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Best Cloth Diaper Laundry Detergents
Updated February 2023
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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. Read more  
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.Read more 
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

If you're looking for a natural detergent that’s suitable for hard water, effortlessly handles set-in stains, and eradicates odors, this is a solid choice that earns 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.

Dropps HE Baby Laundry Detergent Packs
Dropps
HE Baby Laundry Detergent Packs
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Convenient Dispensing
Bottom Line

These pods conveniently eliminate the need to measure out detergent and are gentle enough for delicate cloth diaper fibers while being effective enough for the whole family.

Pros

Plant-based formula is EPA Safer Choice approved. Free of brighteners, dyes, fragrances, and enzymes. Hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and non-irritating. Safe for all types of fabric. Removes dirt and odors. Fantastically convenient and easy to use. Works with both hard and soft water.

Cons

Might require an extra rinse with soft water or high-efficiency machines. Pods need to be kept out of reach of young children.

GroVia Mighty Bubbles
GroVia
Mighty Bubbles
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Best for Stripping
Bottom Line

Although it's not technically a detergent, every cloth diaper is prone to urine, mineral, and detergent buildup. This option 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.

Country Save Unscented Laundry Detergent
Country Save
Unscented Laundry Detergent
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Safe & Effective
Bottom Line

Just about ticks all the boxes with a formula that’s gentle on delicate fibers, tough on stains, and mild enough for even the most sensitive skin.

Pros

Lifts dirts and stains and eliminates odors. Contains no fragrance or harsh chemicals, making it a great option for sensitive skin. Rinses well with no residue. Recommended by leading cloth diaper manufacturers. Gentle on cloth diaper fibers, but strong enough for any laundry load. One package takes care of 80 high-efficiency loads.

Cons

The packaging could be sturdier. Stubborn stains might need to be pre-treated.

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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30
Models
Considered
138
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
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.

Our Top Picks
Rockin' Green
Best of the Best
Rockin' Green
Platinum Series Dirty Diaper Powdered Laundry Detergent
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a natural detergent that’s suitable for hard water, effortlessly handles set-in stains, and eradicates odors, this is a solid choice that earns our cleaning expert's approval.
Shop Now
Charlie's Soap
Best Bang for the Buck
Charlie's Soap
Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent
Bottom Line
Recommended by leading cloth diaper manufacturers and loved by parents for its powerful yet gentle cleaning action.
Shop Now
Dropps
Top Pick
Dropps
HE Baby Laundry Detergent Packs
Bottom Line
These pods conveniently eliminate the need to measure out detergent and are gentle enough for delicate cloth diaper fibers while being effective enough for the whole family.
Shop Now
GroVia
Top Pick
GroVia
Mighty Bubbles
Bottom Line
Although it's not technically a detergent, every cloth diaper is prone to urine, mineral, and detergent buildup. This option effectively removes set-in odors and residues that can affect absorption.
Shop Now
Country Save
Top Pick
Country Save
Unscented Laundry Detergent
Bottom Line
Just about ticks all the boxes with a formula that’s gentle on delicate fibers, tough on stains, and mild enough for even the most sensitive skin.
Shop Now