Looking for the best natural cloth diaper detergent that cleans thoroughly without irritating baby skin or leaving residue? We tested and researched top gentle, mineral-based, and plant-friendly detergent options that work on cloth diapers and everyday laundry. Below are our picks, full reviews, pros and cons, and real customer feedback to help you choose the right product.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 Best Natural Cloth Diaper Detergent Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Esembly Laundry Washing Powder HE mineral-based detergent for cloth diapers and household laundry, fragrance-free 6 lb refill
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.6/5
The Esembly Washing Powder is a mineral-based, fragrance-free formula made for stubborn cloth diaper stains and lingering odors. It’s refillable and designed to rinse clean so diapers stay absorbent and fresh.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Mineral-based formula that removes buildup and odors
✓ Fragrance-free and gentle on baby skin
✓ Refillable 6 lb pack ideal for frequent washes
✓ Formulated for HE machines and hard water
Why We Recommend It
This detergent consistently breaks down urine and poop residue without leaving a waxy film. It’s effective for daily diaper loads and safe for sensitive skin when used per directions.
Best For
Parents who want a strong, refillable, fragrance-free detergent specifically made for cloth diapers and HE washers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful cleaning for cloth diapers and activewear
- No fragrance or dyes—good for sensitive skin
- Refillable packaging reduces waste
- Works well in HE machines
Cons:
- Requires careful measuring to avoid overdosing
- May need booster for very hard water
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “We own the full Esembly cloth diaper set up from outers, inners, liners, overnighters and the reusable wipes. They’re great diapers but when we first started using them I could NEVER get them clean with other soap. Desperate, I purchased the detergent which I was initially hesitant to because the pr”
Customer Review: “We have been cloth diapering for 5 years and only recently decided to try this for cleaning some cloth diapers. Wow do we regret not doing this sooner! Absolutely no build up following the directions and everything always comes out clean. Mind you we have soft water so if you hard water i have no id”
2. RLR Natural Laundry Detergent Powder whitens and brightens baby cloth diapers and fabrics, non-toxic fragrance-free 5-pack
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.7/5
RLR is a concentrated powder treatment that brightens whites and removes mineral and detergent buildup from cloth diapers. It’s fragrance-free and commonly used as a treatment boost for tough loads.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Concentrated packets for targeted treatment
✓ Whitens and brightens cloth diapers and fabrics
✓ Non-toxic and fragrance-free
✓ Effective for hard water and buildup
Why We Recommend It
RLR is a go-to for parents fighting detergent and mineral build-up. It works as a treatment in addition to regular detergent to restore absorbency and whiteness.
Best For
Families dealing with stubborn diaper stink, dingy whites, or mineral buildup from hard water.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High effectiveness on buildup and stains
- Compact, easy-to-use packets
- Safe for baby fabrics when used correctly
Cons:
- Not a stand-alone detergent—used as a treatment
- Poor measuring can lead to overuse
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Used this for my cloth diaper treatment It did a great job loosening mineral buildup, and detergent buildup”
Customer Review: “If you don’t want a magical powder for your smelly laundry that takes nearly zero effort then I cannot help you.When I used RLR the first time I honestly thought I was being scammed. It is powder in a packet that you toss in the washing machine with normal detergent and run through a regular cycle.”
3. RLR Natural Laundry Detergent Powder whitens and brightens baby cloth diapers and fabrics, non-toxic fragrance-free 10-pack
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.7/5
This larger multi-pack of RLR offers the same concentrated bleach-free powder in more packets for longer treatment runs. It’s wallet-friendly and great for households doing lots of diaper loads.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Bulk packet option for repeated treatments
✓ Brightens whites without harsh bleach
✓ Fragrance-free and non-toxic
✓ Useful for periodic deep-clean cycles
Why We Recommend It
The 10-pack makes it easy to treat multiple cycles without running out. It performs like the smaller packet and keeps diapers absorbent when used properly.
Best For
Budget-conscious parents who need repeated treatments for buildup and dingy diapers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value for multiple cycles
- Compact, single-use packets reduce mess
- Effective on mineral and detergent residue
Cons:
- Not a replacement for everyday detergent
- Requires following instructions for best results
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Used this for my cloth diaper treatment It did a great job loosening mineral buildup, and detergent buildup”
Customer Review: “If you don’t want a magical powder for your smelly laundry that takes nearly zero effort then I cannot help you.When I used RLR the first time I honestly thought I was being scammed. It is powder in a packet that you toss in the washing machine with normal detergent and run through a regular cycle.”
4. RINSE Anti-static conditioner for wool, knits, cloth diapers, baby clothing and delicate fabrics, lavender scented 4 oz
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.5/5
RINSE is an anti-static fabric conditioner that softens wool, knits, and delicate baby fabrics. It’s scented lightly with lavender and aims to reduce clinging and increase fiber softness.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Anti-static action to reduce clinging
✓ Gentle on wool and delicate fabrics
✓ Light lavender scent
✓ Small bottle for targeted use
Why We Recommend It
This conditioner revives wool and knit items while calming static on diaper covers and baby clothes. It’s a handy add-on for delicate loads that need softness, not heavy chemicals.
Best For
Parents with wool covers, knits, or those who want a gentle softening rinse for special items.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Makes wool and knits soft again
- Reduces static effectively
- Works on delicate baby items without damage
Cons:
- Small 4 oz bottle may run out quickly
- Some may prefer fragrance-free options
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is a great product. I had a few merino wool pieces that were very dry and full of static. This removed that feeling and made my clothes soft and loved again.”
Customer Review: “This stuff is magic! Makes all my wool dresses and leggings soft and they never cling anymore!”
5. Premium ceramic laundry balls, gentle on clothes, eco-friendly and reusable for 2000 washes, 2-pack
★★★☆☆ Rating: 4.3/5
These ceramic laundry balls aim to replace detergent with minerals and physical agitation. They’re reusable for many washes and marketed as a low-chemical cleaning option.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Chemical-free cleaning alternative
✓ Reusable for up to 2000 washes
✓ Lightweight and easy to use
✓ Eco-friendly and travel-friendly
Why We Recommend It
If you want to reduce detergent use or cut back on fragrances and chemicals, these balls offer an eco-friendly option. They work best for lightly soiled loads and for people who prioritize minimal chemicals.
Best For
Users looking for a low-chemical laundry method for lightly soiled baby clothes or for travel when you don’t want to carry detergent.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reusable and cost-saving over time
- Gentle on fabrics and dye-free
- Great for those avoiding detergents
Cons:
- Less effective on heavy stains or very dirty diapers
- Results vary by machine and water hardness
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “THIS IS AMAZING!!!!! I had no idea this type of product even existed! I found it by accident looking for some laundry soap with less chemicals in it since I have special needs kids. I had low expectations but thought I would at least give it a try, and boy am I impressed! I have been using Tide Hygi”
Customer Review: “I remember seeing something, I think on TV, years ago about a new technology for washing clothes that didn’t use soap of any kind. It never caught on because people want suds, fragrance, etc. Maybe this is that technology. I’m an old woman and generally am washing stuff I wore once. Today I had a “
6. Esembly cloth diaper bundle with 6 lb detergent refill and six diaper inners, size 2 18–35 lb
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.5/5
This bundle pairs the 6 lb detergent refill with six diaper inners. It’s convenient for parents who want detergent and nappies in one package and value an integrated approach.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Bundle saves time buying separate items
✓ Detergent formulated for cloth diapers
✓ Includes six inners for immediate use
Why We Recommend It
The combined bundle is helpful for new cloth diaper users who want a ready setup. The detergent is the same mineral-based, diaper-safe formula that the brand promotes.
Best For
New cloth diaper users or parents refreshing their stash who want detergent plus inners in one purchase.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Convenient all-in-one bundle
- Includes refill sized detergent
- Good for starting or topping up diaper supplies
Cons:
- Bundle may be more than needed for some households
- Limited sizing options for inners
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This bundle made switching to cloth diapers easier. The detergent cleans well and the inners fit my baby comfortably.”
Customer Review: “Good value for the refill and inners. Detergent performed as expected and diapers came out fresh. Packaging could be improved.”
7. Rockin’ Green unscented detergent sheets 104 loads and Dirty Diaper powdered detergent 90 loads, biodegradable
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.4/5
Rockin’ Green offers unscented sheets for mess-free dosing and a Dirty Diaper powder option for heavy-duty cleaning. The sheets are handy for parents who want no-spill dosing.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Unscented, mess-free laundry sheets
✓ Biodegradable options available
✓ Dirty Diaper powder for heavy loads
✓ Long-lasting supply in sheet format
Why We Recommend It
These sheets are convenient and reduce measuring mistakes. The Dirty Diaper powder gives an extra cleaning boost when needed without adding fragrance.
Best For
Parents who value convenience and low-mess dosing with a strong option for very dirty loads.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No-mess sheets simplify laundry
- Unscented formulas are baby-friendly
- Includes powder option for difficult stains
Cons:
- Sheets can be pricier per load than powder
- May need extra product for extremely soiled items
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Product arrived as described and sheets are super easy to use. My sensitive-skin baby tolerated them well.”
Customer Review: “Dirty Diaper powder is great for occasional deep cleans. Combination with regular unscented detergent works well.”
8. Esembly bundle: 6 lb powder refill and waterproof cloth diaper outer, bunnies size 2, fragrance-free
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.5/5
This bundle pairs the 6 lb fragrance-free powder with a waterproof diaper outer. The powder is EWG-minded and the outer is recycled TPU, helping reduce waste.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ EWG-aware, fragrance-free detergent refill
✓ Waterproof outer made from recycled TPU
✓ Designed to reduce waste with refill packaging
Why We Recommend It
It’s a sustainable combo: refill detergent plus a recyclable diaper outer. Good for families wanting eco-conscious options without sacrificing clean results.
Best For
Eco-minded parents who want to reduce waste and use gentle detergents for diapers and the whole family’s laundry.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Eco-focused materials and refill system
- Fragrance-free, safe for sensitive skin
- Practical pairing of detergent and outer
Cons:
- Outer sizing may not fit all babies
- Bundle price may be higher than buying separately
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great combo—outer is waterproof and the detergent cleans well. Happy with the recycled fabric.”
Customer Review: “I like that this is fragrance-free and the refill works in my HE washer. Diapers feel clean and not stiff.”
9. Esembly pail deodorant powder for diaper pails and laundry, rosemary lemon grapefruit scent, 4 oz
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.4/5
This pail deodorant powder uses baking soda plus a light rosemary-lemon-grapefruit scent to neutralize odors in diaper pails and hampers. It’s a simple odor control method that’s safe for cloth items.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Natural odor neutralizer with baking soda base
✓ Light citrus-herbal scent blends
✓ Easy to sprinkle in pails, wet bags, or hampers
Why We Recommend It
It’s a no-fuss way to control smells between washes. The scent is subtle and the powder helps absorb moisture and odors in small spaces.
Best For
Households using wet bags or diaper pails who want a natural deodorizer to cut odors between laundry days.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Neutralizes odors naturally
- Compact 4 oz size for easy storage
- Multipurpose for laundry and pails
Cons:
- Small container needs replenishing more often
- Scent may bother those who prefer fully unscented products
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This bag holds a lot of cloth diapers but does not take up a lot of space. It fits into diaper pails or hangs on a door. The bag is washable and does not smell from the soiled diapers when washed inside out. Our bag has held up for over two years and fully functions as if it were new.”
Customer Review: “This is so perfect for our family. I have been using this for a few months now and I love it, I needed 2 of them so I didn’t have to wait between washes. It’s water proof, keeps out the smells pretty well (I rinse my diapers before putting them in the pail) and it works great with my diaper pail. I”
10. Esembly bundle: 6 lb washing powder refill and waterproof cloth diaper outer, buds size 1, fragrance-free
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.5/5
This bundle offers the 6 lb fragrance-free washing powder with a waterproof outer (Buds Size 1). It aims to keep things simple for cloth diapering and reduce waste with refill packaging.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Fragrance-free mineral powder refill
✓ Waterproof outer included for convenience
✓ Recycled materials for outer where applicable
Why We Recommend It
A practical set that pairs cleaning power with a reliable outer cover. Good for families who prefer fragrance-free detergents and reusable outers.
Best For
Parents who want a starter bundle with detergent and an outer in one buy.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- All-in-one solution for new users
- Fragrance-free and diaper-safe detergent
- Helps reduce single-use packaging
Cons:
- Outer may not fit all body shapes perfectly
- Bundle may not be needed if you already have outers
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great product—detergent cleans well and outer holds up through many washes. Easy to use and fragrance-free.”
Customer Review: “Perfect starter bundle for switching to cloth. Outer is comfortable and detergent leaves diapers absorbent.”
Complete Buying Guide for Natural Cloth Diaper Detergent
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing a natural cloth diaper detergent, we look at cleaning power, residue left on fabrics, ingredients (no dyes or harsh fragrances), and compatibility with HE machines and water hardness. We also check refillability, eco claims, and real-world user feedback.
Budget Planning
Detergent cost can add up. Treatment packets (like RLR) are cheap per use and pair well with a gentle daily detergent. Refillable mineral powders can be more cost-efficient long term. Compare cost per load and factor in extras like pail deodorant or boosters for hard water.
Final Thoughts
Pick a product that matches your washing routine. For everyday cleaning, use a gentle, refillable powder. For periodic deep cleans, add a buildup treatment like RLR. If you prefer minimal chemicals, try ceramic laundry balls for light loads and supplement with a treatment for really dirty diapers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I deep-clean cloth diapers?
A: Most parents deep-clean every 2–6 weeks depending on odor, buildup, or if diapers start repelling. Use a treatment like RLR when you notice repellency or dinginess.
Q: Can I use regular detergent on cloth diapers?
A: You can, but choose a mild, low-residue detergent without fragrances, dyes, or fabric softeners. Soap residue causes repelling and reduced absorbency over time.
Q: Are mineral-based detergents safe for baby skin?
A: Yes, many mineral-based detergents are formulated to be gentle and fragrance-free. Always follow dosing instructions and rinse well to avoid residue.
Q: Will detergent sheets clean as well as powder?
A: Sheets are convenient and mess-free but may be less flexible for very heavy soiling. They work well for routine loads; use a powder treatment for deep cleaning when needed.
Q: What about water hardness—does it matter?
A: Yes. Hard water can cause buildup and reduce cleaning performance. Use a water softener or add a treatment like RLR to break down mineral deposits.
Thanks for reading our roundup of the best natural cloth diaper detergent options. If you have a favorite not listed, try it and compare results. Ready to shop? Click any “Check Price on Amazon” button above to see current pricing and availability. Happy laundering!