Can I Use Baby Detergent on My Clothes?
Newborns have sensitive skin, and therefore paediatricians recommend that parents use baby formulated laundry detergents to prevent skin irritation and breakouts. This means that you will have to buy two types of laundry detergents in the house which will be costly, and this brings us to the question, can I use baby detergent on my clothes?
Yes, you can use baby laundry detergent on your clothes but it is expensive. Also, it does not have the same washing effect on adult clothes because it does not have added brightening and decontamination ingredients.
Can I Use Baby Detergent on My Clothes?
Baby laundry detergents are soft and free of chemicals that might react with the newborn’s sensitive skin. They do not contain harsh chemicals in regular detergents therefore, they protect the newborn’s skin from irritation.
Choosing the right baby detergent should not be stressful because there are many brands to choose from. While the variety gives you a choice, you must be careful with the brand you take home. Some of the brands posing as baby-friendly do not get the baby clothes clean.
The main goal is to use a safe detergent on a baby’s sensitive skin even if it is not branded as a baby detergent. Irrespective of the labelling, a safe baby detergent should be hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dye-free.
Such a detergent is safe for use by the whole family. Also, it saves you time and money because you do not have to separate baby clothes from adult clothes, and you will no longer buy two types of detergents. However, you should always wash cloth diapers and heavily soiled clothes on a separate load to avoid transferring the stains.
Differences between Baby Laundry detergent and Regular Laundry detergent
Many people differentiate baby from adult laundry detergent using the packaging label but there is more to the label. Here are the significant differences between baby and adult detergents:
Ingredients
The major difference between adult detergents and baby detergents is the ingredients used in the manufacturing process. Adult detergents contain an active ingredient, softeners, synergists, and fragrances. Also, most adult laundry detergents do not list all the ingredients contained in the detergent.
On the other hand, baby laundry detergents do not contain any of the above and are governed by strict regulations that require manufacturers to list all the ingredients in the product.
Most adult laundry detergents contain added brightening ingredients and stain removal synthetics, which are not added in baby detergents. All the ingredients added in adult detergents make clothes look new and clean, something you will not get with soft baby laundry detergent.
Baby laundry detergent emphasizes alkalinity
Baby laundry detergents are designed to prevent skin irritation, and therefore, they are more alkaline with a P.H of 6.0-7.0., unlike adult detergents with a P.H of more than 8.5. The low alkalinity level makes it gentle on baby skin.
Adult detergents do not emphasize the alkalinity, and in many cases, their harsh ingredients make them more acidic, and they end up reacting to the sensitive baby skin.
Stain removal
Baby laundry detergents are formulated to remove formula, breast milk, saliva, and food stains from baby clothes. Some brands like Dreft promise 99.99% baby food and formula stain removal. While regular adult detergents contain stain removal synthetics, they cannot remove stains on baby clothes effectively.
Cost
Baby laundry detergents are more costly than regular adult laundry detergents. Therefore, if you decide to use baby detergents for the whole family, be ready to spend more.
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Can You Use Regular Detergent on Baby Clothes?
Baby laundry detergents are more costly than regular detergents hence not affordable for parents on a budget. If you can only afford regular detergent, ensure that it is:
Free of dyes and fragrance
Fragrance chemicals and dyes are the primary cause of irritation on sensitive baby skin. Look for detergents with a clear and free label. This tells you that the detergent does not contain fragrance and is clear of dyes that could cause irritation.
Liquid detergents
Liquid detergents are recommended on baby clothes because they are less likely to leave residues. Powder detergents are abrasive and leave irritating residues on baby clothes.
Free of harsh chemicals
Regular detergents safe for baby clothes should be free of bleach, softeners, and stain removers because they are too harsh on baby skin.
List of ingredients
A list of ingredients helps you know what is contained in the detergent. If you have to choose between a detergent with a list of ingredients and one that doesn’t have, I encourage you to choose the one with ingredients. You are less likely to select a detergent that will irritate your baby’s skin with the knowledge of the ingredients.
When to Start Washing Baby Clothes Using Regular Detergent?
There is no right or wrong time to start washing baby clothes with regular detergents. It depends on whether your baby has stopped reacting to adults laundry detergents or not.
However, for most babies, it is safe to transition to regular detergent after they turn one year. Their skin is well developed, and they are not overly allergic. After the first wash, be keen to watch your baby’s skin and stop if they suffer irritation or breakouts.
The one-year mark is a generalization because babies are different. Therefore, observe your baby and go with what works best for them.
Switching to regular detergent saves you time and money. You will no longer have to do separate loads, and it saves you on the cost of detergents, water and energy bills. It is very easy and cheap to wash everyone’s clothes together.
If your baby’s skin still flares out after the switch, you must continue using baby laundry detergents. Start by washing a few clothes, and if their skin reacts, you know what’s best for them.
See also is 3o weeks too early to wash baby clothes
FAQs on Can I use Baby Detergent on My Clothes?
Can I wash my clothes with baby detergent?
Yes, you can wash your clothes with baby detergents, but it will be costly. Baby laundry detergents are soft and free of harsh chemicals that react with newborns’ sensitive skin. Although they are specially formulated for baby clothes, they are still safe in adult clothes.
Can I use Dreft on my clothes?
Yes, you can; Dreft is safe for cotton and polyester clothes; therefore, it can be used on all fabrics, including adult cloths.
