Now that you figured out how to wash cloth diapers, you may wonder what detergents are cloth diaper safe. Laundry soap plays a major role in getting your reusable diapers clean and smelling fresh. Take your cloth diaper wash routine to the next level and choose best cloth diaper laundry detergents from the list below. If you have hard water or fighting tough stains, check our chart for cloth diaper laundry boosters.
- Best choice: eco-friendly laundry detergent strips (Plant Based)
- Cloth diaper safe detergent chart (Synthetic)
- Cloth diaper non-friendly laundry detergent list (Synthetic)
- Cloth diaper safe detergent chart (Plant Based)
- Cloth diaper non-friendly laundry detergent index (Plant Based)
- Recommended cloth diaper laundry boosters for stains and hard water
Best Choice - Eco Friendly Plant Based Laundry Detergent Sheets
EcoAble Laundry Detergent Strips, HE Safe
Simple, Mess-Free Sheet Design – Unlike powders, liquids, or pods our laundry detergent strips make it easier to wash loads and get clothes and diapers cleaner. Simply add a strip or section of a strip to your load by placing it directly into the drum.
Safe Synthetic Laundry Detergents for Cloth Diapers
Most popular:
Foca (Powder), Not HE Safe
Oxydol with Biz (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Oxydol with Biz (Powder), Not HE Safe
Tide [All Scents except Tide with Downy] (Liquid), HE Safe
Tide [All Scents except Tide with Downy] (Powder), HE Safe
Wisk (Liquid), HE Safe
More choices:
Ace [Ace Ultra, Ultra Ace, etc] (Liquid), HE Safe
Ace [Ace Ultra, Ultra Ace, etc.] (Powder), HE Safe
Ajax Dual Action Clean (Liquid), HE Safe
All (Powder), HE Safe
Ariel (Powder), Not HE Safe
Cheer (Powder), HE Safe
Cheer (Liquid), HE Safe
Dreft (Liquid), HE Safe
Dreft (Powder), HE Safe
Fab (Powder), HE Safe
Foca (Liquid), HE Safe
Gain (Liquid), HE Safe
Gain (All other scents) (Powder), Not HE Safe
Gain (Original and Island Fresh) (Powder), Not HE Safe
Gain with Febreeze (Liquid), HE Safe
Gain with Oxiboost (Powder), Not HE Safe
Kirkland Super Concentrate (Powder), Not HE Safe
Kirkland Ultra (Liquid), HE Safe
Kirkland Ultra (Powder), HE Safe
Kirkland Ultra with Bleach Alternative (Powder), HE Safe
Oxiclean (Fresh Scent) (Powder), HE Safe
Oxiclean Laundry Detergent (Liquid), HE Safe
Persil (Bio) (Powder), HE Safe
Persil (Non-Bio) (Powder), HE Safe
Persil Proclean (Powder), HE Safe
Persil Proclean (Liquid), HE Safe
Purex (Powder), HE Safe
Purex (Liquid), HE Safe
Purex Baby (Liquid), HE Safe
Purex Complete with Zout (Liquid), HE Safe
Purex PowerShot (Liquid), HE Safe$
Scentsy (Liquid), HE Safe
Sunlight (Liquid), HE Safe
Sunlight (Powder), Not HE Safe
Sunlight Deep Clean (Liquid), HE Safe
Sunlight Sensitive Skin (Liquid), HE Safe
Surf (Powder), HE Safe
Tandil Free and Clear (Liquid), HE Safe
Tandil HE 2x (Aldi) (Liquid), HE Safe
Tide Free and Gentle (Powder), HE Safe
Tide Plus Bleach (Powder), HE Safe
Tide Plus Bleach Alternative (Powder), HE Safe
Tide Sport (Liquid), HE Safe
Tide Ultra Stain Release (Liquid), HE Safe
Tide with Acti-Lift (Liquid), HE Safe
Tide with Bleach (Liquid), HE Safe
Tide with Febreeze (Liquid), HE Safe
Trend (Powder), HE Safe
Trend (Liquid), HE Safe
Trend with Bleach Alternative (Powder), HE Safe
Trend with Bleach Alternative (Liquid), HE Safe
Ultra Plus (Sears) (Powder), HE Safe
Up and Up (Powder), HE Safe
Up and Up (Liquid), HE Safe
Up and Up Free and Clear (Liquid), HE Safe
Wisk Ultra Free and Pure (Liquid), HE Safe
Wisk with Oxi (Liquid), HE Safe
Woolite Baby (Liquid), HE Safe
Woolite Everyday (Liquid), HE Safe
Xtra (Liquid), HE Safe
Xtra with Oxi (Liquid), HE Safe
Babies R Us Baby Detergent (Liquid), HE Safe
NOT Recommended Synthetic Detergents for Cloth Diapers
All Baby (Liquid), HE Safe
All Free Clear Plus Oxi (Liquid), HE Safe
All Fresh and Sensitive (Liquid), HE Safe
All Mighty Pacs (Liquid), HE Safe
All Small and Mighty (Liquid), HE Safe
All Stain Lifter (Liquid), HE Safe
All with Oxi (Liquid), HE Safe
Allen's Naturally (Liquid), HE Safe
Gain Flings (Liquid), HE Safe
Kirkland Super Concentrate (Liquid), HE Safe
Member's Mark Ultimate Clean (Powder), HE Safe
Member's Mark Ultimate Clean (Liquid), HE Safe
Nature Clean (Powder), HE Safe
Purex Ultra Pacs (Liquid), HE Safe
Tide Cold Water (Liquid), HE Safe
Tide Plus Downy (Powder), HE Safe
Tide Pods (Liquid), HE Safe
Tide Simply Clean and Fresh (Liquid), HE Safe
Tide with a Touch of Downey (Liquid), HE Safe
Tiny Bubbles (Powder), HE Safe
Safe Plant Based Laundry Detergents for Cloth Diapers
With plant based detergents it is recommended to use hot water for best results. Keep in mind, water temperature should not exceed 140F, extremely high temperatures can greatly shorten life of cloth diapers. In most cases you need to add a bit more detergent, if using plant based or free & clear detergent.
Amway, Legacy of Clean SA8 (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: use 1/2 cap in for prewash and 1.5 caps in for main wash
Amway, Legacy of Clean SA8 (Powder), HE Safe
Notes: use 3 tbsp in for prewash and 6 tbsp in for main wash
Arm&HammerBioEnzymePower (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
ArmandHammerEssentials (Powder), Not HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
Attitude (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
Biokleen (Powder), Not HE Safe
Notes: Use 1 scoop in for prewash, 2-3 scoops in for main wash
Biokleen (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Notes: Use half the recommended amount in for prewash and 1.5-2x the recommended amount for main wash
Boulder (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
Earthwise (Powder), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
Eco-Max (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
EcosPlusEnzymes (Liquid), Not HE Safe
EcoverZero (Powder), HE Safe
Notes: Use half a scoop in the for prewash and 3-4 full scoops in for main wash
Greenworks (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Notes: Use 1 capful in for prewash and 2 capfuls in for main wash
Kind [Motherease] (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use half the recommended amount in for prewash and 1.5 the recommended amount for for main wash
KirklandEnvironmentallyFriendly/Responsible (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
LA'sTotallyAwesome (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
Method (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 6 pumps for prewash, 12 pumps for main wash
NatureClean (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1 cap for prewash and 2 caps for main wash
Ology (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
Planet2xUltra (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1 cap for prewash and 2 caps for main wash
Puracy (Liquid), Not HE Safe
PurexNaturalElements (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
SeventhGeneration (Powder), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 scoop for prewash and 1.5-2 scoops for main wash
SeventhGeneration [regular] (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
SeventhGenerationBaby4xFreeandClear (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5 caps for main wash
SeventhGenerationFreeandClear 4x Concentrated (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1 cap for prewash and 1.5 caps for main wash
SeventhGenerationNatural4XConcentratedLaundryDetergent (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1 cap for main wash
SeventhGenerationUltraPowerPlus (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5 caps for main wash
Sun (Powder), Not HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 scoop for prewash and 1.5 scoops for main wash
Sun (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
Sun and Earth (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5 caps for main wash
Sun Free and Clear (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5 caps for main wash
Sun Free and Clear (Powder), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 scoop for prewash and 1.5 scoops for main wash
Sun with Oxi (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
Trader Joe's (Powder), Not HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5 caps for main wash
Vaska (Liquid), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
WindFresh (Powder), HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 scoop for prewash and 1.5 scoops for main wash
Sisel Vibrant Laundry Detergent (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Notes: Use 1/2 cap for prewash and 1.5-2 caps for main wash
NOT Recommended Plant Based Detergents for Cloth Diapers
All Sport Wash (Liquid), HE Safe
Babyganics (Liquid), HE Safe
Bio-Vert (Liquid), HE Safe
Branch Basics (Liquid), HE Safe
bumGenius [new March 2015 formula] (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Coconut Rain (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Dapple (Liquid), HE Safe
doTERRA On Guard (Liquid), HE Safe
Down East Detergent [CA] (Liquid), HE Safe
Dropps Pods (Liquid), HE Safe
EcoMe (Liquid), Not HE Safe
EcoNuts Liquid (Liquid), HE Safe
Ecos (Liquid), HE Safe
EcoSprout (Powder), HE Safe
Ecover (Liquid), HE Safe
Grab Green Pods (Powder), HE Safe
Great Value Natural Laundry Detergent [Walmart] (Liquid), HE Safe
Greenshield Organic (Liquid), HE Safe
Honest Company (Liquid), HE Safe
MelaPower 6x [Melaleuca] (Liquid), HE Safe
Mini Kiwi (Liquid), HE Safe
Mother's Little Helper Soap Nut Laundry Pills [Shecology] (Powder), HE Safe
Mountain Green Free and Clear Baby (Liquid), HE Safe
Mrs. Meyer's (Liquid), HE Safe
My Green Fills (Liquid), Not HE Safe
NaturOil (Liquid), HE Safe
Planet (Powder), HE Safe
Sal's Suds [Dr. Bronner's] (Liquid), HE Safe
Sapadilla (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Seventh Generation Free and Clear [regular] (Liquid), HE Safe
Shoosha (Liquid), HE Safe
Spring Time Biodegradable (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Trader Joe's (Liquid), HE Safe
Zum Clean Laundry Soap [Indigo Wild] (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Ecover Delicate Care (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Seventh Generation Free & Clear (Powder), Not HE Safe
Seventh Generation Free & Clear (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Ecos Free and Clear (Liquid), HE Safe
Recommended Laundry Boosters for Cloth Diapers
It’s great to use laundry boosters when you need to add more washing power to your regular routine, remove stains, or soften water. Below you’ll find a list of all laundry boosters recommended for use with cloth diapers.
Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover (Liquid), HE Safe
Plant based enzyme booster / pre-treatment for stains or very soiled diapers
White Brite (Powder), HE Safe
Mineral based booster for areas with water rich in metals. It will help remove yellowing and rust stains. Do NOT use with bleach
Simple Green (Liquid), Not HE Safe
Plant based spray treatment for greased-based stains, such as those from petroleum-based rash cream
Oxiclean (Powder), HE Safe
Mineral based stain fighting booster
Clorox 2 (Liquid), He Safe
Synthetic stain fighting booster
Super Iron Out (Powder), HE Safe
Mineral based booster, used to prevent and treat rust stains that come with iron hard water. Do NOT use with bleach
Oxiclean Baby (Powder), HE Safe
Mineral based enzyme booster / Stain fighting
Shaklee Nature Bright (Powder), HE Safe
Mineral based enzyme booster / Stain fighting
Tide Oxi Stain Remover (Powder), HE Safe
Mineral based enzyme booster / Stain fighting
Bac-Out (Liquid), HE Safe
Plant based enzyme booster
Amway, Legacy of Clean Tri-zyme Booster (Powder), HE Safe
Mineral based enzyme booster
Odoban (Liquid), HE Safe
Plant based enzyme booster / pre-treatment for stains
Biz (Powder), HE Safe
Synthetic enzyme booster
Mighty Bubbles (Powder), HE Safe
Synthetic enzyme booster / stripping treatment
RLR (Powder), HE Safe
Mineral based stripping treatment or booster
Calgon (Liquid), HE Safe
Synthetic water softener or booster
Calgon (Powder), HE Safe
Synthetic water softener to be used in your wash routine if you have hard water
Borax (Powder), HE Safe
Mineral based water softener to be used in your wash routine if you have hard water
Raindrops (Powder), HE Safe
Mineral based water softener to be used in your wash routine if you have hard water
Washing Soda (Powder), HE Safe
Mineral based water softener to be used in your wash routine if you have hard water
White King (Powder), HE Safe
Mineral based water softener to be used in your wash routine if you have hard water