Even though Tide Laundry Pods recommend to use between 1 to up to 3 depending on your load size, most loads of laundry actually get a decent clean with just 1 pod. Using more than that is just overkill.
On the flip side, if you have a small load of delicates, you're limited to the amount of detergent already in the pod, which is likely too much. That can sometimes lead to buildup of chemicals on your clothes. You also can't pretreat stains with pods like you can with liquid detergents.
Laundry pods are the best laundry detergent to use if you frequently wash smaller loads. They aren't the best laundry detergent to use when washing big loads and heavily soiled clothes.
The number of pacs necessary depends on the load size. To guarantee superior performance, add two Tide PODS® pacs into the washing machine drum before you add clothes. Use one laundry pac for smaller loads or three for larger loads. Place clothes into the washer on top of the laundry pac.
The problem with laundry detergent pods
Experts recommend keeping pods away from those with cognitive issues or children less than 5. Consumer Reports goes further and suggests age 6 as the cutoff.
That said, detergent pods are the most expensive option per load of laundry. And among other disadvantages, these pods are designed according to an average soil level and load size, meaning it is difficult to adjust the dose for smaller loads and for handwashing single items.
Studies have shown that laundry detergent pods also play a role in plastic pollution, so it may be best to opt for traditional powder or liquid laundry detergents to save your environment, health, and money.
Overview. Tide PODS® Coldwater Clean laundry pacs offer an effective clean in only one step, even in cold water conditions.
Too many laundry items in the machine prevent the pod from dissolving as there isn't enough water. You're using too many pods. Make sure you only use one pod for a regular load or two for an extra-large load. If you use the wrong number of pods, they'll fail to dissolve.
More cleaning power with less product
When Tide PODS® launched in 2012, a single, 24 ml laundry pac contained the same cleaning power of 43 ml of Tide Original Liquid (a medium load dose). Today's Tide PODS® can handle more loads of laundry with a smaller volume of product than Tide Liquid.
Pro: Pods are very effective at cleaning clothes in cold water. Con: Pods can't pretreat or spot-treat stains. So, what's the best laundry detergent? If you enjoy simplicity, go with pods, and if you like to save money, go with powder!
As you may very well know, single dose laundry detergent pods can cost more to use per load than liquid laundry detergent or powder detergent. Even though Tide Laundry Pods recommend to use between 1 to up to 3 depending on your load size, most loads of laundry actually get a decent clean with just 1 pod.
For your dirtier loads, Zinna suggests “high-quality liquid laundry packets like Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty Power Pods because they deliver better performance with more-concentrated cleaning ingredients,” she says.
Signs you're using too much laundry detergent
If you think you may be getting a little detergent-happy with your laundry, take a look at a just-washed load. If your wet clothes feel a little slimy, sticky, or soapy, you're probably sensing detergent residue. It's a telltale sign you're using too much product.
To ensure your towels come out of the machine odorless, soft, and residue-free, use Tide POWER PODS® Heavy Duty 10X Concentrated Laundry Detergent Pacs, complete with color protection and odor-removal technology.
Liquid detergent is great for using as a stain pre-treater or spot cleaning and is particularly effective on oil and grease stains because the liquid will penetrate the fibers of the fabric to help release the stain. It is also less expensive than single dose pods.
Add pods to the washer tub before clothing, either to the back or bottom of the tub and never to the detergent dispenser unless you're directed to by your washer's manufacturer. Adding them to an empty tub helps them dissolve properly and can help prevent detergent streaks or residue on clothing.
It's not plastic, it's a gel. If it doesn't dissolve all the way and then goes through the dryer, you get a hard glob that feels like plastic. All you have to do is rewash the item and it will come off. What's the best laundry detergent?
In fact, some laundry pods like the Tide Pods + Downy 4 in 1 HE Turbo Laundry Detergent Packs come with fabric softener added to them to provide a one stop solution for cleaning and softening. Using these, you don't need an extra step of conditioning anymore.
The most important rule to remember when it comes to laundry detergent pods is to always add the pods to the drum before adding the clothes and water. A pod placed on top of clothes might not dissolve all the way. This leaves you with streaks and spotting from detergent being left on wet clothes.
Each Tide PODS contains breakthrough 3-in-1 laundry solution with super-concentrated detergent, stain remover and color protector. More than just a liquid in a pouch, the three-chamber design separates key ingredients in to the wash for maximum cleaning power and long-lasting freshness.
Most laundry detergent pods are actually designed to dissolve in any temperature water, although some of them (like Tide pods and other liquid detergent pods) work better with cold water, rather than hot or warm water.
Laundry pacs—often referred to as "Pods," a term trademarked by Tide—are a convenient replacement for jugs of liquid or boxes of powder detergent. The soap is contained within a compact, water-soluble packet that dissolves in the wash. You simply throw it into the bottom of the washer, and then add the clothes on top.
PVOH is a sythnetic, petroleum-based polymeric plastic that "dissolves" in water – breaking down into smaller plastic particles called microplastics. Once the detergent pods or sheets meet the water in the washing machine, they break down into microplastics and are discharged as part of the wastewater.