detergents

[seanjoshmom]

I've been planning a switch to a better detergent (now all free and clear and borax). I was wondering wich natural/biodegradable laundry detergent you all would recommend that is mild, e.g for babies with eczema. Is bio-kleen too strong? What about 7th generation?

[Quirky]

I don't have a baby with eczema, but I've really liked Bio-Kleen a lot. I'm currently using Allen's Naturally on my cloth diapers per the recommendation on the Fuzzibunz website; I've also used 7th Generation and Trader Joe's with good luck. The key to me is no fragrance or dye, no whiteners/brighteners and other things that seem unnecessary. Also, I think it's important to only use 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended amount and to do an extra rinse to make sure all the detergent gets rinsed out. The recommended amount is usually set way too high and isn't needed to get the clothes clean.

That said, everything I've read on the diapering forum about washing cloth dipes (and I assume it applies to clothes too) says detergent is better than soap for getting things clean in the wash if you have hard water (which we do), which is why I haven't gone to using one of the soap-based recipes for laundry from this forum.

[gilnikche]

My whole family is very sensitive to dyes & fragrances. I have used the Trader Joe's for eight years now. great price & easy to find!

[LaLa]

everything I"ve tried gave dd a rash except bi-o-kleen and one other natural brand...but I forget the name of the second one?

[3miraclebabies]

My children have very sensitive skin and since we have switched from our laundry detergent to Bio-Kleen, I have noticed a significant decrease in their exzema patches and our clothes and diapers are just as clean. It's good stuff

[seanjoshmom]

Thank-you all!

I thank you for all your input. I just ordered my first batch of Bi-O-Kleen today, and hope to get it by the end of the week. I think my sonss eczemz has decreased with the switch to Arm and Hammer, but I hate the smell. I am looking forward to trying something new. And the price is quite reasonable.