Arm & Hammer Free & Clear Laundry Detergent – 18 lb Dye-Free Pail Safe for Baby Clothes and Sensitive Skin, 290 Loads
Arm & Hammer Free & Clear Laundry Detergent – 18 lb Dye-Free Pail Safe for Baby Clothes and Sensitive Skin, 290 Loads
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Why you'll love it
- Professional-grade concentration delivers 290 loads from one 18 lb pail, dramatically lowering cost per load versus retail boxes
- Free & Clear formula is dermatologist-tested with no perfumes or dyes, making it safe for sensitive skin and babies
- Single SKU compatible with both standard and HE washers, simplifying purchasing for mixed-machine households or facilities
- Septic-safe formula protects rural homes, older properties, and off-grid properties from system damage
- Trusted Arm & Hammer brand with baking soda heritage signals reliable whitening and odor neutralization
- Powder form avoids the plastic jug waste of liquid detergents, appealing to eco-minded and cost-driven buyers
Perfect for
- High-volume commercial laundry in laundromats, hotels, and healthcare facilities where 290 loads per pail reduces restocking frequency
- Bulk home laundry for large families wanting to minimize per-load cost and shopping trips
- Fragrance-free, dye-free washing for babies, eczema sufferers, and allergy-prone users (Free & Clear variant)
- Fresh-scented everyday laundry for households preferring a clean traditional fragrance (Crisp Clean variant)
- Cold-water HE machine washing in modern energy-efficient laundry setups

Product Information
290 LOADS: This 18 lb bucker of powder laundry detergent cleans 290 medium loads when used as directed.
PROFESSIONAL USE: Commercial-grade product suitable for diverse markets such as laundromats, hospitality, foodservice, healthcare, and more.
POWERFULLY CLEAN, VIBRANTLY FRESH: Powder detergent is specially formulated to clean clothes with care so they look newer, longer.
DERMATOLOGIST-TESTED FORMULA: Free of perfumes and dyes
COMPATIBLE WITH ANY MACHINE: Great for cold water cleaning. Use in both, standard and high effeciency (HE) machines. Safe for septic systems.
Arm & Hammer The Standard Of Purity
Items Details
Item Form: Powder
Number of Items: 1
Global Trade Identification Number: 10033200400025
Part Number: 20510710
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Free & Clear formula safe for washing baby clothes and cloth diapers?
Yes. Free & Clear contains no perfumes and no dyes, and it is dermatologist-tested, which makes it safe for baby clothing, burp cloths, and cloth diapers. Parents with infants often choose it specifically to avoid skin irritants.
Can I use this detergent to wash pet bedding without worrying about harsh residue?
Yes. Free & Clear is gentle and rinses clean, so it is safe for pet bedding, blankets, and towels that come in contact with animal skin. There are no dyes or perfumes that could irritate pets.
Is the powder safe for a household laundry routine with a septic system?
The formula is septic-safe, which means it will not disrupt the bacterial balance in a septic tank or harm drain fields. That makes it safe for rural homes, older properties, and off-grid households that depend on septic systems.
Will this detergent irritate my skin if I have eczema or contact dermatitis?
The Free & Clear variant is dermatologist-tested and free of the two most common irritants, perfumes and dyes, which makes it a strong choice for eczema and contact dermatitis sufferers. Always patch-test new products if you have severe sensitivities.
Does the powder contain any harsh chemicals that could harm children if accidentally ingested?
Like all laundry detergents, the powder should be kept out of reach of children and should not be ingested. However, Free & Clear contains no added dyes and no perfumes, so accidental skin contact during normal handling is much less likely to cause irritation.
Is the Free & Clear formula safe for an elder care home with sensitive residents?
Yes. The Free & Clear variant is fragrance-free and dye-free, which is important for elderly residents who may have sensitive skin, respiratory sensitivities, or dementia-related fragrance triggers. It is widely used in assisted living laundry rooms.
What makes this detergent safer for sensitive skin than a typical scented detergent?
Free & Clear is formulated without perfumes and dyes, the two ingredients most often linked to skin reactions. Removing both significantly reduces the chance of irritation for sensitive users, including babies and allergy sufferers.
Is the pail safe to store in a home with curious toddlers?
The pail has a secure lid, but like all cleaning products, it should be stored in a location that is not accessible to young children, such as a locked cabinet or high shelf. Following standard household chemical storage guidelines is the safest approach.
How does this compare to plant-based or 'baby' detergents for sensitive-skin safety?
Arm & Hammer Free & Clear is dermatologist-tested, contains no perfumes or dyes, and is septic-safe, which is comparable to many specialty baby detergents. The baking soda heritage also adds gentle odor neutralization without relying on fragrance.
Is it safer for a household with hard water than liquid detergent?
Powder detergents often perform better in hard water because they contain water-softening agents that help the surfactants work effectively. That means cleaner rinsing and less residue on fabrics, which is gentler on sensitive skin.
Is the powder low-residue after washing?
When used as directed, the powder dissolves fully in both HE and standard machines, including in cold water, and leaves minimal residue on fabrics. That reduces skin contact with leftover detergent, which is important for sensitive users.
What is the biggest safety concern a parent has before switching to a bulk powder pail?
The main concern is usually whether a powder will fully dissolve in their HE machine and whether residues could irritate baby skin. Arm & Hammer's formula is engineered to dissolve completely and is dermatologist-tested in the Free & Clear variant, addressing both concerns.
How much detergent should I use per load?
Use one scoop or the recommended measure for a medium load, adjusting up for heavily soiled laundry or larger loads and down for smaller loads. The exact amount is listed on the pail label and varies by water hardness and soil level.
Can I use this detergent in cold water?
Yes. Arm & Hammer powder is formulated to dissolve and clean effectively in cold water, which saves energy and is safe for both standard and high-efficiency machines.
How should I store the pail after opening?
Keep the lid tightly sealed and store the pail in a cool, dry place such as a laundry room shelf, utility closet, or basement. A sealed lid prevents moisture from clumping the powder and keeps it fresh for the full 290 loads.
Is this detergent compatible with high-efficiency (HE) washing machines?
Yes. Arm & Hammer powder works in both HE and standard washing machines, so a single pail covers every machine in your home or facility.
Is this detergent safe for septic systems?
Yes. The formula is septic-safe and will not disrupt the bacterial balance in a septic tank, making it suitable for rural homes, older properties, and off-grid households.
What is included when I open the pail?
The pail contains 18 lb of Arm & Hammer powder detergent and a measuring scoop. You do not need to buy any additional accessories to start using it.
Will this detergent cause allergic skin reactions?
The Free & Clear variant is dermatologist-tested and free of perfumes and dyes, which are the most common triggers for allergic skin reactions. The Crisp Clean variant contains fragrance and may not be suitable for users with fragrance sensitivities.
Is the powder safe to use around pets?
Yes, when used as directed and fabrics are fully rinsed, the powder is safe for pet bedding and household laundry. As with any detergent, keep the pail sealed and out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
What is the difference between powder and liquid laundry detergent?
Powder detergent is more concentrated by weight, typically produces less plastic packaging waste, and often performs better in hard water. Liquid detergent dissolves easily in any water temperature and is convenient for pre-treating stains, but usually costs more per load.

