Cloth nappy detergent index (UK)

Our favourite detergents are available to everyone. The full index contains 43 different detergents and is available exclusively to our patrons and legacy website subscribers with a current quarterly or annual subscription.

AU/ NZ detergents are listed separately.


Use the amount on the packaging for your machine size, water hardness and heavy soiling for your main wash. Use one-third (1/3) of the suggested main wash dose if you run a daily first wash or half (1/2) the dose if you run it every second day.

Increase if there is additional soiling (such as hard water, multiple children in cloth or older children) or if items are not coming out clean.

Add more detergent until you see sufficient suds in the wash phase of the cycle. View our loading videos for guidance.

Ariel Original Washing Liquid

  • Liquid
  • Enzymes
  • Top-rated

Performs best in:

  • Medium water
  • Hard water
More Premium detergent. Contains phosphates. Gives an excellent clean on par with powder. Sudsy in soft water.
≥40°C Warm/ hot
Start with the heavily soiled amount for your machine size and water hardness.

Ariel Original Washing Powder

  • Powder
  • Enzymes
  • Top-rated

Performs best in:

  • Soft water
  • Medium water
  • Hard water
More Worked well, quite strong fragrance.
≥40°C Warm/ hot
Start with the heavily soiled amount for your machine size and water hardness.

Read our full review

Fairy Non-Bio Laundry Powder

  • Powder
  • Top-rated

Performs best in:

  • Soft water
  • Medium water
  • Hard water
More Hot (60ºC) wash only. Contains perfumes so not "sensitive safe". Phosphate-free.
60°C Hot
Start with the heavily soiled amount for your machine size and water hardness.

Fairy Non-Bio Liquid

  • Liquid
  • Top-rated

Performs best in:

  • Medium water
  • Hard water
More Gets very sudsy in soft water, reducing dosage lead to nappies not getting clean. Works fine in hard - moderate water, use powder for soft water.
60°C Hot
Start with the heavily soiled amount for your machine size and water hardness.

Persil Bio Laundry Powder

  • Powder
  • Enzymes

Performs best in:

  • Soft water
  • Medium water
  • Hard water
More Suitable for most water hardness, significant amount required to work well in harder water.
≥40°C Warm/ hot
Start with the heavily soiled amount for your machine size and water hardness.

Read our full review

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