Laundry day seems like an everyday occurrence once you become a parent. It seems as if you never run out of things to throw in the wash. While it seems practical to just use the detergent that you’ve been washing your clothes with pre-baby, your baby’s skin probably won’t thank you. Like most people, you’ve never bothered checking the ingredients used to make your detergent and now we’re here to tell you that manufacturers use a lot of chemicals and irritants in making laundry detergents. You’re gonna put that on your baby’s skin? Yeah? Definitely not!
So what should you use? Well, just like shopping for disinfectant wipes for your little one, you need to find a detergent that’s tough on stains but oh-so-gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. To do that will take a lot of testing, loads of laundry, and time which is why we did it on your behalf and found the 10 best baby laundry detergents in the business. Find out which ones made the cut.
Top 10 Baby Laundry Detergents Of 2020 Reviewed
1. Charlie’s Soap – Fragrance Free Laundry Powder
Natural Baby Laundry Detergent
This is an absolute favorite among parents who want the best for their babies and the environment. It’s green and it deep cleans. Made from biodegradable and natural mineral ingredients, this detergent is fragrance-free, chemical-free, dye-free, and brightener-free. And it has been certified by third parties as effective with a low environmental impact. It can be safely used on cotton, silk, and polyester. You can get stains and smells out with this detergent. Plus, it leaves absolutely no residue.
Pros:
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Affordable
- Excellent customer service
Cons:
- Not for cloth diapers
- Packaging is hard to close
- Not for use with hard water
2. Method Naturally Derived 8X Concentrated Laundry Detergent Pump
Natural Baby Laundry Detergent
This plant-based, ultra-concentrated laundry detergent is second on our list because of reasons. Seriously, Method is a company well known for providing the cleaning public with superior non-toxic cleaners so it’s not surprising that we’ve put their laundry detergent high up on our list. Since it is ultra-concentrated, this little bottle can easily do 50 loads AND take out stains while doing so.
That’s not all. In addition to all of that, this detergent isn’t the only thing that’s environmentally friendly because the bottle is 100% recycled plastic. How about that? This detergent comes in three fragrances, one of which is the Free + Clear. Sensitive skins will rejoice to know that it is really fragrance and dye free. However, some users don’t like the pump because it isn’t easy to use as claimed. Also, heavy-duty stains and odors aren’t as easy to remove with this detergent compared to its competitors.
Pros:
- 100% biodegradable detergent
- 100% recyclable plastic
- A little detergent goes a long way
Cons:
- The pump isn’t easy to use for some
- Difficulty in removing tough stains and strong odors
- Some users have received damaged pumps or have pumps that broke
3. Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
Baby Laundry Detergent Cloth Diapers
If any detergent would be perfect for sensitive skin, it would be one designed by doctors and Puracy is definitely that. First of all, there are no brighteners, allergens, animal-based ingredients, perfumes, dyes, sulfates, and chlorine in this product. Therefore this is one detergent that gets vegan approval.
The formula of the detergent includes 4 plant-based enzymes and natural minerals. It can be safely used on cloth diapers, microfiber towels, darks, and delicates. This detergent is also ultra-concentrated which means that a little goes a long way.
Pros:
- Made in the US
- Works well with cloth diapers
- Price per load is more affordable than most other laundry detergents because it is ultra-concentrated
Cons:
- Some users have complained about the pump quality (i.e. leaks, damage)
- Some users felt that their clothes came out “unclean”
- No refills available
4. Molly’s Suds All Natural Laundry Powder
Natural Baby Laundry Detergent
If you have hard water, then the baby laundry detergent for you may just be Molly’s Suds. For one, it’s a powdered detergent which means that it’ll be easier to create a lather as well as rinse off completely. This product was rated A by EWG. You can check it out at EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning for detailed information but what that basically means is that this detergent has no harsh chemicals, SLS, SLES, phosphates, GMO ingredients, optical brighteners, perfumes, and preservatives. It is also certified vegan, gluten-free, and Leaping Bunny Certified. Because it is super-concentrated, you only need to use 1 tablespoon per load. Hence, one bag will definitely last you a long time, even for a family of four.
One thing you should note is that this contains pure organic peppermint essential oil to make the detergent smells good. The smell doesn’t cling to the clothes though; you’ll end up with unscented, clean clothes after a wash. Keep in mind that Molly’s Suds is not great at removing stains. So you’ll still need to pretreat them before washing with the detergent. However, once pretreated, you can be sure your clothes will come out stain-free.
Pros:
- Rated A by EWG
- Certified vegan
- Can be used with hard water and soft water
Cons:
- Contains peppermint essential oil which could be an irritant for some
- Not great at removing stains on its own
- Not for cloth diapers
5. Cleancult Biodegradable Laundry Detergent
Hypoallergenic Baby Laundry Detergent
If you are looking for the best biodegradable baby laundry detergent, you have come to the right place. This product is composed of natural ingredients making it safe for baby clothes and sensitive skin. It contains no chemicals and decomposes completely without harming the environment. If you are a vegan, you will find this cruelty-free product to be quite appealing.
But the lack of chemicals doesn’t mean this product is bad when it comes to effectively cleaning baby clothes. The detergent has a formula, which is effective enough to get rid of food stains, sauce stains, grass stains, wine stains, grease, and so on. The fragrance-free powder can be used on all types of sensitive skin including Rosacea, Dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis, and dry skin. So, it can be used by virtually anyone.
Pros:
- A biodegradable detergent
- Can remove all kinds of stains
- Gentle on sensitive skin
Cons:
- May fail to dissolve completely in water
- It may not be adequately concentrated
- Leaves white particles on clothes
6. Earth Friendly Products Baby Ecos Free and Clear Disney Laundry Detergent
Natural Baby Laundry Detergent
Ecos Baby Detergent is another plant-based option on our list. It can be used in washing different types of fabric at various temperatures of water. It is HE and regular washer compatible. Made with plant-powered ingredients, it has no fragrance, dyes, optical brighteners, parabens, phosphates, and phthalates.
Yet it does have a built-in fabric softener which is not good for cloth diapers. And if you and your baby are not sensitive, you can choose to use the lightly scented Baby ECOS product. Some parents do love that lavender smell. Finally, what makes this really stand out for us is that it has been U.S. EPA Safer Choice certified for safety and effectiveness since 2008.
Pros:
- US EPA Safer Choice certified
- Plant-based ingredients
- Has Free & Clear and Lavender options
Cons:
- Not for cloth diapers
- Not good at taking out tough stains (need to pretreat them)
- Some users have reported experiencing rashes
7. Seventh Generation Natural 4X Concentrated Baby Laundry Detergent
Natural Baby Laundry Detergent
Seventh Generation Natural 4X Concentrated Baby Laundry Detergent is a hypoallergenic, non-toxic liquid laundry detergent. It is 95% plant-based. It does not contain any dyes, optical brighteners, or synthetic fragrances. Take note, it does contain a fresh fragrance that is derived from pure essential oils and botanical extracts. So if you like your detergent to be unscented, this is not for you. What we love about this product is that it really works well when removing stains and odors. You will have to pretreat the stain using this detergent but it does get the stain out. It leaves no residue on your clothes which can cause skin irritation.
What we don’t like about this product is that it can get really pricey on Amazon (though a little does go a long way) and the cap’s quality is below average. Because of that, there have been plenty of complaints concerning leaks.
Pros:
- Good at stain removal
- 95% plant-based
- Hypoallergenic
Cons:
- Scented
- Cap quality is poor
- Can be expensive
8. Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent
Natural Baby Laundry Detergent
Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent is a pediatrician and dermatologist tested hypoallergenic product that is free of sulfates, fragrances, 1,4-dioxane, phthalates, phosphates, chlorine, dyes, and optical brighteners. It can get stains out as long as you use it to pretreat the stain first. And the clothes do come out smelling like cloth. No fragrance, remember? Overall, Babyganics did well with this detergent. It definitely does the job.
The only drawbacks with this detergent seem to be with the packaging. The handle isn’t really a handle because the hole where your fingers should slip through to hold the bottle is filled in. Hence, if you’ve got your hands full, it may be awkward to hold this and keep yourself from dropping it. Also, the cap may be a bit difficult to read which is an important aspect since you don’t want to use too much on your baby’s clothes. And lastly, the bottle has been known to leak while in transit. A number of customers have received their detergent with only have the bottle remaining due to leakage.
Pros:
- HE compatible
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic (pediatrician and dermatologist-tested)
Cons:
- Expensive
- Mixed reviews on getting stains out (though mostly positive)
- Packaging (bottle) could use a lot of improvement
9. Dropps HE Baby Laundry Detergent Pacs
Natural Baby Laundry Detergent
Yes, this detergent is expensive compared to all those that have been reviewed before. But there is a premium to pay for convenience. With laundry detergent pods, there’s no thinking required. It’s already pre-measured so you can just drop it in with the rest of your clothes and voila! This is perfect if you have your hands full with a crying baby or toddler or both.
Dropps baby laundry pods can be used in both standard and HE washers, at all temperatures, to wash all fabrics and colors. It is scent-free, dye-free, enzyme-free, chlorine-free, and cruelty-free. It is a biodegradable, plant-based detergent that will be gentle on your baby’s skin even if it’s not gentle on your wallet. And it can be used on cloth diapers.
Pros:
- No muss, no fuss, no measuring required
- Biodegradable and plant-based
- Safe for cloth diapers
Cons:
- Needs to be kept in a cool place because the pods can melt if they get too warm.
- Expensive
- Is not great at getting out stains
10. Biokleen Laundry Liquid
Natural Baby Laundry Detergent
Biokleen is a dye-free, fragrance-free, and chemical-free detergent. It makes use of plant-based surfactants and extracts to get any stains and odors out of clothes. You may need to spot treat stubborn stains with a separate stain cleaner so keep that in mind. Yet it can wash delicate items such as silk and wool. It can work in standard and HE washers. And it can be used with hard water.
Also, with this detergent, a little goes a long way so you’re definitely going to be using this for a while. However, it is more expensive compared to our other picks. You might save more money by buying in bulk but you’ll still feel a dent in your pocket. So far, no allergic reactions have been reported when using this detergent which is pretty much why we want this for our baby.
Pros:
- No preservatives, fragrances, or dyes
- Made in the USA
- A little goes a long way
Cons:
- Does not get stains out on its own (requires separate stain cleaner)
- More expensive
Choosing The Best Baby Laundry Detergent – The Ultimate Buying Guide
You knew that having a baby was going to affect several aspects of your life. Who would have thought that one of the things it would affect would be the way you do laundry, ironing, and other tasks? A baby’s skin is delicate, irritated easily by things that we take for granted such as our laundry detergent. This is because he/she hasn’t had time yet to become accustomed to the irritants present in our environment. Following some laundry hacks can significantly simplify your life, especially if you are a busy mom.”
We often choose our laundry detergent for two things – fragrance and its ability to take out stains. What we don’t consider is the ingredients used by the manufacturer to create this product may be unhealthy. In addition, they also tend to leave a residue.
By choosing a baby laundry detergent for your whole family, you can reduce the risk of your child getting exposed to these chemicals or irritants. So, how does one choose the best baby laundry detergent? Below are some things you’ll need to consider:
Is it Fragrance-Free?
Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly cleaned clothes? Unfortunately, that lovely smell can cause your baby’s skin to get irritated. Take note that unscented and fragrance-free are not the same. An unscented laundry detergent still has some fragrance, only masked so you can’t smell it or it’s very light. So if you’re not sure if your baby’s skin will react negatively to an unscented detergent, make sure you buy something that is free of all fragrance such as the Charlie’s Soap – Fragrance-Free Laundry Powder.
Is it Dye-Free?
The color of detergent isn’t really an important part of cleaning your clothes. Just an added visual effect to make the laundry detergent more appealing to you. But it could be a potential irritant to your baby’s skin so out it should go.
Does it have Brighteners?
Brighteners are chemicals added to laundry detergents to make your clothes appear, you guessed it, brighter. This gives the illusion that the clothes are cleaner. According to the Design for the Environment, a partnership program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), optical brighteners may be toxic to humans.
They are also non-biodegradable. Further testing is required to truly see its impact on our health and environment but the suspicions alone should make you think twice about buying laundry detergent that fools you. Molly’s Suds All Natural Laundry Powder and other detergents on our list are completely free of optical brighteners.
Is it Plant-Based or Chemical-Free?
Yes, your child may still get allergic reactions to plant-based materials but the chances of that get smaller compared to synthetic ingredients, especially chemical ones. Finally, as an added bonus, you’re helping the environment. If you want the lowdown on what chemicals are present in any laundry detergent, you can check the Environmental Working Group’s database on cleaners.
Is it good for Cloth Diapers?
If you’re planning on using cloth diapers with your baby (or you’re already using them), then you’ll need to make sure that your laundry detergent does not leave a residue that builds up or gets absorbed by your diapers – otherwise, you might end up throwing them all in the diaper trash can. If that happens, you’re SOL and your baby is will be too. To prevent this worst scenario ever from happening, you need to consider detergents without oils or find one recommended by others as safe and effective for washing cloth diapers. The Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is completely cloth diaper safe.
Can it Effectively Remove Stains?
While this may be already an obvious requirement (you are, after all, buying a laundry detergent), you may overlook it because you became so focused on all the other specifics we’ve mentioned. However, the main job of laundry detergent is to clean clothes. Even if you find the most natural, fragrance-free, chemical-free, dye-free, brightener-free laundry detergent in the world, if it can’t remove a stain, it’s not what you need.
As a result, with that kind of detergent, you’re going to be deep in debt buying new clothes all the time. So make sure that whatever you choose can really clean your clothes, yeah? And if you check out our list, you’ll see that some are better than others in this department such as Charlie’s Soap – Fragrance-Free Laundry Powder.
Conclusion
Everyone wants a detergent with the ability to remove stains while not damaging the skin. We believe that the reviews above have been helpful in introducing you to the best products in each category. As such, we believe you can find the best product from that list. If you can’t and you wish to look for it elsewhere, the buying guide will point you in the right direction. All in all, this write-up should make you better informed than you were before.
