Detergent Index

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Wondering which detergent to use for your cloth diapers and which detergent is safe for your baby?

Have you heard about cloth diaper safe detergents? We’re here to help!

At Fluff Love and CD Science, we can get behind almost any detergent without fabric softener.

A detergent is not recommended if it meets any of the following criteria:

  • does not contain a sufficient concentration of surfactant to clean human waste from multi-layered cloth diapers when used at up to three times the manufacturer’s recommended use amount
  • uses a formula that is known to cause burns to users
  • Uses a formula that will cause damage to cloth diapers or impede their function (as by coating fibers to trap soil or cause repelling of liquids)
  • Has been consistently shown to be ineffective among users in our Facebook troubleshooting group

 Keep in mind that detergent recommendations will vary based on your specific washing conditions. 

If you find our recommendations from this page are not working or you need specific help for a special circumstance, join the Fluff Love & CD Science Facebook page and we will be happy to help! 

NameRecommended?Liquid or PowderHE Safe?Plant / F&CComments
A Happy Green LifeNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral based A Happy Green Life

Not recommended. Doesn’t contain any surfactant. The ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Percarbonate, Fragrance or Essential Oil (optional). That’s washing soda, baking soda, and oxiclean.
Ace (Ace Ultra, Ultra Ace, etc)RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticThis is the name of Tide detergent in Spanish-speaking countries. It is made by P&G and is literally the exact same thing as Tide.
Ace (Ace Ultra, Ultra Ace, etc.)RecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticThis is the name of Tide detergent in Spanish-speaking countries. It is made by P&G and is literally the exact same thing as Tide.
Ahold Complete Cleaning with Quad-Active TechnologyRecommendedLiquid HE Safe Synthetic Recommended. Use line 1 prewash and a full cap in main wash, and don't hesitate to increase amounts if needed. Available at Stop & Shop.
Ajax Dual Action CleanRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticGood lower cost detergent choice. Use a whole cap in main wash.
AllRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticDoes not contain sodium cocoate. The powder version of this detergent does not contain the fiber-coating ingredient and is fine to use. Use the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load.
All BabyNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticContains sodium cocoate, which can coat fibers and cause repelling issues. Great for clothing, as it reduces allergens, but not good for cloth diapers.
All Free ClearRecommendedPowderHE SafeFree and ClearDoes not contain sodium cocoate. The powder version of this detergent does not contain the fiber-coating ingredient and is fine to use. Use line 1 in prewash and a full scoop + line 2 in main wash.
All Free ClearNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeFree and ClearContains sodium cocoate, which can coat fibers and cause repelling issues. Great for clothing, as it reduces allergens, but not good for cloth diapers. Contains optical brighteners.
All Free Clear (Military Edition)Not RecommendedLiquidHE SafeFree and ClearOnly available on/around military bases. Contains sodium cocoate, which can coat fibers and cause repelling issues. Great for clothing, as it reduces allergens, but not good for cloth diapers. Does not contain optical brighteners.
All Free Clear Plus OxiNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticContains sodium cocoate, which can coat fibers and cause repelling or trap soil. Fine for clothing.
All Fresh and SensitiveNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticContains sodium cocoate, which can coat fibers and cause repelling issues. Great for clothing, as it reduces allergens, but not good for cloth diapers. Contains optical brighteners.
All Mighty PacsNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticContains sodium cocoate, which can coat fibers and cause repelling issues. Great for clothing, as it reduces allergens, but not good for cloth diapers. Contains optical brighteners.
All Small and MightyNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticContains sodium cocoate, which can coat fibers and cause repelling issues. Great for clothing, as it reduces allergens, but not good for cloth diapers. Contains optical brighteners.
All Sport WashNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedComposed of coconut oil, made into a surfactant-like molecule through a proprietary process. In testing it seemed to weak to clean human feces from diapers, but is probably a good detergent for regular laundry.
All Stain LifterNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticContains sodium cocoate, which can coat fibers and cause repelling issues. Great for clothing, as it reduces allergens, but not good for cloth diapers. Contains optical brighteners.
All with OxiNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticContains sodium cocoate, which can coat fibers and cause repelling issues. Great for clothing, as it reduces allergens, but not good for cloth diapers. Contains optical brighteners.
Allen's NaturallyNot RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafeSynthetic Too weak to effectively clean, very expensive.
Not HE safe, as it instructs users to use less in HE machines.
Amolin Sensitive Laundry Wash (AU)Liquid
Amway, Legacy of Clean SA8RecommendedPowderHE SafePlant basedUse 3 tbsp in prewash and 6 tbsp in main wash. Plant based, wash on hot, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard.
Amway, Legacy of Clean SA8RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedGood green choice. use 1/2 cap in prewash and a full cap and a half in main wash. Wash on hot and add a water softener if your water is at all hard.
Amway, Legacy of Clean Tri-zyme BoosterRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedGood enzyme booster, very green company
Arctic PowerRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticRecommended, but weaker. Use 1/2 cap prewash and 1.5 caps main wash.
ArielRecommendedPowderNot HE SafeSyntheticUse 1/2 cup in prewash and 1-2 cups in main wash. Like Foca but with a different scent. Contains optical brighteners.
Ariel (Europe) RecommendedPowderHE SafeSynthetic A European detergent made by P&G. Very similar to Tide. Good European choice.
Arm & HammerRecommendedLiquidHE SafeMineral based Weak. Use half a cap in the prewash and 1.5 capfulls in the main wash. If you have the large club size jug, use line 4 prewash and a full cap in your main wash.
Contains optical brighteners.
Arm & HammerRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral based Seems weaker, so we treat it as a free and clear – use half a scoop in the prewash and 1-2 full scoops in main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Arm & Hammer Bio Enzyme PowerRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedPlant based. Use 1/2 cap prewash and 1.5-2 caps main wash, main wash on hot, and add water softener if your water is even slightly hard.
Update March 2018, it appears that this detergent has been discontinued.
Arm & Hammer Clean SensationsRecommendedLiquidHE SafeMineral based Weak. Use half a cap in the prewash and 1.5 capfulls in the main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Arm & Hammer plus a Touch of SoftenerNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeNot recommended. Contains fabric softener.
Arm & Hammer Plus Oxi CleanRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedRecommended. Use 1/2 scoop in the prewash and 1.5-2 scoops in the main wash. If you have an HE machine, make sure your box says it is safe for HE, as there are non-HE safe boxes.
Arm & Hammer Powerfully CleanRecommendedLiquidHE SafeMineral BasedWeak. Use half a cap in the prewash and 1.5 capfulls in the main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Arm & Hammer Sensitive SkinRecommendedLiquidHE SafeFree and ClearFree and clear. Weak. Use half a cap in the prewash and 1.5 capfulls in the main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Arm & Hammer Ultra PowerRecommendedLiquidHE SafeMineral BasedWeak. Use half a cap in the prewash and 1.5 capfulls in the main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Arm & Hammer with OxiRecommendedLiquidHE SafeMineral Based Only Arm and Hammer variety with an enzyme. Still seems weaker; use half to 1 cap in the prewash and 1.5-2 caps in the main. Contains optical brighteners.
Arm and Hammer EssentialsNot RecommendedLiquidPlant BasedUpdate 3/18/18 - after reviewing the latest ingredients list we can no longer recommend this detergent, as it contains coconut based surfactants which can build up in cloth diapers and cause stink, repelling, and rashes.
AttitudeRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedGood plant based option. Use half a cap in prewash and a whole cap and a half in main wash. Wash on hot and add a water softener if your water is at all hard.
Attitude Little OnesRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedUse half a cap in prewash and a whole cap and a half in main wash. Wash on hot and add a water softener if your water is at all hard.
Aura PerformanceLiquid
Ava AndersonNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeFree and ClearDoes not contain any surfactants, but does contain enzymes. Would make a good booster but is not sufficient for cleaning. Ingredients are sodium percarbonate (oxiclean), sodium carbonate (washing soda), an enzyme blend, and silica.
Azure StandardNot RecommendedPowderNot recommended, very weak.
Azure StandardNot RecommendedLiquidNot recommended due to coconut based ingredients that will build up in diapers.
Babies R Us
Babies R Us Baby DetergentRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticRecommended. Use 1/2 cap in the prewash and a full cap in the main wash.
Babyganicsnot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant basedThe latest ingredients list for this detergent states that it contains potassium cocoate, which acts like sodium cocoate and builds up in absorbent fabrics. We can no longer recommend this detergent.
Bac-OutRecommendedLiquidHE Safe Plant BasedExcellent booster, especially for detergents that don't already contain enzymes.
Berkley Jensen UltraRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSynthetic Recommended. BJ's equivalent to Tide. Start with 1/2 cap prewash and a full cap main wash.
Better Life Not RecommendedLiquidPlant BasedNot recommended due to coconut based ingredients that will build up in diapers.
Bio D Nappy Fresh Sanitiser and Stain RemoverPowderThis is a fine booster; HE safe and plant based. Add to your main wash according to the package instructions.
Bio-VertNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant basedContains sodium cocoate, which can coat fibers and cause repelling issues. Great for clothing, as it reduces allergens, but not good for cloth diapers. Very weak. Plant based.
BioDNot RecommendedPowderContains sodium metasilicate, the same dangerous ingredient as Charlie's Soap. Do not use.
bioD Washing PowderNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedSurfactants are the last ingredient on the list. This detergent will not be strong enough to clean human waste from diapers.
BiokleenRecommendedPowderNot HE SafePlant based1 scoop in prewash, 2-3 scoops in main.
BiokleenRecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedGood green choice. Use half the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load in prewash and 1.5-2x the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load in main wash. Add a water softener if your water is at all hard and wash on hot. Not HE safe, as it requires you to use less in an HE machine.
Biokleen Baby Laundry Detergent RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant Based Recommended, plant based Not HE safe as it directs users to use less detergent in HE machines. Use 1 cap full in prewash and 2 caps in main wash, add softener if your water is at all hard, and use hot water in your main wash.
Biokleen Cold WaterNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedNot recommended - too weak.
BizTop Pick!PowderHE SafeSyntheticExcellent enzyme booster. Use line 1 in your prewash (optional) and in your main wash.
Boardwalk Huracan40Not RecommendedPowderContains sodium metasilicate, which without a buffer can cause serious burns in certain water conditions. Not recommended. Do not use.
Boardwalk Hurricane 40Not RecommendedPowderContains sodium metasilicate, which without a buffer can cause serious burns in certain water conditions. Not recommended. Do not use.
Bold (European)Not RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticContains synthetic fabric softener.
BoraxRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral basedThis is a water softener that can be used in your wash routine if you have hard water and as one of the three ingredients in our DIY stripping mix.
BoulderRecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedPlant based, use 1/2 cap in prewash and 1 1/2 caps in main. Very economical for a plant based detergent. Sold at Costco.
If your cap has 5 lines, use line 2 in prewash and line 5 in main wash.
Branch BasicsNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedDo not use. Contains soap, which can coat fibers and trap soil or cause repelling.
bumGenius (new March 2015 formula)Not RecommendedLiquid?Plant BasedNot recommended. Potassium cocoate functions similarly to sodium cocoate and can cause buildup in cloth diapers.
bumGenius (Old formula)Not RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedSame as Country Save but with a smaller scoop. Would require 2 scoops in prewash and 8 scoops in main
wash, costing $2.14 a load!
Buncha Farmers DetergentNot RecommendedLiquidNot recommended. Soap.
CalgonRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticNot a detergent, but a water softener or booster. One of the three ingredients in our DIY stripping mix. See our page on Dealing with Hard Water and Cloth Diapers for more information.
CalgonRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticA water softener to be used in your wash routine if you have hard water and as one of our three DIY stripping mix ingredients. Especially helpful in calcium-rich water.
Celadon Road (all scents)Not RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedContains no surfactant, recommends very small amounts for cleaning, and contains essential oils for fragrance. Also very expensive. Ingredients are Sodium Borate (borax), Soda Ash (washing soda), coconut oil, clay powder, vinegar and essential oil.
Charlie BananaNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedContains coconut oil based surfactants, which might include sodium cocoate which can build up on fibers and trap soils or cause repelling. Too weak to really clean, like many "CD Safe" detergents.
Charlie's SoapNot RecommendedPowderNot HE SafeMineral basedNOT RECOMMENDED. Can cause chemical burns due to unbuffered sodium metasilicate.
Charlie's SoapNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeMineral BasedNot recommended. See our page on Charlie’s for more information.
CheerRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticUse the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load.
CheerRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticUse the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load.
Cheer Free & GentleRecommendedLiquidHE SafeFree & clearRecommended. Use line 4 in your prewash and 2x line 4 in your main wash.
Claudia's ChoiceNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedNOT RECOMMENDED. Contains the same unbuffered ingredient as Charlie's Soap and can cause chemical burns.
Clorox 2RecommendedLiquidHe SafeSyntheticGreat stain fighting booster. Despite being made by Clorox, this "bleach" is similar to oxiclean and will not sanitize.
Coconut RainNot RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedOnly cleaning agent is saponified coconut oil, which can build upon fibers and trap soils or cause repelling. Also contains essential oils.
Cold Power SensitiveNot RecommendedLiquidNot recommended. Contains sodium cocoate, which can build up and cause repelling, stink and rashes.
Colon (European)RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticUse the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load. May contain phosphates? Contains optical brighteners.
Common GoodNot RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedNot recommended. Contains no surfactants.
Country SaveNot RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafeMineral basedNot recommended. Too weak to effectively clean diapers.
Country SaveNot RecommendedPowderNot HE SafeMineral BasedContains sodium metasilicate, which without a buffer can cause serious burns in certain water conditions. Not recommended. Do not use.
Crunchy CleanNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral Based Does not contain any surfactant. Will not clean human waste from fabric. Ingredients are baking soda, washing soda, oxygen bleach and essential oils for fragrance.
Csepke BabyNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedNot recommended. Contains cocomidopropyl betane which is another name for sodium cocoate, which can coat fibers and cause repelling issues.
DappleNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedContains a coconut fatty acid that is likely sodium cocoate. Also seems rather weak.
Defunkify Active WashNot RecommendedPowderHE Safe Not recommended. Too weak to effectively clean diapers.
doTERRA On Guard Not RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedContains essential oils that have been shown to be unsafe around children under ten years, let alone around babies. Proably fine for adult clothes but we cannot recommend it to be used on any baby laundry. Also is not HE safe as it recommends less detergent be used in HE machines.
Down East Detergent (CA)Not RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedVery weak detergent, you would need quite a bit to get anything clean to the point that it would become too expensive to use.
DreftRecommendedPowder HE SafeSyntheticLike Tide, but with 2 additional enzymes and a different scent. Line 1-2 prewash and line 4-full scoop main wash. Contains optical brighteners. Works well in hard water.
DreftRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSynthetic Like Tide, but with 2 additional enzymes and a different scent. Line 1-2 prewash and line 4-full cap main wash. Newer bottles of Dreft that have the cap with spouts, use line 3-4 in prewash, and line 5-full cap in main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Dropps PodsNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedWeak overall. Would be very expensive to try to use enough to adequately clean.
DynamoRecommendedLiquidNot HE SafeSyntheticLess effective. Seems to have been recently reformulated and is now very watery. Use 1 whole cap in prewash and 2 caps in main, and consider adding a booster such as Biz. Contains optical brighteners
Dynamo Free and ClearNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeFree and ClearIf it is weaker than the original Dynamo because it’s free and clear, you would have to use far too much to be reasonable to make this one work.
Earth Choice (AU)
EarthwiseRecommendedPowderHE SafePlant basedPlant based. Use recommended amount for heavily soiled loads in the prewash and 1.5x recommended amount in the main wash. Wash on HOT.
Eco Egg
Eco-MaxRecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant basedPlant based and free and clear. Use half a cap in the prewash and 1.5 capfuls in the main wash, always wash on hot, add a water softener if your water is at all hard. Very weak.
Not HE safe, and it directs HE users to use less detergent.
EcoMe Not RecommendedLiquidPlant BasedNot recommended. This product is soap-base.
EcoNutsNot RecommendedPowderNot HE SafePlant basedDO NOT USE. This is a SOAP, not a detergent. It will not rinse cleanly and will lead to soap scum buildup on your diapers and in your washing machine. This will trap soil and bacteria.
EcoNuts LiquidNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedContains soap, which can build up on fibers and cause repelling or trap soil. Good for regular laundry.
EcosNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant basedContains sodium cocoate, which can coat fibers and cause repelling issues. Great for clothing, as it reduces allergens, but not good for cloth diapers.
Ecos BabyNot RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedNot recommended due to sodium cocoate. Also not safe for HE machines, because it instructs users to use less in HE machines.
Ecos Free and ClearNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant based and Free and ClearContains sodium cocoate, which can coat fibers and cause repelling issues. Great for clothing, as it reduces allergens, but not good for cloth diapers.
Ecos Plus EnzymesNot RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedUpdate March 2018 - it appears that the Ecos + Enzymes detergent without fabric softener has been discontinued and all Ecos contains fabric softener.
Ecos ProNot RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedNot recommended for washing cloth diapers, due to coconut based ingredients that will build up and trap bacteria.
Also, not HE safe, as it directs users to use less in HE machines.
EcoSproutNot RecommendedPowderHE SafePlant basedDoes not contain sodium cocoate. Seems too weak to actually clean.
EcostoreNot RecommendedPowderNot HE SafePlant & Mineral basedNot Recommended. Too weak to clean laundry as heavily soiled as cloth diapers.
EcostoreNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedNot recommended. Too weak to clean laundry as heavily soiled as cloth diapers.
EcoverNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant basedContains fabric softener, do not use. The fabric softener is plant based and technically OK for natural fibers (cotton and hemp) but not on any synthetics (polyester, microfiber, or bamboo). Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate. The company also makes a woolwash that works very well when handwashing woolies.
Ecover Delicate CareNot recommendedLiquidPlant BasedNot recommended - contains potassium cocoate.
Ecover ZeroRecommendedPowderHE SafePlant basedThe powder version of this detergent does not contain the fabric softener ingredient and is fine to use. Use half a scoop in the prewash and 3-4 full scoops in main wash, wash on hot, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard. Seems to be very low sudsing for soft water.
The company also makes a woolwash that works very well when handwashing woolies.
Please note that Ecover Zero powder is discontinued for the U.S. market, but is still available in Europe.
EcowiseNot RecommendedLiquidNot recommended. Contains sodium cocoate, which can cause repelling, and sodium metasilicate, the same dangerous ingredient as Charlies Soap.
EraRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticLine 1-2 prewash and line 4-full cap main wash. Made by P&G and likely similar to Tide. Contains borax, so if you have been sensitive to borax before this is not a detergent for you.
Era Free & ClearRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticRecommended. Free and clear. Use 1/2 cap in prewash and 1.5 caps main wash, add water softener if your water is at all hard.
EvolveNot RecommendedLiquidNot recommended- contains too much sodium cocoate, which acts like fabric softener and coats fibers.
Excelsior
Excelsior Laundry DetergentNot RecommendedLiquidNot HE Safe This detergent is also not safe for use in HE machines, as it states to use less detergent in HE.
FabRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticMay be slightly weaker. Start with the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load and add more if needed. Contains optical brighteners.
Fairy non bio (Europe)RecommendedPowderHE SafeRecommended. Begin with the amounts recommended on the package and increase as needed.
FilettiRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticGerman. Good European choice.
Fit Organic Not RecommendedLiquidNot recommended - this is a soap, and is therefore not recommended for washing diapers in a washing machine.
FocaTop Pick!PowderNot HE SafeSyntheticIn hard water, use 1/2 cup in prewash and 1 1/2 cups in main wash. In soft water, use 1 – 1 1/2 cup in main wash only. Very sudsy. Contains optical brighteners. Good in hard water.
FocaRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticStart with 1 cap prewash and 3 caps main wash, increase as needed. HE safe, unlike the powder, but much harder to find. Contains optical brighteners.
Forever NewNot RecommendedPowderNot HE SafeMineral BasedA "delicate laundry" detergent that just doesn't have the cleaning power for human waste.
Fuzzibunz Prewash and Ultimate Wash
GainRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticLine 1-2 prewash and line 4-full cap main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Gain (All other scents)RecommendedPowderNot HE SafeSyntheticLine 1-2 prewash and line 4-full scoop main wash. Contain optical brighteners. Please keep in mind that new formulations are labeled "For All Machines" but tend to cause major sudsing issues in HE machines.
Gain (Original and Island Fresh)RecommendedPowderNot HE SafeSyntheticLine 1-2 prewash and line 4-full scoop main wash. Contains optical brighteners. Please keep in mind that new formulations are labeled "For All Machines" but tend to cause major sudsing issues in HE machines.
Gain BotanicalsLiquidCurrently being tested.
Gain BotanicalsLiquidHE SafePlant BasedCurrently being tested.
Gain FlingsNot recommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticNot recommended for households with young children due to the risk of accidental ingestion of pods. Requires up to 2 pods in prewash and 4 in main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Gain with FebreezeRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticLine 1-2 prewash and line 4-full cap main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Gain with OxiboostRecommendedPowderNot HE SafeSyntheticLine 1-2 prewash and line 4-full scoop main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Grab Green PodsNot RecommendedPowderHE SafePlant BasedThe ingredients list of this detergent places surfactants very low and there are no enzymes to boost cleaning power. Additionally, the pods would become very expensive to try and use enough to make them clean. This would be an excellent booster used in addition to a strong detergent.
Granny's All Temperature UltraRecommendedLiquidHE Safe Plant BasedRecommended. Use 1 capful in prewash and 2 capfuls in main wash. Add a water softener if water is at all hard. Prewash water temperature is your choice, but main wash must be hot.
Great Value High EfficiencyRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticUse the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load. Good in soft water.
Great Value Natural Laundry Detergent (Walmart)Not RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedJust too weak to clean human waste. Fine for regular clothing.
Green Earth NaturalsNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedBasically homemade laundry detergent. Contains soap, which can coat fibers and cause repelling or trap soil. Is also very expensive considering what it is. Not strong enough to clean.
Greenshield OrganicNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant basedPlant based. Contains coconut and soap nuts as 2nd and 3rd ingredients.
GreenworksRecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant basedPlant based. Use 1 capful in prewash and 2 capfuls in main wash, wash on hot, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard.
HEB Bravo PlusRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticRecommended. Use 1/2 cap in prewash and a full cap in main wash.
Hero Clean Ultra Laundry LiquidRecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedUse 1 full cap in your prewash and 1.5-2 full caps in your main wash; main wash must be with hot water; add softener if you water is even mildly hard.
HEX Performance Power +Not RecommendedLiquidNot recommended - the amount needed to actually clean diapers would be cost-prohibitive.
HomeSolv by Citra SolvRecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedPlant based, not HE safe. Start with line 2 in your prewash and a full cap in your main wash, main wash in hot water, and add water softener if your water is even moderately hard.
Not HE safe as it recommends less detergent be used in HE machines.
Honest Co. 4-in-1 Laundry PacksNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMienral BasedWould be too expensive to use on diapers because you would need 2 packs in prewash and 4-6 in main, but it would be a good option for regular, lightly soiled laundry
Honest CompanyNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant basedPlant based. Contains sodium cocoate, which can build up in diapers, trapping bacteria and causing repelling. Also very weak.
Honest Company Multi-Enzyme Stain Fighting LiquidRecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedPlant based. Use 1/2-1 cap in your prewash and 1.5-2 caps in your main wash. Use hot water for the main wash and add a water softener if your water is at all hard.
Not HE safe, as it directs HE machine users to use less detergent.
Recommendations apply to both scented and free and clear versions.
If You Care RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedNote - this product has been discontinued. Recommended. Use 1 capful in prewash and 1.5-2 caps main wash, use hot water for the main wash. Use a water softener if your water is at all hard.
Ivory Snow (Canada)RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSynthetic Full strength detergent, comparable to Dreft. Available in Canada; different from the US version.
Ivory Snow (US)RecommendedLiquidHE SafeFree and ClearWeaker, “gentle” detergent, so we treat it as a free and clear. Use 1 capful in the prewash and 1.5-2 capfuls in the main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
J.R. WatkinsNot RecommendedPowderNot HE SafeSyntheticNot recommended; too weak to effectively clean cloth diapers.
Kind (Motherease)RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedExcellent "green" or CD Safe choice. Use 1/2 the recommended amount in the prewash and 1.5x the recommended amount in main wash, wash on hot and add a water softener if your water is at all hard.
Kirkland Environmentally FriendlyRecommendedPowderHE SafeFree and ClearActually better than Kirkland Free and Clear. Plant based;use half a scoop in the prewash and 1-2 full scoops in main wash add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard. Contains optical brighteners.
Kirkland Environmentally Friendly / Responsible RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant basedActually better than Kirkland Free and Clear. Plant based. Use 1 capful in the prewash and 1.5-2 capfuls in the main wash, wash on hot, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard. Contains no optical brighteners.
**Appears to be discontinued.
Kirkland Free and ClearNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeFree and ClearContains sodium cocoate, which can build up on fibers, trapping soil and bacteria. Made by the same company that makes All Free and Clear. Contains optical brighteners.
Kirkland Super ConcentrateRecommendedPowderNot HE SafeSyntheticRequires two full scoops. Contains optical brighteners. Does not contain enzymes, so an enzyme booster such as biz will be very helpful, but is not necessarily required.
Kirkland Super ConcentrateNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticRequires two full caps, and when enough to clean was used, the HE washer we were testing with threw a suds error. Can be used effectively in a standard top-loader. Contains optical brighteners.
Kirkland UltraRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticNo longer available. “As good as Tide.” Use the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load.
Kirkland UltraRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticRecommended. Use 1/2 cap prewash and a full cap main wash. Considered to be similar to Tide.
Kirkland Ultra Clean Lavender ScentNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticThis is the green bottle lavender scent that appears to have replaced Kirkland environmentally responsible. Contains the same coconut fatty acid as ALL brand free & clear detergent, which can build up in diapers and cause stink, rashes, and repelling. Do not use for diapers.
Kirkland Ultra Detergent PodsNot RecommendedPodsHE SafeSyntheticWe do not recommend any detergent pods, for reasons of cost-effectiveness and safety.
Kirkland Ultra Free and ClearRecommendedLiquidHE SafeFree and ClearThis is a new version of the Kirkland Free and Clear and is much better than the old one. Start with half cap prewash and 1.5 caps main wash
Kirkland Ultra with Bleach AlternativeRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticGood economical choice.
La Parisienne
La Parisienne BabyRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticCanadian brand. Probably weaker, so treat as a free and clear and use a full recommended amount for a heavily soiled load in prewash and 2x that amount in main.
LA's Totally Awesome RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedExcellent budget brand. Plant based. Use 1/2 cap in prewash and 1 1/2 caps in main wash, wash on hot, and add a water softener if your water is at all hard. Make sure to avoid the 2-in-1 varieties, as they contain fabric softener.
Laundry TartsNot RecommendedPowderNot HE SafeMineral BasedDoes not contain any surfactant, except possibly soap, which can build up and cause repelling or trap bacteria. Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Percarbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Sea Salt, Rosemary Extract, Saponified Canola and Coconut oil, Sorbitol, Phthalate Free fragrances, Essential Oils, Plant extracts and Absolutes.
Lemi Shine Laundry DetergentRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedRecommended, plant based and HE safe. Use 1/2 cap in prewash and 1.5-2 caps in main wash, add softener if your water is at all hard, and use hot water in your main wash.
Little Journey Baby Laundry DetergentRecommendedLiquidHE SafeFree and ClearRecommended. Use line 2 in prewash and line 2 x2 in main wash. Use a water softener if your water is at all hard.
LuLu’s In the Fluff / Lulu’s Glamour WashNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedDoes not contain any surfactant. Ingredients are: Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Oxygen Cleaner, Fragrance (if added). *Can* be used as a booster.
MelaPower 6x (Melaleuca)Not RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedThe company recently released a more detailed list of ingredients. It contains enough information for us to determine that this detergent is not recommended for cloth diapers, as it appears to contain coconut-based ingredients that will build up in absorbent fabrics.
Meliora KNot RecommendedPowderNot HE SafeMineral BasedContains sodium cocoate as the only cleaning agent, which can build up on fibers, trapping soil and causing repelling.
Member's Mark Ultimate CleanNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticRequires so much to actually clean that HE washers often throw a suds error. Contains optical brighteners.
Member's Mark Ultimate CleanNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticIn order for it to actually clean, it requires so much that machines throw a suds error. Contains optical brighteners.
MethodRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant based6 pumps prewash, 12 pumps main wash. Plant based. Wash on hot, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard.
Method 4x Concentrated RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant Based1 cap in prewash, 3 caps in main wash.
Method 8x Concentrated RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant Based1 cap in prewash, 3 caps in main wash.
Mighty BubblesRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticNot sufficient for stripping or washing diapers using package directions. Booster only. At manufacturer's request, we can no longer recommend using this product differently than their instructions.
Mini KiwiNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedAustralia / New Zealand. Weak, may contain sodikum cocoate, which can build up on fibers and trap soil or cause repelling.
MioCare Natural Washing PowderNot RecommendedPowderNot recommended: too weak and contains to much soap.
Miofresh Nappy CleanserRecommendedPowderHE SafePlant & Mineral BasedRecommended. Follow package instructions and add with recommended detergent.
ModereNot RecommendedLiquidNot recommended. Contains coconut based ingredients that will build up in cloth diapers, trap bacteria, and cause repelling and rashes.
ModereNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedGreat for clothes but just not strong enough for diapers. In our tests it seemed to work at first but issues arose quickl, even when we used it at 5x the manufacturer's recommended amount.
Molly's SudsNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedDoes not contain any surfactants. Ingredients are sodium carbonate sourced from the Green River Basin in Wyoming, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate (heptahydrate), unrefined sea salt, and organic peppermint (mentha piperita) oil (optional).
Molly's Suds Cloth Diaper DetergentNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedDoes not contain surfactants. Ingredients are sodium carbonate sourced from the Green River Basin in Wyoming, sodium percarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, unrefined sea salt.
Mother's Little Helper Soap Nut Laundry Pills (Shecology)Not RecommendedPowderHE SafePlant BasedContains soap, which can build up on fibers and trap soils or cause repelling. Also contains no water softener whatsoever, so if you use it on clothing be sure to add a water softener if your water is even slightly hard.
Mountain Green Free and Clear BabyNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedSeems too weak to actually clean, may cause damage to diapers if used in sufficient quantity to clean (according to their website)
Mrs. Meyer'sNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant basedPossibly contains sodium cocoate (has an unnamed “coconut fatty acid” as an ingredient). Recommendations are so small, it becomes hugely expensive to use enough to clean.
My Green FillsNot RecommendedLiquidPlant BasedThis product is a soap, and not recommended for washing cloth diapers.
Natural Visions Laundry SoapNot RecommendedLiquidAs the name indicates, this product is a soap. It could be used hand washing with a washboard, but is not recommended in a washing machine.
Nature CleanNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticDoes not contain an enzyme and its surfactants are very mild and weak.
Nature CleanRecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedNot super strong. Use 1 cap in prewash and 2 caps in main. Add a water softener if your water is at all hard. Wash on hot.
Not safe for HE machines, and it directs users to use less detergent.
Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor RemoverRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedGood booster/pre-treatment for stains or very soiled diapers. Often found in the pet section of stores, even though it is a regular laundry additive.
NaturOilNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedDo not use. Contains soap, which can coat fibers and trap soil or cause repelling.
Nellie's All-Natural Laundry NuggetsNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedDoes not contain a strong enough concentration of surfactants to clean human waste from multi-layered cloth diapers. Probably fine on regular, lightly soiled laundry.
Nellie's Washing SodaNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedAs the name implies, this is mostly washing soda, which itself is not a particularly effective water softener. It does not have enough cleaning power to deal with human waste and is not generally effective. It is also very expensive and using enough to even try to clean would be cost prohibitive.
Nice! Advanced Clean (Walgreens)RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticClaims to be like Tide, seems to be a good store brand option. Use line 1 in prewash and a whole cap in main.
Norwex Liquid Laundry Detergent (2017/2018)Not RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant asedNot recommended; the manufacturer's recommended use amount is very small and will not be sufficient to clean regular laundry, let alone human waste. You would need so much to get your diapers clean that it would become cost prohibitive. Also, is not HE safe because it recommends less detergent be used in HE machines.
Norwex Ultra Power Plus (2014 and older formula)Not RecommendedPowderHE SafeFree and ClearContains the same dangerous chemical as Charlie’s soap, and can cause chemical burns. See our page on Charlie’s for more information. We are currently trying to get in touch with the company to see if there is any kind of buffering at all in their detergent, which would make it safe. However, Norwex is very protective of their ingredient lists. Until we can know for certain that this will not cause the same chemical burns as Charlie’s Soap, this is a big fat DO NOT USE!
Norwex Ultra Power Plus (2015 and newer formula)Not RecommendedPowderNot HE SafeMineral BasedNot recommended; the manufacturer's recommended use amount is very small and will not be sufficient to clean regular laundry, let alone human waste. You would need so much to get your diapers clean that it would become cost prohibitive. Also, is not HE safe because it recommends less detergent be used in HE machines.
OdobanRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedGood enzyme pre-treatment booster.
Old Dutch RecommendedLiquidWe need to confirm whether this is HE safe, but based on the ingredients it is recommended. Use 1/2 cap in prewash and 1.5 caps in your main wash.
OlogyRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedGood budget plant based option. Use half a cap in prewash and 2 caps in main wash, wash on hot, and add a water softener if your water is at all hard.
Omo (Australia)RecommendedPowderHE SafeRecommended. Per box, use 1/2 scoop in prewash and 1.5 scoops main wash.
Omo (Brazil)
OxicleanRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedGreat booster if you're concerned about your diaper lining staying white.
Oxiclean (Fresh Scent)RecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticUse the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load.
Oxiclean BabyRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedA good stain remover for diapers and baby clothes alike. It does contain enzymes, but not as much as a booster like Biz or Nature's Miracle.
Oxiclean Laundry DetergentRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticUse a whole cap in main wash.
Oxydol with BizTop Pick!LiquidNot HE SafeSyntheticuse the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load. Contains optical brighteners.
Oxydol with BizTop Pick!PowderNot HE SafeSyntheticUse the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load. Contains optical brighteners.
Persil (Bio)RecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticGood European/Canadian choice. Contains optical brighteners.
Persil (Non-Bio)RecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticGood European/Canadian choice. Contains optical brighteners.
Persil ProcleanRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticNew to the American market. Seems to be an excellent detergent. Use 1/2 cap in the prewash and a full cap in the main wash. Please note that this is a different formulation that the European Persil, but both products seem to work very well. Please note that the powder comes in a jug with a cap, not a box with a scoop like most other powders.
Persil ProcleanRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticNew to the American market. Seems to be an excellent detergent. Use 1/2 cap in the prewash and a full cap in the main wash. With the oversized "club" cap use line 2 in the prewash and line 5 in the main wash.
Please note that this is a different formulation that the European Persil, but both products seem to work very well.
Persil SensitiveRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticNow a true free and clear formula. Use 1/2 cap in your prewash and 1.5-2 caps in your main wash, and add a water softener if your water is even moderately hard.
Pink SolutionNot RecommendedLiquidNot recommended- this is not a detergent and is not recommended to be used as one.
PlanetNot RecommendedPowderNot HE SafePlant basedNot generally effective. Use 1 scoop in the prewash and 2.5 scoops in the main wash. Makes a good booster.
Planet 2x UltraRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant based1 cap in prewash and 2 in main. Sulfate-free.
Power XLiquid
President's Choice ColdwaterNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeNot recommended - too weak.
President's Choice Extra Gentle Care BabyNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeNot recommended - too weak.
Presto! RecommendedLiquidPlant BasedRecommended. Use 1/2 cap in the prewash and 1.5-2 caps main wash, and add water softener if your water is even moderately hard. Use hot water.
PuracyRecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant basedPlant based, recommended, but not safe for HE machines.
Use 1/2 the recommended amount in the prewash and 1.5-2x the recommended amount in the main wash, use hot water for the main wash, and add water softener if your water is even moderately hard.
Pure Haven EssentialsNot RecommendedPowderPlant BasedNot recommended. Too weak to effectively clean cloth diapers.
Purewash SystemNot RecommendedNeitherHE SafeNeitherThis is a laundry treatment system that can be installed in your home. It does not use any detergent whatsoever and does not clean any moreso than water in any way that we can discern.
PurexRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticUse 1/2 cap prewash and 1 cap main wash. Contains optical brighteners. May be sudsy in soft water.
If you have the large club size jug, use line 2 in the prewash and just over line 5 in the main wash.
PurexRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticIf the box does not come with a scoop, follow the package instructions for a large heavily soiled load, measuring with a kitchen measuring cup. Use the small load amounts for prewash and large load amounts for main wash.
If the box comes with a scoop, use 1/2 scoop in the prewash and 1.5 scoops in the main wash.
Purex BabyRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticTreat as a free and clear - use half a cap in prewash and a cap and a half in main. Good choice for sensitive skin. May be sudsy in soft water
Purex Complete with ZoutRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticThe only Purex we know of with enzymes. Use 1/2 cap prewash and 1 cap main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Purex Free and ClearRecommendedLiquidHE SafeFree and ClearFree and clear. Use 1 capful in the prewash and 1.5-2 capfuls in the main wash, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard. Contains optical brighteners. May be sudsy in soft water.
Purex Natural ElementsRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant basedPlant based. Use 1 capful in the prewash and 1.5-2 capfuls in the main wash, wash on hot, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard. Contains optical brighteners.
Purex PowerShotRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticPrewash 1 "shot", Main wash 3 "shots". Increase as needed.
Purex Ultra PacsNot recommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticNot recommended for households with young children due to the risk of accidental ingestion of pods. Requires up to 2 pods in prewash and 4 in main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Radiantly You All Natural Laundry SoapNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSoap basedIngredients: Water, Handcrafted Castile Soap, Super Washing Soda, Borax. This is basically homemade laundry "detergent" sold for a much higher price. Soap will build up in washing machines, dryers, and on fabrics. Also, this is most likely not strong enough to properly clean (and the more soap it contains, the more soap buildup is a problem.)
RaindropsRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedGood water softener, very similar to Calgon
Rebel GreenNot RecommendedLiquidThis is soap, not detergent, and therefore is not recommended for use in a washing machine. It *might* be possible to use this product if washing with a washboard.
This applies to both the scented and free & clear formulas.
RLRRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedNot a detergent, but a stripping treatment or booster. See our page on How to STRIP Your Cloth Diapers for more information.
Rockin' Green (all versions)Not RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedToo weak to clean heavily soiled laundry such as diapers. Using enough to actually clean would cost $1.99 a load. Old formulations were linked to serious injuries to genitalia, but that has been resolved and is no longer an issue.
RomaRecommendedPowderNot HE SafeSyntheticUse 1/2 cup in prewash and 1-2 cups in main wash. Like Foca but with a different scent. Does not contain an enzyme so is less effective. Contains optical brighteners.
Royal Brite Plus Powder Enzyme DetergentNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeNot recommended. Is mostly water softener, and contains sodium metasilicate, the same dangerous ingredient in Charlie's Soap.
Ruby MoonNot RecommendedPowderNot recommended. This product is not really a detergent, rather is mainly water softeners and salt. Does not contain surfactants to actually clean.
Ruby MoonNot RecommendedPowderNot recommended: contains no surfactant.
S20 Laundry Detergent SheetsNeither
Safeway Home Advanced Cleaning (CA)
Sal's Suds (Dr. Bronner's)Not RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant basedgenerally not effective. This is a “liquid cleaner” that is labeled for many uses including dishes. We do not recommend dish soap in the washing machine. That said, Dr. Bonner’s discloses all their ingredients and we can’t find anything that is actually dangerous for the washing machine. If you must use it, add an enzyme booster such as Biz, add plenty of a good water softener, use the full recommended amount for a heavily soiled load in the prewash, double that amount in the main wash, and make sure you wash on HOT.
SapadillaNot RecommendedLiquidPlant BasedNot recommended. This product is a soap. Contains essential oils.
ScentsyRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticVery expensive, but works well. Use 4 pumps in prewash and 7 in main. Scent does not seem to linger on diapers as well as you would hope, considering the price.
Seventh GenerationRecommendedPowderHE SafePlant based Good “green” powder choice. Plant based; use half a scoop in the prewash and 1-2 full scoops in main wash, wash on hot, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard.
Seventh Generation (regular)RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant basedOne of the more successful natural detergents. Plant based. Use 1 capful in the prewash and 2 capfuls in the main wash, wash on hot, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard.
Seventh Generation Baby 4x Free and ClearRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedUse 1 capful in prewash and 2 capfuls in main. Wash on hot; add a water softener if your water is at all hard. Contains essential oils.
Seventh Generation Free & ClearNot RecommendedLiquidPlant Based Not recommended - too weak to clean diapers.
Seventh Generation Free & ClearNot RecommendedPowderPlant Based Not recommended - too weak to clean diapers.
Seventh Generation Free and Clear 4x ConcentratedRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedUse 1 capful in prewash and 2 capfuls in main wash. Very weak but can be used with success. Wash on hot and add a water softener if your water is at all hard.
Seventh Generation Free and Clear (regular)Not RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedFor the amount required to actually clean, this detergent tends to cause over-sudsing issues.
Seventh Generation Natural 4X Concentrated Laundry DetergentRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedUse half a cap in prewash and 1.5 caps in main wash. Wash on hot and add a water softener if your water is at all hard.
Seventh Generation Ultra Power PlusRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedExcellent natural choice. This detergent seems particularly effective in the plant based realm. Use 1/2 the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load in prewash and 1.5x the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load in main wash, wash on hot, and add a water softener if your water is at all hard.
ShakleeNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeFree and ClearContains the same dangerous ingredient as Charlie’s Soap Powder, may be unbuffered, but quantities are small enough that it most likely rinses away without problems. Contains optical brighteners.
ShakleeNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeFree and ClearNot generally effective. Plant based.
Shaklee Nature BrightRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedSimilar Oxiclean or Biz. Good booster, but expensive.
ShooshaNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedContains chamomile soap nut juice tea, which is a saponin and can build up on fibers, trapping soils and causing repelling.
Simple GreenRecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedGood spray treatment for greased-based stains, such as those from petroleum-based rash cream.
Simple Truth OrganicNot RecommendedLiquidThis product is a soap, and is therefore not recommended for washing diapers in a washing machine.
Sisel Vibrant Laundry DetergentRecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant Based Use 1/2 the recommended amount in the prewash, and 1.5-2 times that amount in the main wash. Wash on hot for your main wash, and add water softener if your water is at all hard. Not HE safe.
Soak Wash Not RecommendedLiquidPlant BasedNot recommended. Contains coconut based ingredients that will build up in cloth diapers, trap bacteria, and cause repelling and rashes.
SoapNutsNot RecommendedPowderNot HE SafePlant basedDo not use. This is a soap, not a detergent. It will not rinse cleanly, will cause soap scum to build up on fabrics, and trap soil and bacteria.
Spring Time BiodegradableNot RecommendedLiquidPlant Based Not recommended- very weak.
SpringtimeLiquid
Sprouts (Sprouts Farmer's Market house brand)
Stink PotNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedIngredients are sodium carbonate (washing soda), sodium percarbonate (oxiclean), sodium borate (borax), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), a natural chelating agent (water softener that specifically targets metals), and essential oils (optional). Except for the chelating agent, this is something you could make at home. It contains no surfactant and will not clean human waste. Probably makes an excellent booster, as it is entirely made of water softeners and oxygen bleach.
Stink Pot Cloth Diaper DetergentNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedDoes not contain any surfactant. Ingredients are sodium carbonate (washing soda), sodium percarbonate (oxiclean), sodium borate (a water softener), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), natural chelating agent (a water softener that specifically targets metals), and essential oils for fragrance.
SunRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant basedPlant based. Use 1 capful in the prewash and 1.5-2 capfuls in the main wash, wash on hot, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard. Contains optical brighteners.
SunRecommendedPowderNot HE SafePlant basedPlant based; use half a scoop in the prewash and 1-2 full scoops in main wash, wash on hot, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard.
Sun and EarthRecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedGood "green" choice. Does contain SLES. Use 1/2 cap in prewash and 1 1/2 caps in main Wash on hot and add a water softener if your water is at all hard. Some fragrances may contain essential oils that are not safe for use around babies, so check the labels and do your research!
Sun Free and ClearRecommendedPowderHE SafePlant BasedGood plant based choice. The free and clear variety does not contain synthetic fragrances. You will need 1/2 scoop in prewash and 1 1/2 scoops in main wash
Sun Free and ClearRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedGood plant based choice. The free and clear variety does not contain synthetic fragrances. You will need 1 cap in prewash and 1.5-2 full caps in main wash
Sun with OxiRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant basedPlant based. Use 1 capful in the prewash and 1.5-2 capfuls in the main wash, wash on hot, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard. Contains optical brighteners.
SunlightRecommendedPowderNot HE SafeSyntheticCanadian. Good choice. Use a half scoop in prewash and a whole scoop in main wash.
SunlightRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticCanadian. Good alternative to Sun, which is not available in Canada, but it is synthetic instead of plant based.
Use 1/2 cap prewash and a 1.5 caps main wash.
Sunlight Deep CleanRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticA more concentrated version of regular sunlight. This is a good value choice. Use the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load of laundry.
Sunlight Green Clean Not RecommendedLiquidNot recommended, contains sodium cocoate which can build up and cause stink, rashes, and repelling.
Sunlight Sensitive SkinRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticGood budget friendly choice. Use 1/2 cap in prewash and 1 1/2 caps in main wash.
Super Iron OutRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedUsed to prevent and treat rust stains that come with iron hard water. Do not use use with bleach.
SurfRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticMade by Sun. Good mainstream detergent. Use line 1 in prewash and a full scoop in main.
Tandil Free and ClearRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticFine, but weak. Use 1/2 cap in prewash and 1 1/2 caps in main, add a water softener if your water is at all hard
Tandil HE 2x (Aldi)RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticSeems to be a very good detergent for the price. Reported to be "Tide in a generic bottle" but we cannot confirm that, and it does not contain enzymes.
Use line 1-2 in your prewash and line 4-5+ in your main wash.
Tandil's Naturals Concentrated Laundry SoapNot RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafeAs the name indicates, this product is a soap, not a detergent. Could be used for handwashing with a washboard, but not in a washing machine.
Also, not safe for HE machines because it indicates less be used in HE.
Tandil's Naturals Laundry SoapNot RecommendedPowderNot HE SafeNot recommended. As the name suggests, this is a soap-based product, which will not successfully clean cloth diapers in a washing machine. Soap based products *may* work with a washboard.
Thieves Laundry SoapNot RecommendedLiquidAs the name indicates, this is a soap not a detergent. Not recommended for cleaning diapers in a washing machine.
Also, contains essential oils whose safety of use with young children is uncommfirmed.
Tide (All Scents except Tide with Downy)Top Pick!PowderHE SafeSynthetic Line 1-2 prewash and line 4-full scoop main wash. Very good at softening water, often considered better in hard water. Tide HE Turbo Powder is an excellentchoice for soft water as it is very low sudsing. Contains optical brighteners.
Tide (All Scents except Tide with Downy)Top Pick!LiquidHE SafeSyntheticLine 1-2 prewash and line 4-full cap main wash. Newer bottles of Tide that have the cap with spouts, use line 3-4 in prewash, and line 5-full cap in main wash. Tide detergents tend to perform well in hard water. Contains optical brighteners.
Tide Cold WaterNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticNot recommended due to negative feedback from members. Contains optical brighteners.
Tide Free and GentleRecommendedPowderHE SafeSynthetic Free and Clear; use half a scoop in the prewash and full heaping scoop in main wash. This corresponds to line 4 in the prewash and 2x line 4 in the main wash. Add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard. Contains optical brighteners.
Tide Free and GentleRecommendedLiquidHE SafeFree and ClearFree and clear. Line 5 in the prewash and 2x line 5 in the main wash, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard. Contains optical brighteners. OLD CAP: If your cap only goes to line 3, use line 2 in prewash and 1 1/2 full caps in main.
Tide Free and Gentle Ultra Stain ReleaseRecommendedLiquidHE SafeFree and ClearFree and clear. Use 1/2 cap in the prewash and line 4 + line 4 in the main wash, add a water softener if your water is even mildly hard. Contains optical brighteners.
Tide Oxi Stain RemoverRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedA good stain fighting booster, similar to Oxiclean.
Tide Plus BleachRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticLine 1-2 prewash and line 4-full scoop main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Tide Plus Bleach AlternativeRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticGreat mainstream choice. Look for an HE symbol to make sure you get the HE variety.
Tide Plus DownyNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticNot recommended. Contains fabric softener.
Tide PodsNot recommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticNot recommended for households with young children due to the risk of accidental ingestion of pods. Requires up to 2 pods in prewash and 4 in main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Tide ProfessionalRecommendedPowderSynthetic Use the amount recommended on the box for a heavily soiled load.
If you have a HE machine, make sure your box says HE on the front. We have only seen non HE boxes of this.
Tide Purclean Honey Lavender RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant based Testing produced mixed results. Use Line 4 in prewash and 2x Line 4 in the main wash, use hot water in your main wash, and a water softener if your water is even moderately hard.
This detergent seems sudsy, so it may not be a great choice for those with suds-sensitive washers.
Tide PurClean unscentedLiquidPlant BasedCurrently being tested.
Tide Simply Clean and FreshNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSynthetic Not recommended due to negative feedback from members. Contains optical brighteners.
Tide SportRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticLine 1-2 prewash and line 4-full cap main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Tide Ultra Stain ReleaseRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticLine 1-2 prewash and line 4-full cap main wash Contains optical brighteners.
Tide with a Touch of DowneyNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticContains fabric softener. Contains optical brighteners.
Tide with Acti-LiftRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticLine 1-2 prewash and line 4-full cap main wash
Tide with BleachRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticLine 1-2 prewash and line 4-full cap main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Tide with FebreezeRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticLine 1-2 prewash and line 4-full cap main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Tiny BubblesNot RecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticNot recommended; very weak.
TotsBots PotionRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedOk European choice, but very weak, will require at least 1 scoop in prewash and 2 scoops in main, possibly more.
Trader Joe'sRecommendedPowderNot HE SafePlant BasedRecommended, but since it says to use less in HE machines it is not truly HE safe. Use 1/2 scoop in prewash and 1.5 scoops in main wash, wash on hot in your main wash, and use a water softener if your water is even moderately hard.
The liquid of this detergent is not recommended but the powder is OK.
Trader Joe'sNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedContains fabric softener and possibly sodium cocoate, both of which can buildup and cause repelling or trap soils.
TrendRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticSeems weaker, does not contain an enzyme. Use 1.5x in the main wash and add more if needed. Contains optical brighteners.
TrendRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticUse 1.5x in the main wash and add more if needed. Contains optical brighteners. Good in soft water.
Trend with Bleach AlternativeRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticSeems weaker, does not contain an enzyme. Use 1.5x in the main wash and add more if needed.
Trend with Bleach AlternativeRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticUse 1.5x in the main wash and add more if needed. Contains optical brighteners.
Tru EarthNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedNot recommended. Sodium cocoate can buildup in fibers, trapping bacteria, and cause repelling.
Ultra Plus (Sears)RecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticGood economical choice. Use the recommended amount for a heavily soiled load. Only available at Sears. Very highly rated with consumer reports.
Unicorn Power Scour PlusNot RecommendedLiquidHESynthetic NOT recommended due to cost. Start with 1/4 cup in the prewash and 1/2 cup in the main wash.
Up & Up BabyRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticRecommended. Start with 1/2 cap prewash and 1.5 caps main wash, and increase as needed.
Up and UpRecommendedPowderHE SafeSyntheticSeems a bit weaker. Use line 1 in prewash and a full heaping scoop in main.
Up and Up RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticSeems weaker so we treat it as a free and clear. Use line 1 in the prewash and 1 1/2 caps in main wash.
Up and Up Free and ClearNot RecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticAppears to be a generic version of ALL free & clear. Is not recommended, due to sodium cocoate, which acts like fabric softener and coats the fibers.
Vapor FreshNot RecommendedPowderNot recommended due to unbuffered sodium metasilicate.
VaskaRecommendedLiquidHE SafePlant BasedSeems rather weak. Use a cap in prewash and 1 1/2 caps in main wash. Please note that the lavender scent does contain lavender essential oil, which has been shown to cause hormone disruptions in baby boys.
VIP Scent Free Not RecommendedPowderNot recommended. Contains sodium metasilicate. Do not use.
Washing Revolution by ENJONot RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedNot recommended. Too weak to effectively clean laundry soiled with human waste. Also, not HE safe as it directs you to use less detergent in HE machines.
Washing SodaRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral Based Not a detergent, but a water softener or booster. See our page on Dealing with Hard Water and Cloth Diapers for more information.
Wee Clean Aromatherapy Laundry SoapNot RecommendedLiquidAs the name suggests, this product is a soap and is not recommended for washing in a washing machine.
Wegman's Advance 2x Free and ClearRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSynthetic Recommended. Use 1/2 cap in your prewash and 1.5 caps in your main wash.
Wegman's Plant Based Laundry DetergentLiquid
White BriteRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedMade by the same company that makes Super Iron Out, this is a good booster in areas with water rich in metals. It will help remove yellowing and rest stans. Do NOT use with bleach.
White KingRecommendedPowderHE SafeMineral BasedOK water softener, very similar to washing soda
Whole Foods 365Not RecommendedPowderNot recommended due to unbuffered sdium metasilicate.
WindFreshRecommendedPowderHE SafePlant BasedUse half a scoop in prewash and a scoop and a half in main. Add a water softener if your water is at all hard and wash on hot. Probably very similar to Sun, as they are made by the same company and both are plant based.
WiskTop Pick!LiquidHE SafeSyntheticNote - discontinued in 2016. A very good alternative to Tide. Made by the same company as All and Sun. Has proven very successful in our testing! Use line 1 in prewash and a full cap in main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Wisk Ultra Free and PureRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticNote - discontinued in 2016. Use line 1 in prewash and a full cap and a half in main wash. Good free and clear choice.
Wisk with OxiRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticNote - discontinued in 2016. Made by the same company as All and Sun. Has proven very successful in our testing! Use line 1 in prewash and a full cap in main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Woolite BabyRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticPretty weak, so use 1/2 cap in prewash and 1 to 1 1/2 caps in main wash
Woolite EverydayRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticWeaker in nature, so we treat like a free and clear. Use 1 capful in the prewash and 1.5-2 capfuls in the main wash. Despite the name, this is not suitable for washing your wool, as it will strip it completely of the lanolin and can cause leaks.
Woolworths
XtraRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticMade by Arm and Hammer, reacts very similarly. Seems weaker so we treat it as a free and clear, use 1 capful in the prewash and 1.5-2 capfuls in the main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Xtra with OxiRecommendedLiquidHE SafeSyntheticMade by Arm and Hammer, reacts very similarly. Seems weaker so we treat it as a free and clear, use 1 capful in the prewash and 1.5-2 capfuls in the main wash. Contains optical brighteners.
Zum Clean Laundry Soap (Indigo Wild)Not RecommendedLiquidNot HE SafePlant BasedDo not use. Entirely made of sodium cocoate, which can build up on fibers and trap soil and bacteria or cause repelling. Also contains essential oils, which, as always, should be researched before use around children. Recommends less for HE machines, making it not truly HE safe.

Fluff Love University detergent recommendations are the opinions of the creators of this site. We base all our recommendations on empirically valid and scientifically derived evidence. We encourage parents to research any product which they intend to use around their children.