Choosing Laundry Detergent for Cloth Nappies
When considering your detergent choice for your cloth nappies, there are a few things you need to consider. The major determinants are how well it cleans, how environmentally friendly it is, and how cost-effective it is. Sounds simple, right? But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming! So let’s dive a little deeper.
Cleaning Power
Finding a detergent that is effective on heavily soiled nappies is essential. Without an effective wash, ammonia can develop, which will degrade your nappies faster and can lead to skin irritation and nappy rash. Other unpleasant signs of an insufficient wash routine include smells and significant stains. While this is not always entirely related to detergent choice, it plays a major role.
Environmentally friendly
Many cloth nappy users are eco-conscious and so naturally look for a detergent that is kind to the planet and doesn’t contain any nasty chemicals. Some eco-friendly brands of detergent can be effective for standard laundry but may not quite be up to the task of achieving squeaky-clean nappies. They may also require large amounts of detergent or a higher temperature to be effective, making them less cost-efficient. That being said, there are definitely some quality eco-friendly detergents out there!
Cost-effective
Detergents come with a range of price points. If you have chosen cloth nappies primarily to save money, you may opt for the most budget-friendly option. However, this may mean compromising environmental or ethical values or the effectiveness of the product. While you can expect to pay more for a quality eco-friendly detergent, we see this as an investment.
One thing to consider is that if you choose a cheaper detergent, you may need to use an additional laundry booster to achieve a good clean, which should be factored into your costs.
Our recommendation
We love B Clean Co Baby Detergent. This detergent has been tried and tested specifically with cloth nappies! It has been found highly effective at cleaning nappies while being a non-toxic, plant-based, eco-friendly choice. It uses strong organic enzymes without harsh chemicals to ensure your nappies come out clean. It also has a built-in booster to save you from additional purchases and maximize effectiveness. This detergent has also been tested and endorsed by Clean Cloth Nappies – the go-to nappy washing experts and also received multiple awards. Detergents are biodegradable, making them safe for septic systems and greywater use. It is effective with a 40-degree wash, giving it an advantage over many eco-friendly brands. Products are Australian-made and vegan, and the scoops are compostable! They are a clear winner in our books which is why we are so excited to add the baby detergent to our range!
Finding the perfect detergent means finding an ideal balance between effectiveness, environmental impact, and cost. We are stoked to say we think we’ve found it in the B Clean Baby detergent! Check it out here!