If your baby is messy and tends to dirty their clothes often, you need the best baby laundry detergents. When you have a baby or a toddler at home, it’s natural for your laundry to be more than that of other parents with older kids. Moreover, you also need to use gentle detergents to wash your baby’s clothes since they have sensitive skin.
Given the many choices available in the market, we have compiled a list of the best baby laundry detergents you can choose from. So, read on and pick one.
Top Picks
21 Best Baby Laundry Detergents In 2023
1. Best For Newborn’s Laundry:Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Baby Laundry Detergent
The Dreft Newborn Baby Laundry Detergent works best for a newborn’s laundry, but you can also use it to washolder babies’ clothes.It is specially designed to wash baby laundryand is gentle on the baby’s skin. It is formulated for high-efficiency and standard washers. The detergent is trusted by pediatricians and is a leading baby laundry detergent as recommended by US Pediatricians as per a survey conducted by Dreft in 2016. Check out thisvideoon this product and find out more about its features.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic, biodegradable ingredients
- Chloride-free, phosphate-free, and dye-free
- Helps remove 99% of baby food stains
- Gentle on sensitive skin
Cons
- Scent may be strong for some users
- May not work well with stubborn poop stains
2. Best For Tough Stains:Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent
The Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent is an effective stain remover and can make baby laundry squeaky clean. It is free of optical brighteners, chlorine, phthalates, sulfates, and dyes. Because of its gentle formula, you can also use it to clean cloth diapers. It is compatible with High-Efficiency washers. The detergent is dermatologically tested.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Does not contain sulfate and 1,4-dioxane
- Fights tough stains with naturally derived, plant-based ingredients
- Non-allergenic formula
- Cleans the clothes gently and leaves them soft
Cons
- May not contain a pouring spout
- May be unable to remove strong odors from the laundry
3. Best Plant-Based:Tide Purclean Plant-Based Laundry Detergent
The Tide Purclean Plant-Based Laundry Detergent is primarily made with bio-ingredients, which comprise about 65% of the components. It is devoid of chlorine, phosphates, and optical brighteners. It is gentle on sensitive skin and works well with regular and HE washers.
Pros
- Plant-based detergent with biodegradable ingredients
- Dye-free
- Has a mild, lavender fragrance
- Certified by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Cons
- May have a thick consistency
- May create a lot of suds in the washer
4. Best Hypoallergenic:Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder
Charlie’s Soap laundry powder works on all your laundry—from high-tech fabrics to delicates. It effectively removes smells, stains, and left-behind residue from previous detergents. It cleans baby fabrics gently and makes them soft. It does not use artificial brighteners, and its gentle formula is safe for hand-washing. Take a look at this reviewvideoto know more about the product and make an informed buying decision.
Pros
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent powder
- Non-toxic and made with biodegradable materials
- leaves no residue behind
- Good for washing poop stains, making it the ideal detergent forinfant’s cloth diapers
- Contains no fillers, perfume, or chlorine
- 适合敏感肌肤
Cons
- May need more than one wash to clean heavily soiled clothes
- May leave a white film on the clothes
5. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Purex For Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
Designed specifically for baby fabrics, Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent has a gentle formula. It does not irritate sensitive skin and has a mild fragrance. It works well with HE and regular washers and can remove baby food stains.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic ingredients
- Dye-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- leaves a mild, fresh scent on the clothes
Cons
- May take more than a wash to remove stubborn stains
- The packaging may be unsatisfactory
6. Best Biodegradeable:Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent is formulated with 99.9% plant-based ingredients. It removes baby food stains effectively and is gentle on the skin. It is suitable for all fabrics, including baby fabrics, blankets, microfiber towels, and pillowcases. It has a concentrated formula, and a single bottle is enough for over 200 loads.
Pros
- Does not contain sulfates, chlorine, petrochemicals, and dyes
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Has a no-drip pump system which prevents spills
- Non-toxic, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and vegan
- Suitable for cloth baby diapers
Cons
- May be unable to get strong odors out of clothes
- May take more than one wash to get stubborn stains out
7.Best For Sensitive Skin:Shabby Chick Baby Laundry Liquid Soap
Features:
- Hypoallergenic and suitable for babies with sensitive skin.
- Non-toxic and made with biodegradable materials.
- Most ingredients are derived from natural substances. Contains natural fragrances derived from essential oils.
- One tablespoon of detergent is all it takes to wash one full-load of baby laundry.
8. Best Cruelty-Free:Planet 2X Ultra Laundry Detergent
The Planet 2X Ultra Laundry Detergent has a low-suds formula, ideal for both HE and standard washers. Its clear formula is devoid of synthetic preservatives and dyes. It is not tested on animals and is certified 100% biodegradable.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Unscented, uncolored, and phosphate-free
- Contains naturally derived, plant-based ingredients
- Safe to wash all baby laundry
Cons
- May not work well with cold water
- May be difficult to get suds
9. Best pH-Balanced:ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent
Devoid of dyes, optical brighteners, parabens, phosphates, and phthalates, the Ecos Liquid Laundry Detergent has a hypoallergenic, pH-balanced formula. It comes with a built-in fabric softener that helps reduce static cling.
It has plant-powered ingredients and works well on baby fabrics.
Pros
- Available in a pack of two
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Safe for hand-washing
- S. EPA Safer Choice certified for safety
Cons
- May not work as effectively on stubborn stains
- May not be effective in getting rid of strong odors
10. Best USDA-Certified:Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent
The Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent has a powerful triple-enzyme formula that fights tough stains. Its clear and free composition does not irritate sensitive skin. It is concentrated enough to wash around 53 medium loads in a standard or HE machine.
Pros
- About 96% of detergent is made of plant-based ingredients
- EPA Safer Choice-certified and USDA-certified bio-based product
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, does not contain dyes or brighteners
Cons
- Quantity may be less
- May need more than one wash to remove stubborn stains
11.Greenshield Organic Liquid Laundry Detergent
The USDA-certified Greenshield Organic Laundry Detergent removes stains and is dye-free. It is specially formulated for both HE and regular machines. The detergent is phosphate and petrochemical-free, and the ingredients come from sustainable resources.
Pros
- Majority of the ingredients are naturally derived from organic plant material
- Non-toxic and hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Protects color
Cons
- May have low viscosity
- laundry may remain dingy after one wash
12.Grab Green Laundry Detergent Pods
The Grab Green Laundry Detergent Pods are user-friendly since they come with velcro closure bags which are convenient and easy to use. The detergent is specifically formulated to remove dirt and leave laundry clean and fresh. It is devoid of any optical brighteners, chlorine, and dyes. These pods work in all standard and HE machines.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Made from plant and mineral-based raw materials
- Hypoallergenic and non-toxic
- Cruelty-free and no animal testing
Cons
- May not dissolve completely
- Residue may stick to clothes
13.All Liquid Laundry Detergent
All Liquid Laundry Detergent is recommended by dermatologists, allergists, and pediatricians for sensitive skin. It is free of dyes and can remove stains effectively. It works well with any water temperature and machine. One bottle is enough for about 58 loads.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Fragrance-free
- Helps remove allergens like pollen, animal dander, and mites from clothes
- Accepted by National Eczema Association, making it ideal for babies with eczema
Cons
- May not remove odors effectively
- May leak
14.Biokleen Laundry Detergent Liquid
Biokleen uses plant-derived cleaning agents to eliminate stains and odors. It is suitable for HE and regular washing machines, and its concentrated formula gets the job done with less amount. It has citrus and grapeseed extracts, which leave a mild scent on washed clothes.
Pros
- Never tested on animals
- Does not contain ammonia, phosphates, petrochemicals, or brighteners
- Detergent leaves no residue after washing and rinsing
- No artificial fragrance or dyes
Cons
- May turn white clothes dingy
15.Eco-Me Natural Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent
Eco-Me Laundry Detergent has an environmentally friendly natural Lavender Blossom scent that leaves clothes smelling fresh. It has a concentrated formula and is packed with natural plant extracts and plant-derived soap, making it safe to use on baby fabrics. It is designed to cut through baby food stains.
Pros
- Food-grade and cruelty-free
- Suits sensitive skin
- Free from chlorine, phosphates, sulfates, formaldehyde, parabens, and dyes
- Natural fragrances from essential oils
- Has antibacterial properties
Cons
- May be messy
- May have difficulty removing stubborn stains
16.Zum Clean Laundry Soap
The Zum Laundry Soap is effective for cleaning baby fabrics gently. It is made with essential oils, phthalate-free fragrance oil, coconut oil, baking soda, and vegetable glycerin. It has frankincense and myrrh, which leave a dark, woodsy, and sweet fragrance. The laundry soap works well with any machine.
Pros
- Contains natural fragrances derived from essential oils
- Does not contain phosphates, sulfates, petrochemicals, and parabens
- Handmade liquid soapthat works well with high-efficiency washing machines
- leaves behind a pleasant smell that lasts long
Cons
- Sweat smells may be challenging to remove
- May have low viscosity
17.Method Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Method is a laundry detergent with plant-based ingredients that can lift stains and keeps clothes clean and bright. It is free and clear and is devoid of dyes. Its concentrated formula works effectively on HE and standard washers.
Pros
- Packed in 100% recycled plastic bottle
- Has biodegradable ingredients
- Does not contain chlorine, formaldehyde, phosphates, parabens, and phthalates
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic formula and gentle on skin
Cons
- Scent may be overpowering
- May be watery in texture
18.Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
Features:
- Does not contain any perfumes. Clear liquid detergent with no dyes.
- Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.
- Removes tough stains yet stays gentle on baby’s skin.
19.Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent
Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent has a concentrated detergent formula, which is tough on stains but gentle on fabrics. It contains plant-derived ingredients. It has a biodegradable formula and is ideal for HE and standard washing machines. One bottle is sufficient for 64 loads of laundry.
Pros
- About 97% of ingredients are naturally derived
- Has natural fragrances fromessential oils
- Free of chlorine, phthalates, formaldehyde, dyes, parabens, and brighteners
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Fragrance may not last long
20.Grab Green Natural 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Powder
The Grab Green Laundry Detergent Powder has velcro closure bags that are easy to use. It leaves your laundry clean and fresh. It is devoid of any optical brighteners, chlorine, or dyes. You can use it on all washing machines. It does not have any harsh chemicals.
Pros
- Ingredients are plant and mineral-based
- Naturally sourced, non-toxic ingredients
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and free of dyes
- No animal testing
- No phosphates, phthalates, parabens, and chlorine
Cons
- May not work well with strong odors
- May bleach bright colors sometimes
21.Molly’s Suds Original Laundry Powder
Made of natural ingredients, Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder cleans baby fabrics and leaves behind a gentle scent. It is suitable for sensitive skin. Its concentrated formula is devoid of artificial scents. It works effectively in standard, commercial, and HE machines and eliminates the buildup left behind.
Pros
- Does not contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, petrochemicals, 1,4 dioxane, phosphates, and brighteners
- Doesn’t leave residue
- Contains only natural fragrances but no dyes
- Certified vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Cannot be used on silk
- Scent may be overpowering
How To Choose The Right Baby Detergent?
laundry detergents branded as baby detergents have no risk of causing skin irritation and also leave a little residue on the clothes. However, several detergents may not be branded as baby detergents, but are still mild, leave lesser residues, and do not have any potential allergens and chemicals. These can be used for washing baby clothes.
[ Read :Kodomo Liquid Washing Refill Review]
When looking for a detergent to wash your baby’s clothes, look for the following attributes:
- Hypoallergenic:Such detergents are extra safe for infants with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. Detergents with this quality usually have ‘hypoallergenic’ labeled on them.
- Fragrance-free or mild fragrance only:It is best to stick to a baby detergent that leaves no fragrance on the clothes or has a very mild fragrance. Intense fragrances may irritate the baby.
- Free of harmful chemicals and additives:Choose ‘chemical-free’ or ‘organic’ detergents with naturally-derived ingredients and free of additives like bleach, brighteners, and other stain-removing additives.
Most laundry detergents meant for infants already comply with the above conditions. There are different forms of baby laundry detergents though.
[ Read :Johnson’s Baby Laundry Detergent Active Clean Review]
What Type Of Detergent Is The Best For Babies?
There are three types of laundry detergents:
- liquid detergent,or detergent in liquid form. It comes in a bottle with a measuring cup. Transfer the liquid into the measuring cup and pour directly into the washing machine or washing bucket. Liquid laundry detergents can be ideal for pre-treating specific stains on clothes instead of soaking the entire fabric in soapy water.
[ Read :Chicco Laundry Detergent Cluster Review]
- Powder detergentis the conventional laundry detergent in its powder form. Most powder detergents come with a measuring spoon to scoop out the desired quantity. Powder detergents tend to be more economical than other types of laundry detergent.
- Detergent podsare small, water-soluble plastic pouches with a high concentration of detergent either in liquid or powder format. You toss the pack into the washing machine and you are all set. There are very few baby detergent options in this format.
Emily Parker, a parenting blogger and mother of four, says,“It is important to wash new baby clothing prior to having your baby wear it. This removes the chemicals that may have been used by the clothing companies and ensures your baby’s sensitive skin doesn’t have a reaction.”
She adds,“And when washing baby clothes, there are two basic rules: first, sort the baby’s laundry and wash it separately; second, always test a new detergent for compatibility with your child’s skin by washing only one of their garments with the new detergent, and letting your child wear that clothing for a while to look out for any reactions or rashes.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna passio是一个熟练的作家n for creating engaging content and curating reviews of various products in the baby care and parenting segments. She enjoys finding and researching unique products designed to make a difference in children’s and parents’ lives. Here, she has gathered the best baby laundry detergents that are gentler and safer than usual options for your baby’s skin. She has analyzed multiple products and considered user reviews to bring the best products.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most important ingredients to consider in baby laundry detergents?
Consider natural and plant-based ingredients, as they are gentle on your baby’s skin. Avoid using laundry detergents loaded with triclosan, SLS, SLES, dioxane, phosphates, artificial fragrances, and synthetic dyes.
2. At what age should I stop using baby detergent?
Once your baby enters the toddler stage, their clothes tend to become dirtier and the stains might be tougher to remove with baby detergents. This might be the time you make the decision to start using a regular detergent. However, many parents stick to baby detergents throughout the toddler stage as they are gentle and safe for sensitive skin.
3. Can I use regular detergent on baby clothing?
Yes, baby clothing can be washed using regular detergent if your baby’s skin is not too sensitive.
4. Is baby laundry detergent necessary?
Baby laundry detergents are milder than regular detergents and safe on delicate baby skin. However, they are not necessary unless your baby has allergies or sensitive skin.
5. Is it better to get an unscented detergent for my baby?
Unscented detergents may not contain synthetic fragrances that may sometimes irritate a baby’s skin. Therefore, you should choose fragrance-free detergents over those formulated with synthetic fragrances.
Once you have a baby, you want to ensure that everything you use is also safe for them. When it comes to your baby’s laundry, you must ensure that the detergent you use will not harm your baby’s clothes or skin. The ones listed above are among the best baby laundry detergents to consider purchasing. Each product has a brief description to assist you in selecting the best option for your baby. Lastly, don’t forget to check the buying guide before making your purchase.
References:
- Bio-based Materials In The Detergents Industry.
https://www.aise.eu/our-activities/sustainable-cleaning-78/circular-economy/bio-based-materials.aspx