Hard Water Detergents (180+ ppm)
Hard water needs detergents that are strong and can cut through minerals. Powder detergents tend to do best here. Some people find they need more detergent in amount if they have very hard water.
Detergent |
Notes |
|
Tide Original Powder/Liquid |
Top choice for hard water—strong enzymes, excellent cleaning power. |
|
Persil ProClean (Liquid or Powder) |
Powerful, high-performing option with good enzyme content. |
|
Arm & Hammer with OxiClean Powder |
Budget-friendly and works well in harder water with Oxi boost. |
|
Biokleen Laundry Liquid - Sport |
Affordable and effective; works great with Calgon or Borax added. |
|
Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty (Liquid) |
Great for deep cleaning and heavy soils in hard water. |
Pro Tip: Downy Rinse & Refresh, Unicorn Beyond Soft, Borax and Calgon are all great in-laundry water softening options.
Medium Water Detergents (60–180 ppm)
Most detergents work well here, so this is your sweet spot! Just make sure you’re using enough detergent and adjusting if you notice issues. Generally no softeners necessary. No extra rinses needed either.
Detergent |
Notes |
|
Tide Free & Gentle (Liquid or Powder) |
Good for sensitive skin and still strong enough for diaper laundry. |
|
All Free & Clear (Liquid) |
Gentle, works well in medium water when used at full strength. |
|
Persil Free & Clear |
Strong scent but great for deep cleaning and buildup prevention. |
|
Kirkland Ultra Clean (Costco) |
Great cleaning power at a budget price. |
|
Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus |
Eco-friendly with enzymes—works well if paired with a booster occasionally. |
Soft Water Detergents (Under 60 ppm)
With soft water, you don’t need as much detergent in amount— otherwise you’ll get suds, buildup, and stink over time. Choose detergents that rinse clean and adjust the dose down.
Detergent |
Notes |
|
Tide Free & Gentle Liquid |
Gentle and rinses clean—ideal if you reduce the dose. |
|
All Free & Clear powder |
A light but effective liquid detergent for sensitive systems. |
|
Kirkland Free & Clear (Liquid) |
Works well with lower dosing and an occasional rinse. |
|
Seventh Generation Free & Clear |
Good eco-friendly options that rinse clean in soft water. |
There are other detergent options out there other than these. As long as a detergent has the recommended surfactants to properly clean human waste, then it can be considered cloth-safe. Please check a more comprehensive wash and care website like Cloth Diapers for Beginners for more information about ingredients and other options for detergents.