Powder vs Liquid detergent

AACaHa13

So, my mom informed me that powder detergent can cause damage to septic tanks. I had no idea.... I would like to continue to cloth diaper but if in the long run it may pose a problem with our septic, well then that isn't good. We use freetimes and best bottoms only. I read that on the down side of using powder detergent, they contain more chemicals than the liquids and the sodium sulfates in the powder is what causes problems with the septic tank. Finding this out Makes me somewhat upset as the whole reason to cloth diaper is to have baby less exposed to chemicals. Anyone use liquid detergents for cloth? I don't want the chemicals or damage to my septic.

Rrrrrachel

We use liquid Charlie's, but idk if that really counts.

AACaHa13

Rrrrrachel said:

We use liquid Charlie's, but idk if that really counts.

What do you mean you don't know if that counts? How does it work for your diapers, Any problems?

AACaHa13

https://www.charliesoap.com/pressroom/diapers.html

This one?

mrshudson618

What kind of diapers do you use? Liquid detergent would not be as much of an issue for natural fibers, especially prefolds and flats.

Someone was just talking about this the other day. The problem is the binding agents that keep the liquid from separating are petroleum based so they are attracted to synthetic fibers and can cause build up. Did I get that right?

mrshudson618

mrshudson618 said:

What kind of diapers do you use? Liquid detergent would not be as much of an issue for natural fibers, especially prefolds and flats.

Someone was just talking about this the other day. The problem is the binding agents that keep the liquid from separating are petroleum based so they are attracted to synthetic fibers and can cause build up. Did I get that right?

Also my sister has used CDs for 2 1/2 years always washing with a f&c liquid, she hasn't had any absorbency issues, but has had some mild stink.
The severity of the problems caused by liquid has a lot to do with the hardness of your water I think.

AACaHa13

mrshudson618 said:

What kind of diapers do you use? Liquid detergent would not be as much of an issue for natural fibers, especially prefolds and flats. Someone was just talking about this the other day. The problem is the binding agents that keep the liquid from separating are petroleum based so they are attracted to synthetic fibers and can cause build up. Did I get that right?

I'm not sure, still reading about it but will definitely stop using powder. Cloth is supposed to save money, not cost more in the long run by damaging septic, washing machine and cloth diapers! We use bumgenius freetimes and the best bottoms with the inserts.

Rrrrrachel

Charlie's is different than other detergents, so it doesn't have the same issues usually associated with liquid detergent and cloth diapers. We really like it and use it for all our laundry. We do use the powdered booster (which is just like phosphorous or something) and a little bit of oxiclean with diaper loads.

Rrrrrachel

AACaHa13 said:

https://www.charliesoap.com/pressroom/diapers.html

This one?

Yes that one. They are a local company to me and I really like them.

AACaHa13

Rrrrrachel thanks for sharing!!! I am going to try it!

Rrrrrachel

Just make sure you do the prep work they recommend. It's a pain but you really do need to get the residue out of your machine and off your diapers. Otherwise all that old residue can cause a rash.

AACaHa13

Rrrrrachel said:

Just make sure you do the prep work they recommend. It's a pain but you really do need to get the residue out of your machine and off your diapers. Otherwise all that old residue can cause a rash.

We are purchasing a new washer, So no residue in there:) However, will do the diaper prep

Rrrrrachel

It's the perfect time to switch, then! . We got a new washer awhile ago and I was weirdly excited about using Charlie's from the get go.

AACaHa13

Rrrrrachel ahhhh it is the simple things 

AACaHa13

@Bleachy14 thanks for the chart! Looks as though the one I will use is rated well! Where do you purchase your Ecos free and clear?

nanabanana06

Another option is using liquid soap nuts. Which is really good for an all natural detergent. You could probably even use regular soap nuts as well as it's not a powder, just the soap berries in a satchel.

PipSqueak0313

Nana_Osaki06 said:

Another option is using liquid soap nuts. Which is really good for an all natural detergent. You could probably even use regular soap nuts as well as it's not a powder, just the soap berries in a satchel.

I tried soap nuts after finding a good offer for EcoNuts on Amazon.....so far they are working as well as the regular laundry detergents I have.  Well enough that I might decide to send the detergent I have home with my dad to use.....or to the dorm for dd and her friends to use.