Laundry Detergent?

elsINlb · December 2011

What are you all using? I have some Dreft I'm using right now to pre-wash some newborn clothes that my sister had leftover from her son, but it's kind of expensive, so I wanted to know if you guys are using anything different that's a little more cost effective?

Thanks!

KitKat83 · December 2011

I'm just using plain old Purex (and its even scented and blue colored). Its all my mom ever used with us and we never had a problem, but if one comes up I'll probably go to a "free and clear" of any brand.

Mama Jan · December 2011

I use a perfume-free, dye-free detergent for the whole family (baby and everyone). IMO Dreft is a huge waste of money. Any free and clear detergent will do just fine.

Ashley&Scott · December 2011

I use Tide Free.

FarmvilleLover · December 2011

I'm going to continue to use our Tide detergent. Hopefully baby will react just fine to it. If not, I'll go to a free/clear type.

lyssm5 · December 2011

We're using Charlie's Soap. It was recommended because we're cloth diapering, but we're going to use it for everything (our stuff included). It's a powder, free of any chemicals, scents, etc. and it's cheap!

https://www.amazon.com/Charlies-Soap-Powder-2-64-Loads/dp/B0018B15FE

talitha712 · December 2011

We are using All Free and Clear. Dreft actually has more stuff in it than most free and clear detergents.

jnk062602 · December 2011

talitha712:
We are using All Free and Clear. Dreft actually has more stuff in it than most free and clear detergents.

This exactly. I was allergic to dreft as a baby. We use all free and clear for everyone

pottermommy · December 2011

talitha712:
We are using All Free and Clear. Dreft actually has more stuff in it than most free and clear detergents.

We are using the same, but mainly because I have sensitive skin so it is what we have been using for a long time. And it costs the same to get a big jug of it (100+) loads as it does to get a medium (40 loads) of dreft.

BritanyV · December 2011

We use All Free and Clear also.

shotzie · December 2011

Mama Jan:
I use a perfume-free, dye-free detergent for the whole family (baby and everyone). IMO Dreft is a huge waste of money. Any free and clear detergent will do just fine.

I agree. We use Tide Free & Gentle. Anything with fragrance in it has the potential to irritate skin, plus it means there are unnecessary chemicals in it.

prettypinktress · December 2011

I'm using Tide Free and Gentle. Only $.10 per ounce with subscribe and save through Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tide-Free-Gentle-50-Ounce-Pack/dp/B003XDJQUQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324253316&sr=8-1

Cheaper than regular Tide from Sam's or Costco!

elsINlb · December 2011

Awesome! Thanks ladies!!

preggyamy · December 2011

I had assumed I was going to use Dreft, until I saw the price. Holy cow! Then I did a little research and we're going with All Free and Clear - and it's the same price as what we use now, so we'll all eventually switch over to it.

Follow up question....what about fabric softner?

talitha712 · December 2011

preggyamy:
I had assumed I was going to use Dreft, until I saw the price. Holy cow! Then I did a little research and we're going with All Free and Clear - and it's the same price as what we use now, so we'll all eventually switch over to it.

Follow up question....what about fabric softner?

You're not supposed to use fabric softener on baby stuff. It messes with the flame retardancy on the fabrics, I think. Plus, again, unnecessary chemicals/stuff that could irritate baby's skin.

theladyjess · December 2011

preggyamy:

I had assumed I was going to use Dreft, until I saw the price. Holy cow! Then I did a little research and we're going with All Free and Clear - and it's the same price as what we use now, so we'll all eventually switch over to it.

Follow up question....what about fabric softner?

Fabric softener and dryer sheets can cause allergies or reactions. It coats the fibers of towels, wash cloths and burp cloths making them less absorbent and therefore shouldn't be used on those items. The chemicals in fabric softener and dryer sheets also makes the flame retardant properties of children's pjs ineffective.

Many people use white vinigar in place of fabric softener or dyer sheets, however, I've never personally tired this.

For detergent I'll just continue to use Amway SA8 with BioQuest liquid that I've been using for years.

shotzie · December 2011

We use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. Dryer sheets are just full of more harmful chemicals and like pp's said, they shouldn't be used for baby clothes (or anyone's clothes, for that matter).

LanaLoves · December 2011

You can use anything but I just use the double-rinse cycle

And no dryer sheets.

intdesigner925 · December 2011

Planning to use Tide Free & Gentle. I really see no point in using Dreft considering she will be in contact with my clothing.

MrsAMB07 · December 2011

I use Tide Free and Gentle. Dreft, Ivory Snow, etc. all have added perfumes that I just don't think are necessary. I use the Free and Gentle on all of our clothes a lot of the time anyway.

I agree about the fabric softener - it's a no-no for baby clothes because it ruins their flame retardant quality. I always use the gentle cycle and they're fine. Baby clothes are super soft anyway!

kms34 · December 2011

We make our own detergent so I will be using that. I used Dreft and then All Free and Clear with DS before switching him to our homemade around 9 months. This time I'm starting baby off with our homemade detergent. It's so mild I can't imagine he'd have a reaction.