scent -Bleach Alternative
		Cheer BrightClean -Bounce Fresh Linen Scent
		Cheer BrightClean -Free & Gentle Liquid -Free & Gentle Liquid
		Citra Suds - Liquid 2x
		Citra Suds -Powder
		Claudia's Choices
		Clorox 2 Stain Fighter & Color Booster -Liquid
		Clorox 2 Stain Fighter & Color Booster -Free Liquid -Free Powder
		Country SavePowder Laundry Detergent Standard and HE compatible
		Manufacturers Note: Independent lab results for this producthttp://countrysave.com/announce.php
		Country SaveLiquid Laundry Detergent
		Manufacturers Note: Independent lab results for this producthttp://countrysave.com/announce.php
		Crunchy Clean
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Dreft -Liquid 2x -Powder
		Dropps Baby
		These are pre-measured capsules so check with diaper manufacturer to determine if the dosage would be acceptable. Wouldn't be suitable for variable laundry load sizes.
		Dropps Scent & Dye Free
		These are pre-measured capsules so check with diaper manufacturer to determine if the dosage would be acceptable. Wouldn't be suitable for variable laundry load sizes.
		Dropps Fresh Scent
		These are pre-measured capsules so check with diaper manufacturer to determine if the dosage would be acceptable. Wouldn't be suitable for variable laundry load sizes.
		Dynamo 2x Ultra -Sunrise Fresh -Waterfall Fresh Standard and HE compatible
		Dynamo 2x Ultra -Free and Clear 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
		Earth Friendly Products Baby Hypoallergenic Laundry Soap ECOS Baby				natural essential oils
		Eco-Max -Liquid Standard and HE compatible
		Eco-Max -Powder Standard and HE compatible
		ECOS Free and Clear
		ECOS Laundry Detergent with Coconut Based Fabric Softener -powder -magnolia and lillies -lemongrass -lavender Standard and HE compatible				not present in powder
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
		Ecover Powder Standard and HE compatible
		Equator
		Era -Ultra -Ultra with Oxibooster -Ultra Crystal Springs
		Era -Ultra Free 2x
		Fab Ultra 2x -Ocean Breeze - Rain Forest -Sun Shower Fresh -Spring Magic
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid
		Gain -Original -Ultra -Fresh Awakenings -Island Fresh -Outdoor Sunshine with Bleach Alternative -Joyful -Baking Soda Fresh Water Sparkle Expressions -Soothing Sensations -Apple Mango Tango -Spring Lavender -Floral Fusion
		Gain -Touch of Softness Simply Fresh -Touch of Softness Cotton Fresh
		Green Works -Free and Clear Standard and HE compatible
		Green Works -Original Scent -Lavender Standard and HE compatible
		Ivory Snow -Powder -Liquid 2x
		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
		Kirkland Signature Free & Clear
		Kirkland Signature -Ultra Liquid 2x -Powder with Bleach Alternative
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		MelalucaMelaPower 6x Fresh Scent
		MelalucaMelaPower 6x Scent Free
		Method -Fresh Air -Lily and Aloe -Sweet Water -Peony Blossom Standard and HE certified
		Method -Free and Clear Standard and HE certified
		Method -Squeaky Green Standard and HE certified
		Method Baby Standard and HE certified
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		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
		Mrs. Meyer's Laundry Detergent -Basil -Lavender -Lemon Verbena -Geranium -Baby Blossom				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
		Nature CleanAll Natural Laundry Liquid -3x -Refill Standard and HE compatible
		Nature Clean3x -Citrus Blossom Standard and HE compatible
		Nature CleanAll Natural Laundry Powder Standard and HE compatible
		Natural Value - Naturally Gentle
		Personal Note: This product contains coconut diethanolamide. (CDEA, cocomide) which may cause contact dermatitis for some people with prolonged exposure.
		Nellie's -All natural Laundry Soda -Laundry Nuggets Standard and HE certified
		Personal Note: The Laundry Nuggets are an easy way to take a good detergent with you when traveling.
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		OXY-PRIMEPowdered 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 Ultra Liquid -Original Fresh Scent -Mountain Breeze -Lavender Fresh -After the Rain -Renuzit Fresh Scent -Color Safe Bleach Alternative, Original Fresh, Mountain Fresh
		Purex Ultra Powder -Original Fresh -After the Rain -Mountain Fresh with Renuzit
		Purex Ultra with Fabric Softener -Seaside Escape
		Purex Ultra Natural Elements -Linen & Lillies -Blossoms & Vanilla -Apple & Melon
		Purex Ultra Hypoallergenic -Free & Clear -Free & Clear 2x
		Personal Note: This detergent is easier to find. However, often people are using too much and end up with stink issues.
		Purex Ultra Baby®
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Rockin' GreenUnscented Cloth Diaper Detergent
		Rockin' Green Cloth Diaper Detergent -various scents
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		SA8 Legacy of Clean Liquid 3x -Floral Scent Standard and HE compatible
		SA8 Legacy of Clean SA8 + BioQuest Concentrated Powder Standard and HE compatible
			Product Note: Enzyme used is Amylase which won't be a problem for cloth diaper laundry.
		SA8 Legacy of Clean Liquid 3x -Light Scent Standard and HE compatible
		SA8 Legacy of Clean -Delicate Fine Fabric 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 Free and Clear Standard and HE certified
		Seventh Generation 2x Liquid or Powder -Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender -White Flower & Bergamot Citrus 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 -Clean & Fresh -Mountain Breeze -Vanilla Lavender -Wildflowers
		Sun -Clean & Fresh with Cuddlesoft
		Sun Free & Clear
		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 Lemons and Bergamot -Tropical Flowers and Ylang-Ylang -Cool Fresh -Power Fresh
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Thirsties Super Wash
		Personal Note: This detergent is highly suitable for cloth diapering. Enzymes it contains are not the problematic type. This detergent actually contains probiotics in its formula which is cutting edge in the realm of detergent manufacture. Pair with Thirsties Pre-wash for maximum results.
		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 & Gentle -Coldwater 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
		Tiny Bubbles
		Trader Joe'sCleanliness is Next to Godliness Liquid Standard and HE certified		soy based		lavender oil
		Trader Joe'sCleanliness is Next to Godliness Powder
Rating	Detergent Image	Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
good average avoid		Detergent Brand	Enzymes	Fabric Softener	Brighteners	Scents	Dyes
		Vaska -Light Lavender Scent Standard and HE certified
		Vaska -Scent Free -Diaper Detergent Standard and HE certified
		VIP Deep Cleaning
		VIP Hypo-Allergenic
		Sam's Wind Fresh
		Wisk -Original Scent 1x, 2x, & 3x -Citrus Clean 1x, 2x, & 3x
		Wisk Free
		Wonderwash
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 -Fresh Cotton Breeze -Apple Citrus -Spring Sunshine -Mountain Lavender -Summer Fiesta -Calypso Fresh
		XTRA plus Softener -Lavender & Sweet Vanilla

Data for evaluation detergents for cloth diaper compatibility has been gathered from various sources including manufacturer websites, msds sheets, and http://www.goodguide.com

The "Detergent Chart for diaper laundry success" is under copyright to Krista Cardona 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, 2010

Detergent Choices for The Modern Cloth Diaper

Many of the modern diapers such as pocket diapers, all-in-one diapers, and some fitted diapers are designed with a synthetic stay-dry fabric for their inner layer. These synthetic fabrics are more sensitive to detergent buildup than standard fitted diapers or prefold diapers. Your choice of laundry detergent will determine not only how easy it is to care for your diapers but how well your diapers will perform. The best detergents for the modern cloth diapers need to rinse completely clean out of your diapers leaving no residues or fabric enhancers behind.

Laundry detergents that contain fragrance/scent, fabric softeners, and brightening agents/optical brighteners are not suitable because these fabric enhancers are designed to leave chemicalson your diapers to make the diapers "appear" cleaner or better through your senses of touch, smell and sight. These components of the detergent will buildup on your diapers over time and may lead to diaper failure. The diapers could retain unnecessary odors and they could even have repellency issues so that the moisture will escape out the side of the diaper rather than being absorbed by the absorbent part of the diaper.

A few more natural ingredient detergents that are derived from plant oils or have essential oils in them are not recommended for the modern diapers. We have made note of these detergents in the detergent chart above. Some of them seem to work fine in naturally soft water, but with 80% of the United States dealing with hard water it is easier just to point out that they may cause trouble.

Soaps should never be used for washing diapers in general. Dr Bronners and Fels Naptha are two that come quickly to mind. Also, I haven't seen a recipe for making your own detergent yet that would be suitable for washing cloth diapers in.

You may want to choose a detergent brand made specificially for the cloth diapering industry. Look for these brands: BumGenius, Crunchy Clean, Rockin' Green, Thirsties Super Wash, Tiny Bubbles, and Vaska. Of course even these detergents can vary in efficacy.

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 will end up leaking if washed repeatedly in a detergent with optical brighteners.