What Makes A Detergent 'Cloth Diaper Safe'?

I see it again and again and again, in fact I saw it this morning, I talked about it yesterday, and again a few days ago, and I'm asked it at least a few times a month: A question about washing cloth diapers.

I think that the idea that washing cloth diapers is a perilous and difficult process has been perpetrated by the detergent industries who make soaps specifically targeted to washing cloth diapers.  Of course they want you to buy their products, and so naturally they will continue to tell you that any other product will destroy what can amount to hundreds of dollars of merchandise.  And it'll be ALL YOUR FAULT.

Well, I'm going to give you the easy peesy simple low down right now and put your mind to rest. 

There are only three things you need to concern yourself with when buying a detergent if you're determining whether it's okay to use on your diapers.

1) Is this detergent the right strength/concentration for my diapers?

Assuming you've looked to make sure the detergent will work for your general washing routine anyway (HE detergents for HE machines, hard water safe detergents for hard water, etc.) all this means is that your detergent needs to be strong enough to wash away the bacteria in human fecal matter, the oil produced by our skin, and the salts and toxins contained in our sweat, while not being so strong that any residue will hurt our skin.  That's it.  If you're using an extra-strength concentrated super-detergent, it may get your diapers clean, but it may be just too much for delicate bottoms.  Likewise, if you're using a super gentle detergent, you may not fully clean your diapers.  Remember, someone pooped, peed, sweated and generally grossed-up this piece of fabric, so before you use it again, you need to really clean it.

2) Is this detergent gentle enough for my baby?

The harshness of the soap is one thing to look at, but you're also going to want a detergent that is scent and dye free, good for sensitive skin, and lacking as many 'extra' ingredients as possible.  A baby's skin is paper thin and very delicate, and that diaper is going to be worn against it 24 hours a day, so this is important.

3) Is this detergent safe for my diapers?

All detergents, and all washing routines, are going to damage your fabric.  All of them.  Simply the agitation of your washer is going to put strain on fibres.  Try and remember that your diapers are, in fact, pieces of fabric meant to be used to collect bodily waste and not examples of the crown jewels - they will eventually wear out.  That's okay.  You can slow down the wearing out process in many ways, by being careful when you undo snaps, by not drying in the dryer, etc., and also by using detergents that don't contain enzymes (components that break down organic matter) and bleach, both of which will weaken fabrics over time.  Beyond fabric weakening, you do need to consider residues as well.  A diaper functions by absorbing liquid, and so if your detergent leaves a residue, then that can hinder the diaper doing its job.  The bad news is that you can't completely escape residue no matter what you use, but the good news is that lessening the amount of detergent you use, and ensuring you match your detergent to the type of water you have for optimal rinsing, will go a long way to keeping your diapers absorbant.

So, you're facing a wall of soaps, what do you do?  I'd start by picking a detergent formulated for 'sensitive skin'.  Make sure it is dye and perfume free, and preferably enzyme free as well.  I'd also chose a liquid detergent over a powdered version, for more equal distribution of the soap in the water.  If you're washing more 'modern' diaper styles (ie, All-in-ones, or pockets, or even prefolds for that matter) your detergent should be strong enough to get through multiple layers of fabric and thoroughly clean, so I personally wouldn't choose a very 'light' soap option since that won't have the strength you need.  If, on the other hand, you're washing flat diapers, a lighter detergent may be all you need.

When you go to use your detergent, try half of the recommended amount to cut down on residue issues.  Most modern soaps are really pretty effective and chances are half of the amount will more than wash your diapers.

If your detergent isn't working, you'll be able to tell pretty quickly.  If you're constantly having to strip your diapers because they smell, then your detergent might not be cleaning them properly.  If your diapers leak all over the place, there may be too much residue left on them.  If your baby seems to constantly have a rash, perhaps this detergent is way too strong for their skin.  There are a lot of very good options out there, for every budget, every diaper and every baby.

Happy washing!