Posted By: Truly Free Home
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Posted On: 8/18/2025
Once you bring your baby home, the laundry pile triples overnight. Tiny onesies, burp cloths, swaddles, and blankets multiply faster than you can fold them. And things don’t slow down as the months tick by.
But washing baby clothes isn’t quite the same as tossing in your own jeans and T-shirts. Newborn skin is extra delicate, and the products or habits you’ve always used may not be the safest choice for your little one.
I learned this the hard way when my baby developed little red patches after wearing freshly washed clothes. I had no idea the detergent I’d been using for years was loaded with toxic chemicals that are too harsh for a newborn’s skin and health.
The good news? Keeping baby laundry safe doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. With a few simple swaps and strategies, you can make sure your baby’s clothes come out clean, soft, and irritation-free—without adding extra stress to your already full plate.
1. Choose a Baby-Safe Detergent. Opt for a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent made for sensitive skin. Truly Free Home Unscented Laundry Wash checks all those boxes. Our hypoallergenic baby-safe laundry detergent is 100% non-toxic and powered by plants, so it removes dirt, sweat, and odors—even from cloth diapers—without leaving behind toxic chemicals or residues.
2. Clean Your Washing Machine. Conventional detergents don’t just coat clothes in harsh chemicals; they leave behind toxic residue in your washer. So the next time you wash your baby’s clothes, that residue ends up all over the fibers. Get rid of all that toxic gunk by giving it a good clean with Truly Free Home Laundry Machine Cleaner. That way, when you run a load with non-toxic laundry wash, the only thing left behind is clean clothes.
3. Pre-Wash All New Clothes. To remove any potential irritants like dyes, germs, or allergens from manufacturing and packaging—and give them that worn-in, cozy feeling—pre-wash baby clothes, blankets, and linens before the first use with baby-friendly, fragrance-free laundry detergent from Truly Free Home.
4. Separate Baby Laundry Before Washing. Babies have particularly vulnerable immune systems, so keeping their clothes, burp cloths, and bedding separate from household laundry can help reduce the spread of germs and bacteria—especially if there’s another kid in the house. Since baby clothes also tend to be covered in drool, spit-up, and milk, separate washing ensures they’re thoroughly cleaned and keeps them from getting damaged by heavier adult items like jeans and towels.
5. Use the Right Water Temperature for Baby Laundry. For super soiled diapers or clothing, use a warm water cycle to help remove stains and bacteria. Because of their size, baby clothes are more delicate than adult versions, so if you can, wash them in cold water to limit wear and tear from washing.
6. Avoid Fabric Softeners & Dryer Sheets with Baby Laundry. Traditional fabric softeners and dryer sheets contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate newborn skin. Not only that, fabric softeners coat clothes in a waxy silicone substance to give the illusion of softness, without actually softening fibers. Truly Free Home Softening Rinse and Dryer Angels are a safe, non-toxic dryer sheet alternative. Our Softening Rinse works by softening the hard water, so clothes come out naturally softer. And our Dryer Angels soften and lightly scent baby clothes without any toxic chemical fragrance.
7. Treat Stains Quickly & Gently. Like conventional laundry detergents, laundry stain sprays are chock full of toxic ingredients that don’t belong anywhere near your baby or their clothes. For a safe, effective, non-toxic stain remover for baby clothes, opt for Truly Free Home Stain Spray that’s gentle on fabrics and skin, but tough on spots and spills. Treat stains as soon as possible for best results. For set-in or hard-to-remove messes, try our Enzyme Stain Remover or Stain Stick.
8. Sanitize Cloth Diapers Separately. Cloth diapers are an amazing, sustainable alternative to plastic one-time use diapers, but they are notoriously difficult to clean. Pre-washing cloth diapers, using the heavy-duty cycle, and washing them in hot water are all great places to start. For step-by-step instructions, consult our guide for washing cloth diapers.
9 . Air-Dry When Possible. Sunlight is the planet’s natural disinfectant. So if you have the ability or the time, let your baby’s clothes dry outside. You’ll get added peace of mind that bacteria are gone for good, plus the warm, soft baby clothes that smell like nature.
10 . Check Washing Labels on Baby Clothes. To ensure your baby’s clothes stay in good shape so you can pass them on to a neighbor or friend, follow care instructions to protect fabric integrity and keep baby clothes safe against wear and shrinkage.
Motherhood is full of endless to-dos, late nights, and more laundry than you ever imagined. But with these baby-safe laundry tips, you can turn one of those never-ending chores into something that actually gives you peace of mind. Every time you pull a fresh, clean onesie from the dryer or fold a soft blanket, you’ll know you’re wrapping your little one in something safe, gentle, and free from toxins.
At the end of the day, laundry isn’t just about keeping clothes clean—it’s about caring for your baby in one of the simplest, everyday ways. And even though the laundry piles may never stop growing, you can feel good knowing each wash is another way you’re protecting and nurturing your baby. You’ve got this, mama.
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