HE or High Efficiency Detergents and Cloth Diapering

What HE detergent works best for washing cloth diapers? HE washing machines use 1/3 - 2/3 less water than vertical-axis machines (top-loaders), saving valuable water and energy resources. However, less water also means regular laundry detergents do not dissolve as easily and can leave soap residue on your clothes. As a result, it is best to use a specially formulated low sudsing laundry detergent with a front load washer.

For regular detergent see this chart. Want to leave a review for a detergent? Visit our Product Review Forum. We also have a diaper laundry glossary.

= Do Not Use for Cloth Diapers     = Uses fragrance/dyes/enzymes/brighteners         = Pretty Good    = Thumbs up!*

*Remember - Even the detergents that have been given four stars will work differently within different water, washing conditions, and individual children so do some experimentation and find the option that works best for your family and your routine.

How we rated the detergents: Detergents received one or two stars based upon the amount of non-ideal ingredients they contain. Detergents that received three stars are mostly good but may contain at least one of the non-ideal ingredients, which means a little caution may be warranted when trying them. Detergents that received four stars have none of the non-ideal ingredients and should be a good place to start experimentation in finding the diaper detergent that will work best for you! If the YES/NO section for a particular ingredient has been left blank it is because we just don't know yet.

Are you wondering about a detergent that is not seen here? Email us!

Which Detergent Do You Use? Take Our Poll!

Looking for Non HE Detergents?

Why Use a High Efficiency Washing Machine? The Pros and Cons!

Pros: High-efficiency washers use approximately 25 gallons per load versus 40 to 50 gallons per load for older machines. The washing machine is the second biggest water-user in most households; only the toilets will use more water. Switching to a high efficiency washing machine could have an enormous effect on the amount of water you'll use every year.

With a high efficiency washer, you can:

• Save Soap

• Save Wear and Tear on Clothing

• Save Drying Time

• Save Energy

• Save Money

• Save Water

• Some rebates are available in your local community

Cons: Although front-loading washing machines have many benefits, they also have some drawbacks.

• Cost--The biggest problem with front-loading washing machines is their cost. Owners will recoup the initial expense in utility bills, but the machines still cost amore.

• Soap availability--Not all laundry detergents are appropriate for front-loading washing machines. Consumers may find that they have to change brands, or even look in a few stores before finding a product that will work.

• Because they use less water to function some users claim that their clothes or diapers do not come as clean and a residue may be left behind.

Common HE or Front Loader Washing Routines:

• A double rinse and spin in cold, A whitest whites with prewash and second rinse....one very long cycle with a TBLS of detergent. A whitest whites with second rinse with NO SOAP, just for rinsing. ~ Whirlpool Duet Machine

• Prewash, normal wash with detergent, 2 rineses ~ Kenmore 4292x Front Load Washer

• Cold rinse (it's called pre-wash), add detergent, wash hot/rinse cold on the longest cycle, wash cold/rinse cold (without adding more detergent) again on the longest cycle.

• Prewash, Whitest Whites with a tbsp. of Tide free and clear, with a couple of drops of Tea tree oil and about 1/3C of vinegar in the rinse cycle.

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