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If your baby 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 tried-and-tested and 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 2024
1. Best For Newborn’s Laundry: Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Baby Laundry Detergent
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 45,923 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
The Dreft Newborn Baby Laundry Detergent works best for a newborn’s laundry, but you can also use it to wash older babies’ clothes. This newborn liquid detergent is specially formulated for washing baby laundry and is gentle on the baby’s skin. The detergent for newborns is formulated for high-efficiency and standard washers and is recommended by pediatricians. Check out this review video and find out more about the detergent
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and biodegradable detergent
- 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
"I recently tried this detergent and was delighted by its soothing scent, unlike the anticipated baby powder smell. It leaves clothes soft and fresh for days and has been a comforting addition to my laundry routine. I also like how gentle the formula is."
2. Best For Tough Stains: Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 3,914 positive reviews on Amazon.
The Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent liquid is an effective stain remover and can make baby laundry squeaky clean. This safety-tested product 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
- Gentle detergent
- 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
"My first encounter with this detergent was great. Its formula has been gentle on my little one's skin. The fragrance may not be to everyone's liking, but it sure does remove those spit-up stains, making it worth it."
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. This plant-based formula 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
- Has stain-fighting enzymes
- Dye-free
- Has a mild, lavender fragrance
- Certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Cons
- May have a thick consistency
- May create a lot of suds in the washer
"I've experimented with different environmentally friendly detergents, and this one has worked the best for me. Its delightful scent and effectiveness on stubborn stains had me impressed. Just remember to give the bottle a good shake before use, as it tends to separate when stored for a long time."
Did you know? Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Baby Laundry Detergent Best For Newborn's Laundry | Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent Best For Tough Stains | Tide Purclean Plant-Based Laundry Detergent Best Plant-Based | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.94 x 6.75 x 10.75 inches | 7.25 x 5.5 x 14.75 inches | 15.72 x 18.42 x 25.72 inches |
| Weight | 5.98 Pounds | 5.15 Pounds | 3.09 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 45,923 | 3,914 | 2,620 |
| Price | $30.87 | $14.99 | $28.1 |
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 review video to know more about this detergent for baby clothes and make an informed buying decision.
Pros
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent powder
- Gentle detergent
- Non-toxic and made with biodegradable materials
- Leaves no residue behind
- Good for washing poop stains, making it the ideal detergent for infant’s cloth diapers
- Contains no fillers, perfume, or chlorine
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- May need more than one wash to clean heavily soiled clothes
- May leave a white film on the clothes
"This laundry powder leaves clothes smelling freshly clean without being overpowering. It even removed those tough food stains from my baby's clothes. Although not the best mix with hard water, a small amount of this product goes a long way."
5. Best Dermatologist-Tested: Purex For Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 6,218 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
Designed specifically for baby fabrics, Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent has a gentle formula. Trusted by healthcare professionals, this baby laundry detergent liquid 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
"I've been a big fan of unscented detergents but wanted something different this time. This product has a light scent, which has truly won me over. Tried it for my 14-month-old's dirty toddler clothes, and it cleaned them well. Hence, the transition has been super smooth!"
6. Best Biodegradable: 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. The tried-and-tested product has a plant-based formula that has been tested by physicians and chemists.
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, and vegan
- Not tested on animals
- 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
"This detergent cleans effectively, doesn't leave a residue, and is gentle on clothing. It may not leave a scent, but it is a simple yet effective addition to my laundry routine. I also like how gentle it is on sensitive skin."
Do remember7.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. The clear formula of this baby laundry detergent liquid 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
"My journey with Planet Detergent spans years. It works very well for sensitive skin - a rarity in the detergent world. Also, I love that it's plant-based and can be used to wash adult clothes."
9. Best pH-Balanced: ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 1,256 positive reviews on Amazon.
Devoid of dyes, optical brighteners, parabens, phosphates, and phthalates, the Ecos Liquid Laundry Detergent has a hypoallergenic, pH-balanced formula. This detergent for baby clothes 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
- US. 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
"This detergent has a pleasing aroma that doesn't linger, which is great for sensitivities. Although I found some of the fragrance options milder than expected, the detergent is residue-free and leaves clothes, particularly towels, crisp and fresh."
Quick tip10. Best USDA-Certified: Seventh Generation Concentrated Baby Laundry Detergent
The Seventh Generation Concentrated Baby Laundry Detergent has a powerful triple-enzyme formula that fights tough stains. Its clear and free composition does not irritate sensitive skin. The plant-based formula 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 and does not contain dyes or brighteners
- Allergy-tested
Cons
- Quantity may be less
- May need more than one wash to remove stubborn stains
"Over the years, this detergent has been my trusted partner. At times, the cap might clog or leak, but the proper storage steps can fix that. Overall, this detergent removes stains and odors and leaves a pleasant fragrance."
11. Best Eco-Friendly: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 safety-tested baby friendly laundry 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
Not tested on animals
Protects color
Cons
- May have low viscosity
- Laundry may remain dingy after one wash
"I've used this mild and effective detergent on my baby's clothes for easy cleaning. With no scent or coloring agents, it is safe for my daughter's sensitivities. However, I needed to pre-treat some stubborn stains. Beware of loosely fitted caps, as mine leaked. Otherwise, it's a great and safe choice for your laundry needs."
12.Best Hassle-Free: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 for baby clothes 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
- No animal testing
Cons
- May not dissolve completely
- Residue may stick to clothes
"I recently switched to this brand's detergent pods to freshen up my laundry, and I'm glad I did. They aren't overpowering and get the job done well. Although my family and I usually lean toward traditional detergents, we've enjoyed this safer alternative. Its pleasant vetiver scent stays on the clothes even after washing and drying. We'll be sticking to this for our laundry needs."
13.Best Longevity:All Liquid Laundry Detergent
Image: All Store 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 of this baby friendly laundry detergent 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
"Remove tough stains with this laundry detergent; it works efficiently, leaving a fresh, pleasant, and long-lasting scent. However, it would be nice if the fragrance was slightly strong. I appreciate its safe formula with no dye or fragrance. The product ensures clean towels, clothes, and linens. I would suggest this for sensitive skin."
14.Best Odor Elimination: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
- Not tested on animals
- Ultra-concentrated baby laundry detergent
- Does not contain ammonia, phosphates, petrochemicals, or brighteners
- Detergent leaves no residue after washing and rinsing
- No artificial fragrance or dyes
- EPA Safer Choice-certified
Cons
- May turn white clothes dingy
"I've always loved this laundry detergent—it works well and leaves no residue. While it doesn't quite work for heavy-duty messes like bed pads, it's perfect for everyday laundry. It is septic-friendly and free from overpowering scent, which suits me. Concentrated and efficient, it goes a long way for my family of seven. Overall, it is a reliable detergent that does not compromise skin comfort."
15.Best Baby-Safe:Eco-Me Natural Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent
Eco-Me Laundry Detergent has an environmentally friendly natural Lavender Blossom scent that leaves clothes smelling fresh. The tried-and-tested detergent 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
- Ultra-concentrated baby laundry detergent
- 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
"The detergent does not irritate my skin and is suitable for my large family, including a newborn and an elder. Though it has a barely noticeable lavender scent, it's concentrated and lasts a while, especially with everyday clothes. Measuring the detergent can be a bit tricky with the small cap, but I am happy that it leaves clothes clean and soft."
16.Best Elegance: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 soap that 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
"Finding an allergen-free detergent for my baby's skin was challenging. This one stood out with minimal concerning ingredients and a naturally pleasing scent. While I add vinegar or laundry sanitizer for thorough cleansing, this environment-friendly detergent has simplified my washing routine."
17.Best Dye-Free: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. The concentrated formula of this detergent for babies 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
- Not tested on animals
- Hypoallergenic formula and gentle on skin
Cons
- Scent may be overpowering
- May be watery in texture
"The Method detergent handled most stains effectively, though some needed a few tries. Despite being labeled as fragrance-free, I sensed a faint scent from the detergent. My towels felt stiff initially, but adjusting the quantity of the liquid improved the results. Overall, it's an efficient alternative, better than many other detergents."
18.Best Hypoallergenic: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.
"I found this dermatologist-recommended liquid cleaner perfect for my preferences. It's effective, leaving no residual body odor on my clothes. For those who want to avoid detergents with strong fragrances, I would recommend this one. It meets my needs and cleans effectively."
19.Best Biodegradable: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 from essential oils
- Free of chlorine, phthalates, formaldehyde, dyes, parabens, and brighteners
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Fragrance may not last long
"This baby-friendly detergent impressed me with its mild formula and robust cleaning abilities, but its potent scent is a slight letdown. It effortlessly erases dirty spots from my kid's clothes with its biodegradable formula and plant-derived ingredients. Altogether, it's a repeat buy for me."
20.Best Purity: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 this baby-safe detergent in 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
"This detergent has a naturally comforting scent without being overpowering. It effectively cleans my kids' clothes. However, it may be less effective against tougher stains and needs some improvement. Those with sensitive skin may find it helpful as it doesn't keep the clothes heavily scented, offering a genuine, fresh feel. I'd suggest this detergent to anyone seeking a natural choice."
21.Best Sensitivity Shield: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. This detergent for babies 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
"I was surprised by the strong aroma of this fragrance-free detergent, as I was expecting a more botanical floral scent. It's a tad intense for my nose, making me lean back to my go-to lavender. However, the product has impressive cleaning power, and it's comforting knowing I'm not contributing to plastic waste. One bag sure goes a long way! A great, eco-friendly find indeed."
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 baby safe laundry 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: Check the ingredient list and choose ‘chemical-free’ or ‘organic’ detergents with naturally-derived, organic ingredients. They should be free of 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 detergent is 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 pods are 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.”
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.
The Bottom Line
Once you have a baby, you want to ensure that everything you use is safe for them. And when it comes to your baby’s laundry, you must ensure that the detergent you use does not harm your baby’s clothes or skin. Thus, we have curated this list of the best baby laundry detergents and provided a brief description of each product to help you select the right one for your baby. Our favorite picks from these options are the Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Baby Laundry Detergent, as it is hypoallergenic and pretty effective at removing food stains, the Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent, which is fragrance-free and plant-based, and the dermatologist-recommended All Liquid Laundry Detergent, which is suitable for sensitive skin.
Infographic: Points To Consider When Washing Baby Clothes
Washing baby clothes requires special care to ensure cleanliness and safety. Understanding the right techniques and considerations can help keep your baby’s garments fresh, germ-free, and gentle on their delicate skin. Look at the infographic below for the basic guidelines for safely washing baby clothes.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Bio-based Materials In The Detergents Industry.
https://www.aise.eu/our-activities/sustainable-cleaning-78/circular-economy/bio-based-materials.aspx
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Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna is a skilled writer and reviewer with a passion for creating engaging content and reviewing 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.
