When it comes to parents like us, we are responsible for checking every single thing that we use for our babies. And this will include meticulously researching about which baby laundry detergent is safe for our babies. However, it is not enough to settle with a chemical-free or eco-friendly product. The detergent should also be useful in cleaning away the stains and removing odors from clothing or sheets because let’s face it, babies are cute, but they can get messy.
To help you cleanse your worries away, we have reviewed our 7 best baby laundry detergent to help you decide which detergent to choose. You don’t have to worry about health issues as these products have fewer; some have even zero chemicals, that can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin and lungs.
We have made sure that these detergents are not only baby-friendly but are also useful when it comes to cleaning so that whatever baby detergent you chose, you can still use it for your whole family. Dealing with hard water? Cold water? Using a high-efficiency machine? We included detergents for these factors as well!
If you want to know more about the different types of laundry detergent, you can jump ahead to our buyer’s guide where we discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
Best Baby Laundry Detergent in 2023 Comparison Table
Product | Ounces | № of Loads | Type | For HE machine? | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Attitude Little Ones | 35.5 oz | 35 loads | Liquid | Yes | |
Seventh Generation | 40 oz | 106 loads (2 containers) | Liquid | Yes | |
All | 46.5 oz | 62 loads (2 containers) | Liquid | Yes | |
Molly's Suds | 80.25 oz | 120 loads | Powder | Yes | |
Charlie’s Soap | 42.3 oz | 100 loads | Powder | Yes | |
Purex Baby | 50 oz | 33 loads | Liquid | Yes | |
Puracy Natural | 24 oz | 96 loads | Liquid | Yes |
Best Baby Laundry Detergent Reviews
Attitude Little Ones – Best Environment-Friendly Choice
We love that we’re starting our review with an eco-friendly product because even though conventional detergents might be cheaper and easier to find, going natural is your best choice when it comes to your baby’s safety. Always using chemical-based products will also affect the health of the environment especially the aquatic life.
The laundry detergent is an EWG verified product. It means that the ingredients used in this liquid detergent are based on the EWG’s assessments for safety. If you’re wondering, EWG is a non-profit organization that researches and advocates for healthy living in a healthy environment.
The company Attitude also says that their ingredients are made from vegetable and mineral resources using renewable energy; this means they reduce the carbon footprint they produce. It is also good to know that Attitude’s products are free from endocrine disruptors and cancer-causing chemicals like 1,4-dioxane, and ethylene oxide. As parents, we can always appreciate baby products that disclose their ingredients.
The company did not test Attitude Little Ones on animals, and it is septic tank-safe. To make it even more eco-friendly, the colorless and odorless detergent itself is packaged in a recycled plastic jug with a cap top that you can use for measuring and pouring the detergent.
Effective Stain Removal and Uses Cold Water
Attitude Little Ones tested well to their claims of using ⅔ of the cap for mild to moderate stains. Coffee and wine stains which are tough stains to remove were effectively gone utilizing an amount of full cap of detergent in a high-efficiency washing machine with cold water. For stains that are tougher to remove, you can pour a small amount of the detergent directly on the stain then let it soak before washing.
We’re pleased that you can use this detergent with cold water in either high-efficiency or standard washing machines. Using cold water will also mean that you get to save some money on monthly electricity bills because you don’t need to heat the water.
Vegetable-Based Non-Cancer Causing Ingredients
We think that this liquid laundry detergent is worth the price as you will have better peace of mind about the ingredients’ safety. The ingredients in this product are only water, sodium dodecyl sulfate, lauryl glucoside, sodium citrate, and sodium gluconate. These ingredients are derived from plant-based sources which makes them less harmful compared to chemically-derived ingredients.
Because this detergent is quite expensive compared to the other products in this review, it might turn you off. But you can also cut some cost because you won’t be needing to heat the water for every wash.
- Eco-friendly product
- Free from harsh chemicals and carcinogens
- The company discloses the ingredients used
- Can be used with warm water
- Effective in removing stains
- Expensive
Seventh Generation – Best Pick for the Whole Family
If buying a separate product for your baby is not economical for you, you can switch with the next detergent in our review; the Seventh Generation concentrated laundry detergent. This product is powerful enough for different stains, but you can also safely use this for washing your baby’s clothing, towels, and beddings.
Seventh Generation, just like our previous item, is also an environment-friendly product as attested by its USDA certification. This laundry detergent is a 96% USDA-certified biobased product; this means the company made the ingredients from renewable biological resources which help lessens the need for fossil fuels. This fossil fuel-free production, in turn, reduces the release of new carbon in our atmosphere and helps control climate change. The company also uses recycled plastic to make the bottle of this product, and the detergent itself isn’t tested on animals by the company.
Similar to the first detergent we reviewed from Attitude, Seventh Generation is also transparent when it comes to their ingredients with only two synthetic ingredients. It does not use dyes and optical brighteners as well.
Friendly on the Environment, Tough on Baby (and Adult) Stains and Odors
But more than being eco-friendly, Seventh Generation uses a triple enzyme formula suited for combatting tough to remove baby stains and odors. The enzyme stain removers which are protease, amylase, and mannanase are derived from plants which can remove stains ranging from tomato sauce to chocolate spills and soil dirt. You can also pour this detergent directly on more stubborn stains then rub and soak it before washing.
Questioning its size? This detergent is 4x concentrated so even with the smaller bottle; you’ll get the same amount of loads. You can measure the amount you need using the cap and follow the instructions at the back label.
The only drawback we have for this product is the cap feels weak, so leaks are possible. It can also be pricey compared to other detergents, but it is concentrated and is mild enough to use for your baby and other family members who have sensitive skin.
- USDA-certified biobased product
- Hypoallergenic
- Plant-based enzyme cleaning formula
- Free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and optical brighteners
- Can remove stains and odors for the whole family
- Might leak with the cap
- Pricey
All – Best Baby Laundry Detergent for Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition seen as red, crusty patches that are common in babies and is treatable. However, even your laundry detergent plays a significant role in treating your baby’s eczema. Some products can potentially trigger or worsen the condition. Even adults can be allergic and sensitive to certain ingredients commonly used in laundry detergents.
Recommended by the National Eczema Association
The formulation of this product is dye and fragrance-free, and it is also hypoallergenic making it gentle enough for sensitive skins. As a matter of fact, this is the only laundry detergent recommended by the National Eczema Association. But keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that you can use this as a treatment for skin and allergic conditions.
You can easily remove dirt and grime, but just like the mentioned detergents earlier, tougher stains require pre-treatment. You can also use this product in high-efficiency or standard washing machines at any water temperature which can help you save electricity bill.
All in all, we think that choosing the product that is recommended by dermatologists for eczema is the better route to take to prevent worsening your child’s skin condition.
- Dermatologist-recommended product for eczema
- Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin
- Can be used with warm water and any machine
- Easily removes dirt and grime
- The ingredients are not listed
Molly’s Suds – Best Baby Laundry Detergent for Hard Water
Hard water is water that has higher mineral content (calcium and magnesium) compared to soft water. It is found in 85% of America and can also affect the quality of your laundry. Hard water affects laundry because the minerals in the hard water attach to the fabric of the laundry load. These minerals result in the dullness of the color (yellowing or graying) of the fabrics and can also make the linens and clothing feeling stiffer.
Can be Used with Hard Water
Molly’s Suds Powder is formulated to be effective in cleaning even with hard water. If you’re using very hard water, you can heat the water, and use 2 scoops of Molly’s Suds plus ¼ cup distilled white vinegar. This formulation for hard water is useful especially if you live in areas with very hard water.
This product can be used in all kinds of washing machine. However, unlike the previous detergents that we’ve reviewed, Molly’s Suds require warm water with every use. Cold water under 70 degrees can’t dissolve the powder.
Molly Kinda Suds
Do not mistake the word “suds” in this detergent’s brand name as its primary characteristic. Molly’s Suds do not produce as many suds compared to other products, and this sometimes confuses users. However, having less suds is preferable for those who use HE machines where suds can interfere with the sensors of the machine.
Molly’s Suds is a suitable detergent to use for washing your baby’s clothes because it is free from surfactants, petrochemicals, phosphate, formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulfate, endocrine disruptors, and carcinogens. You will never find any dyes, brighteners, fragrances, or fillers that can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin as well so you can use it to cloth diapers.
Molly’s Suds is transparent with the ingredients they used in their product. If you are wondering what they are, they used sodium carbonate (which according to them is from the Green River Basin), sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, unrefined sea salt, and organic peppermint oil whose smell does not linger after washing the laundry.
Lastly, we appreciate that this is also a cruelty-free and gluten-free product.
- Can be used with hard water
- Made from natural ingredients
- Works well with high-efficiency machines
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free and gluten-free
- Only works with warm water
Charlie’s Soap – Best Powdered Choice for Cloth Diapers
Most parents prefer using cloth diapers than disposable ones for several reasons like to save money, prevent diaper rash, and to help the environment. Coincidentally, our next pick is both safe and effective for washing cloth diapers and is environment-friendly.
Did you know that Charlie’s Soap is formulated initially as an industrial cleaner? This means that cleaning the residues, stains, and odors in cloth diapers is a breeze with this product. It also has a scent like Molly’s Suds, but the laundry will be odorless after washing. We prefer this characteristic because synthetic fragrances have detrimental effects on our bodies and it feels cleaner to not smell like fake flowers.
When it comes to eco-friendliness, Japan Food Research Labs and Situ Biosciences LLC has certified Charlie’s Soap with having a low environmental impact. That’s because Charlie’s Soap has surpassed the thresholds for ultimate biodegradation. We love that it can’t cause harm to our aquatic life!
Much like the products that we have reviewed earlier, this detergent has no brighteners, perfumes, and fillers. This lack of chemicals means that Charlie’s Soap is not only an effective cleaner, but it is also a safe detergent to be used for cloth diapers as it will not cause any irritation to your baby’s skin.
But Powdered Detergents Leave Residues Right? Not with Charlie’s Soap!
We are very pleased that Charlie’s Soap, even if it is a powdered detergent, it still left no residues after washing. In fact, you can run an empty wash in your machine with two doses of Charlie’s Soap, throw some rags to absorb the residues left by other products, and give it a go. After a few rounds, you will notice that your clothes are “detoxified” and will feel cleaner and softer from the removed residues in the machine.
You can also use Charlie’s Soap not just on cloth diapers but even with cotton, silk, and polyester. This detergent’s cleaning ability with different fabrics is not questionable. However, just like with most powdered laundry detergents, this product will be harder to dissolve with hard water.
Powder detergents are the more affordable alternative if budget is crucial for you. A pack of Charlie’s Soap is suitable for 100 loads. This number of loads for one package is frugal enough considering how often babies need to get their cloth diapers clean.
- Can be used for cloth diapers
- Free from synthetic chemicals
- Biodegradable
- Effective in removing stains and odors
- Leaves no residues
- Might not work with hard water
Purex Baby – Best Budget-Friendly Choice
If you’re looking for a liquid product that is effective yet affordable, maybe this detergent with a 33-load capacity is appealing for you. The Purex Baby is also baby-friendly because it is mildly scented, hypoallergenic, and free from dyes. It is also safe to use in cloth diapers and safe even for babies with eczema.
You can effectively remove stains from baby food like carrots, applesauce, banana, and baby formula with this detergent. On the other hand, you can remove tough stains like coffee and black marker by pretreating the stain directly before putting the fabrics into the washer. Breastmilk, spits, and urine, including pasta sauces, were also effectively removed by the Purex Baby.
All in all, Purex Baby is a nice liquid detergent to consider if you’re on a budget and looking for an effective stain remover. Besides the lid and having a mild scent (which could be either liked or loved according to personal preference), we think that this baby detergent is a good start for you.
- Affordable
- Effective stain remover especially for baby messes
- Leakage from the lid
- The measurements are hard to read on the lid
Puracy Natural – Best Affordable and Eco-Friendly Choice!
Just like the detergent we reviewed from Seventh Generation, this product uses plant-based enzymes like protease, mannanase, lipase, and amylase to remove stains from baby formula or baby food. This quadruple plant-based enzyme formula means that you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals getting in contact with your baby.
Enzymes combat stains by breaking down the molecules of the stains. For example, protease breaks down protein, so it is effective in removing stains with protein like blood, egg, or meat sauces. Amylase breaks down starches, so it works with starch stains. Just like with the previous products that we have reviewed, applying the detergent directly on the stain before washing will make a big difference in the result.
Puracy Natural can also remove the odor because it has the mineral zinc ricinoleate. This mechanism results from zinc ricinoleate covering the odors from bacterial decomposition.
Because this product uses coconut-based cleansers, plant-based enzymes, and minerals, you can safely use this on cloth diapers, baby clothes, darks, delicates, and even microfiber towels. You can use this for the whole household laundry with either a standard or high-efficiency machine as well.
Puracy Natural is also an affordable product that with a 24-ounce bottle, you can get up to 96 loads in a high-efficiency machine. This high number of loads also means your packaging waste is reduced by more than 80%.
However, the detergent lists borax (sodium borate) and benzisothiazolinone among its ingredients. Do not worry because the co-founder of the company explained that borax represents less than 1% of the detergent formula for the reason of stabilizing the enzymes and extending the shelf life of the product. The company is also transparent with the ingredients used in their products, and have in-depth explanations for each one on their website.
Lastly, we appreciate that this product has a pump top lid to reduce waste of product thereby saving you some money. Speaking of waste reduction, the bottle of this liquid detergent is plastic but is labeled recycling number 1 meaning you can include the bottle in your recyclables.
- Affordable price per load
- Plant-based ingredients
- The company donates to the less fortunate and artists
- Transparent with their ingredients
- Effective with cleaning stains and removing the odor
- Eco-friendly
- Sometimes there are issues with leaks from the pump
- Has borax and benzisothiazolinone
Best Baby Laundry Detergent Buyer’s Guide
Now that you have seen the reviews, you might still have a few questions in mind. What are the types of baby laundry detergent? What factors or qualities of the product should I consider before buying?
Types of Baby Laundry Detergent
Liquid Laundry Detergent
This type is the most popular and often comes in a bottle with a pump or pouring spout. Liquid laundry detergent is easier to use especially with pre-treating stains before washing. This type of detergent is also less likely to leave streaks caused by undissolved powder detergents. This type also works well with greasy stains.
However, liquid detergent can be more expensive compared to powder and is less environment-friendly because of the plastic bottle they come in.
Powder Laundry Detergent
This type comes in a cardboard box and a scoop to measure the product per use. Because of this, this type is more eco-friendly than the liquid detergent and typically has a longer shelf life. This detergent type is also the cheaper option and works well especially with whites. However, be wary of chalky residues when not appropriately dissolved especially with colored clothes.
There are also powder detergents in the market that work well with cloth diapers like the product we reviewed, Charlie’s Soap. For pre-treatment, you also have to mix the powder with a bit of water to make a paste to apply on the stain.
Laundry Detergent Pods/Packs
Pods are measured portions of detergent that you can toss directly into the washer. They are convenient to use because you don’t have to measure them upon using. Take note that you should be cautious in keeping this item away from your children because they might mistake it as candy and can cause poisoning or choking hazard.
Factors to Consider
Compatibility with your Machine at Home
Do you have a high-efficiency or regular washing machine? Most of the products we reviewed like the ones from Attitude and All are detergents that you can use with both types of machine. You can also check if there are HE designation or any indication that the detergent you’re using is safe to use with HE machines.
It is also worth mentioning that most detergents that are high-efficiency machine-friendly do not create too much suds because suds can damage the sensors of your washing machine.
Free from Dye, Brighteners, or Fragrance
Since you will be using this to clean your baby’s belongings, artificial dye and fragrance can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. These are just added chemicals that are not important and work as aesthetic only.
Brighteners are chemicals that remain in the fabric to absorb the UV thus making your clothes appear brighter. However, brighteners don’t affect the cleanliness of clothes, and you can neglect them.
Eco-Friendly
As you might have noticed by now, all of the items that we have reviewed are plant-based. This means they are safer for your baby and are healthier for the environment because they are biodegradable. Some products like the detergent from Seventh Generation also reduces the carbon footprint because they do not depend from fossil fuels to produce the product. The plastic bottles of the liquid baby detergent that we have reviewed were also recyclable to minimize the impact on the environment.
Hypoallergenic
You can check for products that are labeled by the manufacturer as hypoallergenic and tested by dermatologists. An example was the product we reviewed; All Free Clear. Using such products minimizes the risk of allergic reactions to your baby. Remember that babies have delicate skins and lungs so you should always read the labels and ingredients of the detergent that you’re planning to use.
Effectiveness in Removing Stains and Odors
You can opt with products which use plant-based enzymes to remove stains and other all-natural ingredients to remove the odor. It is inevitable that babies get messy at times whether it is spit-up or spilled baby food, so effectiveness with stains is an essential trait.
But there is no need to settle for chemical-ridden detergents that can irritate your baby’s skin. Some products are safe to use and are also useful in cleaning that you can use that same detergent for cleaning the whole family’s laundry.
Leaves No Residue
If you have hard water at home, you can choose products like Molly’s Suds Original Powder that can still easily dissolve with it. However, powder detergents are prone to leaving residues as well.
We need to avoid having residues after washing because they can irritate a baby’s skin. You can also choose liquid baby laundry detergents to prevent residues primarily when you use the detergent in cleaning cloth diapers.
Conclusion
Like we have mentioned over and over in this article, a baby’s skin is sensitive; therefore we should avoid using chemical-ridden laundry detergents. This reason is why we should use baby laundry detergents that are mild enough not to trigger or worsen any health issues of our babies.
Some manufacturers include scents and dyes in their products which are not really vital when it comes to cleaning our clothes. They are also made from chemicals that we should avoid using especially with sensitive skin types. That is why the baby laundry detergents that we have reviewed above are free from dyes, scents, and other unnecessary characteristics.
Whether it is liquid or powdered detergent that you want, we hope that we have helped you decide whether you need a baby laundry detergent that is eco-friendly or if you need a budget-friendly detergent that is safe for your baby. You could also reread the products that would work depending on your situation like if you have hard water in your area or if you’re planning to cut the cost of your electricity bill by using cold water.
Our top pick is the Puracy Natural. This product is the most affordable in this review, but we love that it effectively removes stains and odors using plant-based ingredients. There are still some chemicals as we have mentioned, but they only made up less than 1% of the detergent formula. The company also supports artists and the less fortunate, and the product itself is biodegradable making it friendly to the environment.
All in all, you should remember what we have discussed in our buyer’s guide so that you can make the most out of the product that you will buy.
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