I just love this simple, safe, fresh smelling detergent! It really works well, and takes about 4 minutes to make, not to mention super frugal.
I adapted this recipe from a great website, The Eco-Friendly Family. They have been a life-saver for me over the past few years when it comes to cloth diapering :)
There is always controversy over homemade vs. retail detergents when it comes to cloth diapers.
Some say vinegar in the rinse is good, some say it is bad.
Some think borax is toxic, other think it is safe for laundry.
Some say baking soda will not able to be rinsed, others say its a lifesaver for their laundry.
While it is true that certain factors (such as your water softness, the brand of your washer and dryer, and the method you treat and store your diapers) will all effect the outcome of any detergent on your diapers. I highly recommend giving this homemade recipe a try!
For us, we LOVE this cloth diaper detergent. We have been using this recipe for years, and it works very well, it saves us valuable money, I feel very good that it is not full of toxins, dyes, and perfumes, and it's super quick to make.
I hope others can find this useful as well!
*This recipe is similar to the Homemade Laundry Detergent we use, but of course without the soap due to cloth diaper build up and repelling. For my laundry detergent (for clothes) recipe click here or for the liquid version click here.
Homemade Cloth Diaper Detergent Version 1:
*This version works the best in my opinion, but lately I am choosing not to use Borax in my home. Although it is a natural product, damage can be done when inhaled or ingested, especially to pregnant woman and small children, so I opt now to use Recipe #2 below.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup washing soda
This is a great ingredient for removing stains and softening water.
We purchase ours from Super Target, although not all Targets carry it
- 1 cup borax
Has super cleaning power.
We purchase ours from Super Target, although not all Targets carry it.
- 1/2 cup of Oxiclean
Forms tiny bubbles to gently "bleach" and clean.
I prefer the Oxiclean Baby powder, it has a super fresh scent but with no dyes, perfumes, or chlorine. You can find this in the baby section of most Target's
- A few drops of essential oil
Tea Tree Oil and/or Oil of Oregano is great for its disinfectant properties, something like tangerine oil or orange oil is great for its fresh scent. We use this brand from Vitacost.
Directions:
Just mix ingredients together and store in a large mason jar (or container of choice). Use 1-2 tablespoons per load.
- 1 cup washing soda
This is a great ingredient for removing stains and softening water.
We purchase ours from Super Target, although not all Targets carry it
- 1 cup borax
Has super cleaning power.
We purchase ours from Super Target, although not all Targets carry it.
- 1/2 cup of Oxiclean
Forms tiny bubbles to gently "bleach" and clean.
I prefer the Oxiclean Baby powder, it has a super fresh scent but with no dyes, perfumes, or chlorine. You can find this in the baby section of most Target's
- A few drops of essential oil
Tea Tree Oil and/or Oil of Oregano is great for its disinfectant properties, something like tangerine oil or orange oil is great for its fresh scent. We use this brand from Vitacost.
Directions:
Just mix ingredients together and store in a large mason jar (or container of choice). Use 1-2 tablespoons per load.
Homemade Cloth Diaper Detergent Version 2:
Ingredients:
-2 cups washing soda
This is a great ingredient for removing stains and softening water.
We purchase ours from Super Target, although not all Targets carry it
-1 cup OxiClean
I prefer the Oxiclean Baby powder, it has a super fresh scent but with no dyes, perfumes, or chlorine. You can find this in the baby section of most Target's
-1 cup baking soda
(I use baking soda instead of extra washing soda, due to the fact that it is not as alkaline, yet still is able to lift urine and poo. If there was too much washing soda, it would cause for a high PH and with something you are putting on a delicate babies skin, you want to be as gentle as possible)
- A few drops of essential oil
Tea Tree Oil and/or Oil of Oregano is great for its disinfectant properties, something like tangerine oil or orange oil is great for its fresh scent. We use this brand from Vitacost.
Store in a large mason jar and use 1-2 tablespoons per load.
For more cloth diapering info, you can read my post, Cloth Diapering 101
Ingredients:
-2 cups washing soda
This is a great ingredient for removing stains and softening water.
We purchase ours from Super Target, although not all Targets carry it
-1 cup OxiClean
I prefer the Oxiclean Baby powder, it has a super fresh scent but with no dyes, perfumes, or chlorine. You can find this in the baby section of most Target's
-1 cup baking soda
(I use baking soda instead of extra washing soda, due to the fact that it is not as alkaline, yet still is able to lift urine and poo. If there was too much washing soda, it would cause for a high PH and with something you are putting on a delicate babies skin, you want to be as gentle as possible)
- A few drops of essential oil
Tea Tree Oil and/or Oil of Oregano is great for its disinfectant properties, something like tangerine oil or orange oil is great for its fresh scent. We use this brand from Vitacost.
Store in a large mason jar and use 1-2 tablespoons per load.
For more cloth diapering info, you can read my post, Cloth Diapering 101
RSS Feed
