Laundry is a never-ending process, and when your schedule is busy, keeping track of measuring and cleaning up liquid or powder detergent can be overwhelming.
That’s why so many people have turned to laundry detergent pods, which provide a quick, pre-measured dose for your laundry needs.
Even though these pods have taken the laundry world by storm, they can wreak havoc on your clothes if you don’t use them properly.
I don’t want clothes that have been streaked, spotted, or stained by detergent, so we did the research to find out how to use laundry detergent pods properly.
With these simple tips and tricks, you will be able to use laundry detergent pods confidently and make your laundry process hassle-free.
What You’ll Need
You need a few simple things to use laundry detergent pods.
- Washing machine
- Laundry detergent pods
- Large bowl or jar
Washing Machine
Laundry detergent pods are designed to go into a washing machine, so you will need a washing machine.
Both top-loading and front-loading washing machines work well with laundry detergent pods, especially if the machine is a high-efficiency washing machine.
If you are doing laundry on a regular basis, you should already have access to a washing machine of some sort; you don’t need to purchase a specific brand or model to properly use laundry detergent pods.
Laundry Detergent Pods
You will also need to purchase laundry detergent pods to use them.
There are many different brands to choose from, including generic ones.
Laundry detergent pods are composed of a concentrated, pre-measured portion of detergent encased in a water-soluble Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) film.
Depending on the specific laundry detergent pod you purchase, they can also contain stain fighters and whiteners for your clothes.
A great option is Tide Pods 3 in 1, Laundry Detergent Pacs, which include detergent, stain remover, and color protectors all in one pod.
By having all your laundry needs in one convenient package, you save time and don’t have to worry about having multiple different laundry products in your laundry room.
You also have the option of making your own laundry detergent pods.
Laundry detergent pods are usually colorful and squishy, which makes them tempting playthings for children and pets.
Store your laundry detergent pods in a safe place, usually in a bag or container, where they will not pose a temptation to children or pets.
As you know, chemicals do not make good playthings.
Large Bowl or Jar
During the winter, you might find your laundry detergent pods do not dissolve all the way in cold water.
In this case, you will need a large bowl or a jar large enough to hold a quart of warm water.
Dissolve your laundry detergent pod in the warm water first, and then add the dissolved laundry detergent pod with the warm water into your washing machine drum.
Video of How to Use Laundry Detergent Pods
Here is a video demonstrating how to use laundry detergent pods. Written instructions are below.
Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Use Laundry Detergent Pods
Laundry detergent pods are easy to use if you follow these four simple steps.
1. Place the laundry detergent pod into the empty washing machine drum
With completely dry hands, place one laundry detergent pod into the empty washing machine drum.
This works for both top-loading and front-loading washing machines.
Don’t put the laundry detergent pod into the detergent or fabric softener compartments of your washing machine.
These compartments are meant for liquids and powders; laundry detergent pods are designed to dissolve in water.
Your laundry detergent pod will not work well if you put it into the detergent or fabric softener of your washing machine.
Pro tip: Unless you have an abnormally large or soiled load of laundry, you only need to use one laundry detergent pod per load. If your load of laundry is unusually large or soiled, you can use two.
If there is ever a situation where you need some tips on putting laundry detergent into different types of washers, check out our article on how to put laundry detergent in the washer.
2. Place The Laundry Into The Washing Machine
After you have put your laundry detergent pod into the drum of your washing machine, you can add the laundry.
Adding your laundry detergent pod before the laundry helps limit any chance of the concentrated laundry detergent leaving streaks or spots.
3. Washing Your Laundry According To Washing Machine Instructions
Now you can wash your laundry according to your washing machine’s instructions.
Pro tip:
When you pull your laundry out of the washer to move it to the dryer, check your laundry quickly for any streaks or spots.
If you dry your laundry with streaks and spots, the stains will be harder to get out of your laundry later.
4. Store Remaining Laundry Detergent Pods In A Safe Place
Once you have started your washing machine, seal the bag or container you are using to store your laundry detergent pods and put them away.
This will help keep your loved ones from playing with them.
Commonly Asked Questions About How To Use Laundry Detergent Pods
What should I do if my clothes come out of the washer streaked with undissolved detergent?
If you discover your laundry detergent pod did not dissolve correctly, place your load of laundry back into the washing machine.
Set your washing machine to its largest load capacity and rewash your clothes.
Do not add another laundry detergent pod; instead, allow the remaining detergent to dissolve in the water of this second wash.
The most essential part is catching the undissolved detergent on your laundry before you load it into the dryer.
You can tell undissolved detergent by the streaks and spots it leaves on wet clothes; if you dry your laundry without removing the detergent, you will find it more challenging to work the stains out.
Will laundry detergent pods clog my washing machine?
No, there is no danger of laundry detergent pods clogging your washing machine.
Laundry detergent pods are designed to dissolve entirely in water, but if you are concerned, check the instructions on your package.
There, you will find the ideal temperature for your laundry detergent pods and how many pods the manufacturer recommends you use per load.
Can I cut my laundry detergent pods open?
No, do not cut your laundry detergent pods open.
The concentrated detergent can irritate your skin, and the pods are not designed for handwashing a few clothes.
If you need to handwash a few items, I recommend you use a liquid or powdered detergent.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning how to use laundry detergent pods.
They are designed to be easy to use, and with a bit of care and the proper techniques, you will find your laundry process is even quicker and easier with the help of laundry detergent pods.
