STMs - Laundry Detergent?

FutureMrsW9 · January 2014

I searched and found a few things on this, but nothing recently....so sorry if this is a repeat. We currently use All Free & Clear because DH is sensitive to detergents with scents. I know there are tons of baby-specific laundry detergents out there, but I'm wondering if it's really all the same. From the research I've done I think that it is, but I have no real experience. I mean, isn't the point that it doesn't have any allergens or extra scents (i.e. the stuff I already use). I feel like it's still early for this question, but I already have a whole load of baby items ready to be washed so why not get it done. What did you use or plan on using?

clee2009 · January 2014

Your All Free & Clear will be fine for baby.

Some detergents irritate a babies sensitive skin much like your DH. I used Dreft my first go around (don't care for the smell) and then used Tide's version for DS who had extremely sensitive skin.

MegRN2008 · January 2014

I have never used any of the special baby detergents. When DS1 was born, I was still using our regular laundry detergent and fabric softener. He did end up having very sensitive skin (and still does), so I have switched to a free and clear detergent and don't use fabric softener anymore. I won't be using anything different for this baby. I honestly haven't researched it in depth, but I think that free and clear detergents are just as good (if not better) for babies than the special baby detergents. I think the special baby detergents are supposed to be more gentle, but are not scent free, and some people can still have reactions to them.

snowpants · January 2014

Yeah, the baby specific detergents are pretty much a rip off IMHO. Some people might find that they work better with sensitive skin so I don't mean to knock them in those situations, but for the most part any free and clear detergent is the way to go. (In fact, doesn't Deft actually ADD chemicals that aren't in free & clear detergents? I swear this was discussed on my old BMB.)

FWIW I make my own detergent. Super cheap. Super easy. I control what goes in it. Win.

nunzchucks · January 2014

Another vote for All Free and Clear. We've used this since DD was born.

Lynnja616 · January 2014

No baby detergents, just Free and Clear. Dreft has fragrance in it, as well as dyes which I am opposed to for anyone's laundry.

If I was really ambitious, I'd make my own but haven't taken that next step (yet).

flerlgirl · January 2014

All Free&Clear

owlcup · January 2014

Another vote for a free and clear. I recieved a small trial size of Dreft with DD and it caused her to break out in a rash. She (and DS now) have really sensitive skin.

TonyaCody06 · January 2014

I use All Free & Clear for my kids (and when they were newborns). I used Dreft with my 1st but never went back to it.

justme04 · January 2014

I use all free and clear. Not all of the baby detergents are actually hypoallergenic...dreft for example

TheMrs820 · January 2014

joules235 said:
I'm gonna let my crunchy flag fly!!

I use soap nuts to wash all of our clothes. "This" link has
info on what they are but basically they are
a nut that produces a naturally saponified
resin. I buy them dried and put 5-6 in a small
cotton bag and throw it in the wash. 1 bag is
good for 4-5 washes and then I save the
used nuts in a jar and when the jar is full I'll
fill it with water and let it sit for a week or
two and then use the water for cleaning.

I think I saw this on Shark Tank & wondered if it worked.

Has anyone heard of or tried Melaluca? (Sp?)

MrsCase1 · January 2014

We used Purex Baby. Love it!! Hated the scent of Dreft.

Sareynoo · January 2014

I make my own to save money and it's for high efficiency machines!! You can omit the essential oil for sensitive skin. I love this recipe.. It's great for baby's clothes, too.

https://askannamoseley.com/2013/05/the-best-homemade-laundry-detergent-and-why/

FutureMrsW9 · January 2014

TheMrs820 said:

I'm gonna let my crunchy flag fly!!

I use soap nuts to wash all of our clothes. "This" link has info on what they are but basically they are a nut that produces a naturally saponified resin. I buy them dried and put 5-6 in a small cotton bag and throw it in the wash. 1 bag is good for 4-5 washes and then I save the used nuts in a jar and when the jar is full I'll fill it with water and let it sit for a week or two and then use the water for cleaning.

I think I saw this on Shark Tank & wondered if it worked. Has anyone heard of or tried Melaluca? (Sp?)

This was totally on Shark Tank!

Thanks for all the info ladies, I figured as much that my All would be just fine. My SIL insists on using BabyGanics (something like that) and her son is almost 2 and she still uses it on his stuff separately from everything else she washes. Personally, I think that's insane, but who am I to judge I suppose if I'm not a mom yet. I'll be washing my baby's stuff with the All Free & Clear. Plus it's easy to find coupons for the non-baby detergents and like someone said you put the "baby" label on this stuff and they just rip you off.

theamandapanda · January 2014

Another vote for any free & clear brand if you're not up for soap nuts or making your own. Dreft is full of crap (sorry if I offend any Dreft lovers.) And use dryer balls instead of fabric softener.

ncbelle · January 2014

Free and clear is the way to go. Dreft is loaded with possible skin irritants!

Mrs_D_in_KY · January 2014

All of the baby detergents are a marketing ploy if you ask me. We used All Free and Clear up until DS was 2 then we switched to another detergent. He had no issues. We've been catching All Free and Clear on sale lately and have been stocking up.

FutureMrsW9 · January 2014

What are dryer balls?? I usually just throw a sheet in there, but I knew there was a ball option.

EmbracingChange · January 2014

I use Gain detergent and the pink bottle of Snuggle. I like the smell. My kids never break out from their clothes.

bebemac · January 2014

FutureMrsW9 said:
What are dryer balls?? I usually just throw a sheet in there, but I knew there was a ball option.

Here is some info on dryer balls: https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/09/save-time-money-and-energy-make-your-own-wool-dryer-balls.html

FutureMrsW9 · January 2014

oh very cool, i didn't know such a thing existed! i'll have to try it!

mercy0606 · January 2014

I will be trying a natural/organic soap recommended on Etsy (Fabled Soap is the shop) as well as Honest detergent.

1A · January 2014

We use all free and clear for everyone. I usually wash all kids clothes together.

lizok22 · January 2014

sorry, i love dreft. it smells so good!

hollygb22 · January 2014

I didn't buy anything special. We used Charlie's Soap before baby and used it on all of DD's stuff with no issue

sarah_beth2005 · January 2014

I just bought Purex Baby to try, since our crib bedding was just delivered and I want to go ahead and wash everything - haven't tried it yet, though! Love all the info on dryer balls - I have been trying to figure out what to use in place of dryer sheets for the babies' stuff!

tbmadeamistake · January 2014

We use Seventh Generation free and clear, but I'm also looking to save money so if All F&C is cheaper I might try switching. I don't like crazy smells, I never have, so I use free and clear everything, including dish soap!

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STMs - Laundry Detergent?

Re: STMs - Laundry Detergent?

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