Question about detergents

mkflower3000

Hi ladies,

I looked in the FAQ, but it seems that most of the detergent are recommended due to their stain removal abilities. One of my friends' friends cloth diapers and told her that at first the diapers used to leak very badly and she didn't know why. Turned out that her detergent was clogging the pads, but once she started using a special CD one the leaking stopped. I was wondering if this is something that can only be done by special detergents, or whether any standard detergents with certain features can also work as well? DH and I live in a house with a septic tank, so we have to use a biodegradable non-foaming organic one. Do you think that that would work as well to avoid clogging, or I would really need a specific CD-safe detergent? 

TIA!  

snoopy3319

I have a septic tank, and detergent doesn't really matter. I've never heard of having to use special things because of our tank, and I've had one my whole life, in different houses. We use Rockin' Green, CD safe, as well as Tide Free & Clear for our regular laundry. You want something that's CD safe, which generally means no dye, scents, etc. You really need a CD safe detergent. There's no way around it, unless you want to strip your diapers a lot. Almost 7 months for us, and still no stripping necessary. Also remember to not use dryer sheets, ever.

amy21tom

Here is a list of detergents and how well compatible they are with CDs. Maybe you can find out you are using now on the list. 

 https://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-chart.html

Dr.Loretta

No, the detergents aren't recommended due to stain removal abilities. As a matter of fact, we usually recommend sunning as a way to remove stains, not a particular detergent.

CD-safe detergents are typically those that don't have any enzymes, fragrances, or brighteners: basically things that will either degrade the diaper over time, or build up over time, causing repelling and the need to strip the diapers.

pinstripesandpolkadots.com has a CDing basics section with some recommendations for CD-safe detergents. Some are readily available at your local store. I'm sure some of them can be used with a septic tank

HTH

mkflower3000

Thanks ladies!