Pin Stripes and Polka Dots Detergent Chart - Cloth Diaper Safe Detergents

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.

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 your pocket diapers are to care for. The best detergent chosen 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.

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 been Purex free and clear. A real concern for us was that it would be readily available at a standard supermarket. Performance has always been satisfactory. Purex free and clear does contain some optical brighteners, however we have not experienced any repellency issues with our diapers.

We use a collection of prefolds, fitteds, 4 different types of pocket diapers, and Rumpsters. None of these diapers have displayed problems from using the Purex free and clear. My babies are sensitive to enzymes so we are glad to have clean diapers without red bums.

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.