Using a good detergent is critical to success with cloth diapers. Use the right detergent and you'll enjoy easy washing and fresh clean diapers, use the wrong one and you may experience leaking diapers, excessive staining, odor issues and an overall bad experience using cloth.

What's the big deal with detergent? Well many...correction most commercial laundry detergents are not meant for cloth diapers. They are made using chemicals, brighteners, whiteners and scents that are meant to last days after your clothes are laundered. All of these things mean that substances are left behind in the material fibers. When it comes to diapers, that translates to buildup that can cause repelling and leaks, diaper rashes and odor problems. Add to that the chemicals which can break down the diapers you have invested in and you end up with a problem.

And remember, just because your detergent label says, gentle, green, environmentally friendly, made with natural ingredients, no perfumes etc. etc. doesn't mean it's okay for your diapers.

So does that mean you have to only use specific detergents recommended by cloth diaper manufacturers? Well not necessarily. While you are safest using a detergent that is specifically recommended or labeled as safe for cloth, there are some exceptions. What you need to look for is a detergent that leaves ZERO residue. In other words one that does not contain brighteners, whiteners, scents, or additives...and FYI, looking at the label on the container won't always tell you what you need to know. Detergents are not like food products. Often detergent manufacturers are not required to specifically list everything in the detergent if they don't want to.

How are you supposed to know then if the detergent you want to use is safe for your diapers?

Check our our list of recommended detergents.

Most detergents used in moderation with thorough rinsing shouldn't cause residue problems. However a detergent that works for one family may not work for the next depending on water conditions, your specific washing machine etc.

Note: if your machine is used at all for laundering cloth diapers it is wise to use a cloth safe detergent for all your laundry, not just your diapers. Residues can remain in your washer and transfer to your diapers if you are switching between detergents for different loads of laundry.