DETERGENT CHOICES





Here at Pinstripes and Polkadots we pride ourselves on being your best resource and premier store for cloth diapering and laundry care. I know how important and overwhelming it can be to choose the right diaper and detergent for your needs and that’s why we created and maintain this online resource for you so you get the same level of service I provide my customers in my local store. Pinstripes and Polkadots Detergent Chart

This detergent chart is a compilation of information regarding well-known name brand detergents, lesser-known environmentally friendly detergents and newer detergents from specific cloth diapering manufacturers. I do carry some of my favorite brands listed below (Laundry Care) and although I do not carry all of these detergents I encourage you to compare your choices to determine which product is best for you and your baby's cloth diapers. If you are just starting your cloth diapering journey, I cannot emphasize enough how helpful it is to choose a really good detergent and I also suggest you research my other educational material on cloth diapering, diaper rash ointments , and classes . Please be aware 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 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 Allens Naturally Laundry Detergent -Liquid 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 BabyGanics Loads 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 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 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 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 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 -lavende r Standard and HE compatible

not present in powder Rating Detergent Image Detergent Brand Enzymes Fabric Softener Brighteners Scents Dyes good average avoid 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 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 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 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 Nature CleanAll Natural Laundry Liquid -3x -Refill Standard and HE compatible Nature Clean 3x -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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Detergent Choices for The Modern Cloth DiaperMany 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 CoversChoosing 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.