Test your laundry detergent

Are you wondering if your laundry detergent is suitable for maintaining washable diapers?
Use our quick and easy tool: enter the name of your detergent and instantly find out if it is ✅ compatible, ❌ to avoid or ⚠️ to check.
A reliable way to avoid maintenance errors and extend the life of your cloth diapers.

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Choosing the right detergent for washable diapers

Choosing a laundry detergent compatible with cloth diapers is an essential step in avoiding leaks, unpleasant odors, and fiber clogging. Many parents discover too late that some detergents, although known to be effective for regular laundry, are not at all suitable for cloth diapers. Added soaps, glycerin, hidden fabric softeners... so many pitfalls that reduce the performance and durability of your diapers.

That's why we created this free cloth diaper detergent calculator . In just a few seconds, you can check whether your usual product is suitable or whether it's better to avoid it. This tool helps you secure your washing routine and extend the life of your diapers, while maintaining optimal comfort for your baby.

1) Rechercher votre lessive

Comment bien chercher ?
Tapez la marque + la gamme (ex. “Persil Universal”), ou juste la marque pour voir toutes les variantes.

2) Résultat & explications

Comprendre l’étiquette

Raisons fréquentes d’incompatibilité

  • Savon/glycérine
  • Agents filmogènes
  • Recettes maison au savon

Pourquoi privilégier la poudre ?

  • Efficacité supérieure à T° égale
  • Moins de résidus/films

3) Règles express & Légende

Règles express

• Priorité aux poudres universelles sans « savon ». • Les liquides sont ▲ (moins efficaces). • 🟥 Compatibles mais inefficaces = retour utilisateur faible. • ❌ Non compatibles = savon/glycérine/encrassement.

Légende compatibilité
✅ Poudre compatible ▲ Liquide compatible 🟥 Compatible mais inefficace ❌ Non compatible

Listes non exhaustives, mises à jour selon vos retours.

  • Last updated on 08/22/2025

    Why aren't all detergents suitable for washable diapers?

    Washing cloth diapers can't be improvised: not all detergents are suitable. An inappropriate formula can reduce their absorbency, cause leaks, and prematurely wear out the fabrics.

    Soap and glycerin residues → a risk of clogging

    Many liquid detergents contain soap (Marseille, Aleppo, black, vegetable) or glycerin . These ingredients leave a greasy film on the fibers: the diapers become dirty , retain odors and absorb less and less.

    Powder or liquid: the essential difference

    • Powder detergents are more powerful, rinse better and leave fewer residues.
    • Liquid detergents often contain more additives and preservatives, which build up in the fibers. They are therefore less reliable in the long run, although some are compatible.

    Temperatures: Finding the Right Balance

    • 40°C for everyday use : effective cleaning while preserving textiles.
    • 60°C occasionally : ideal for disinfecting, removing bacteria and restoring shine to absorbents, without damaging the diapers.

    ✅ Lessives recommandées / ❌ À éviter

    Type de lessive Compatibilité Explications
    Lessive en poudre sans savon ✅ Idéale Nettoyage puissant, bon rinçage, durable
    Lessive liquide avec savon/glycérine ❌ À éviter Film gras → encrassement, fuites
    Lessive en poudre avec agents blanchissants (sans javel) ✅ Compatible Élimine taches, redonne éclat
    Lessive avec adoucissant intégré ❌ À éviter Enrobe les fibres, absorption réduite
    Lavage à 40 °C ✅ Quotidien Suffisant pour garder les couches propres
    Lavage à 60 °C ✅ Ponctuel Désinfection et entretien en profondeur

    👉 Choisissez une lessive en poudre adaptée et respectez les bonnes températures pour préserver l’efficacité et la longévité de vos couches lavables.

    How to choose the right detergent for washable diapers?

    Choosing the right detergent for cloth diapers is essential to ensure effective washing and preserve the longevity of fabrics. Here are some simple tips:

    Favor powder detergents

    Always choose a washing powder without added soap . It performs better at the same temperature, rinses better and limits deposits in the fibers.

    Check the composition

    Before you buy, take the time to read the label. ⚠️ Avoid the following ingredients:

    Soaps (Marseille, Aleppo, black, vegetable), Glycerin, Integrated softeners

    Adjust according to water hardness

    The amount of detergent should be adjusted according to the water hardness . Hard water requires more detergent, while soft water allows for less detergent. To determine your water hardness and get an accurate dosage, use our Interactive Map .

    💡 Also discover our complementary solutions:

    Disposable veils for easy daily cleaning

    Flexinest to extend the life of diapers

    Absorbent boosters to boost the effectiveness of your diapers

    Disposable and washable sails for easy daily cleaning

    In summary: a washing powder, without soap or glycerin, and a dosage adjusted to your water = clean, absorbent and durable diapers.

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    We help you

    Every family, every machine, and every water is different. That's why an effective routine can't always be summed up in a general rule.

    👉 Our team helps you define a tailor-made washing routine , adapted to your habits, your laundry and your constraints.

    "A big thank you We would like to warmly thank the group “Les Couches Lavables, on parle des vraies affaires” and in particular Élise, for allowing us to share the fruits of their work over several years. Thanks to their commitment and the wealth of their resources, many families – including ours – are moving forward with greater peace of mind in the adventure of washable diapers. A wonderful reminder that the strength of our community lies in sharing and transmission."
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    FAQs

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    Laundry detergents and washable diapers

    1. What detergent should I use for washable diapers?

    It is recommended to use a soap- and glycerin-free powder detergent . It cleans effectively, rinses well and limits deposits in the fibers.

    2. Why avoid certain liquid detergents?

    Liquid detergents often contain soap and glycerin , which leave a greasy film. This causes diapers to clog and reduces their absorbency.

    3. How do I know if my laundry detergent is compatible?

    You can use our free laundry detergent calculator to check your product's compatibility. This tool quickly tells you if your laundry detergent is suitable for cloth diapers.

    4. How much detergent should I use for cloth diapers?

    The dose depends on the hardness of your water and the capacity of your machine. 👉 Find our detailed recommendations on the water hardness map in France .

    5. Homemade laundry detergent and washable diapers: a good idea?

    Generally, no . Homemade detergents often contain soap (Marseille, Aleppo, black) which quickly clogs the fibers. It is better to choose a compatible and tested industrial detergent.