Detergent Survey
There are plenty of charts out there to tell you what detergents are “safe” for cloth diapers. Unfortunately, those aren’t always available/affordable, and don’t necessarily work in every situation.
If I had the resources, I’d love to wash different diapers in different detergents, water and machine situations under controlled conditions, for a year or more, to see if the fear and alarm over detergents is really warranted. Naturally, this isn’t something I can do, so instead I want to compile actual user data!
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I like that I can use Charlies Soap on all my other laundry too, and that I don’t have to worry about any kind of residue in my washer from other detergents. It’s also very economical.
We use Tiny Bubbles on all of our laundry. After it got out that old oil smell from my husband’s massage sheets (he’s a massage therapist), he started calling it the “good detergent”. Nothing else (additive, detergent or bleach) was able to get those clean looking and smelling before Tiny bubbles!
done!
This is a wonderful survey! I am anticipating the results! I am especially interested to know which detergents other people with soft water are using to get their diapers clean without detergent build-up problems. I have filled your survey out twice and plan to come back to fill it out a couple more times. I’ve only been cloth diapering for about 6 months and have tried several detergents so far, with no successes.
Awesome! Spread the word if you can, I’d love to get a LOT of results so the data is really helpful!!
We have a water softener (and an HE washer) and I can’t use more than about 1/2 the lowest load line of detergent and I still have to do some extra rinses to get it all out!
Have you tried soap nuts?
I have. They seemed to work at first, then after a while it was as though I didn’t put them in at all (and yes, I was using fresh ones etc.) This happens to me with a lot of detergents. The liquid concentrate worked better for me. Soap nuts (like every cloth diaper detergent really!) seem to be hit or miss. The work great for some people & not at all for others!
I used to use SoapNuts. They did okay, not very good on staining, but I really did not like the strange smell and when used with hot water they don’t last as long. Plus I kept tossing the bag in the dryer with the wet diapers by mistake.
We use Eco Sprout and LOVE it! After trying all different kinds of detergent this is the only one that not only got rid of my ammonia stink, but also no rashes!!! I have been using it now for almost a year and never have to strip anymore. We now use it for all our laundry in the house!
We use Eco Sprout for everything. I like that it comes in a large bag so it lasts a long time! Gets our diapers super clean and stink free. I look forward to reading your final results!
Since I havent been able to find something better for my 2 super sensitive little ones. I have to make my own concoction so I hope to get some good info and maybe I can find some to purchase so that occasionally someone besides me can wash diapers!
Great idea Maria!
We switched to Eco Sprout about a month ago and LOVE it! No more stinkies or ammonia from our daughter’s diapers and we now use it for all of our laundry needs!
Eco Sprout is the 1st & only thing I’ve used for diapers. I see no need to ever switch! Will use it for all of my baby’s laundry starting on the next load.
Tide is the only thing that has kept us out of stink and ammonia burn.
Great survey! Thanks for putting it together!
homemade is the way to go for us. cost $8 for 3+ months worth and used for everything.
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