Which Baby Laundry Detergent Is Best? 7 Points to Consider When Choosing

Your baby's skin is much thinner and more sensitive than an adult's. This is why the clothes, sheets, and blankets that touch your skin all day are important: residues from the detergent you use come into direct contact with your baby's skin. So, which baby laundry detergent is good? In this guide, we explain what to look for when choosing a baby detergent, what organic detergent means, and how to wash baby clothes.

Short answer: What should a good baby detergent be like?

• Unscented and dye-free.
• Made with plant-based surfactants and have a petrochemical-free formula.
• Should not contain enzymes, optical brighteners, or preservatives.
• Should rinse out easily and leave no residue on fabrics.
• Should be biodegradable.

7 points to consider when choosing a baby detergent

1. Should not contain perfume or fragrance

Perfumes that give clothes a "clean scent" are one of the most common causes of irritation in sensitive skin. Fragrance does not mean the detergent cleans better. Choose an unscented detergent for baby clothes. Also, be wary of terms like "natural scent" or "light perfume."

2. Should not contain dyes or colorants

The color of the detergent is for appearance only and does not contribute to its cleaning power. Colorants can leave unnecessary residue on fabrics that come into contact with the skin.

3. Plant-based surfactants should be used

The main components that break down dirt are surfactants. In many conventional detergents, these are derived from petroleum. Surfactants derived from plant oils are gentler on both the skin and the environment.

4. Should not contain enzymes

Enzymes are added to break down protein and starch stains. However, they can cause irritation in some sensitive skin. For babies and allergy-prone individuals, enzyme-free formulas are a safer choice.

5. Should not contain optical brighteners

Optical brighteners do not actually clean the fabric; they stay on the fabric and reflect light, making the laundry look whiter. In other words, they are chemicals deliberately left on the fabric. Avoid them in baby clothes.

6. Should not contain preservatives or complexing agents

Preservatives added to extend shelf life and some complexing agents used to soften water are unnecessary additives for sensitive skin. The shorter and clearer the ingredient list, the better.

7. Should be biodegradable

The detergent you use enters the environment along with wastewater. A 100% biodegradable detergent places less of a burden on the world your baby will grow up in.

What is organic detergent?

Organic detergent is a detergent that derives its surfactants not from petroleum derivatives, but from plant oils grown through organic farming. A good organic detergent generally contains no perfume, dyes, enzymes, or petrochemical ingredients, and it fully breaks down in nature.

Not every product with "natural" or "plant-based" on its label is organic. Check the ingredient list before buying; see if it meets the 7 points above.

Powder or liquid?

Both work well; the choice depends on your usage habits.

• Liquid detergent dissolves easily in low temperatures and has a lower risk of leaving powder residue on fabrics. It is practical for everyday baby clothes.
• Powder detergent is generally more economical and is a good option for colored clothes or heavy stains. Use it by placing it in the washing machine's detergent compartment, and do not exceed the recommended dose.

How should baby clothes be washed?

• Wash new clothes before wearing them for the first time. This removes substances that may have remained on the fabric during production and storage.
• Do not overdo the dose. Too much detergent does not clean better; it only leaves more residue on the fabric.
• Rinse extra. Use the extra rinse option on your machine if available.
• Do not use fabric softener. Fabric softeners leave a thin layer on the fabric and generally contain perfume.
• Choose the right temperature. 30–40 °C is sufficient for everyday clothes. You can wash items like bibs, towels, and sheets at 60 °C if the label allows.
• Do not let stains sit. Rinse food, fruit, and poop stains with cold water first, then pre-treat with an oxygen-based stain remover.

Our recommendation for babies: Sonett Sensitive Series

Sonett's blue-labeled Sensitive Series, which has been producing ecological cleaning products in Germany since 1977, was developed for babies and allergy-prone individuals:

• Made with plant oils from certified organic farming.
• Contains entirely plant-based surfactants; petrochemical-free.
• Contains no perfume, dyes, enzymes, preservatives, or complexing agents.
• %100 biodegradable.
• Can be used in 30, 60, and 95 °C programs.

For everyday baby laundry, you can use Sonett Sensitive Series Unscented Liquid Laundry Detergent 2 L or the more economical 5 L size, or Sensitive Series Unscented Colored Laundry Powder for colored clothes. Sonett Oxygen Bleach and Stain Remover is a good helper for stubborn stains.

You can browse our Sonett Sensitive Series and Sonett laundry collections for all products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should baby clothes be washed separately?

Washing baby clothes separately is the safest way during the first few months. If the whole family uses a sensitive and unscented detergent, there is no harm in washing them together.

Until what age should baby detergent be used?

There is no specific age limit. Children and adults with sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies can continue to use sensitive detergents.

At what temperature should baby clothes be washed?

30–40 °C is sufficient for everyday clothes. Bibs, towels, and sheets can be washed at 60 °C if the label allows.

My baby's skin is red; could the detergent be the cause?

It could be, but it is not the only cause. First, try switching to an unscented and enzyme-free detergent and rinsing extra. If the redness continues, be sure to consult your pediatrician.

How are silk baby products washed?

Silk should not be washed with regular detergent, but with a neutral detergent specifically designed for silk, at a maximum of 30 °C. For details, you can check our How to Wash Silk? guide and our silk baby products.