Best Laundry Detergents for Cloth Diapers (2025 Guide)

Cloth Diaper–Safe Detergents for Sensitive Skin, HE Machines & Eco-Friendly Homes

Looking for the best laundry detergent for cloth diapers in 2025? Whether you’re washing cloth diapers for babies, older kids, or adults, this updated guide helps you find detergents that are safe, effective, and widely available in U.S. stores. We’ve ranked both synthetic and plant-based options based on cleaning power, skin sensitivity, water compatibility, and machine safety—including High-Efficiency (HE) machines.

This guide also includes:

• Detergents to avoid and why they’re not cloth diaper–safe
• Recommended laundry boosters for odor and buildup
• Common additives that can harm diapers or irritate skin

Use this guide to simplify your routine and protect your cloth diaper investment.

Detergents to Avoid and Why They’re Not Cloth Diaper–Safe

Not all laundry detergents are suitable for cloth diapers. Some formulas can damage waterproof layers, reduce absorbency, irritate sensitive skin, or leave behind residues that trap odor and bacteria. To keep your cloth diapers performing well and lasting longer, it's important to choose detergents carefully.

Avoid detergents with these ingredients or features:

• Fabric softeners: These coat diaper fibers and block absorbency.
  Examples: Tide with Downy, Gain with Softener, Snuggle Liquid Softener
• Optical brighteners: Chemicals added to make clothes “look” cleaner by reflecting blue light. While they don’t improve actual cleanliness, they can cause buildup on fabric and may irritate sensitive skin. These ingredients are rarely listed clearly on detergent packaging, but you might see vague claims like “brightens whites” or “keeps clothes looking new.” To avoid them, look for detergents labeled “free of optical brighteners” or check the brand’s website or safety data sheet.
  Examples: Cheer Powder, Arm & Hammer Plus Light Scent, Kirkland Ultra Clean (older formula)
• Heavy fragrances: Artificial scents can trigger allergies and often leave behind chemical residues.
  Examples: Gain Moonlight Breeze, Purex Mountain Breeze, Downy Scent Beads
• Enzyme-free formulas: While enzymes may be irritating for some, detergent with no enzymes may struggle to clean diapers thoroughly—especially in cooler water.
  Examples: Dreft Stage 1, Eco Nuts Liquid, Allen's Naturally
• Pods and packs: Highly concentrated and often slow to dissolve, they can leave behind residue or damage waterproof layers in HE machines.
  Examples: Tide Pods, Gain Flings, All Mighty Pacs

Always read the label—“Free & Clear” or “Baby-Safe” doesn't always mean cloth diaper–safe. Look for detergents with a strong rinse profile, minimal fillers, and no additives that compromise performance or longevity.

Recommended Laundry Boosters (Safe for Cloth Diapers)

Some laundry routines need a little extra power—especially if you’re dealing with hard water, ammonia buildup, or stubborn diaper odors. Laundry boosters can enhance your detergent’s performance without damaging cloth diapers, as long as they’re used correctly. This section outlines cloth diaper–safe additives that can help improve wash results, reduce stink, and maintain absorbency.

Use laundry boosters as needed—not every load requires them. Overuse can cause buildup or extra wear on fabrics, so always follow directions and use the minimum effective amount.

• OxiClean Baby / Free: A gentle oxygen-based bleach that helps break down stains and odors without harsh chemicals.
  When to use: Occasionally for odor control or dingy diapers.
  How: Add 1–2 tablespoons to the main wash cycle. Avoid frequent use to preserve PUL and elastics.
• RLR Laundry Treatment: Removes mineral buildup caused by hard water or detergent residue. Great for “stripping” diapers when they repel or smell.
  When to use: Monthly maintenance for hard water users or when stink/residue issues appear.
  How: Use 1 packet in a hot full wash cycle with clean diapers (no detergent), then rinse thoroughly.
• Calgon Water Softener: Softens hard water to allow detergent to clean more effectively.
  When to use: With every main wash in hard water areas.
  How: Add 1/4 cup for top loaders or 1–2 tablespoons for HE machines.
• Baking Soda: Natural deodorizer and pH balancer that can help reduce ammonia smell in prewash.
  When to use: Occasionally in prewash for odor control.
  How: Add 1–2 tablespoons to prewash only. Avoid in main wash to prevent fabric abrasion.
• Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate): Boosts detergent performance and helps break down heavy buildup.
  When to use: For periodic deep cleans or as part of a stripping routine.
  How: Use in moderation—1 tablespoon per load with detergent. Avoid frequent use to prevent damage to PUL.

Additives to Avoid with Cloth Diapers

Some laundry additives that work well for regular clothing can seriously damage cloth diapers. These products may seem helpful for odor control, softening, or fragrance, but they can actually reduce absorbency, irritate sensitive skin, and degrade waterproof materials like PUL (polyurethane laminate). Whether you're washing cloth diapers for babies, older children, or adults, avoiding the wrong additives is essential to protect your diapers and get the best wash results.

To extend the life of your cloth diapers and maintain their performance, avoid the following common laundry additives:

• Fabric Softeners: These coat diaper fibers with waxy residue, blocking absorbency and creating buildup that traps odors.
  Examples: Downy Liquid, Gain Softener, Snuggle
  Why people use them: To make fabrics feel softer—but they severely reduce diaper effectiveness.
• Chlorine Bleach: While it can sanitize, regular use weakens elastic, fades prints, and damages waterproof layers.
  Examples: Clorox, generic liquid bleach
  Use only: Sparingly, for occasional sanitizing—no more than 1/4 cup in a deep water wash, and never in every load.
• Vinegar: Often promoted as a natural deodorizer, vinegar can deteriorate elastic and PUL with repeated use.
  Why it's used: To reduce ammonia smells—but better results come from adjusting your detergent or adding a safe booster.
• Essential Oils: May smell pleasant, but they can irritate skin and leave behind residues that interfere with absorbency.
  Examples: Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Oil, Eucalyptus Oil
  Important: Avoid adding to the washer. A few drops in a wipe solution are usually safe but not in diaper laundry.
• Scent Boosters: Contain heavy perfumes and chemical carriers that cling to fabric, irritate skin, and lock in buildup.
  Examples: Downy Unstopables, Gain Fireworks, Purex Crystals
  Why to avoid: They don’t rinse clean in HE machines and can trigger rashes, especially for sensitive users.

Keep your wash routine simple. Stick to detergent and diaper-safe boosters when needed. Avoiding these common additives will help your cloth diapers last longer, smell fresher, and perform better—whether you’re caring for a baby, child, or adult.

Choosing the right detergent and laundry routine is essential for keeping your cloth diapers clean, absorbent, and long-lasting—whether you're using them for babies, older children, or adults. This guide is designed to help you navigate the overwhelming detergent aisle with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and protect your investment in reusable hygiene. Stick with tested, cloth diaper–safe options, avoid harmful additives, and adjust based on your water type and wash setup. Your laundry routine doesn't have to be complicated—just smart.

Still have questions? Contact us—we’re happy to help you troubleshoot your wash routine or find the right detergent for your specific needs.