The best baby and infant detergent for clothes, bedding and toys

This Non-Bio Persil powder is highly concentrated so you can get cleanliness and softness from just a small scoop. What's reassuring is that the British Skin Foundation has recognised Persil's research and commitment to skincare, so you can be sure that Persil's promise to be tough on stains but gentle on your baby's skin is independently supported.

This product is also gentle on the environment: the powder is biodegradable, and the cardboard packaging is recyclable. It works well, even on cooler wash cycles, meaning less energy is required.

"This is great value for money," said one reviewer. "The box is made of thick cardboard and is sealed properly so it can't spill unless you tear it open. When you open it, it's like a flip lid top, so it's easy to have access to the powder, and then you can close the lid. If there was one thing I'd add to this product, it'd be a powder scoop. I've used Persil non-bio for many years. I wash my baby's clothes in it because it's good for sensitive skin, and its scent is lovely and fresh. Persil is the best to get stains out, too."

This detergent is free of practically everything you might want your little one to avoid, from parabens to harsh chemicals, enzymes and animal products. Its ingredients are plant-based, but it still works wonders on most stains.

"I got this because I was trying to save money by buying in “bulk,” but oh my goodness, not only is this value for money quantity-wise, but it washes SO WELL," said a very happy reviewer. "I started using this for our adult clothing as well, whereas they were previously separated. It’s good for sensitive skin, as my little one hasn’t reacted at all. I couldn’t be happier."

It's a concentrated formula, so 225 washes are possible from this 5L container.

While not branded as a baby laundry detergent, the Tallow + Ash range of laundry products all use specially formulated biodegradable chemicals that are planet-friendly, kind to the skin and still pack a punch when it comes to removing tough stains - ideal for family laundry.

We tried out Tallow + Ash ourselves, and our tester said, "I've got very sensitive skin and struggle with eczema, but having tried out a range of these scents (all of them lovely), none of them irritated my skin, and my laundry smells amazing!"

Personal favourites were Duvet Days, "a lovely cosy scent which makes me want to snuggle in bed and not leave!" and also Bahama Vibes, "a coconut smell that feels like a holiday, it has been perfect for this rather grey summer, each time I do my laundry I feel like I'm in the Caribbean!"
Tallow + Ash offers a discovery bundle so you can try out the scents for yourself and find your favourite.

Ecover Delicate Laundry Detergent is dermatologically tested, so you can be sure it's safe for your family's skin as well as for the environment. Suitable for fine fabrics, silks and woollens, it was designed to preserve the softness of delicate fibres and protect their colour. It also cares for skin thanks to its plant-based ingredients - there are no nasties such as petrochemical-based ingredients.

"I've been struggling to find a good eco-friendly laundry detergent for delicate fabrics (silk, lace, etc.)," said one reviewer. "This product did not fault at all, and I was very pleased with the result and cost."

Another reviewer said: "I have to use this for my daughter's skin as it's one of a few that don't irritate her. I have knocked a star off as it's a shame it doesn't come with a pump or measuring cap as it is difficult to gauge the amount needed."

This detergent is not tested on animals, is biodegradable and its bottle and label are 100 per cent recyclable.

Babies and stains go hand in hand, which is why so many people love Napisan - and have done so for decades. Napisan Non-Biological Stain Remover works by releasing active oxygen to remove stains, leaving your clothes as white as possible. Not only does it clean, but it also kills the germs you cannot see to leave your baby's clothes more hygienic. You will, however, need to use this on top of your detergent of choice at 30 degrees Celsius or above.

"I use it in all my whitewashes, clothes, linen and bedding for antibacterial and to keep whites white!" enthused one reviewer. "If you haven't tried this product, you MUST; it is better than all of the new whitening and antibacterial laundry products on the market!"

Although powerful, this is gentle enough to use on baby and family items - as parents have been doing successfully now for two to three generations.

"I have used Napisan for years; I used it 40 years ago for my son’s Terry nappies and later to keep his sportswear fresh," said another reviewer. "It is also great for adding to the washing machine when washing trainers, gardening gloves and other items that need to be really clean."

Ideal for little ones (and adults!) with dermatological problems, Ecoeggs was developed for people with sensitive skin and for being kind to the environment. Wave goodbye to enzymes, bleach and chemical ingredients that irritate. Designed to completely replace laundry detergent and fabric conditioner, these laundry eggs are fragrance-free, though you can get others with fragrance. Those include Fresh Linen and Spring Blossom but still only carry a 'hint' of fragrance as they are natural fragrances, non-irritant, and non-allergen.

"My son's eczema has much improved over the last few months," said one pleased reviewer. "I'm not sure whether it is definitely connected to changing to the egg, but it is a coincidence that he had terrible eczema for the first two years of his life, and it significantly improved at the same time as switching to this."

The tourmaline pellets inside the egg will last roughly 70 washes before needing to be replaced, and refills are available. An added bonus of the egg system is that there is no detergent to clog up washing machine filters and pipes. Bonus!

If you're after a great natural baby washing powder that is antibacterial and helps remove stains, this is the one for you. The Bambino Mio Miocare is an environmentally friendly laundry detergent suitable for sensitive skin. Although designed and advertised for washing reusable nappies, it can be used on white, dark and coloured laundry and is very effective for washing at low temperatures.

It's free from nasties such as dyes, enzymes, optical brighteners, and perfumes, as it's made from plant and mineral-based ingredients. It's also eco-friendly and is not tested on animals, so you'll be doing your bit for the environment.

"Honestly love this product," said a happy reviewer. "Don't have to worry about my little one's skin getting irritated, but it cleans deeply and greatly ... oh, and it smells incredible."

Earth Friendly Products Ecos Lavender Laundry Detergent is hypoallergenic, and its ingredients are largely plant-derived, so it is free from any nasty ingredients that can be harmful to your baby's skin. It's also a two-in-one laundry detergent and fabric conditioner, and a 1.5-litre bottle will stretch to 50 washes, so it's certainly value for money.

"This eco-friendly laundry product works well, does what it says it will, and I thoroughly recommend it. It combines cleansing with conditioning very effectively. It won't tackle really stubborn stains, for which a stain remover is necessary, but for everyday laundry, it is fine and kind to the planet, too."

On top of its eco-credentials and suitability for sensitive skin, Ecos laundry detergent also ticks a few other feel-good boxes: it's a company owned by women, and the detergent is both vegan and not tested on animals. Available in four naturally derived scents.