Homemade Cloth Diaper Detergent

Learn how to make homemade cloth diaper detergent with four simple ingredients. This DIY cloth diaper laundry detergent consists of nontoxic ingredients with stain fighting abilities, while still being gentle enough for sensitive skin.

For over the past year, I have been using the Grovia cloth diapers for my daughter Reiden. Although I have thoroughly enjoyed using cloth diapers, it took me a long time to figure out the best way to clean the diapers. This DIY laundry detergent has been a game changer for scent, softness, and stains. I also wanted to ensure the diapers my daughter was using wasn’t going to be filled with chemicals and toxic ingredients.

Tips for Making Homemade Cloth Diaper Laundry Detergent

• I highly recommend scenting your cloth diaper laundry detergent with a scented bar of soap. If you use essential oils, they can leave your clothes oil stained. When I initially made my first batch, I made this mistake, and was left with oil stained clothes.
• Using a blender or food processor can be a better way to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Homemade laundry detergent can “chunk up” at times, so using a food processor can help to eliminate this in the long run.
• Use an air tight container to keep the freshness of the cloth diaper laundry detergent.

Supplies

• Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap (scented or unscented)
• Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
• Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
• Borax
• Container
• Scoop (1/4 measuring cup)
• Cheese Grater

How to Make Cloth Diaper Detergent

1. Using a cheese grater, shred an entire bar of Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap.

2. Add two cups of Arm & Hammer Laundry Booster Washing Soda.

3. Add two cups Borax.

4. Add 1/2 cup of Arm & Hammer baking soda.

5. Mix all of the ingredients together. If you have a food processor, blend the ingredients to ensure they are thoroughly blended, and to eliminate chunks.

How to Wash Cloth Diapers

1. Removing solids: If your baby is breastfed, you do not need to remove the solids. Once your baby starts eating solids, use a cloth diaper liner to make removing solids easy. After I remove the liner, I make sure no “extra solids” are left on the diaper. I store the diapers in a wet bag until they are ready to wash.
2. Rinse: Dump your wet bag of cloth diapers, plus the wet bag into the washing machine. Run the diapers through a rinse cycle. This is going to eliminate odors and flush excess pee and poop from the cycle once it’s being cleaned.
3. Add Detergent: Use 1/4 cup of the homemade cloth diaper detergent for each load. Sprinkle the detergent over the diapers after they have been rinsed.
4. Wash: Wash your cloth diapers in hot water. Wash on a “heavy duty” or “deep clean” setting.
5. Dry: There are two options you can do for drying your cloth diapers. To me, it is a personal preference whether you want to dry your cloth diapers in the dryer, or air dry them on a drying rack. I haven’t had any problems with the dryer ruining my cloth diapers or diaper shells. Because of the thickness of the diapers, it may take two cycles to dry your cloth diapers. This may be something you may want to consider.

Cloth Diaper Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to strip diapers of stains?

Ever 6 months or so I will just wash just the inserts (pads) with detergent and bleach. I know bleach is very controversial when it comes to washing clothes or towels, but I like to use it for a deep cleansing wash to ensure all bacteria and stains are removed. You can also leave dawn dish soap on the diapers, then place them in a hot cycle. Drying your cloth diapers in the sun is also a great way to remove stains.

2. How often do you wash cloth diapers?

Depending on the amount of diapers you use, the washing amount will vary. For us, we have multiple shells (roughly 10) and multiple size of pads or inserts (roughly 30). I wash my cloth diapers twice a week. I haven’t had any issues waiting longer than 5 days, or any issues washing them the same day as they are used.

3. What detergent can I pair with the homemade cloth diaper detergent?

I love the Seventh Generation Power+ 6x cleaning agent. I pair this with the detergent when I feel I need extra fighting power. It is good to use a detergent with enzymes at least every 3rd wash. The enzymes will help to breakup stains, and rid dirt and bacteria. You can also use them side by side, using a lesser amount of both.

SHOP THE SUPPLIES

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Borax + Super Washing Soda (most cost efficient)

Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap Bar (original scent)

Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap Bar (variety of scents)

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

1 Gallon Anchor Hocking Glass Container

Mini Wooden Scoop