(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best laundry detergent

Hi. Yes. I am very sorry your father has these allergies, but... be glad he got patch tested and knows the specific chemical substances he needs to avoid. Many people don't bother. Feel free to pm me at any time. Several of his allergies are going to be difficult to avoid. Ex. isothiazolinones are pretty much in all commercial cleaners and paints and are airborne. So he may get "mystery" reactions that are really just reactions from MCI/MI (abbreviation for isothiazolinones) in the store he was just in.

Just have his medications compounded. Yes, it's an added expense, but it's medically necessary.

Glycol is... insidious. Especially in food. You can pretty much count on it being in every processed food unless it says certified organic. It does not need to be listed either. It can hide in "natural ingredients" or not hide and all and just not be listed. It's in most dairy products like milk and ice cream, for example. And don't get me started on medications. Is he having a problem with polyester? It's a derivative of PEG (polyethylene glycol). Don't drink any beverage at all unless it's certified organic except for water. Unless you call the company/email the company to confirm just assume it's in the juice/soda/coffee. There are very very few juices/drinks that don't have it. Ground coffee. Flavored coffee... it's just in there. Oh, and especially any breads/bread products/cookies/baked goods. Hey! Good news though: Panera is a propylene glycol free company with their foods(you need to double check on their bottled juices though, I can't vouch for that).

BoP... all right. Listen. Focus on avoiding the things he touches for now, but BoP chemicals are in foods (naturally as well as in benzoate preservatives). So... vegetables/fruits may be tricky. If you find he's definitely avoiding things and not clearing up he may want to peek at the BoP foods. They are complicated.

Reddit is not the forum for learning about these allergies... although I'm happy to answer any questions. The place to do that is to join the "general ACD (allergic contact dermatitis) board" on FB, and the individual allergy boards. I'll list the ones that involve him.

Here is the main/general board: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1567785756868893/

Glycol allergy:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/527750807305657/
PG allergy:https://www.facebook.com/groups/240074313186664/

BoP allergy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284324351616200/

Colophony (mixed in with the "shoe group" because it's most often seen there): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1194818737239955/
And a second: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1194818737239955/

There are a lot of methylisothiazolinone groups because it's a *ty chemical. Feel free to use the search bar and join whichever you want, or all of them. It just sucks.

Also... listen... this stuff becomes all very complicated. I'm a well-educated person with good research skills (librarian) and it took me the better part of a year to really get a handle on multiple multiple allergies like this. Be prepared. It is a life changing diagnosis.

I recommend "zero tolerance" for conventional products. If he lives with anyone they should also adopt his product use. This means do not clean anything (dishes, laundry, face, body, hair, house) with something normal you'd buy at the store. There is absolutely no way with his list of allergies you'll be able to find anything safe for him. MAYBE he can find something with formaldehyde as the preservative and fragrance free... but he's obviously prone to collecting allergies and that is NOT one he wants to add to his lineup.

This is a safe soap. Three ingredients. Olive oil, salt, water. My family and I use it for ALL of our cleansing needs. Face/body/hair. https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-My-Face-Soap-Olive/dp/B002LMQQ1C/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1523116505&sr=1-6&keywords=kiss+my+face+olive Also available at Whole Foods. ONLY the olive bar. He doesn't want to use the lavender one with BoP allergies. Or any botanical/flower. Or any fragrance (MCI/MI is hidden in fragrance also).

How does he feel about beards? My husband has one and he doesn't need shaving lotion. Which is good. Because I don't know what he'd do.

This is a safe dishwasher detergent: https://www.amazon.com/Ecover-Automatic-Dishwasher-Tablets-Fragrance-Free/dp/B0080L99GC/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1523116601&sr=1-3&keywords=ecos%2Bdishwasher%2Bdetergent&th=1 It's available at Whole Foods in non-tablet, just powder form.

This is a safe dish detergent (also good for hand washing): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J5HGA9Y/ref=sxr_rr_xsim_1_s_it?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3513574162&pd_rd_wg=bxfmc&pf_rd_r=0RTH0GV2S8CX8SV48A9R&pf_rd_s=desktop-rhs-carousels&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B00J5HGA9Y&pd_rd_w=GSztQ&pf_rd_i=ecos+dishwasher+detergent&pd_rd_r=a350294f-1341-4bb1-9936-a0a5c5ccabe7&ie=UTF8&qid=1523116601&sr=1 NOT available at Whole Foods

For laundry: https://www.amazon.com/Mollys-Suds-Original-Laundry-Sensitive/dp/B00F8LE2TQ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1523116893&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=mollys+suds&psc=1&smid=A1FUPZWT4RJSOD

Other than putting dilute white vinegar in water, using baking soda to scrub, and possibly hydrogen peroxide, this is the only* safe cleaning product. It looks complicated and expensive. It's not. It also works fabulously. Comes out to be waaaay less a year than I was spending on conventional cleaners. It's all my cleaning lady uses. https://www.amazon.com/Force-Nature-Non-Toxic-All-Purpose-Deodorizer/dp/B071HLCLL9/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1523116665&sr=1-2&keywords=force+of+nature The company's website has coupons if you buy direct from them.

Does he need a moisturizing product? He should use medical grade white petrolatum or 100% emu oil from a reputable vendor (others can cut it in with other oils that aren't safe for him--he shouldn't use plant based oils because BoP). https://www.amazon.com/100-Montana-Emu-Ranch-Liquid/dp/B0026X5KCW/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1523116770&sr=1-4&keywords=emu+ranch

Edited for: in case it isn't clear "natural" "organic" (unless certified** organic) "hypoallergenic" etc. do not mean anything. Do not think the 7th generation or Honest Company items you see in Whole Foods or god forbid Mrs. Meyers (methylisothiazolinone preservative and of course his BoP allergy would be a problem) or anything like that is actually safe. Remember. They just want to sell their products to people who don't know any better. You could bottle 100% formaldehyde or 100% propylene glycol and label it "all natural hypoallergenic" and it would be fine.

• This Seether album is titled "Isolate and Medicate", which is what more than a few people use the answer to the first riddle to do. The album is necessary to my magical music experience because having music playing in the background is an essential study method! Studies have shown (I believe) that listening to music in the background while studying actually forces you to concentrate more effectively on the material being studied and you do better. :)
  
  
• I can use the answer to the second riddle to both dominate the Quidditch field AND to clean the floor of my room, and this Tide laundry detergent will clean both my Quidditch AND school robes good as new and make them smell great too!
  
  
• These hanging corner shelves are an excellent way to organize and display my school uniform witches' hat and my roaring lion hat that Luna Lovegood occasionally borrows from my when cheering at the Quidditch teams!
  
  
• This amazing chair is a very tasteful and comfortable place from which to read/study from all of my school books!
  
  
• This Pirate's Booty tasty snack can be hidden/stored in the answer to the fifth riddle, and it would make an awesome study snack!
  
  
• This costume, which includes the answer to the bonus riddle, would be helpful for hiding my identity from Mr. Filch while being out of bed in the middle of the night and up to no good, although a tad small for me!
  
  Mischief Managed

Microfiber list looks pretty good! You may want to add a few of these for other various purposes so you don't use your nicer more expensive towels for extra dirty stuff like around your exhaust or wheels/wheel wells/in your engine bay. Also I'm pretty sure you can get a bucket with a screw on lid at home depot for pretty cheap, but all in all it's not a bad kit because it comes with the soap and grit guard and wash mitt. As for the bucket for your supplies, again I'm sure there's something cheaper at home depot.

Chemical guys makes some pretty good stuff and some pretty bad stuff. They're more of a marketing brand than a good detailing product brand. I'd replace the glass cleaner with Stoner Invisible Glass...can also be found at walmart or autozone usually.

Their degreaser is good and can be diluted so it should last a while. Never used their wheel cleaner, but it looks okay. The microfiber detergent isn't necessary really, just get something like this for a lot cheaper. Just make sure you wash your microfibers separately and DO NOT use fabric softener on them. Be aware that some detergents have fabric softener mixed in. Do not use those detergents. The tire brush is good, but you may also want one like this to get into the inside of your wheels more.

Certainly! Here's what I have so far:

Bleach:

Body wash:
Old Spice High Endurance Pure Sport Scent Men's Body Wash 18 Fl Oz
6 pack
$23.34 every 6 months
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GR9OIQ/

@ Weis we’re spending $4.49 per bottle, so $26.94 every 6 months
We will save $3.60 every 6 months with Amazon S&S
a savings of $7.20 / year

Canned tuna:
Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore in water, 5 Ounce Tins
24 pack
$33.29 every 3 months
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XPPAA0/

@ Weis we’re spending $1.99 per can, so $47.76 every 3 months
We will save 14.47 every 3 months with Amazon S&S
a savings of $57.88 / year

Cat food:
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner Chunks and Gravy Cat Food Can, 5.5oz
24 pack, 3x @ $20.51
$61.53 every month
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006WOC8SU/

@ Petco we’re spending $1.17 per can, so $84.24 every month
We will save $22.71 every month with Amazon S&S
a savings of $272.52 / year

Coffee creamer:
International Delight Amaretto Liquid Creamer
288-Count Single-Serve Packages
$14.55 every 3 months
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00284TNL8

@ Weis we’re spending $2.29 per bottle, so $27.48 every 3 months
We will save $12.93 every 3 months with Amazon S&S
a savings of $51.72 / year

Deodorant:
Old Spice High Endurance Pure Sport Scent Men's Deodorant
2 pack
$4.65 every 4 months
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CC3NHK

@ Weis we’re spending $4.49 per stick, so $8.98 every 4 months
We will save $4.33 every 4 months with Amazon S&S
a savings of $12.99 / year

Dish soap:

Dishwasher detergent:

Fabric softener:

Laundry detergent:
Tide Laundry Detergent, 50 Ounce
2 pack
$11.97 every 2 months
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005UX2KU0/

@ Weis we’re spending $16.49 per bottle, so $32.98 every 2 months
We will save $21.01 every 2 months with Amazon S&S
a savings of $126.06 / year

Paper towels:
Sparkle Paper Towels Giant Rolls Pick A Size, White
8 count
$7.57 every 2 months
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BLZ1ZV6/

@ Weis we’re spending $11.99 per package, so $11.99 every 2 months
We will save $4.42 every 2 months with Amazon S&S
a savings of $26.52 / year

Razor blade cartridges:
Gillette Fusion Manual Cartridges
12 count
$34.71 every 4 months
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004B8AZH0/

@ Weis we’re spending $3.44 per unit, so $41.28 every 4 months
We will save $6.57 every 4 months with Amazon S&S
a savings of $19.71 / year

Tissues:

Toilet paper:

First, see a dermatologist. Ask them about allergy testing (which is often administered by an immunologist). You could try removing dairy, wheat, and even soy from your child's diet on your own and monitor the effect. The dermatologist might administer antibiotics - I've been on erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole-tmp, clindamycin and also minocycline and doxycycline (both which provide not only anti-bacterial but also anti-imflammatory properties) so you may want to ask about those. They may also prescribe some variety of cortisone - it's a pretty standard treatment for atopic dermatitis. If you also want something prescribed that's steroid free, be sure to ask them about:

http://www.atopiclairasia.com/about-atopiclair

I use atopiclair on my face and it's highly effective.

For over the counter products, try cetaphil soap (restoraderm line is also great), and for creams:

eucerin soothing repair cream:
http://www.drugstore.com/eucerin-original-healing-soothing-repair-creme/qxp16896

eucerine dry therapy calming cream:
http://www.drugstore.com/eucerin-dry-skin-therapy-calming-creme/qxp87512

Also, be sure to wash clothes and sheets with a mild detergent like:

http://www.amazon.com/All-2x-Free-Clear-100-ounce/dp/B00440ZGBU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Now, for a personal aside: I just want to tell you how much I empathize with you and your child. I'm 26, and I've dealt with eczema all my life. My condition is compounded by chronic folliculitis mixed in with my eczema, which leads to more severe infections - boils so severe that it hurts to walk, it hurts to sit, it hurts to sleep. My skin has been red and my body riddled with pain. I've spent hours sobbing, cursing god, and desperately searching for a solution. I've found no easy answers, no quick fix. But, the universe gave me a gift - two of the most wonderful people I know: my parents. They guided me through the hardest times in my life, provided me with strength when I felt only weakness, and offered unconditional love even when I lashed out in anger and despair. I just wanted to express the profoundly positive impact parents can have on someone with a devastating condition like atopic dermatitis.

Things do get better - my condition has improved as I've aged. And, there are many effective treatment options on the horizon (if your child's condition doesn't fade away completely as he gets older, which it commonly does). Most notably:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/breakthrough-therapy-could-help-millions-with-eczema/

My daughter (now 17 mo) has the same issues, and they started around 8 mo too. We figured out it was a yeast rash, so the pediatrician gave us prescription diaper cream. We use that when she gets the sores/blisters, and use extra strength Butt Paste to keep it at bay (like every time she poops but doesn't have a sore). Try airing her bottom out every time you change her--give her a few minutes of "naked" time before putting a clean diaper on.

We found that changing up the detergent also helped. I was using Tide for a while, but had to switch to Rockin' Green. It's been gentler on her skin and we don't have as many rashes with it.

Also, to get rid of any lurking bacteria in the diapers, I started adding 1/4 cup bleach to the wash. I did this when she had sores, and it helps clean the diapers better. Sometimes rashes may be caused by not getting diapers clean enough. You may need to increase detergent (tablespoon by tablespoon) until you feel that your diapers are getting clean enough.

We chose to use disposables only at night because her skin is sensitive to being in contact with wet cloth for that long (she sleeps through the night about 10-12 hours).

Hope it helps!

I use [ALL free & clear](all Liquid Laundry Detergent, Free Clear, 94.5 Ounce, 63 Loads https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V34MHJE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tfiKybQM1VN9T) careful on the dryer sheets too, I know those can irritate. ALL free & clear makes dryer sheets as well. I usually cut them in half. And for towel loads I leave out completely.
& a little coconut oil makes for a good lubricant.
Also have you tried the [diva cup](Diva Cup 1 Pre Childbirth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FAG6X0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hhiKybV3PYSWF)

A few drops of tea tree oil (apply to finger tips then apply to your V area) will also help cleanse it. I've used this method my self with positive results.

Good luck!

Forgive my unsolicited suggestion, but someone mentioned people wanting a product free of harmful chemicals as much as a frugal option. If you are unable/frustrated with making your own detergent I recommend at least giving this one a look. I buy one of these about every 15 months (And I do a lot of laundry for my family of 5). We started using it when we were cloth diapering, but switched over to it for everything and we really like it. There is no smell, which I admit I had a hard time adjusting to most of all because I used to associate a fresh smell with cleanliness. Aside from that our clothes are super soft and clean.
http://www.amazon.com/Charlies-Soap-Powder-Bucket-Pounds/dp/B0044EV0SE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1375811954&sr=8-3&keywords=charlie%27s+soap

I use Country Save. My first son I used regular powder detergent but I felt like I always had smell issues even when striping. This could have been something else I was doing wrong for sure but, I decided to go a different way with my second and have had zero issues.

Below is what I bought and I wash every day or every other and baby is now 6 weeks and I've got loads left.

Laundry Detergent Powder, Natural - HE Natural Laundry Detergent Clear and Free of Fillers and Chemicals - Sensitive Washing Detergent Safe for Babies - Country Save Laundry Detergent, 10 lbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J2IX2J2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5Ab3CbH5V3W0Q

Has anyone used Persil for Sensitive Skin with prefolds and covers? Here it is:

https://www.amazon.com/Persil-ProClean-Power-Liquid-Sensitive-Detergent/dp/B00UZKG4LY?th=1

I'm new to CD and I tried to google it, but I only found the original formula on Fluff Love listed as approved. I really like this detergent for our clothes and was hoping it would work for our cloth stash, too. Thank you! <3

I hate to be a corporate shill, but the products these guys produce is amazing.

I use the hypoallergenic laundry soap (the one that comes in a cardboard bottle) and their dishwasher soap and they both work like a charm, and they aren’t that much more expensive than alternatives that are more harmful for the planet.

Also the dishwasher soap works like a charm and it gets anything off dishes 99% of the time, even if it’s the most caked on thing in the universe.

I've machine washed mine for a year now with no issues. Cold, gentle cycle using laundry delicate bags. Hang dry them on a drying rack with no wringing and they're good to go!

Edit> Oh yeah, I use dye and perfume free and clear laundry detergent too. Like All Free and Clear

If you're worried about ammonia smell from pee, your best bet is actually to use an ammonia kicker in a washer rinse. This is actually a pretty good practice to do every few washes or so, or if you have a particularly stinky batch. We use Funk Rock, which is generally affordable and comes via Amazon Prime if you're in a rush (Funk Rock also does a pretty great job with clothing and such that have cat pee on them, as long as you get them rinsed and treated relatively quickly): http://amzn.com/B004D5KJJA

I just washed everything last night! All his plush toys, all the swaddles, all the blankets, etc.

I wash all my clothes in Seventh Generation free of all dyes and scents but then I add a small capful of this awesome detergent called Diva from Tyler. It's like $28 but lasts forever bc you only use a bit. It smells amazing and I always get compliments on my scent!

So I wash baby's stuff with the unscented stuff and then when I wash mine I throw in a small capful of Diva. But I'll probably stop once baby is born since I don't want him to have to snuggle up to anything too heavily scented.

As others have said bleeding of other colors in the wash is one source of dulling of whites, another is the water itself. Water high in iron, like a lot of well water, can stain clothes. Hard water, high in calcium and magnesium can hamper the effectiveness of the detergents.

Additionally whites are rarely white. They're often brightened with a blue dye, or UV fluorescent dye to make them appear whiter. In the past, many people used to use a bluing wash additive like this.

https://www.amazon.com/Reckitts-Blue-Laundry-Bluing-Tablets/dp/B003IWUNJU

In modern times, most popular brands of detergents already have it mixed in.

Also see if adding bleach can help reduce any staining.

• You neeeeeeeeeed this.
  
  
• Song
  
  
• You're awesome and amazing and kick so much ass. /u/tr1ppn is pretty kick ass as well.
  
  
• /u/flyingfresian and /u/P0rtable_Panda get in here!!!!

Get some of this stuff and pour a capful into the wash when you wash your blankets. Instantly 10 times more comfy. It's just perfume, but it smells like happiness.

Granger's Performance Wash. It's a bit pricey for how little you get, but you don't need much. I filled the cap 3/4ths of the way and used that on a wash with 5 Outlier pants. After a quick tumble dry, water resistance was back to normal. Good luck!

These Tide Pods will make my life easier as a sahm. I'm always running low on detergent from all the laundry!

Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike

Thanks for the contest :)

Washing the shorts is extremely important. I don't get saddle sores, and and I wash my shorts after every ride.

Although saddles sores happen, it's not considered a "normal" part of riding, and can become quite painful and even can require being lanced and drained by a Dr.

I suggest you buy some cheap padded liners from Amazon and wear them under running shorts or something. (I used to use these before I surrendered to full blown lycra:https://www.amazon.com/Baleaf-Coolmax-Bicycle-Cycling-Underwear/dp/B00CWVP9YC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540914170&sr=8-3&keywords=biking+liner+shorts)

They're pretty comfortable, and affordable. Buy 5 pairs for commuting. (Or however many days you need them.)

I also recommend Something like no sweat detergent for washing shorts: https://www.amazon.com/Laundry-Detergent-Sport-No-Sweat/dp/B01150VK2A/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1540914403&sr=8-3&keywords=no%2Bsweat%2Bdetergent&th=1 (Smaller bottles are available.)

You can follow them here https://twitter.com/SeventhGen

Or buy their products on Amazon
Seventh Generation Free and Clear Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent 50 fl oz https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B005M457AM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FSLXCb572P8YZ

Hi everyone! Thank you for this idea. This is so amazing. We are really in need of some laundry tablets. With a family of 5 laundry seems to be endless. I'm sure many of you can relate. Its on our amazon wishlist here Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QEMWJ34/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2IA40JLRUW5BF&coliid=I6OLVY8DVHKYH&psc=1.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001KYVJSC?pc_redir=1413677896&robot_redir=1

You're welcome. And before you ask, yes -- they do come in mint.

Oh man - thank you so much. I was waiting to post on food pantry (yet again...) but saw this in assistance.

Here's my list, I have paper towels, toilet paper, and laundry detergent on it.

Thank you so much, guys.

This stuff here is awesome: https://smile.amazon.com/Laundry-Detergent-Sport-No-Sweat/dp/B01150VK2A

What detergent are you using? Have you tried any of the scented wool washes, like Eucalan, Laundress, and Kookaburra?

I use some on my daughter's fluffy stuff. She ADORES the smell and the fluff and will just cover herself with robes and blankets. I would never use it on a towel, and actually use "Charlie's Soap" on towels and our sheets to remove any residue from other soaps or softeners.

The merino wool items can be used everyday. I'm personally about a week and half into a trip with:

• smartwool boxer briefs x 3 (and cotton boxer briefs x2)
  
• wool & prince 150gsm longsleeve merino
  
• wool & prince 250gsm longsleeve merino
  
• outlier slim dungaree pants x2 (black / dark indigo)
  
• wool & prince work shirt x 2 (green & gray)
  
• outlier ultrafine merino x1 (grey)
  
• smartwool underpants base layer
  
• darn tough long socks x 2
  
• columbia sweater
  
• patagonia torrentshell
  
• along the trip, I purchased an Arc'Teryx Atom LT Hoody - my god this coat is amazing, worth the price
  
• redwing iron ranger boots
  
  For onebagging merino items are indispensable, imo. I was always warm as fuck, even in ~0 degree temps in Lamar Valley, Yellowstone, at 6am. When I was hiking around ~1pm, I had to ditch my columbia sweater layer because I was too toasty.
  
  I wore the outlier tee as an underlayer on the plane + 4 days in a row, which included hiking/walking around yellowstone and other cold outside areas.. it just didn't smell. I only washed it because it was weird to go so long without doing so.
  
  The boxer briefs I only wore once. Even if merino has cool properties, it grosses me out to wear underwear multiple times in a row.
  
  I washed the outlier tee, boxers, and the long sleeve tees with Kookaburra soap. I read somewherewhere on here that Dr. Bronners isn't that good for the health of the merino, but people seem to use it just fine.

> What type of detergent are you currently using?

I am currently using All Clear Detergent, is it a good detergent? :(

Absolutely. Seems hit or miss.

Though I'm now interested in one of the related products, Shittens.

These might help.

Get a tech wash, something like this

Something like this.

Yep, Rockin Green's ammonia detergent is Funk Rock.

Here's the link to the Amazon page: Subtle Butt: disposable gas neutralizers (5 saving graces) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KYVJSC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KhyLBb0PVVG98

Maybe your partner could try wearing these in his underwear:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KYVJSC?psc=1

Charlie's Soap

Reading this thread makes me wonder if we should be doing a prewash? We have a bidet hooked up to the toilet for the BM and just do a single hot cycle with this detergent and do not get any pee smell or residue on the diapers.

Is there another reason to be doing a prewash?

just need to be more subtle

Apparently these are real, Amazon has them for sale

Disposable Fashion First Aid Women's Subtle Butt Disposable Gas Neutralizers 5 Pieces Set

protect yourself

https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Butt-disposable-neutralizers-saving/dp/B001KYVJSC

This

This

And this

A thing on my list.

Umm... I guess?

We had the same problem. We tried sun and that worked really well, but when that wasn't an option we used this stuff (rainy days, busy weeks, whatever).

This is a super weird suggestion (sorry), but if you are really desperate, these pads are an option: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001KYVJSC/ref=pd_aw_sbs_6?pi=SY115&simLd=1

we just switched to using charlie's soap when we started using cloth diapers. at 10 cents a load it's crazy cheap, works well and no mixing involved.

It's quite possible I've been using too much. This is the detergent that I use, I canb't find any info on the measuring cup, but I'd wager the 3-4 lines run 1/4+ cup. I also use about the same amount of non-chlorine bleach in every load. I did discover I was putting the detergent in wrong, after the clothes instead of before.

So first off, ignore the "good for the environment" arguments. They've been mostly debunked.

My wife and I switched to cloth diapers because they're cheaper. There's an initial buy-in, but that should be enough to last you a while. We even travel with cloth diapers, we just have a small wet bag in our diaper bag (instead of plastic bags) and a large one at home.

Changing diapers isn't too much more difficult with cloth diapers than disposables. Laundry has become pretty frequent, but with babies that's going to happen anyway. We do a load of diapers every 2 to 3 days, pre-rinsing in cold water, washing hot, using Rockin' Green as detergent. No folding, it all just gets dumped into a bin next to the changing table.

As for the diapers themselves, we've been using Bummis pre-folds with various brands of diaper covers, but we plan on switching to BumGenius when our son is big enough to fit them (his legs are too skinny). No safety pins either, we use Snappis.

As for the kid's reaction, as soon as we switched to cloth, his diaper rash went away. There have been a few leg leaks, but my son has chicken-wing-skinny legs so there's not much we can do about that (every brand of disposables we tried leaked as well).

One piece of advice before you decide: if you already have daycare lined up (if daycare is even a thing for your family) check to see whether they're ok with cloth diapers. Some will only deal with disposables, for obvious reasons.