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Best Cloth Diaper Laundry Detergents

Updated March 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Rockin' Green Platinum Series Dirty Diaper Powdered Laundry Detergent
Rockin' Green
Platinum Series Dirty Diaper Powdered Laundry Detergent
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Most Eco-friendly
Bottom Line

A natural detergent that’s suitable for hard water, handles set-in stains, and eradicates odors, earning our cleaning expert's approval.

Pros

Made with natural plant-based ingredients. Free of harsh chemicals and irritants. Utilizes cloth diaper-friendly enzymes to break down proteins. Exceptionally effective at tackling stubborn stains and removing odors. The addition of tea tree oil helps fight bacterial growth and lends it a pleasant natural fragrance.

Cons

Pricey. Not everyone is a fan of the tea tree scent.

Best Bang for the Buck
Charlie's Soap Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent
Charlie's Soap
Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Recommended by leading cloth diaper manufacturers and loved by parents for its powerful yet gentle cleaning action.

Pros

Non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and gentle on delicate skin. Cleans deeply, lifts stains, and eliminates odors. Removes residual buildup from other detergents. Made of eco-friendly biodegradable ingredients and natural minerals, with zero dyes, brighteners or fragrances. Rinses well, leaving no residue behind. Only requires one tablespoon per wash.

Cons

It’s best to disinfect diapers to prevent rashes. May not work as well with hard water.

Esembly Washing Powder
Esembly
Washing Powder
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Stain Fighting
Bottom Line

Our expert recommends this skin-safe diaper detergent that cleans without leaving residue.

Pros

The mineral-based formula is designed to thoroughly clean mess and odor from cloth diapers. Contains no fillers, fragrances, or unwanted chemicals and residues. It can be used on regular laundry that needs a clean, residue-free wash. Each 3-lb bag contains 48 diaper washes, or more for regular clothes. HE compatible.

Cons

Might be too strong for delicates. Consult instructions for hard and soft water.

GroVia Mighty Bubbles
GroVia
Mighty Bubbles
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Best for Stripping
Bottom Line

This detergent additive effectively removes set-in odors and residues that can affect absorption.

Pros

Strips cloth diaper fibers of odor-causing buildup, mineral deposits, and detergent residue. Boosts absorbency and extends cloth diaper life. Ammonia, alcohol, ether, and phosphate-free. Works for all washing machine types. Packs are convenient and easy to use.

Cons

Not a primary detergent. Requires an extra rinse cycle.

ATTITUDE Laundry Detergent for Baby Clothes
ATTITUDE
Laundry Detergent for Baby Clothes
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

A great detergent that works on stains and odor but is still safe for baby’s skin, says our cleaning expert.

Pros

Safe for all baby clothes. The formula is derived from minerals and green tea. Phosphate-free, dye-free, formaldehyde-free, and fragrance-free. Free from irritation-causing enzymes making it less harmful to skin. Works in cold water and in HE washing machines. Vegan and cruelty-free.

Cons

A little pricey. Some say it has an unusual odor.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Researched
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Cloth diapers have delicate fibers that require extra care when washing. Aside from being laden with harsh chemicals that can irritate your baby’s delicate skin, many standard detergents contain ingredients that can damage cloth diaper materials or decrease absorbency. While some babies do just fine with regular laundry detergents, it's usually best to opt for a mild or natural detergent that’s free of harsh chemicals, fragrances, dyes, and brighteners. Softeners should also be avoided as these can cause buildup and reduce absorbency. Although plant-based detergents that rely on enzymes to break down proteins can be highly effective at lifting stains and eliminating odors, they may cause irritation when residual enzymes come into contact with proteins on your baby’s skin. If you like the idea of the dirt-busting power delivered by enzymatic detergents, give your diapers an extra rinse using hot water.

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