Detergent List for Cloth Diapers

This list was put together based on feedback from Bummis' customers and suppliers. They are not detergent experts, and this list is by no means definitive- it is meant as a resource only. Since ingredient lists for detergents are not always readily available, they erred on the side of caution and have not recommended detergents with unknown ingredients.
Many factors can lead to a detergent giving you a residue problem –differences in water quality, washing machines and the ratio of water to detergent. Some detergents with additives can cause problems for one family, but pose no issues for the next. Because of this, your safest bet is to stick with a detergent that is zero-residue. That said, keep in mind, that most detergents when used in moderation will not cause a residue problem.
Whichever detergent you choose to use, make sure to use a reasonable quantity. If using a zero-residue detergent, stick to the lower end of the amount recommended on the package. If you are using anything other than a zero-residue detergent, use about 1/2 of what the manufacturer recommends in a top loading washing machine, and reduce to ¼ for a front loader or HE machine. This will give you enough detergent to clean properly but not enough to create a residue. Make sure your diapers are being rinsed well in plenty of water. Check out our washing guide for more information.

PRODUCT	RECOMMENDED	WHY NOT / USEFUL INFO
Ace Powder	NO	Enzymes
AJAX All-Purpose powder	NO	Brighteners
All Free and Clear	NO	Anti-allergens/brighteners
All Baby	NO	Brighteners
All w/stain lifters	NO	Full of extra ingredients
Allen’s Naturally liquid/powder	YES
Arm & Hammer liquid laundry detergent essentials	MAYBE	There are natural oils. Should be fine if used in moderation.
Arm & Hammer Fabric Care	NO	Full of extra ingredients.
Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Perfume Free and Dye Free	NO	Brighteners
Bi-O-Kleen All Temperature liquid/powder	MAYBE	Reports of repellency issues with pocket diapers - perhaps caused by natural extracts or degreasers.
Bi-O-Kleen laundry liquid	MAYBE	Reports of repellency issues with pocket diapers – perhaps caused by natural extracts or degreasers.
Bi-O-Kleen Premium Plus All Temperature Powder	NO	Enzymes
Biovert Detergent	NO	Some reports of residue
Biovert Stain Remover	YES	Low additive oxygen bleach
Cheer/Cheer Free	NO	Enzymes and brighteners
Charlie’s Soap	YES	The liquid leaves zero residue and is cost effective. The powder has not been tested.
Claudia’s Choices	YES	Zero residue
Country Save Liquid	MAYBE	Has not been tested for use with diapers
Country Save Powder	YES	Certified non residue by manufacturer
Dreft	NO	Enzymes and brighteners
Earth Friendly Products Baby Hypoallergenic	NO	Soy Softener
Ecos Free & Clear	MAYBE	Some reports of residue in hard water conditions
Ecos w/ soy softener	NO	Fabric softener
Ecover	NO	Some reports of residue
Envirorite	NO	Complete ingredient list unavailable
Era	NO	Enzymes
Fab	NO	Complete ingredient list unavailable.
Fresh Start	NO	Complete ingredient list unavailable.
Gain w/bleach	NO	Enzymes
Ivory Snow liquid/powder	NO	Enzymes
Jewel Ultra Original	NO	Enzymes
Hydrox	YES	Safe bleach alternative if used in moderation
Kirklands Signature	NO	Brighteners
Lemieux	NO	Oily softener could leave residue
Method	NO	Enzymes, brighteners
Mountain Green Ultra, Skin Sensitive, Baby	MAYBE	Recommended by many users but does contain natural oils
Mountain Green Baby Free & Clear	YES
Mrs. Meyer’s	NO	Enzymes
Nature Clean Powder and Liquid	YES	Erin's Notes: this is what I used on Catherine's diapers.
Oxyboost	YES	Oxygenated bleach with no other additives
Oxi-clean	NO	Complete ingredient list unavailable
Oxi-Prime powder	MAYBE	Has oxygenated bleach in formula
Planet Delicate Laundry Wash, Hypo-allergenic	MAYBE	Recommended by many but no evidence as to zero residue
Planet Ultra, Powdered Hypo-allergenic	MAYBE	Recommended by many but no evidence as to zero residue
Purex, Purex Free & Clear, Purex Baby	NO	Brighteners
Sears Ultra Concentrated, powder	NO	Enzymes
Sensi-Clean (Sportwash)	YES	Confirmed zero residue by the manufacturer
7th Generation liquid, Baby	NO	Enzymes
7th Generation powder	NO	Enzymes
7th Generation Free & Clear	NO	Enzymes.
7th Generation Delicate Care	YES
Shaklee liquid	NO	Enzymes
Soap Nuts	NO	Not enough information available
Sun, Sun Free	NO	Brighteners, enzymes
Target Baby, powder	NO	Enzymes
Tide, Tide Free(Tide Nature), Tide Powder	NO	Brighteners, enzymes
Trader Joe’s Cleanliness Next to Godliness	NO	Brighteners, soy
Wisk, Wisk Free Clear	NO	Brighteners
Wonder Wash	YES
XTRA	NO	Brighteners