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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Homemade Cloth Diaper Detergent

Finding the right Cloth Diaper Detergent is a struggle.  I know, I've tried 5 different kinds.  Most regular detergents have chemicals that aren't safe for a baby's skin, particularly when wet and against their bottom for prolonged periods.  That means you're relegated to the cloth diaper detergents and they know they've got you.  Some cost you an arm and a leg, some leave a residue, some don't get the "stink" out, some aren't compatible with certain fabrics, and some might not be compatible with your baby's skin due to sensitivities.  Why does it have to be so difficult to not use disposable diapers?!

Well, now it isn't. :)

I found this recipe awhile back and I use it for my diapers now.  I'm loving it. :)

Homemade Cloth Diaper Detergent
What's In It:
1 c Baking Soda
1 c Oxygen Cleaner
1 c Washing Soda 

What To Do With It:
Mix together in a quart sized mason jar (or any other container will do).  

Use approximately 1 T with each diaper load.  

I have found that if I use the scoop that comes in my oxo-brite, it's just slightly more than 1 T.  It works well for me (I always do an extra rinse after my heavy wash cycle just to make sure all of the soap is out of the diapers), but you're going to have to experiment with your own wash cycle and your little one's sensitivity.  

Good luck - I hope this recipe works as well for you as it has for me!  We also make our own regular laundry detergent - I'll get around to making another batch some day and I'll take some pics and post it up. :)

Do you make any of your own detergents?   


11 comments:

  1. I make my own cleaners all the way around. (Allergies are really bad in this house and it just works better this way)

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    1. I agree! I'm sorry I missed this comment until today...we luckily don't have allergies, but I LOVE making my own cleaners and knowing exactly what is in them! :)

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  2. I just bought that same oxygen bleach to use on my CDs! I'm planning on making this concoction really soon :)

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    1. That's great! Let me know how you like it!

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  3. can i use this in an HE washer??

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    1. I do...but you might want to check the ingredient list with your washing machine manufacturer just to be safe! Good luck!

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  4. I'm looking for a recipe I could use for cloth diapers and my regular everyday laundry. Would this work for both?

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    1. I haven't used it for my regular laundry, but I would think that anything good enough to clean dirty diapers is good enough for regular clothes. I'm not sure how well it would do on greasy clothes though. Let me know if you decide to give it a try. I'd love to hear how it goes! :-)

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    2. Add some grated laundry soap to make it better for regular clothes-- but don't use the soap version on your cloth diapers. Fels Naptha and Zote can be found in the laundry aisle, and Castile bar soap like Dr. Bronners is a good natural alternative. I make two versions on homemade detergent: 1:1 ratio of Bronners grated citrus soap and washing soda with lemon essential oil for a stronger version and a 1:1:1 ratio of grated Bronners lavender soap, washing soda, and baking soda with lavender essential oil for my delicates. I'm considering cloth diapering with the next baby and I'm excited to see a recipe for homemade detergent with familiar ingredients!

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  5. Does your baby have really sensitive skin? I ask because mine seems to have a terrible reaction to the Rockin Green and was going to try this, and wanted to know if anyone has had a reaction to it?

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    1. He does have very sensitive skin! That has been a major part of my struggle. Everything gives him redness and irritation - except this. You might also want to try a micro-fleece liner to see if it is a wetness sensitivity issue.

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