In my insanely thorough researching of cloth diapers, I knew that I was going to have to find a special detergent to use. You can’t use any “normal” detergents because they leave behind a residue that will cause your diapers to be less absorbent. Makes sense- they absorb the detergent and not the other stuff they’re supposed to absorb. So, one of the most popular options that I found online was Charlie’s Soap. It’s actually soap-free, so don’t let the name fool you. In a study done by Clemson University, Charlie’s performed in the top three as far as leaving the least residue behind on clothes. AND not only does it work for cloth diapers, but it works for baby clothes and regular clothes, too.
I decided to give it a shot and order some. I got the liquid form, but apparently the powder works great, too, even in cold water. The coolest thing about Charlie’s is that you only use a teensy bit. One pump of the dispenser aka 1/8 cup of the liquid for a large load. One gallon washes 128 loads of clothes, making the cost only 19 cents per load. Compare that to Tide or whatever you use and see what you’d save! I was wary at first, because I LOVE scented laundry stuff, and you apparently don’t have to use fabric softeners with Charlie’s, either. However, I soon discovered that just because this stuff isn’t loaded down with perfumes, it still leaves your clothes smelling awesomely clean. And best of all… it WORKS! All of our stuff is so clean and really soft, despite nixing the Bounce dryer sheets. I re-washed the cloth diapers I had and they transformed from crunchy to soft.
I am pumped with this discovery, so I decided to share with you guys. And no, I am not getting paid or bribed to do this entry, (unfortunately). This product is great for sensitive skin, too, since it doesn’t contain anything to irritate the skin. I am really excited that we can use one product for everything instead of having to buy detergent for the diapers, Dreft and our detergent… this equals money savings! They do suggest you clean your machine by running a large load of Charlies with a few old rags- you’ll be amazed at the tons of suds that appear! Charlie’s is low suds, so you know all these bubbles are from the detergent goo stuck to your machine. Anyway, just a PSA to let you guys know about a great product that is safe for babies and grown-ups!
www.charliesoap.com is the Web site if you want to learn more or order some!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
YAY! Thanks for the recommendation, my husband and I were just having the "dreft debate" – this will be a perfect environmentally conscience solution.
Hubs thinks Dreft is a marking ploy to con new mom's into buying expensive detergent. I tend to agree.
Thanks for the product review. I don't live in the States anymore, but if I did I would really want to give this a try! Some of my friends have given it rave reviews. I wash all my stuff with Ecover now, a pretty expensive option in the States but the most environmentally friendly option I've found here in Europe. Before I started using it, though, I thought I would miss the "clean laundry smell" you get from detergent. Little did I know how strong the perfumes actually were. Now all I smell is clean clothes. I've heard that's the same with Charlie's. Isn't that just the best scent?
I cannot believe you are almost 27 weeks already, crazy!!
Good stuff! That's what we use too