There’s something so satisfying about fresh, clean laundry, isn’t there? But this everyday task shouldn’t come with the worry of harmful chemicals touching your baby’s delicate skin.
My kids, Caden and Willow, fill our laundry baskets quickly — there are always plenty of adorable tees, dresses, pants, socks, sheets, and blankets to be cleaned. And I’ve become intentional about using non-toxic detergent that’s free from harsh chemicals for our family. I didn’t really have a choice TBH: when Willow was just 10 days old her face and neck broke out like crazy. At first I thought it was just baby acne, but at her next well visit I asked the doctor, and learned that it likely was a reaction to detergent.
But she was already using non-toxic detergent I thought — a “free and clear” from a popular brand. What I didn’t realize though was 1) I wasn’t using a non-toxic detergent and her face was constantly cuddled up against me and 2) that “free and clear” wasn’t actually so clear of toxins…
So after doing my homework (and many loads of laundry), I’ve rounded up the best non-toxic baby detergents to help you make the right choice for your family. You’ll find the best options to keep your baby’s clothes soft, clean, and free from harmful ingredients.
Why we recommend non-toxic baby laundry detergent
From berry stained onesies to grassy knees and, let’s be real, those inevitable diaper blowouts, your baby’s clothes see it all. Naturally, you want a detergent that can handle tough stains without exposing your family members to harsh chemicals.
The good news? Non-toxic baby detergents offer powerful cleaning without any of the worry. They can handle those tough stains and still be incredibly gentle on your baby’s delicate skin.
Risks of regular detergents
Many traditional detergents contain harsh ingredients. These ingredients – like sulfates, artificial fragrances, phosphates, and even formaldehyde releasers – can do things like irritate sensitive skin, trigger allergic reactions, and cause hormone imbalances.
And these harmful substances don’t always rinse away completely. They can leave residues that can linger on your baby’s clothes and, eventually, on their skin — scary, right?
Benefits of non-toxic baby laundry detergents
Non-toxic laundry detergents should be high on every parent's priority list when it comes to making clean swaps and being super selective about the brands you have in your home. And there are plenty of safer, worry-free choices out there.
Here are some of the top benefits when it comes to buying non-toxic detergents:
- Safer for your baby’s health, avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals
- Minimizes the chance of skin irritations, rashes, and allergic reactions
- Gentle on delicate skin
- Free from harmful additives
- Won’t leave any unwanted residues
- Eco-friendly and reduces harmful environmental impact
- Keeps clothes soft and clean
How to choose baby laundry detergent
When it comes to choosing the right baby detergent, there are certain ingredients to avoid and things to keep in mind.
Harmful chemicals & ingredients to avoid
These are key chemicals to stay away from:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Can strip away natural oils and lead to skin irritation and dryness.
- Optical brighteners: Added to make clothes appear brighter, these can cause skin sensitivity and have a long-term environmental impact.
- Phosphates: Causes skin irritation and are harmful to aquatic life when washed into waterways.
- Artificial fragrances: These are often made up of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates, that affect hormones.
- Formaldehyde releasers (like DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15): These preservatives slowly release formaldehyde, which irritates skin and has been linked to more serious health concerns.
- Chlorine bleach: Causes respiratory irritation and skin sensitivity, especially for babies.
- Synthetic dyes: Linked to allergic reactions and skin irritations.
Format
When it comes to baby detergent, you’ll likely find options in three common forms: powder, liquid, and pods. As long as you’re choosing a brand with clean, non-toxic ingredients, the format is really up to your preference.
Convenience & availability
Finding non-toxic baby detergent should be simple and stress-free. You want to be able to reach for a detergent that’s safe and effective whenever you’re throwing in your next load of laundry. So whether that means quickly adding it to your cart on your phone, grabbing a bottle at your local Target, or setting up a convenient subscription service, there are lots of non-toxic detergent options available. The most important thing? Knowing your baby’s clothes are clean and chemical-free, while keeping the process as smooth as possible for you.
Our round-up of the safest non-toxic baby detergents
Molly Suds
Free from synthetic fragrances and dyes, this detergent is gentle enough for cloth diapers and is cruelty-free and vegan. It comes in powder and liquid detergent options, and is made with ingredients like saponified coconut oil, baking soda, and natural cleaning agents. You can easily purchase it on Amazon.
Dapple Baby
This liquid detergent is specifically designed for baby clothes, offering a hypoallergenic, dye-free, and fragrance-free formula that's gentle on sensitive skin. With plant-based ingredients and natural surfactants derived from coconut, it’s tough on stains without using harsh chemicals. Dapple Baby is available on Amazon.
Nellie’s Laundry Soda
Nellie’s Laundry Soda is a biodegradable, hypoallergenic laundry detergent powder that’s highly concentrated and safe for sensitive skin and cloth diapers. Free from SLS, SLES, phosphates, and synthetic fragrances, it works effectively with ingredients like sodium carbonate and coconut oil-derived cleaning agents. Available on Amazon.
Tru Earth
Tru Earth offers unique laundry strips that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free. Made with plant-based ingredients, these strips are as easy to use as a dryer sheet—just toss one in your washing machine. Added bonus for plastic-free packaging! These strips can be purchased on Amazon.
Mama Suds
Mama Suds offers a non-toxic, eco-friendly liquid detergent that's a great option for cloth diapers and baby clothes. With a concentrated formula made from simple, plant-based ingredients, it’s gentle yet effective. You can purchase this detergent directly from their website.
Meliora Laundry Powder
This powder based detergent is a plastic-free, unscented, vegan, and cruelty-free option, made without synthetic fragrances, dyes, or brighteners. With simple, clean ingredients like baking soda and essential oils, it’s a safe and reliable choice for your family’s laundry. This option is available on Amazon.
Healthy Baby
A 100% plant-based liquid concentrate detergent that’s safe for sensitive skin. It has a convenient pump dispenser—great for those one handed laundry moments. Free from harsh chemicals and eco-friendly, it’s also neurologically safe, making it a smart choice for your family. You can find Healthy Baby at Target.
Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets
These sheets are a zero-waste, plastic-free, and travel-friendly option—they’re lightweight and incredibly easy to use. With a plant-based formula free from synthetic fragrances, they’re a skin-friendly and reliable choice for your laundry. Available on Amazon.
Detergents to avoid
Of course, it's worth mentioning the other detergents I researched, but concluded weren't as “clean” as I once thought.
- Dreft
- Gain
- All Free Clear
- Tide Free & Gentle
- Seventh Generation (some formulas) — this one’s surprising, since most products are clean, but some do contain methylisothiazolinone, which can be a skin irritant.
- Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear
- ECOS Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Woolite Baby Laundry Detergent
Are all “free and clear” detergents safe for babies?
Many detergents use the label “free and clear,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re completely safe for babies. This tag often refers to the absence of things like dyes and fragrances, but some formulas still contain harsh chemicals or irritants. To be sure a product is truly non-toxic, you’ll need to check the ingredients list and look for plant-based or gentle alternatives and of course avoid any with harmful chemicals and ingredients listed.
Practical tips for washing baby clothes
Coming from someone who's still in the throes of washing tiny socks and beloved stuffies, here are a few simple tips to make any laundry day easier.
Pre-treating stains on delicate fabrics
It’s no shocker here—kids are messy, but don’t let tough stains stick around! For delicate fabrics, try a non-toxic stain remover like Molly Suds. Apply directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing. The key is to act quickly (we’re talking not leaving them for hours or overnight), and don’t give those sauce or grass stains a chance to set in.
Optimal water temperature for baby laundry
And when it comes to water temperature, warm water is great for breaking down dirt and cleaning baby clothes effectively without being too harsh. For tougher loads (like cloth diapers), hot water has a better cleaning power and can help sanitize, while cold water is ideal for more delicate fabrics to prevent any shrinking.
I hope this guide helped you find the best non-toxic baby detergent for your family. And if you’re looking to make more clean swaps, don’t forget to check out our guides on non-toxic baby wipes, diapers, and sunscreen. To stay in the loop with more tips and product recommendations for motherhood and family life, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter!
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