The 10 Best Baby Laundry Detergents of 2023

Best Overall

Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent

4.7

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Our number one pick for a baby laundry detergent is Babyganics, a triple-concentrated formula made with the sensitive skin of little ones in mind. Pediatrician and dermatologist-tested, the formula doesn't contain any fragrance, dyes, chlorine, sulfates, or optical brighteners, which are chemicals sometimes used in detergents to make colors and whites appear brighter. Instead, this plant-based laundry detergent calls on the power of enzymes to clean dirty clothes, bed linens, and towels, while tackling tough stains and addressing stubborn odors.

Since you only need to use about half of a capful of the concentrated soap, the price per load is also very reasonable. It can also be used to pre-treat stains in clothes before washing. However, this product is not the best for washing cloth diapers, as it may not be able to tackle all of the stains on them. Overall, we love that this product keeps parents and children in mind with its thoughtful formula, while also still being effective, stain-fighting, and cleansing.

Price at time of publish: $15

Amount: 60 ounces | Number of Loads: 60 | Scent: Unscented

Best Budget

Purex for Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent

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For households on a budget, we recommend Purex for Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent. This dermatologist-tested detergent is hypoallergenic and free of dyes. You might enjoy its light fragrance that's formulated to be gentle enough for delicate skin. However, if you'd prefer your detergent to be fragrance-free, it's not the right pick for you.

Notably, the price per load comes out to less than half of most other baby detergents, which is ideal. Fill up the cap to the level one marker for a regular load or higher for heavily-soiled loads, according to the product listing.

Price at time of publish: $14

Amount: 75 ounces | Number of Loads: 57 | Scent: Light fragrance

Best Unscented

The Honest Company Baby Laundry Detergent

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In the unscented category, we're big fans of The Honest Baby Company's baby laundry detergent. In addition to being fragrance-free, the plant-derived formula is designed specifically for sensitive skin. A blend of four stain-fighting enzymes tackles tough, pigmented messes. Enzyme-based cleaners such as this one are best for fighting protein-based stains, which include everything from baby food to diaper blowout messes and spit up.

It can be hard to achieve a clean smell with this detergent. However, rest assured, your baby's clothes will be free of spots when they emerge from the washing machine.

Price at time of publish: $44

Amount: 70 ounces | Number of Loads: 70 | Scent Unscented

Best Scented

Noodle & Boo Ultra-Safe Laundry Detergent for Baby

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For those who like a mild scent, we suggest Noodle & Boo Ultra-Safe laundry detergent. The brand's signature Crème Douce fragrance is built into this detergent, and will leave your baby's clothes smelling light and fresh. Plus, the plant-based formula does an excellent job of addressing stains and odors. You need about an ounce of product per load (about two capfuls), and the detergent comes in small, 32-ounce bottles that make it easy to hold and pour into your washer.

The only downside to this product is that it's expensive and doesn't have a great value per load. However, it is pediatrician-approved.

Price at time of publish: $17

Amount: 32 ounces | Number of Loads: 32 | Scent: Crème Douce

Best for Cloth Diapers

Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent

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Cloth diapers can be tough to clean, but Tide Free & Gentle is up to the task. The enzyme-based formula has the ability to tackle diaper-related messes—an essential for getting as many uses out of your cloth diapers as possible. It also does an incredible job of washing clothes and linens, including adult garments and household textiles, thanks to its special blend of enzymes and biodegradable surfactants. It is free of dyes and perfumes and available in two different formulas depending on your washing machine: regular or high-efficiency.

Amount: 1.47 liters | Number of Loads: 32 | Scent: Unscented

Best Pods

Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent

4.4

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If you're partial to laundry pods because they're more convenient, go with Dropps. The brand's Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent Pods are unscented, free of dyes and optical brighteners, and gentle on delicate skin. The powerful surfactants effectively draw dirt and other stains out of fabrics, then emulsify the mess so it rinses down the drain. Plus, they're available in different amounts, so you can try them out or stockpile them in your laundry room. (You can purchase a pack of 36, 64, 160, or 240 pods.)

Dropps also sells their pods in compostable packaging, so if you're concerned with the environmental impact of all the laundry detergent bottles you'll go through with the extra laundry, you can breathe a sigh of relief.

Price at time of publish: $16

Amount: 36, 64, 160, or 240 pods | Number of Loads: 36, 64, 160, or 240 | Scent: Unscented

Best Powder

Charlie's Soap Fragrance Free Laundry Powder

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Charlie's Soap is highly recommended by Dr. Gibson, who says it's a favorite among cloth-diapering moms. This powdered laundry detergent only contains four ingredients and is free of perfumes, dyes, and optical brighteners. It is also concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way. In fact, the company suggests using two-thirds of a tablespoon per load, or one tablespoon for large or heavily soiled loads.

Unlike some powdered detergents, it's even effective in cold water cycles—although to sanitize fabrics, you'll still need to use hot water, It is biodegradable, safe for septic tanks, and leaves no residue on your clothes. It may, however, be a little less convenient to use than a pod.

Price at time of publish: $40

Amount: 2.64 pounds | Number of Loads: 100 | Scent: Unscented

Best for Newborns

Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Liquid Laundry Detergent

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The best option for newborn laundry is Dreft Stage 1. This pediatrician-recommended and dermatologist-tested detergent is dye-free, specially formulated for newborns, and unlikely to irritate your baby's skin. We also like that it can be used to hand-wash delicate items. It is also conveniently formulated to work in both regular and high-efficiency washing machines. Just bear in mind that you might want a slightly more robust formula if you're washing fabric diapers. Also, this pick contains fragrance. Although, you may find the scent to be pleasing and welcomed in your home.

Price at time of publish: $24

Amount: 50 ounces | Number of Loads: 32 | Scent: Fresh

Best for Sensitive Skin

All with Stainlifters Free Clear Detergent

4.2

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All Free Clear laundry detergent is not specifically formulated for babies, but is great for sensitive skin and not too expensive either. This detergent truly checks all the boxes. It's free of dyes and fragrance, hypoallergenic, 99 percent plant-based, and effective at any water temperature. Plus, it can be used in any washing machine.

Our tester used this on her family's laundry and noted that it kept her family's clothes looking clean, but didn't work as well at removing tough stains. She said it delivered on its promise to not irritate skin, but is definitely lacking built-in fabric softener and a pleasant scent. Otherwise, it was a top-notch addition to her home.

Price at time of publish: $15

Amount: 141 ounces | Number of Loads: 94 | Scent: Unscented