Babies are adorable. Their laundry? Not so much. Between blowouts, spit-up, mystery stains, and constant outfit changes, it’s no surprise that baby clothes need special care. But what’s less obvious is why your usual detergent might not be the best choice.
This guide walks through what to avoid, how to wash baby clothes safely, and why the right detergent makes a real difference.
What’s the Problem With Regular Detergent?
Most conventional laundry detergents use synthetic fragrance, dyes, and surfactants that can linger in fabric and irritate sensitive skin. That’s a concern for adults but it’s an even bigger issue for babies, whose skin barrier is thinner and more easily affected.
Common culprits include:
- Synthetic fragrance (including masking agents)
- Dyes and optical brighteners
- SLS/SLES and harsh surfactants
- Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Even some detergents labeled “free & clear” may still contain ingredients that cause irritation. Always read the label and look for complete ingredient transparency.
Step 1: Choose the Right Detergent
Look for a detergent that’s free from synthetic fragrance, dyes, and harsh preservatives. If you prefer a scent, opt for formulas that are lightly scented with 100% natural essential oils, and always avoid products that don’t list their full ingredients.
Orchard’s unscented formula is designed specifically with sensitive skin in mind: no added fragrance, no SLS/SLES, and no residue left behind. It’s enzyme-powered for stain removal and safe for use on cloth diapers, onesies, swaddles, and bedding.
Step 2: Wash With Care
For newborns, it’s a good idea to wash all clothing, blankets, and towels before first use. After that, treat baby laundry just like your own:
- Sort by color and soil level
- Use cold or warm water (never hot for delicate fabrics)
- Avoid fabric softeners or dryer sheets, which can coat fabric and trap residue
- Dry with low or medium heat or hang dry when possible
How to Handle Common Baby Stains
The best way to deal with baby stains is to wash them as soon as possible. If you’re using Orchard laundry powder or pods:
- Run a pre-wash or extra rinse cycle for heavily soiled items
- For tough stains (like diaper blowouts or food), wash with a full scoop using warm to hot water
- For older or set-in stains, consider adding an Oxygen Booster like Orchard Bright to the load for extra lifting power
Avoid chlorine bleach – it can damage fabrics and isn’t safe for sensitive skin.
What About Cloth Diapers?
Cloth diapering parents often get conflicting advice about what detergent to use. The key is finding one that rinses clean, contains no fabric softeners, and is effective enough to handle heavy soiling without irritating delicate skin.
Orchard’s unscented powder and pods are cloth-diaper safe and contain no oils or additives that can interfere with absorbency. They're also enzyme-powered, which helps break down protein- and fat-based waste more effectively than surfactants alone. For extra support on tough diaper days, an oxygen booster can be added for odor control and stain lifting.
Avoid detergents marketed for babies that contain conditioners, brighteners, or thickening agents, which can cause build-up in diaper fibers and lead to leaks or skin irritation.
What’s Really in Conventional Detergents?
Many mainstream detergents labeled as “free & clear” still contain ingredients that can be irritating to babies and they’re not always easy to spot. Here’s a deeper look:
Synthetic fragrance: Often hidden under the term “fragrance” or “parfum,” these can include hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including known allergens and endocrine disruptors.
Optical brighteners: These make clothes appear whiter by coating fabric with a fluorescent residue, which doesn’t rinse out and can be irritating on skin.
SLS/SLES and harsh surfactants: These foaming agents are powerful degreasers but can strip skin’s natural barrier, especially in babies.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: Used to extend shelf life, these slowly release trace amounts of formaldehyde, a known skin sensitizer and respiratory irritant.
Choosing a detergent without these ingredients helps reduce your baby's overall exposure to unnecessary chemicals.
How Often Should You Wash Baby Clothes?
Babies generate laundry at a remarkable rate. In the newborn stage, it’s common to wash clothes, bibs, and swaddles every 1–2 days to keep up with frequent changes and avoid setting stains.
Because babies often drool, spit up, or experience diaper leaks, washing more frequently helps reduce odor and prevent bacteria from building up on fabric. It also means your baby’s skin stays in contact with freshly cleaned clothing – something that matters when you're working hard to limit irritants.
Orchard’s formulas are gentle enough for frequent washing without buildup or residue, which makes them a good fit for daily or near-daily loads.
The Bottom Line
New skin deserves extra care. Choosing a detergent with fewer irritants and full transparency helps protect your baby’s comfort – and keeps their clothes genuinely clean.
Orchard’s powder and pods are safe for sensitive skin, available in unscented or lightly scented versions, and work in all machine types. No residue, no irritants, no guessing.