Looking for the best non toxic cloth diaper detergent can feel overwhelming. You want something gentle on baby skin, tough on stains, and free of harsh chemicals. I tested popular options and rounded up the top choices to help you pick a safe, effective detergent that works for cloth diapers.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 9 Best Non Toxic Cloth Diaper Detergent Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Esembly HE mineral based laundry powder for cloth diapers and household laundry, fragrance-free, EWG verified, earth friendly
The Esembly HE mineral based laundry powder was made for cloth diapers. It uses mineral cleaning power and avoids harsh fragrances. It cleans well and offers refill options to reduce waste.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Mineral-based formula designed for tough diaper stains
✓ Fragrance-free and EWG-related safety focus
✓ Refillable packaging option to cut waste
✓ Works in HE machines and for household laundry
Why We Recommend It
This powder removes smell and stains without perfume. It’s gentle on sensitive skin and strong enough for repeated diaper loads.
Best For
Parents who want a powerful, fragrance-free detergent made for cloth diapers and household washing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful stain and odor removal
- Refillable packaging option lowers waste
- HE-compatible and versatile for other laundry
- Fragrance-free and made for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Powder can clump in very humid storage
- Some families may need to adjust amounts for hard water
Customer Reviews
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Customer Review: I switched to this for cloth diapers and noticed less buildup. Smells are gone after washing and I like the refill option. It took a couple of washes to dial in the scoop amount but once I did the diapers were clean and soft.
2. RLR natural laundry detergent powder for baby cloth diapers, whitens and brightens, non-toxic, fragrance-free
RLR is a concentrated powder that many cloth diaper users love. It brightens whites and helps remove mineral and detergent buildup. Use it as a treatment or regular booster.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Concentrated treatment for mineral and detergent buildup
✓ Fragrance-free and non-toxic formulation
✓ Works on whites and colored fabrics
Why We Recommend It
RLR excels as a booster to restore absorbency and whiteness. It’s simple to use and often fixes stubborn buildup quickly.
Best For
Parents dealing with lingering smells or buildup from hard water and detergent residue.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very effective at removing buildup and odors
- Fragrance-free, safe for sensitive skin
- Small packets make dosing easy
Cons:
- Some users report needing multiple treatments for heavy buildup
- Powder format can be messy if spilled
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. Esembly HE mineral based laundry powder for cloth diapers and household laundry, fragrance-free, EWG verified, 6lb refill
The 6lb refill of Esembly gives the same cleaning power as the canister but in bulk. It’s a budget-friendly option if you already own the reusable container.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Mineral-based cleaning in a larger refill size
✓ Fragrance-free and HE-compatible
✓ Good value per load for frequent washers
Why We Recommend It
Buying refill packs lowers cost and waste. This is a practical way to keep cleaning power on hand without buying single-use plastic bottles.
Best For
Families who cloth diaper often and want a cost-effective refill option.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value for frequent laundry
- Same performance as the smaller canister product
- Fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Refill powder needs careful storage to avoid clumping
- May require more scoops for very soiled loads
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
4. RLR natural laundry detergent powder for baby cloth diapers, whitens and brightens, non-toxic, fragrance-free, sensitive skin
This RLR variant targets sensitive skin and cloth diapers. It’s fragrance-free and still works to brighten whites and remove funk.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Designed for sensitive skin and cloth diapers
✓ Concentrated for treating buildup
✓ Works with both whites and colors
Why We Recommend It
RLR sensitive is a smart choice when baby’s skin reacts to scented detergents. It removes residue that causes smell and reduced absorbency.
Best For
Parents who need a gentle, no-fragrance booster specifically for sensitive skin and cloth diapers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Effective at restoring absorbency
- Fragrance-free formula
Cons:
- Packets may add extra cost over bulk powders
- May need repeated use for heavy buildup
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I used this on my cloth diapers and found it gentler than other boosters. My son’s skin stayed calm and the diapers lost the musty smell after a couple of treatments.
Customer Review: Great for sensitive skin. I appreciated the fragrance-free formula and saw improved absorbency after following the packet directions.
5. OsoCozy organic flat cloth diapers dozen, one-layer 100% birdseye cotton, soft and durable nappies
OsoCozy flat diapers are classic, simple, and made from organic birdseye cotton. They’re not a detergent, but they belong in a cloth diaper roundup since detergent choice impacts their performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 100% GOTS organic birdseye cotton
✓ One-layer flats that dry fast
✓ Durable and soft after multiple washes
Why We Recommend It
These flats are reliable and easy to care for. With the right non toxic cloth diaper detergent, they become absorbent and comfortable quickly.
Best For
Families who prefer classic flat diapers and want organic fabric options.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Soft and breathable organic cotton
- Affordable and versatile for folding methods
- Air-dries quickly compared to thick prefolds
Cons:
- Requires folding and pinning for use
- One layer may need a doubler for heavy wetters
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: We use pocket diapers, but I wanted to get these to have as back up or for emergency since they dry well without a dryer and my inserts take more than a day to air dry sometimes. It took me at least 6 washes before it became more absorbant, but I’m noticing they are getting a bit more absorbant with
Customer Review: I have a number of brands and sizes of flat diapers (including the more expensive Green Mountain Diapers, Swaddlebees, and Diaper Junction brands). I find myself reaching for the Osocozy flats most of the time — my son has been wearing them every day since we got them.They’re perfect for padfolding
6. Rockin Green unscented laundry detergent sheets and Dirty Diaper powdered detergent for cloth diapers, all natural biodegradable
Rockin Green offers unscented sheets and a powdered “Dirty Diaper” formula. The sheets are simple and mess-free. The powder is formulated for diapers and is biodegradable.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Unscented sheets for easy dosing and no spills
✓ Dirty Diaper powder formulated for cloth diaper odors
✓ Plant-based and biodegradable ingredients
Why We Recommend It
The sheet format is very user-friendly for quick loads and sensitive skin. The powder is strong on odor and safe for cloth.
Best For
Parents who want convenience (sheets) or a target formula for diaper stink (Dirty Diaper powder).
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sheets are low-mess and travel-friendly
- Formulas designed with cloth diaper needs in mind
- Biodegradable and hypoallergenic options
Cons:
- Sheets may be pricier per load than bulk powder
- Some users prefer liquid or powder control for dosing
Customer Reviews
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7. 365 by Whole Foods organic unscented baby laundry detergent, 33 HE loads, pack of 2
Whole Foods 365 unscented baby detergent is simple and organic-minded. It’s HE-compatible and aimed at families wanting a natural brand at a grocery price point.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Organic-minded ingredients and unscented formula
✓ HE machine compatible for low-suds washing
✓ Pack of two offers good shelf supply
Why We Recommend It
This is a straightforward, affordable option for parents who want an unscented, widely available detergent that performs adequately on baby laundry.
Best For
Shoppers looking for a natural grocery-store option that’s gentle and HE-safe.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to find
- Unscented and gentle for baby skin
- HE-compatible
Cons:
- Not specialized for diaper buildup
- May need boosters for tough smells
Customer Reviews
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8. Rockin Green Classic Rock unscented laundry detergent powder 45oz bundle, all natural, non-toxic, safe for sensitive skin
Classic Rock by Rockin Green is a trusted powder for sensitive skin and cloth diapers. It’s plant-based and aimed at removing odors while being gentle.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Plant-based, hypoallergenic formula
✓ Designed for tough odors and sweat
✓ Bundle offers good value
Why We Recommend It
Rockin Green balances cleaning strength with a gentle base. It’s a solid pick for athletic families and cloth diaper users alike.
Best For
Households that need a tough but hypoallergenic powder for both diapers and activewear.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Effective on odors and stains
- Hypoallergenic and plant-based
- Good value in a bundle
Cons:
- Powder requires careful measuring
- May not dissolve fully in very cold washes
Customer Reviews
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Customer Review: This powder cleaned my cloth diapers well and removed lingering smells. I liked that it was meant for sensitive skin and sports clothes too.
9. Dreft Stage 1 newborn hypoallergenic liquid baby laundry detergent HE, 100 ounces, 64 loads pack of 2
Dreft Stage 1 is the pediatrician-recommended classic for newborns. It’s a liquid formula, hypoallergenic, and designed to be gentle and effective on baby clothes.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Hypoallergenic liquid for newborns
✓ HE-machine compatible and easy dosing
✓ Large 100-ounce size for many loads
Why We Recommend It
Dreft is familiar and trusted. It cleans well while staying gentle on delicate newborn skin, which matters for many parents.
Best For
Newborn clothes and families who prefer a trusted liquid baby detergent.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Trusted pediatrician-recommended formula
- Gentle and hypoallergenic
- Large size offers solid value
Cons:
- Has a light scent that some families may notice
- Not specifically formulated as a cloth-diaper booster
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Best stain remover ever, works really well and hypoAllergenic cant go wrong, has a nice fresh smell
Customer Review: The detergent doesn’t cause allergies, has a pleasant and subtle scent, and cleans clothes perfectly. This detergent combines durability and quality, delivering deep cleaning without damaging fabrics. It’s versatile and suitable for various types of clothing and stains. Easy to use, it dissolves quic
Complete Buying Guide for Best Non Toxic Cloth Diaper Detergent
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing a best non toxic cloth diaper detergent, focus on ingredients, cleaning power, and compatibility with HE machines. Look for fragrance-free options and formulas that do not leave residue. Consider water hardness and whether you will need a booster for stubborn odor.
Budget Planning
Decide if you want refill packs or single-use packets. Bulk powders and refills cost less per load. Specialty boosters like RLR are great for occasional treatment. Sheets are convenient but may cost more per load.
Final Thoughts
Pick a detergent that balances gentle ingredients with real cleaning power. For daily use, a fragrance-free, HE-compatible detergent is ideal. Keep a booster on hand for buildup. Try small sizes first to confirm no skin reaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I use a booster like RLR?
A: Use a booster once a month or when you notice smell or absorbency issues. For heavy buildup, use it as directed until diapers return to normal.
Q: Can I use regular baby detergent for cloth diapers?
A: Some baby detergents work, but many leave residue. Choose formulas that are low-sudsing and free of fabric softeners and fragrance.
Q: Is fragrance-free always better for baby skin?
A: Fragrance-free reduces risk of irritation. If your baby has sensitive skin, fragrance-free options are safer.
Q: Do I need special detergent for HE machines?
A: Yes. Use HE-compatible detergents to prevent excess suds and ensure proper rinsing in a high-efficiency washer.
Q: How can I remove detegent buildup from cloth diapers?
A: Use a dedicated booster like RLR or follow a stripping routine with appropriate products. Always rinse thoroughly afterward.
Thanks for reading this roundup of the best non toxic cloth diaper detergent. I hope these reviews help you find a safe, effective detergent for your family. Click any “Check Price on Amazon” button to learn more and grab the current price. Happy washing!
