If you're looking for the clothing version of this, look here.
Here's what I do. It's cheap and I love it :)
More or less, It's: (this is not exact, since I use the larger recipe below)1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax
1/2 cup of oxiclean
BUT.... I don't like having misc. leftovers, so I make up a batch... like this :)
It should cost $30, max.
3 Boxes Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (55 oz each)
2 Boxes 20 Mule Team Borax (76 oz each)
1 Large Tub OxiClean (96 oz)
Yes, it's a lot, but it's super cheap to make, so no biggie :) It just lasts forever. Or you can share :)
**I'd like to make a note about the borax used in this recipe. A recent article by EWG cautions the use of borax for cleaning in the home noting that toddlers and young children face special risks from hand-to-mouth transfer of carpet or crack and crevice, dust or spray borax treatments. I would recommend not using borax as a general home cleaner - any cleaner (aside from pure water) used for these purposes will leave a residue. I feel comfortable using the minuscule amount in the detergent. It is not used on open surfaces and is washed out during the rinse cycle.
You can read a bit more on this debate here - there are some great points of view in the comments.
**I see a lot of people asking where to purchase these supplies. If you are unable to find them locally (I've had great luck at our grocery store and others at hardware stores.) you can purchase everything to make this on Alice.com at reasonable prices and that includes free shipping. They currently do not carry the 96 oz Oxiclean, so you would want to purchase two of the 56 oz that they offer.
This is my current wash routine:
I love this routine. My diapers have no smell and are so fresh. I have also been using an open pail (pail w/ no lid) and that seems to make such a huge difference when it comes to ammonia lingering.
Warm wash with cold rinse w/ 1 tablespoon of detergent
Hot (or warm) wash with cold rinse w/ 1 tablespoon of detergent
I have also done this in the past with good results:
Cold wash/rinse w/ 1 tablespoon of detergent
Hot wash/rinse w/ 1 tablespoon of detergent
If you find that your diapers are not coming clean (smell dirty, strong ammonia, etc.) Try using more detergent and or an extra wash cycle.
95 comments:
Does this detergent work for a front-loader? Would I add it right in the drum??
This will work for HE machines, you just want to start out using half of the recommended amount. You can adjust from there to see what works for you, your water and your machine :)
I would add it with the diapers.
I am very excited to try this recipe! I have two questions for you...What do you keep the entire batch of detergent in once you have made it? Do you use this detergent for all of your laundry, or just diapers? If you use if for all of your laundry, how much do you use for a normal load of laundry? Thanks.
How much detergent do you use in a load?
I store it in a large 5 gallon bucket.
I use 1 tbs per wash/rinse cycle. Use half of that for an HE machine.
I only use this for my CD laundry. I would add soap to itto use it for clothes. (look on the blog for the recipe)
So you do 2 seperate washes BOTH with detergant?
One cold
One hot
Both with regular rinse or an extra rinse???
Do you have to do any extra rinses like with regular detergant?
I am very excited to try this DD has very sensitive skin!
Yep, I do one cold (with detergent) and one hot (with detergent)
They are typical wash/rinse cycles. I don't typically do an 'extra' rinse. Very rarely I'll stop the hot wash right before the rinse and restart so that it does another hot wash and then the rinse.
I've only done this a handful of times when she's been more poopy than usual and I just want to make sure I can get them extra clean.
Thanks so much for the great info! I have a question ... about how many diapers do you wash at a time ... the 1 tbs is a full wash load of diapers? Thanks a bunch!
I wash 2 days worth of diapers for 2 girls right now. I have pretty hefty loads and sometimes toss in an extra rinse or wash because of it.
When it was just one baby, it was about 3 days worth of diapers.
Also, basically no matter the load size, I put it on the largest load setting to get plenty of water :)
Thank you for these recipes! I can't wait to try them. For washing infant clothing, would you use the CD recipe or the regular detergent recipe? amts? I would love to be able to find a safe detergent to do all of my family's clothes in one single load.
I would use the regular recipe for any clothes. It has the soap in it and that's going to help get out dirt, oil, etc. I haven't tried the CD detergent on clothes though.
I have found that the CD detergent really does a good job though. I don't have staining on my diapers and I haven't needed to sun them in quite some time.
Thankfully, as it's winter here now :D
I've read that the borax can be bad for baby's skin and also for the elastic/fabrics. Have you had any problems?
I haven't had any problems with it. I've been using this recipe for nearly a year and a half. Also, you use so little of this detergent per load, and borax only makes up a portion of even that.
As for the elastic. I have yet to have any elastic go out on me. I think bleach is much harder on it. I don't use that at all on my diapers and very very rarely on clothes, never on the kids clothes.
I have looked and looked for a homemade laundry detergent specifically for CD's. I've been using Charlie's Soap with ok results...but would consider switching to something different.
Do you use these on prefolds or fleece/suedecloth? Just curious if this rinses well from fabrics that tend to hold stink.
Thanks so much for linking to the Laundry Recipe Round-Up! Great contribution!!
-Lauren
I have been using this detergant but not with great success :( My diapers don't come out clean smelling. I have a front loader HE machine. Should I be adding more than a tbs if they still dont smell good, or try something else?
I'd love to help you troubleshoot. If you could, send me an email. I use a top loader, but have seen a few variations of was routines for HE machines.
myecoblog at gmail dot com
I've had great results with this mix! I've used it 3x so far and my diapers come out smelling like, well nothing! As they should. We were having some stink issues and I think it may have been caused by build up from our old detergent. I'm loving this mix! Thanks for the recipe!
This is probably a dumb question, but where would you buy washing soda? Would it be with laundry detergent at the store, or somewhere else?
I get it at my local grocery store (Kroger) in the laundry isle. It's near the bleach, oxi-clean and other laundry additives.
If you have trouble finding it try an ACE hardware store. If they don't carry it in store, they can order it for you.
I wanted to try this type of detergent before, but after reading about the dangers of borax, I decided against it.
http://www.naturemoms.com/dangers-of-borax.html
If the borax is of concern, it can simply be left out. The detergent should still work fine.
After the reading I have done, I feel comfortable using borax in this application. It is washed & rinsed away from the fabric and is clearly not meant to be ingested. It is also such a small amount (I use 1 tbs per load and only about 1/3 of that is borax).
As with any cleaner, it should be kept away from children and pets.
can I substitute baking soda for the washing soda?
You can't. They are very different in use. If you are having trouble finding it, try local hardware stores (like Ace) or small, non chain, grocers.
If can also be purchased online.
I have used this as well and have not had good success with it. I'm using BG 4.0's. The still come out not smelling clean at all, and I have even tried putting in 2 tbs. with still the same results.
Any help?
I can be emailed at jhartman508@gmail.com in case I don't see this..
THank you!!
I'll email you :) I would not rec. using 2T, that could cause some build up and stink (depending on how well it's rinsed, or not).
which oxiclean is used for this recipe? I looked today at Target and there is oxiclean baby, oxiclean free and the original oxiclean. Is one better for CD? Do you use the same one for regular laundry and CD? Thanks!
I have used both regular & free w/out issue. I have read that free & baby are the same formula. I mostly but original, but it's all up to your preference.
Hi there, just wondering if this does anything to the colours of the pocket diapers/diaper covers. Thanks!
I justed started using this in my HE machine. I didn't read directions carefully and used two tablespoons the first time (one for wash, one for prewash). I was not happy with the result - things still smelled funky. The next time through, I used a half tablespoon for each wash cycle and they came out smelling like nothing - perfect! I'm not sure why this happened, but I hope it helps anyone with an HE washer.
i have a front loading HE machine. i started off using 1/2 tbsp for each cycle (1 cold, 1 hot)- i put the detergent in with the diapers... and my diapers came out with terrible EBF stains. i just upped this load to 1Tbsp and still having the same issue.
any tips?
they smell clean but look terribly stained
Some staining is par for the course. If you sun your diaper it should remove the stains mostly (if not completely). It really works wonders. Instead of using the dryer put your damp diapers in the sun. Cloudy days are fine too. If you don't have a clothes line you can lay them on a blanket, table, etc. If it's freezing outside you can also sun them through a window. It might take a little longer, but it still helps a lot.
I'm curious if this is septic safe? I've heard that liquid detergent is better for septics, but I think this powder stuff looks way easier than the liquid stuff I make. Any insight? Do you have a septic?
All of the ingredients in this are septic safe. I am not on septic, but most people in my area are and I know of many that do use this (my grandmother uses the clothing version).
a friend just shared this recipe with me. i have a cd detergent that i really love, but we are traveling and i forgot to bring it and it is super hard to find without having it shipped and we don't exactly have an address for shipping while we're on the road. anyway, i love the reviews and am excited to try it, but i am a little concerned about good cleaning without an actual soap. i'm assuming that the combination of additive agents provides sufficient cleaning without soap but rinses out easier? also, i've heard some people soak their diapers to remove set odors or stains. does this recipe work for that (or have you tried it)?
You won't want 'soap' to clean your diapers in any fashion. It will quickly cause a buildup - leading to repelling and/or stink. You're right on about how it cleans. It will still clean thoroughly (as any CD detergent) without actual soap - and rinsing away easier to leave your diapers free from residue. I'm not sure about soaking. I've never had a need to do that. If I have a stain, I prefer to line dry it, as the sun will quickly (and safely) remove the stain.
Hi EFFer,
I got your CD recipe over a year ago on thebump and actually use it on all of our wash. Everything comes out clean and smelling like, well, nothing actually. My question is how do you keep the detergent from getting clumpy and forming 'rocks' before you use a whole container?
~mantle~
I keep the OxiClean tub full of it in the laundry area and it never gets hard before I use it up.
The large bucket in my basement does get hard though. I can break it up easily with a scoop or screwdriver (since my husband's tools are easy at hand), so I don't mind too much.
I am really excited to try this. Thanks for the info!
When I put 2 Tbsp of the detergent in the wash it doesn't get very sudsy. I am worried that it is not cleaning the clothes well enough. DD dropped some pureed sweet potatoes on her pj's and the stain is still there. I am not sure if I should have pre-treated it before hand.
This recipe does not have soap in it, so it will not sud, which is why it's good for use on cloth diapers.
It can be used on clothes as well with good results, but for tough stains like sweet potatoes, ring around the collar, ketchup, etc. It would probably be best to spot treat those items before washing. I use a bar of Fels Naptha and it works well. I wet it, rub and if it's a really tough stain I'll gently scrub it with a toothbrush in a circular motion.
As a side note, because it is a natural stain, I would treat it, rewash and then set it in the sun to dry. You can even do this in a window that gets decent sun. It should help.
I will try your recommendations! Thanks. I just figured that with the Fels Naptha soap there would be a little suds.
If you're using the recipe for clothes - with Fels Naptha in it, you might see some suds but not like a commerial detergent (the CD version does not have soap).
Commercial soaps use a chemicals meant for sudzing, but sudz don't equal clean. It just gives that impression - if that makes sense.
In chemistry, I recall my prof. talking about how the soap molecules attach to the dirt and are washed away with the water and it having nothing to do with the suds that we see.
Can you scent this? If you've tried and had success, how did you do it? I'm thinking fragrance oil, but haven't got any idea how much, and how you would mix a very small amount of liquid with that large amount of powder without getting little clumps of very scented stuff. You know what I mean?
You can scent it. I would recommend using essential oils, as fragrance oils can have a number of chemicals in them - some hormone disrupting.
I know that it takes just a few drops of an EO to scent about a quart jar's worth. I would probably do it in smaller batches anyhow, that way you can switch it up.
I did it once a long while ago and never had any moisture issues. Just be sure to mix it in well.
Can you tell me would your recipe need to be altered if you have water issues such as hard or soft water?
I am not sure I have either but I have heard in our area, Florida that there is hard water and I'm just wondering if you would alter your recipe or perhaps the wash routine for something of that sort?
Also, you put the detergent into the water before putting diapers in correct, just like with regular clothes?
Thanks a million!
I just discovered this combo myself but was trying to figure out how much to use per wash. Thanks!
how does the recipe work for hard water?
I think we have somewhat hard water and it works well for us. Maybe someone else can weigh in too.
If you don't scent it, it doesn't make your clothes smell strange does it? I know some unscented detergents make the clothes smell strange.
Also; lets say I was going to make the larger batch of detergent, what the heck would I put it all in? And HOW would I mix that? lol. Thank you.
I store my detergent in a 5 gallon bucket. We mixed it up by tossing it back and forth between two buckets, but some people have said that they pour the ingredients into a trash bag and then roll it around a bit to mix it up. I think we'll do it that way next time, as the mixture can cause dust when tossed back and forth to mix.
This does not leave anything smelling strange. I have noticed that as well with some free & clear detergents.
Someone on the Bump recommended your recipe to me last week. We made our own detergent but quickly realized it wasn't good for cloth diapers. I am IN LOVE with this stuff!! I'm sitting here now stuffing diapers and had to jump over to tell you how sparkly white and fresh they are! Thanks so much for sharing!
I'm wondering if you've had any issues with pocket diapers or diaper covers using this detergent, specifically affecting the color or the waterproof-ness. I wasn't able to tell from your original post our comments whether it's just compatible with prefolds, etc. Thanks so much. I'm hoping to try this out when I run out of commercial cloth diaper detergent.
You can m make your own washing soda from baking soda... on a baking sheet spreading baking soda in a thin layer. Bake on 400 degrees for an hour. Store in air tight container. Do NOT use for baking because baking causes the ph to rise....where baking soda has an almost neutral ph
I kind of had the same question as SarahJ... If you are doing two wash cycles, one right after the other, does that affect the waterproof-ness of the diaper? And also, how long does one big batch usually last you?
I haven't had any issues using this on my diapers. I have used it on covers, all-in-ones, prefolds, pockets and fitteds. I was actually putting a diaper on my daughter last night that required a cover and I was thinking how it was one of the first covers I bought three years ago. It still works great.
I think the last batch I made has lasted me about two years, and I still have about an oxiclean container full. I have used it for regular laundry a bit too.
I'm just making the switch to cloth (I'm going to try gDiapers) and it recommends not using oxyclean...any suggestions?
I have seen this recipe used without the oxiclean. I have never used gDiapers, so I can't speak to how their inner liner holds up to washing. It's made of a nylon material as opposed to the PUL used in other cloth diapers.
I actually decided not to go with gDiapers after hearing opinions and I'm using Thirsties and Kawaii and the Thirsties site says not to use washing soda, what is the difference in washing and baking soda? Thanks for your help:)
I'm not familiar with why this might be. I have been using this exact detergent for about 3 years now. I have never had any issues with my diapers breaking down as a result of the detergent.
Hi, a friend on my cloth diaper board suggested your recipe, she's a friend of yours. I CANNOT get the ammonia out of my diapers. I tried using white vinegar before, baking soda, Funk Rock Ammonia Bouncer, and RLR. The latter two worked, but it still didn't solve it 100%, it comes back. I try sunning them, still doesn't take the stink away. I think I have hard water. I don't like using a lot f harsh chemicals either, I currently use Ecos Free and Clear and some ladies suggested that may be my problem. I am not sure what to do. My baby gets eczema so I'm afraid to use the borax but I see you say it's safe. How would I mix it up without causing harm?? I don't want to make a big thing like you have, how much would I use for just a smaller recipe?? Thanks.
I'm not sure how older your little one is, but I found that as my girls got older, I needed to use more detergent to get their diapers fully clean and keep ammonia at bay. Currently, with this recipe, I'm doing a cold rinse and two warm washes. The first warm wash has 2 tablespoons of detergent, the 2nd has just one.
You might need to play around with wash routines just a little, but I find that not enough detergent can lead to issues like this.
If you still continue to have troubles, please feel free to email me (info on my contact page).
As for the borax. My girls have sensitive skin, my youngest especially, and this is not an issue for her. I would try the smaller batch and see how it goes. The biggest thing is that you are going to want to give them a really good wash the first time to try to clear out any crud left behind. You may even do 4-6 washes, depending on the condition. This is the small batch (also above)
1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax
1/2 cup of oxiclean
Thank you, I found borax so I got a box of it. After reading the box I didn't feel it was unsafe, not when I saw you can wash baby clothes in it. The RLR did work as I noticed when I put her diapers away today, they didn't smell as horrible as they used to. But I know I need something permanent and you seem to have a lot of good reviews. I can use the oxiclean by itself with my husband's work clothes and detergent right?? Cuz I can't get the stink out of those either lol.
I actually use the cloth diaper detergent as a booster with my husband's laundry. He's a general contractor and can get pretty dirty. It works well. Each of the components (borax washing soda & oxi) are all meant to be laundry additives, so you can use any one of them as an addition to your regular laundry.
I hope this works and is okay, I used the small recipe, but did it 3 times so there's a total of 3 cups washing soda, 3 cups borax, and 1 1/2 cups Oxiclean. I'm going to try the warm wash cycles you suggested.
Is the detergent not supposed to have a lot of bubbles as I noticed there isn't a lot
I hope it helps :) It should not sud much, if at all. It contains no soap or artificial foaming/sudsing agents.
Most commercials shampoos and detergents contain artificial ingredients that cause it to sud more, but it really has no benefit.
Okay thank you for helping me!!!
Okay I did 3 washes, the first cold rinse then warm wash then two hot washes, each with he detergent except the cold rinse, 1 tbs each. I didn't seem to notice much difference when I pulled them out and hung them on the line :( Can I increase the amount of detergent? Did I not mix it up right? I used 3 cups borax, 3 cups washing soda, and 1 1/2 cups oxiclean free. I mixed it together in a large rubbermaid tub.
Because you were already having some issues with them, you might want to do a couple of additional warm washes to help get rid of anything left from the the detergents you have been using. Stripping when you do a detergent change is usually advised if there is an issue (ammonia, stink, etc.)
I would try doing a warm wash with 2 tablespoons of detergent, and then one with just 1 tablespoon.
If you are using microfiber, you could wash your inserts separately in hot water.
Okay thank you, I'll try washing the inserts seperate from the diapers on my next round and the 2 tbs. I really don't want to give up cloth diapering but my LO's bum has been so red :(
I'm going to have to try and strip them since it's just not working. Thank you for all your tips.
I wanted to let you know I stripped my diapers since the smell was still in them. I have Aurora in her first diaper that was stripped so waiting to see. So far so good but she may not have went potty yet ( I just changed her). I didn't have big buckets to mix the detergent in when I made it I have it in a big tupperware type tub and just shook it up and went back and forth with it, do you think that's okay??
Thank you for this recipe and the clothing version! We use both and have even convinced my parents to switch too!
Hi again. I stripped my diapers and it worked for about a week or so, but then still started stinking again. I use 2 tbs of detergent with two washes as per your directions. I just don't know what else to do. Last night's laundry some of them came out smelling really funky. I don't think it's your recipe, it's either my washing machine or my water, something is wrong. But I can't afford to keep trying a bunch of different things. What do you recommend I do? I really don't want to have to give up cloth. Thank you!
I would suggest trying one of two things.
1)Tide original powder. As much as I hate to rec. it, I have been told by many people that it does work.
2) Eco Sprout Detergent - I'm currently using this for a review and it is working amazingly well. I'm actually shocked, because I am super skeptical of detergents. I always seem to have issues when I try new ones.
I have been doing a cold wash (no detergent) and then a hot wash with 2 tablespoons + rinse. If you'd like, I have enough that I could send you a sample to try. Just send me an email at myecoblog@gmail.com
Aurora_n_Azlynn's_Mami - A while back I read an interesting thread on Diaper Swappers about detergents. Here's the link:
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1040786
The first post answers a lot of questions. Maybe it'll help.
Hi Amanda,
I am a new follower, and I just wanted to say hi and thanks for all the wonderful green, money-saving tips! I am a stay-at-home mom to two little ones. I love it, but I especially enjoy finding ways to make us healthier, doing right by the environment, and finding ways to keep our hard-earned money in our pockets. Your blog is a great resource for all those things! Thanks again! You can find some of my musings at www.thekellynewlyweds.blogspot.com. I'll be "visiting" frequently!
Hugs,
Nancy
I just have a question about the ingredients. Isn't oxiclean a whitener/brightener? I read all over that we're not supposed to use "whiteners or brighteners" on cloth diapers? What's the deal?
Also do any of the ingredients cause diaper rash on sensitive skin? Thanks.
I have the same question as Michelle G.
I heard Oxiclean is not good for cloth diapers too.
That it causes them to not be as absorbant.
The recipe would be good for all other clothes though.
Peace+
G
You don't want to use optical brighteners on diapers. Optical brighteners are different than whiteners/brighteners like bleach or oxiclean (oxygen bleach).
The oxiclean used in this recipe will not reduce absorbency.
thanks for the recipe, just made a large drum full :] i used "baby" oxiclean though, do you know if that will make a difference? i havent used it on dirty diapers yet since he is still to tiny to fit into most of them without leakage :[
I use a similar recipe for my everyday laundry. I was told that I shouldn't use Borax on my cloth diapers, so I haven't tried it. I've used Rockin' Green and Allen's soap with no change in smell.I have been using Thirsties Duo Diapers and they smell horrible. I tried the Funk Rock as well as Dawn dish soap to strip them, but still couldn't get the smell out. I actually have stopped using CD's because I couldn't stand putting my daughter is diapers that smell so bad. We were living in Colorado and recently moved to Texas. I haven't tried anything with them since we moved. Any suggestions to get the smell out?
I hate to say it, but have you tried a small amount of bleach, just to get them stripped properly?
No. How much would you suggest using?
I would try 1/4 cup.
Thanks! Will that affect the color in my diapers?
It shouldn't being such a small amount (if you have an HE machine, use less) but that's not to say that it can't. If you have a top loader, I would add it to the machine and let the water fill before adding your diapers. Many CD brands recommend using bleach once a month. I do not, because I don't like bleach, but many do.
I have a HE frontloader too but don't know where to put the detergent. They say we really have to use HE detergent and it must be liquid. What can I do?
I hope one of you can help me cause the detergent doesn't go everywhere now! It stays one lump in the drum...
Cornelie, that can happen. I wonder if it's somehow moisture related as it does that in our storage room but not our laundry room. Regardless it breaks up easily with a scoop or other hard device. Once in chunks you'll find that a gentle squeeze will return it to dust.
Sorry thought you were referring to storage. You can dissolve it in a cup of water if you like and pour directly in the drum with your diapers.
I'm purchasing cd from a friend. Would you recommend washing them in this mix first or something else? I use this for my cloth wipes and LOVE IT!! Email me Snkfujihara at yahoo dot com
Can you put this into the powder compartment on an HE machine? Or does it have to go in the drum?
I have an he frontload washer AND soft water. How much detergent would you recommend? 1/2 Tbsp? Also would I still need to do 2 seperate wash/rinse cycles or can I just use the pre-wash and wash compartments? Thanks so much!
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