Dressing your baby in tiny bodysuits, beautiful bonnets, and adorable rompers and then watching them sleeping all dolled up in their crib is one of the most pleasurable parts of being a parent. But those cute baby clothes get dirty within minutes. Loads of laundry stained with blow-out, spit up and everything else are not new to moms. Every parent will agree that washing baby’s clothes is not an easy task. You have your washing machines running almost everyday.
When you are washing your baby’s clothes everyday, you need a detergent that not only removes all kinds of stains but includes material that is safe on the sensitive skin of the baby. There is a variety of laundry detergent for babies available in the market that are more gentle and baby skin-friendly. Also, not only the babies’ clothes but also moms’ clothes and baby carriers should be washed with the baby laundry detergents as they are also going to come in contact with the baby while you carry or hug them. Here is a guide and a list of some of the best baby detergents you will find.
Why Should You Use A Baby Detergent?
Babies’ skin is highly sensitive and their immune system is not fully developed. Their skin can react to various chemicals very easily and the regular detergents have plenty of them. A detergent contains many harsh chemicals that can cling to the baby clothes and come in contact with the baby’s skin. This can cause multiple skin issues such as eczema, cradle cap and skin allergies in the early months after birth.
As long as you properly wash the clothes and rinse them to make sure that the detergent residue doesn’t remain in the fabric, then regular detergents do not pose any threat to your baby’s skin. But, when you are washing baby clothes all the time, you might not be able to clean them free of detergent residue. Therefore, many parents opt for a gentle laundry detergent to make sure that the baby is not coming in contact with any unnecessary additives.
In case your baby gets a skin rash, contact your pediatrician and also switch to a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent. Moreover, you can wash your clothes for an extra rinse cycle to rinse away detergent particles.
Types of Irritants Found in a Regular Laundry Detergent
There have been many studies on detergents, the potential toxic additive in them and their effect on the users. But still it is hard to figure out which product will be safe to use without trying because:
- Many ingredients are not declared under trade secrets rights.
- Some of the chemicals form as a result of different ingredients coming in contact with each other.
- Some hazardous material builds up over time.
- Some chemicals have numerous names.
However, it is more easy to find controversial chemicals in homemade laundry detergent. For example, most of them include Borax, which is deemed to be toxic and the Environmental Working Group has cautioned against using it. Though it can get overwhelming to find the detergent that is safe for you and your family, there are several things you can be careful about to minimize the risk of potential irritants and toxins such as:
- .Buy dyes-free and fragrance-free detergents.
- Avoid brighteners
- Prefer plant-based detergents
- Choose biodegradable detergents.
Types of Reaction to Detergent a Baby Can Have
There are two types of reactions a baby can have to a detergent:
-
Allergic Contact Dermatitis:
This is a response of the immune system to an allergen. It can be a red itchy rash. It doesn’t appear right away; it can take up to a week for symptoms to start appearing on the skin.
-
Skin Irritation:
This reaction occurs right after being exposed to irritant material. It’s a red, itchy rash that goes away when the irritant is removed.
What Should You Look For in the Best Baby Detergent?
The harsh chemicals in the regular laundry detergents can cause skin irritation, eczema, rashes and other types of skin allergies. So the parents might want to switch to mild, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic baby-friendly detergents.
It is advisable that you test anything before putting on your baby and see how it goes before starting to use regularly. For example, you can wash a single load with a specific detergent first and then see if it has any bad effect.
Considering how you and your family members will be snuggling baby, you may like to use the same baby friendly detergent for all of the laundry of the house. It will substantially lower the risk of irritation and there will be one item less on your shopping list.
For the super sensitive skin, you might want to pick the detergent that meets the following criteria:
Free of Brighteners
These are harsh chemicals in most of the detergents that make colors of the fabric bright. They don’t play a role in cleaning the clothes so the cleaning of clothes will not be compromised if you exclude them. They linger in fabrics if not properly rinsed which can cause irritation.
Free of Fragrance
It doesn’t mean that the detergent has to be unscented. Detergent that is free of fragrance doesn’t have any kind of fragrance at all. The chemicals added in the detergents for fragrance are known to cause eczema therefore you might want to avoid them.
Plant Based Detergents
Though a natural baby detergent can still cause babies some discomfort, the risk is far less than the one which has chemicals. Natural or plant-based products are good for environment friendly as well.
Hypoallergenic
Many of the detergent manufacturers claim that their product causes fewer allergic reactions than others. However, the FDA doesn’t approve to use the term “hypoallergenic,” therefore there’s no way to find out if it is good for the babies or not
Minimal Preservatives
Preservatives are added to increase the shelf life of the detergent. They do not help in cleaning.
Free of Dyes
The detergent for the baby clothes should be free of dyes to eliminate potential irritants. Like fragrances, they don’t play part in cleaning the clothes. They only give color to the detergent and have nothing to do with the cleaning power of the detergent.
Powder or Liquid
You might want to skip detergent pods or packs to prevent you little ones from any harm. You can choose between powder or liquid detergent depending on your own personal preference. Powders give better cleaning performance. Whereas. liquids are ultra-concentrated so they are less bulky.
Various types of Baby Laundry Detergents
Laundry detergents are available in three different types; Powder, Liquid or Packs
Powder
Powder laundry detergents come in a cardboard box and with a scoop. It is cheaper than other types, comes in an environmental friendly packaging, effective against ground-in, tough stains and it works in hard water as well. But, it is a little messy, difficult to pre-treat and packaging is fragile which can leak.
Liquid
Liquid laundry detergent comprises 75% of all sales making it the most popular type of a laundry detergent. It comes in a plastic bottle with a tap or a pouring spout on the top. It has a plastic cup with which you can measure the amount of liquid detergent you put in the machine. You can put this measuring cup in the washing machine with the laundry and it will be all cleaned up.
Liquid detergents are easy to pre-treat, more effective against greasy stains and they are convenient to use. But, they can be messy. Also they are heavy and not environmentally friendly.
Packs
They are also referred to as “pods.” They are pre measured portions of detergent that you can simply toss directly in the washing machine before putting clothes in it.
As they are pre-measured, there is a little room for error. They are convenient to use, portable and give better performance. But, they can be expensive and can be dangerous for children if they swallow it.
Best Baby Detergents
Summary
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of dyes, phosphates and perfumes
- Removes residue of food, dirt and stains
- Liquid form
- Includes Biodegradable anionic and nonionic surfactants
- Includes enzymes
- Includes strong scent
- 50 ounce bottle
- Fluid form
- 88 ounce bottle which is enough for 58 loads
- 2x concentrated
- Includes biodegradable surfactants
- Liquid form
- 50 oz bottles that washes 33 loads
- Enzyme rich formula
- Seventh Generation liquid laundry detergent
- Liquid form
- Highly concentrated
- Available in a 24 oz pack and 64 oz pack
- Liquid form
- Highly concentrated
- Unscented
- Plant derived ingredients
- 60 oz
- Unscented liquid
- It is concentrated
- Hypoallergenic
- 100% recycled newspaper and cardboard packaging
- 3x concentrated
- Non-toxic, plant-based, eco-friendly, no artificial fragrance
- Powder
- Unscented
- Concentrated
- 45 oz is perfect for 90 loads
- Suitable for cloth diapers
- Liquid
- Baby blossom scent
- Concentrated formulation
- 64 ounce
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of dyes, phosphates and perfumes
- Removes residue of food, dirt and stains
- Liquid form
- Includes Biodegradable anionic and nonionic surfactants
- Includes enzymes
- Includes strong scent
- 50 ounce bottle
- Fluid form
- 88 ounce bottle which is enough for 58 loads
- 2x concentrated
- Includes biodegradable surfactants
- Liquid form
- 50 oz bottles that washes 33 loads
- Enzyme rich formula
- Seventh Generation liquid laundry detergent
- Liquid form
- Highly concentrated
- Available in a 24 oz pack and 64 oz pack
- Liquid form
- Highly concentrated
- Unscented
- Plant derived ingredients
- 60 oz
- 100% recycled newspaper and cardboard packaging
- 3x concentrated
- Non-toxic, plant-based, eco-friendly, no artificial fragrance
- Powder
- Unscented
- Concentrated
- 45 oz is perfect for 90 loads
- Suitable for cloth diapers
- Liquid
- Baby blossom scent
- Concentrated formulation
- 64 ounce
Tide Free and Gentle High Efficiency Liquid Laundry Detergent
100 oz, 64 loads
Tide Free and Gentle liquid laundry detergent is a high efficiency detergent that is recommended by dermatologists. It is free of dyes, phosphates and perfumes. It is an hypoallergenic detergent that is ideal for your baby’s and your whole family’s clothes. It is not only safe for the baby’s sensitive skin but it also has stain fighting capabilities. It can be used with Downy to add softness to the fabric and with Bounce dryer sheets to repel hair and lint.
Other Key Features
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of dyes, phosphates and perfumes
- Removes residue of food, dirt and stains
- Liquid form
Pros
- 3-in-1 chamber technology; cleans, colors protects, and fights stains
- Tested on sensitive skin giving best results
- High efficiency
Cons
- Plastic packing
- Doesn’t have a sealed cap making it prone to leak
Newborn Hypoallergenic Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent (HE)
l for Baby, Newborn, or Infant, 50 Ounce (32 Loads), 2 Count (Packaging May Vary)
Dreft Stage Hypoallergenic has been used and loved by parents for over 80 years. Stage 1 is a great choice for a baby-only detergent as it is specially made for the newborns. Whereas the Stage 2 is more suitable for older babies. If you want an even gentler option, you can go with Dreft Purtouch which is 65% plant-based ingredients. Also, it is free of chlorine, dyes, brighteners and phosphates.
Other Key Features
- Includes Biodegradable anionic and nonionic surfactants
- Includes enzymes
- Includes strong scent
- 50 ounce bottle
Pros
- Package includes two bottles
- Recommended by pediatrician
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Less stain fighting capabilities
- Strong smell
All Liquid Laundry Detergent, Free Clear for Sensitive Skin,
58 Loads, 88 Fluid Ounce
All Free Clear is one of the most affordable baby-safe detergents that offers all the benefits of a baby detergent. It is 2x concentrated so you don’t have to add too much too clean a load. It is completely free of perfumes, dyes and phosphate. All Free Clear is gentle on skin and tough on stains. You can add All Free Clear fabric softener to have soft and clean clothes. Use dryer sheets for static cling reduction in the dryer. It is an effective stain removal; just rub a little on the stain before putting in the washing machine.
Other Key Features
- Fluid form
- 88 ounce bottle which is enough for 58 loads
- 2x concentrated
- Includes biodegradable surfactants
Pros
- Recommended by allergists, dermatologists, and pediatricians
- Septic Safe
- Chemical free
- Affordable
Cons
- Harmful if it gets in eye or if swallowed
- Plastic packaging
- No seal cap
- Not FDA approved
Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear
150 oz, 99 Loads (Packaging May Vary)
Seventh Generation Free & Clear is just right for the baby’s sensitive skin as it is made from cruelty free plant-based ingredients. It is free of dyes, brighterners and fragrances but still provides you with clean cloth. It is suitable for both HE and standard machines and it is perfectly safe for septic systems. It is equally effective at all washing temperatures. You can also use it to wash cloth diapers.
Other Key Features
- Liquid form
- 50 oz bottles that washes 33 loads
- Enzyme rich formula
- Seventh Generation liquid laundry detergent
Pros
- Suitable for HE as well as standard machines
- Works on all washing temperatures
- Safe for septic systems
Cons
- May not be good against stains
- Plastic packaging
Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
Hypoallergenic, Enzyme-Based, Free & Clear, 24 Ounce (96 Loads)
Puracy Natural uses a plant-based formula that is free of harsh chemicals, allergens, phosphates, perfumes and other possibly toxic elements. Many parents have acknowledged that it performs well on the tough stains. It is a highly concentrated detergent; a 24-ounce bottle gives you 96 HE loads. It has never been tested on animals.
Other Key Features
- Liquid form
- Highly concentrated
- Available in a 24 oz pack and 64 oz pack
Pros
- Free of harsh chemicals like sulfates, phosphates, petrochemicals, chlorine, gluten, perfumes, allergens, dyes etc
- Eco friendly manufacturing with less plastic, water and energy
- 24 oz bottle washes 96 HE loads
- Simple measuring
Cons
- It may not be effective against stains
- May not work well for certain people with sensitive skin
Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent
Fragrance Free, 60oz, Packaging May Vary
Babyganics is popular for its high cleaning power. It is made with enzyme and plant-based cleaning power but doesn’t contain sulfates. You only need a small amount for dirty bodysuits, bibs and more. It has a scent free, highly concentrated formula. The formula is free of optical brighteners, chlorine, phosphates, phthalates, sulfates, fragrances and dyes.
Other Key Features
- Liquid form
- Highly concentrated
- Unscented
- Plant derived ingredients
- 60 oz
Pros
- unscented
- Highly effective against stains
- Tested by dermatologist: non allergenic formula
Cons
- Buying it online may not be ideal
Charlie’s Soap Laundry Liquid
Natural Deep Cleaning Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent – Safe, Effective and Non-Toxic
Charlie’s Soap is famous amongst moms for its cloth diapers cleaning capacities. The laundry liquid contains just four biodegradable ingredients. It is free of all kinds of dyes, fragrances and chemical brighteners, so the laundry will be clean of any kind of smell, good or bad. In addition to smells, it cleans away strains and detergents residue from previous washings.
Other Key Features:
- Unscented liquid
- It is concentrated
- Hypoallergenic
Pros
- Safe for hand washing
- Best for cleaning cloth diapers
- Only for biodegradable ingredients and one ounce per dose
- Eco-friendly and septic safe
Cons
- Stains and spills need to be pre treated
- More expensive than other detergents
- Plastic bottle
Biokleen Laundry Detergent Liquid
Concentrated, Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic, Plant-Based, No Artificial Fragrance or Preservatives, 32 Fl Oz
Biokleen laundry liquid is one of the most environmentally sustainable products you will ever come across. It is a plant-based detergent which is free of fragrances, dyes and preservatives. One of the best things about it is that its packaging is made with 100% recycled newspaper and cardboard material. It leaves no harsh scent or detergent residue. It is 3x concentrated; a 32 ounce bottle equals to 32 standard loads and 64 HE loads.
Other Key Features
- 100% recycled newspaper and cardboard packaging
- 3x concentrated
- Non-toxic, plant-based, eco-friendly, no artificial fragrance
Pros
- Packaging made of recycled material
- 70% less plastic than usual bottles
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Packaging is not suitable for shipping
- May not be effective against stains and smells
Rockin' Green Natural Laundry Detergent Powder
Hard Rock (for Hard Water), Unscented | HE, 90 Loads - 45oz Perfect for Cloth Diapers
Rockin Green is an eco-friendly cleaning line with a formula that is effective for hard water which is common in the United States. The product is 100% vegan and it’s free of brighterners, parabens, phosphates or fragrances. It has an unscented and concentrated formula which is safe for gentle baby skin.
Other Key Features
- Powder
- Unscented
- Concentrated
- 45 oz is perfect for 90 loads
- Suitable for cloth diapers
Pros
- Especially designed for hard water
- Lower PH than regular detergents
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Gluten free and fragrance free
Cons
- May not be effective against stains
- Powder form
- Too weak for diapers
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent
Cruelty Free and Biodegradable Formula, Baby Blossom Scent, 64 oz
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Liquid is for those who want their clothes smell like washed clothes. It gives your clothes a clean scent of citrus. The fresh smells in the detergent is due to the orange, lemon, and geranium essential oils. The formula contains about 97% of biodegradable and naturally derived ingredients. It’s free of phthalates, formaldehyde, chlorine, parabens and brighterners.
Other Key Features
- Liquid
- Baby blossom scent
- Concentrated formulation
- 64 ounce
Pros
- Removes grime and dirt
- Baby blossom scented
- Recyclable bottle
Cons
- Some people may not like the smell
- Essential oils may not be suitable for some people
FAQ's
Which is the top best baby detergent in 2020?
Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is the top baby detergents in 2020. It is plant-based and vegan, developed and recommended by pediatricians. It is free of all kinds of allergens and it is fairly affordable.
Can I use regular detergent to wash my baby's clothes?
Yes, you can wash your baby’s clothes with regular detergents as long as you rinse them well to remove all detergent residue from the fabrics of the clothes. However, if you want to decrease the risk of skin problems on your baby, you can use one of the gentle detergents.
Where can I find cheap baby detergent?
You can find affordable baby detergents on any online store such as amazon and walmart.
Which are the best mild detergent brands?
Following are some of the best mild detergent brands:
- Tide
- Honest
- Dreft
- Rockin’ Green
- All
- Puracy
- Babyganics
Why is baby laundry detergent so expensive?
Baby laundry detergents are expensive because of their low demand. Parents have to pay a premium due to the low scale of its economy. And, also because, parents are willing to pay more to keep the baby from contracting any skin problem.
Can I wash baby’s clothes with mine?
Yes, you can wash baby’s clothes with yours as long as those clothes don’t have any kind of chemicals or industrial shavings on them. Don’t wash your work clothes with your baby’s if you work in some chemical industry. Also, make sure to double rinse the clothes and use more water.
Should I wash newborn clothes?
Yes, it is better to wash new clothes for your newborn. Washing new clothes before your baby wears them will remove any dust or other harmful industrial substance that can irritate your newborn’s delicate skin. It’s best if you use a non-biological detergent to wash them.
What are the best laundry detergents for babies?
Following are some of the best laundry detergents for babies:
- Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
- ECOS Laundry Detergent
- Rockin’ Green Classic Rock Detergent
- Purex Liquid for Baby
- Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder
- Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day
- Grab Green Natural 3-in-1
- Dreft Stage 1 Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent
- Dreft Purtouch Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Eco Nuts Organic Laundry Detergent
Which is better: washing powder or liquid detergent?
Liquid detergent is generally thought to be a better choice because of its effective stain removing qualities and fewer washer issues. Liquid detergents are better in removing grease stains whereas powder detergents are better for mud stains.
What is “rinse” in the washing machine?
Rinse in the washing machine is when the soapy and dirty water is drained out of the machine and it is refilled with clean water to rewash your clothes with it.
When do you add fabric softener to laundry?
You should add fabric softener to laundry during the rinse cycle and not in the wash cycle as the fabric softener will be cleaned away. You put it into the water pockets and avoid them to come directly in contact with clothes to prevent stains.
How to wash the pure baby cloth diapers?
Here are some instructions to wash the pure baby cloth diapers:
- Remove poop using a diaper sprayer. Keep the diaper sopping wet so that the poop and stains are washed out more easily.
- Put it into a dry pail.
- Only wash 12-18 adjustable size or larger size diapers at a time if you don’t have a large-barrel washer.
- Use your washer’s highest water level.
- Pre-rinse it in cold water without detergent.
- Wash them in a warm water cycle and baby friendly detergent.
- Use a dryer or hang diapers to dry them.
What are the major tips for cleaning baby clothes?
You can clean baby clothes in two ways; hand wash and washing machine wash.
Major Tips For Hand Wash:
- Wash your hands and disinfect them.
- Get warm water as too hot water can cause clothes to rip and tear.
- Use mild, baby detergent
- Rinse before and after the wash
- Use a dryer or hang them to dry.
Major Tips For Machine Wash:
- Preferably, wash baby’s cloth before you wash your own
- Pre-rinse them with soap
- Wash them with gentle detergents
- Rinse the clothes well to make sure there is no detergent residue left clinging to the fabric.
Does laundry detergent expire? Why or why not?
Baby laundry detergents usually don’t expire. However, they can break down in a year for unopened packages and six months for the opened packages.
Conclusion
Safety and comfort of the baby is the top priority of every parent. Detergents are one of the items that can have a major effect on the skin health of the baby. You can choose mild and baby friendly detergents to wash your whole family’s laundry to keep your child safe. These detergents are mineral- and plant-based, hypoallergenic, and free of dyes, fragrances or brighteners. Washing clothes does not have to be more fatiguing than it already is. Choosing a gentle detergent for the whole family’s laundry will be safe and more effective for your young ones.
