Several years back, my sister and I were having a conversation about laundry. She mentioned Tide Pods and praised their user convenience. However, I did not give the conversation much thought. Out of curiosity though, I picked a pack during my next shopping round. Since then, I am religiously hooked to these amazing packets.
Laundry pods are an excellent replacement for regular laundry detergent. In fact, most first-time users do not find the need for going back to powder and liquid detergents. Instead they choose to replace their dishwasher detergent with pods as well.
On the other hand, I have seen individuals with serious complaints after their first encounter with laundry detergent pods. Most note that the packets stain or leave a streak of residue on their clothes.
It is true that pods can stain or leave detergent residue on your clothes. However, it all boils down to how you use them.
How to Use Laundry Pods
Learning how to use laundry detergents pods correctly helps you experience their true value. Depending on the brand, pods can help with removing dirt, stains and brightening laundry. Ideally, you should read the package description to determine what a specific product can achieve.
Step 1: Inspect your load
Pods are premeasured single dose detergents. A packet is designed for cleaning a standard load. Inspect your clothes to determine the size of the load. If it is up to standard, a single pod is enough.
If you have a large load that can fill the drum of your washing machine, use two pods. Remember that pod detergent has a higher concentration compared to regular liquid or powder detergent. Therefore, using more than the required interferes with the appearance and lifespan of your garment. You also end using more water and energy to remove excess soapiness.
Generally, excess detergent contributes to the accumulation of buildup in the washing machine. This exposes the washer to long-term issues if it is not cleaned regularly.
An important factor to consider is that pods are much more costly compared to regular detergent. Accordingly, it is critical to use them diligently to avoid incurring a lot of costs in the long run.
Step 2: Add pods to the drum
Use a dry hand to add the pod(s) at the bottom or back of the drum of your washing machine (you add at the bottom if your washer has a top load design and at the back if it features a front load design).
Pods should not be touched with wet hands because they feature Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) film coating. The polymer is water-soluble and the pods can spill once it begins to dissolve.
The coating should not be a bother because it is environmental-friendly and does not contain any toxins.
Do not be tempted to add the pod in the laundry detergent dispenser section. It will not work as intended and you might lose a lot of detergent in the tub.
Step 3: Add clothes to the drum
Place your clothes loosely on top of the detergent pod (s). A common mistake that people make is placing the pod on top of the clothes This can potentially prevent it from dissolving properly thereby leaving stains and marks on clothes. It can also prevent your load from cleaning thoroughly.
Another common mistake is loading clothes tightly is the drum and filling it to the top. Besides causing balancing issues, this prevents the detergent from spreading evenly to all the garments.
Overstuffing can also prevent detergent pods from dissolving properly.
A good unwritten rule is filling the drum halfway full. This allows the cycle to run smoothly.
Step 4: Choose your cycle
Choose the appropriate cycle depending on the clothes you intend to clean. Laundry pods are designed for both hot and cold washers. They dissolve well unless the water is extremely cold.
If you have extremely cold water in your house and your machine is not dissolving pods well, Thespruce recommend dissolving the pod(s) in a jug of hot water first. Pour the solution into the machine’s drum before adding the clothes.
The Advantages of Using Laundry Detergent Pods
Laundry pods have numerous advantages by themselves, and over regular laundry detergent.
- Convenience: It is much easier to use laundry pods compared to regular detergents. Pods come premeasured and you do not have to rack your brain determining the amount you need to use for a load. Each brand provides clear user instructions on the number of pods to use depending on the size of your laundry.
- Versatility: Pods are suitable for use in both regular washers and HE washing machines. Unlike regular detergent, they do not produce a lot of suds. Therefore, they work well in low water levels.
- Variety: Laundry pods are available in different brands and chemical variations. It is possible to find eco-friendly, sensitive, scented, non-scented and so on.
- Ease of handling: Unlike powder and liquid detergent, pods do not spill easily. They remain intact until they come into contact with moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do with laundry pod?
Simply use dry hands to place the pod at the bottom or back of your washer’s drum. Add clothes and choose the setting for the appropriate wash cycle.
Are pods bad for your washer?
Pods are not bad for your washer. However, just like any other laundry detergent, they can leave residue that can cause build-up in the inside of your washer over a long period of time. Prevent this by cleaning your washer every time after use.
Do Tide Pods ruin clothes?
Tide pods can ruin clothes if they leave stains and residue streaks. However, this is not a common problem especially if they are used correctly.
Are laundry pods cheaper than liquid?
Laundry pods are pricier compared to liquid laundry detergent. This can be attributed to the fact that they are more concentrated and easier to use in smaller quantities.
Can you put Tide Pods in a portable washer?
Yes! It is okay to place Tide Pods in a portable washer. Just ensure that you place the pod in the drum before clothes. Secondly, only use one pod at a time.
Do you put Tide Pods in before or after clothes?
Tide pods should be placed at the bottom or back of the drum before clothes.
Can I use Tide Pods in Speed Queen?
Yes! Place Tide pods just like you would with other washers.
Why do my laundry pods not dissolve?
Laundry pods can fail to dissolve depending on their placement in the laundry drum. Make sure that you place them first, at the bottom or the back. Another thing that can contribute to poorly dissolving pods is extremely cold water.
How do I remove laundry pod residue from my clothes?
If you find laundry pod residue on your clothes, run them through a gentle wash or rinse cycle. However, you might need to do complete wash cycle if they are heavily stained. Make sure that you avoid overstuffing the washer when repeating the cycle.
