Detergents - Clean It Guide

Our detergent recommendations are based on the following criteria

To be reommended for cloth diapers:

The detergent must not contain fabric softener.
The detergent must contain enough cleaning agent (surfactants) to clean poo from cloth diapers.
Must not have reported burn issues, repellancy issues or cause damage to the cloth diapers.
Must not contain sodium cocoate, which can build up on fibers and cause repelling

To be reommended for hunting gear or military combat uniforms:

The detergent must not contain fragrances.
The detergent must not contain optical brighteners.

Individual detergent recommendations will vary based on

1. Washing machine type (front loader, top loader, etc)

2. Water condition (hard water, soft water, etc)

Laundry Detergents “A”


Image	Product	Details	Recommended?	HE Safe?
	A Happy Green Life Powder	NOTES: Basically this powder contains baking soda, oxiclean, and washing soda. No Enzymes No Optical Brighteners Fragrance or Essential Oil (optional) No sodium cocoate	Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
	Ace (Ace Ultra, Ultra Ace, etc) Liquid	NOTES: South American version of Tide No Softeners No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers	Yes
	Ace (Ace Ultra, Ultra Ace, etc.) Powder	NOTES: South American version of Tide No Softeners No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers	Yes
	Ahold Liquid	NOTES: Package is very vague! Simply says “Contains Anionic and/or Nonionic Surfactants, Enzymes”. Product page also says “Detergent. Stain remover. Brightener” It is Synthetic based. No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers	Yes
	Ajax Dual Action Clean Liquid	NOTES: Synthetic Based. Package simply says “Includes Biodegradable Surfactants (Anionic and Nonionic). Contains no Phosphorus.” The US Dept. Of Human Services listed the following information about Ajax 2x Ultra Liquid, which is the new name. Contains: Nonionic surfactant(s) (unspecified), Formaldehyde, Ethanol/SD Alcohol 40, Sodium carbonate, Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, C14-15 Pareth-7, Cleaning agent(s), Sudsing agent, Anionic surfactant(s) (unspecified)!!!	Cloth Diapers	Yes
Ajax 2X Ultra Liquid Detergent with Bleach Alternative	Ajax 2X Ultra Liquid Detergent with Bleach Alternative	NOTES Contains Softeners so not a good option for cloth diapers. Has fragrances so not a good option for hunting or combat uniforms. No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No sodium cocoate		Yes
	All Powder	NOTES: Does not contain sodium cocoate. No Enzymes No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers	Yes
	All Baby Liquid	NOTES: Reports of repelling issues with cloth diapers. According to EWG “Poor disclosure; May contain ingredients with potential for Combat Uniformte aquatic toxicity; respiratory effects; kidney and urinary effects”. Contains sodium cocoate.		Yes
	All Free Clear Powder	NOTES Does not contain sodium cocoate. No Dyes No Fragrance No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers	Yes
	All Free Clear Liquid	NOTES: Contains Biodegradable Anionic And/Or Nonionic Surfactants, Water Softeners, Brightener, Enzymes, Sodium Percarbonate And Processing Aids. Reported repellancy issues with cloth diapers. No Dyes No Fragrance		Yes
	All Free Clear (Military Edition) Liquid	NOTES: Only available at military commissary. Reports of repelling issues with cloth diapers. No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance	Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
	All Free Clear Plus Oxi Liquid	NOTES Reports of repelling issues with cloth diapers. No Optical Brighteners No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance	Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
	All Fresh and Sensitive Liquid	NOTES No Enzymes		Yes
	All Powercore Pacs, Free Clear	NOTES No Dyes No Fragrance No sodium cocoate		Yes
	All Small and Mighty Free & Clear Liquid	NOTES: Reports of repelling issues with cloth diapers. Contains: Ethoxylated Lauryl Alcohol, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Propylene glycol, Alcohol Ether Sulfate, Coconut fatty acid salt, Glycerin, Ethanolamine, Water, Protease (an enzyme), Acrylic Polymer, Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate (optical Brightener!), Denatonium Benzoate No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance	Cloth Diapers	Yes
	All Mighty Pacs Free & Clear Liquid	NOTES: Reports of repelling issues with cloth diapers. Contains: Ethoxylated Lauryl Alcohol, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Propylene glycol, Alcohol Ether Sulfate, Coconut fatty acid salt, Glycerin, Ethanolamine, Water, Protease (an enzyme), Acrylic Polymer, Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate (optical Brightener!), Denatonium Benzoate No Dyes No Fragrance		Yes
	All Sport Wash Liquid by Molly Suds	NOTES: Contains: Purified water, decyl glucoside, vegetable glycerin, plant based minerals and enzymes, sodium bicarbonate, cocomide MEA, vanilla extract, organic sweet orange oil, plant based alcohol* *Alcohol is used in processing, however, it is not in the finished product. Note: Seasonal variations in raw materials may affect product color but does not affect efficacy No Optical Brighteners No Dyes No Softeners No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
	All Stain Lifter Liquid	NOTES Reported repellency issues with cloth diapers. No Enzymes No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance		Yes
	All with Oxi Liquid	NOTES May contain ingredients with potential for Government enforceable restrictions; respiratory effects; biodegradation. Reports of repelling issues with cloth diapers. No Softeners		Yes
	Allens Naturally Powder	NOTES Best for babies with sensitive skin, however, doesn’t clean very well! Rinses well in cold water No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
	Allens Naturally Ultra Powder	NOTES Although there are no brighteners, the label reads “Not recommended for military uniforms”. No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
	Allens Naturally Liquid	NOTES Allen’s Naturally liquid laundry detergent requires only 1/4 oz for HE Machines. No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
	Amway, Legacy of Clean SA8 Powder	NOTES According to this products disclosure report it does contain Sodium carbonate. 1/8 cup cleans a medium load of clothes. No Optical Brighteners No Dyes No Softeners	Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
	Amway SA8 Laundry Detergent Legacy of Clean, Floral Scent Liquid	NOTES No Optical Brighteners No Softeners No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
	Amway Legacy of Clean All Fabric Bleach Powder	NOTES Recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice Program. No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Dyes No Softeners No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
	Amway Legacy of Clean Delicate Laundry Detergent, Liquid	NOTES No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Dyes No sodium cocoate	Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
	Amway Legacy of Clean SA8 Liquid Laundry Detergent, Light Scent	NOTES Has fragrance so not a good idea for hunting or combat. Added softeners make this a bad option for cloth diapers. No Optical Brighteners No Dyes No sodium cocoate		Yes
	Attitude Baby Fragrance-Free	NOTES Good plant-based option. Use half a cap in prewash and a whole cap and a half in the main wash. Wash on hot and add a water softener if your water is at all hard. Awesome for sensitive skin and eczema! No Optical Brighteners	Cloth Diapers	Yes
	Attitude Ylang-Ylang & Tangerine	NOTES Good plant-based option. Use half a cap in prewash and a whole cap and a half in the main wash. Wash on hot and add a water softener if your water is at all hard. Good Value For Money No Optical Brighteners	Cloth Diapers	Yes
	Attitude Lavender & Grapefruit	NOTES Good plant-based option. Use half a cap in prewash and a whole cap and a half in the main wash. Wash on hot and add a water softener if your water is at all hard. No Optical Brighteners	Cloth Diapers	Yes

Laundry Detergents “B”


Product	Details	Recommended?	HE Safe?
Babies R Us Baby Liquid Detergent	NOTES Not enough available information to recommend this brand.		Yes
BabyGanics Loads of Love 3X, Fragrance-Free	Loads of Love is an unscented detergent that has none of all the “bad stuff” in regular laundry detergent. This means that it is free from petrolatum, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, and parabens. No Optical Brighteners No Dyes No Fragrance	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
BabyGanics 3X Lavender liquid	No Optical Brighteners No Dyes	Cloth Diapers	Yes
Bac-Out Liquid	NOTES This is a booster. Particularly helpful with detergents that do not contain enzymes. No Optical Brighteners No Dyes No Fragrance	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
Berkley Jensen Ultra	NOTES Equivalent to Tide No Dyes No Softeners	Cloth Diapers	Yes
Better Life Liquid Lavender Grapefruit	NOTES Not recommended for cloth diapers due to the Potassium Cocoate ingredient (coconut derived) that will build up in diapers. It is a great economical and eco-friendly option for all other fabrics! Works in all temperatures and for all types of fabric with great results. Non-toxic and biodegradable. Safe around kids, pets, and the planet. Never tested on animals. Kind to waterways and marine life. Made in the USA with solar energy! This variety is Scented with essential oils and botanical extracts. Due to the scents from essential oils, we don’t recommend this variety for hunting or combat. No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Dyes No Softeners No sodium cocoate		Yes
Better Life Unscented	NOTES Not recommended for cloth diapers due to the Potassium Cocoate ingredient (coconut derived) that will build up in diapers. It is a great economical and eco-friendly option for all other fabrics! Works in all temperatures and for all types of fabric with great results. Non-toxic and biodegradable. Safe around kids, pets, and the planet. Never tested on animals. Kind to waterways and marine life. Made in the USA with solar energy! No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance No sodium cocoate	Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
Bio D Concentrated Laundry Liquid	NOTES No petrochemicals, phosphates, preservatives, enzymes or synthetic perfumes. Hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin. No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
Bio D Nappy Fresh Sanitiser and Stain Remover Powder	NOTES This is a booster. It is HE safe and plant based. It’s added to the main wash. No petrochemicals, phosphates, preservatives, enzymes or synthetic perfumes! No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
Bio-Vert Liquid, Fresh Cotton	NOTES Contains sodium cocoate, which can build up on fibers and cause repelling issues on cloth diapers. This variety is scented so it’s not recommended for combat or hunting gear. No Optical Brighteners No Dyes No Softeners		Yes
Bio-O-Kleen Powder Free & Clear Powder	NOTES According to various cloth diaper forums, this brand of detergent causes repellency issues with pocket diapers. No Optical Brighteners No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
Bio-O-Kleen Liquid Laundry Detergent	NOTES Great all around choice No Optical Brighteners No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
Biokleen Baby Laundry Detergent Liquid	NOTES No Optical Brighteners No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
Biz Stain & Odor Eliminator Powder	NOTES Enzyme booster No Dyes No Softeners No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers	Yes
Boardwalk Huracan40 Powder	NOTES Contains sodium metasilicates. Sodium metasilicates are non-flammable, non-explosive, and non-toxic. They are, however, alkaline materials and pose hazards to the skin and eyes. The physiological effects of contact range from causing irritation to causing chemical burns. The detergent powder is a mixture of: Disodium carbonate and Alcohols, C10-16 (Emulsifiers/Surfactants), ethoxylated. Has fragrance therefor we can not recommend it for hunting or military camo. No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Softeners No sodium cocoate		Yes
Bold (European) Liquid	NOTES This product has synthetic fabric softener and therefor we can not recommend it for cloth diapers. The natural flavouring, coumarin, can cause liver damage in highly sensitive individuals! 5-15% Anionic Surfactants, <5% Non-Ionic Surfactants, Phosphonates, Soap, Enzymes, Optical Brighteners, Benzisothiazolinone, Perfumes, Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Hexyl Cinnamal (perfume), Linalool (scent) No Dyes No sodium cocoate		Yes
Borax Powder	NOTES Borax is a water softener. Great for anyone with hard water. No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
Boulder Liquid	NOTES COntains METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE and SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE which are toxic to aquatic life! Also contains SODIUM BORATE which the Enviroment Working Group list as a High Concern: developmental/endocrine/reproductive effects. There are some outdated sites out there reporting that this is not HE safe, this is very old information! This brand has been HE safe for several years! No Optical Brighteners No Dyes No Softeners No sodium cocoate		Yes
Branch Basics Liquid	NOTES These ingredients are about as pure as you can get! Purified Water, Coco Glucoside (Sugar-Based Cleanser), Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract*, Decyl Glucoside (Sugar-Based Cleanser), Sodium Citrate (Food-Grade Emulsifier), Lauryl Glucoside (Sugar-Based Cleanser), Sodium Bicarbonate (Food-Grade Baking Soda), Sodium Phytate (Plant-Based Antioxidant). This has an OXYGEN BOOSTER of Pure sodium percarbonate combined with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), which is NOT the same thing as Optical brighteners. No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Dyes No Softeners No sodium cocoate	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
BumGenius Powder	Moms report cloth diapers are clean, and no funky smell. Commonly used on both pocket diapers and prefolds. This old version is harder to find and is basically the same as Country Save detergent. It just takes more of this (compared to Country Save) to wash your clothes. No Optical Brighteners No Enzymes No Dyes No Softeners No Fragrance	Cloth Diapers Hunting Gear Combat Uniform	Yes
Buncha Farmers Detergent Liquid	NOTES Ingredients are not listed. Simply says “all natural ingredients” so we can not recommend!		Yes