When laundering cloth diapers, there is a list of detergent additives that are cautioned. This is due to the effects they have on 
your cloth diapers or baby’s skin. Some may be fine for your regular laundry, but not always for cloth diapers. The additives to look out for are:
Brighteners
Chlorine Bleach
Dyes
Enzymes
Fragrance
Softeners
How are you supposed to remember all of that? You don’t have to. Simply follow the recommendations of the manufacturer. Our Customer Center and FAQs should have all the information you will need.
For those of you who like to know the Whys, I would like to explain the reasons why these additives are not recommended. This is my fourth post on the issue, with this one addressing Enzymes.
Enzymes are proteins that are found in every living organism: man, animals, plants and microorganisms. There are four different types of enzymes added to laundry detergents. The two most common are; protease (breaks down protein soils) and amylase (breaks down carbohydrates/starches). Lipase enzymes are useful in breaking down fat based soils, and cellulases break down soils such as dirt and mud. Some detergents employ multiple enzymes. Some of the key benefits of enzymes in detergents besides stain-lifting are: low concentrations, biodegradable, ability to wash in lower temps, softens fabric, and brightening colors and whites. The downfall of some enzymes is that they can be harmful to skin if any residue is left on the diapering items. Protease enzymes seem to be the most “pointed at” culprit. Since these enzymes work on proteins, any residue left on the fabric can “attack” or break down any protein on the baby’s skin. The enzyme does not become inactive after working to break up the stain, so it is essentially looking for another protein to “attack”. Keep in mind, that many detergent ingredients if not rinsed out properly have the possibility to cause irritation.
• If you choose to use a detergent with enzymes, please be very careful to rinse the diapering items thoroughly.
*Keep in mind, enzymes will become inactive with strong caustic solutions, chlorine or high water temperatures. Ideal wash temperatures are between 125 degrees and 145 degrees F. Our recommended wash temperature is 130 degrees F. So if you use the sanitize cycle (160 F) on an HE machine, the enzymes will become inactive.
You can find detergent rating charts at the following sites, which are a great help in choosing a detergent:
http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-chart.html
http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/detergentchoicesataglancepspd.htm
If you have any questions, please send to support@thirstiesbaby.com. I will get them there!
Sources include:
http://www.scienceinthebox.com/en_UK/glossary/enzymes2_en.html
http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/a_220-Laundry_Detergent___How_Enzymes_are_Changing_Your_Wash
http://www.laundrytoday.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=477:enzymes-what-are-they-how-do-they-work-in-laundry-cleaning-why-do-they-work&catid=23:chemicals&Itemid=38
Written by Sonya Choron 3/28/12
Aha! My SIS is having some rash problems….I’m thinking enzymes are the culprit.
I don’t use a detergent with enzymes and I still do a lot of rinses. It’s the only way to insure no build up is occurring, in my experience.
Umm… I thought we shouldn’t use the sanitize cycle for our cloth diapers.
Good to know!
Interesting info as I begin my cloth diapering journey!
Definitely rinse rinse rinse, it makes a huge difference. I have a HE washing machine and I have to pre rinse my diaper laundry. So worth the extra time.
Yup, I had one kid who reacted badly to Tide. I suspect the enzymes. The next had no issues with Tide, but reacted to lots of “natural” detergents. It all depends on the kid. Good to know the likely culprits, though, so you can narrow down the search if you run into issues.
Great information!
The question of whether enzymes in detergent are harmful to skin seems to be up in the air still. A read an article on the topic recently that suggested that protease enzymes only eat non-living protein, so they would munch on dead skin cells but not baby’s live ones. I’m no expert on the topic, however.
This is good to know. Although we have taken to using all natural detergents for all our clothing!
Thanks for explaining this…I esp appreciate the chart!
Tanis
Hoping to win a giveaway and will be keeping these detergent tips and thoughts in mind if I do!
Thanks for the info — very helpful!
I was always under the impression that enzymes were bad for the diapers. I guess that is why Tide works for so many people (including myself).
I think it’s important to point out that enzymes ARE all natural, so that is not a good way to judge whether or not you have enzymes in your washing detergent. On a side note, what are some ways y’all have found to kill the ammonia smell in diapers? I have a 4 month old I CD part time (we are trying to build up our stash to full time cd), and I have notices her diapers smell very strong when they are wet – and before you say it’s because they’re wet, let me explain that her urine doesn’t have a particularly strong smell (as I have experienced her peeing on me while changing her), so I don’t think it is just the current urine issue.
we love using our Tiny Bubbles for laundry detergent — it doesn’t have anything damaging, and it works great on our regular laundry too
Thank you for the info. I just assumed as long as I didn’t used fabric softener I was alright.
Awesome! Thanks for the info!
thanks so much! love learning about taking care of my investment and keeping my baby’s bum healthy!
This link to diaper jungle’s comparison chart helped me decide on an affordable, effective, readily available detergent. Thanks!
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