You’re thinking to yourself, “Seriously?! I’ve decided to start using cloth diapers and now I have another decision to make on the kind of detergent I should use?! Why does it matter!!??” Great question and I was wondering the same thing too. Why does it matter if I use liquid or powder detergent?
The short explanation of it is that it’s really a preference thing; although some will argue with that statement. The theory in using liquid detergent is that it’s already in a liquid state so it is readily able to get into the down and dirty of the diapers and inserts that you’re washing. The downside of using liquid detergent? Most liquid detergents have additives to the solution that makes the gel substance stay together and not separate. The benefit to using powder is that it is generally cheaper and the cardboard box is also more eco friendly. Some people find that powder detergent doesn’t disolve well in their washer.That can lead to detergent build up, which, believe me is a stinky situation.
The only thing your REALLY need to stay away from when considering what detergent to use is if it has a synthetic fabric softener (for example Tide with Downy) That is the only type that you have to stay away from.
There is a ton of information out there on detergents from blog posts to charts. Here are a few of my favorites:
If you do a Google search the myriads of results can be overwhelming so first figure out. Do some research and then use common sense and all you’ve learned to arrive at a solution that works for you and your family. Lastly don’t give up. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Elizabeth (aka Bert) is a stay-at-home-mom and contributing writer for She Thinks Media. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, Ben, her son Buggie, and daughter Lady Bug. When she’s not trying to convince Buggie to expand his interests beyond Thomas the Train or put his pants back on she’s writing about her experiences as a mom on her blog, First Time Mom (FTM). After all, Bert maintains there’s a first time for everything, even if you have more than one child!
I’m Julie, a former cloth diaper retailer who discovered a passion for the industry. Now, instead of selling cloth diapers, I advocate them and promote small businesses I love who sell and manufacture them.
I’m the wife of a fireman and mother of three. I have a daughter and identical twin sons.
