Pods Aren't Perfect. Of course, laundry pods aren't superior to regular detergents in every way by far. They are much more expensive than both liquid and powder detergents. Some can cost as much as 50 percent more.
Pods and Pacs
Both laundry detergent sheets and pods are quick, convenient, mess-free, and pre-measured (inciting major benefits over liquid and powder detergent). Pods and sheets not only perform better because they are measured correctly, but also because they have more concentrated cleaning ingredients.
The disadvantages of using laundry pods are: They are the most expensive option. They can contain too much or too little detergent for some loads. They can't be used to pretreat stains.
Laundry pods are certainly more convenient to use than laundry powder. Simply pop a pod into the washing machine and you're good to go. No measuring or spills. However, laundry pods can be more expensive than laundry powder and they're not always as effective at removing tough stains.
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!
Detergent pods may contribute to plastic pollution
It may not be completely biodegradable, as has been claimed by the industry. In fact, the team calculated that up to 3/4 of the PVA from laundry pods (8,000 metric tons worth) conceivably enters U.S. aquatic ecosystems every year.
In wastewater, this plastic film has the potential to absorb dangerous chemicals or contaminants, antibiotics, or heavy metals at high concentrations and then work their way up the food chain. Clean-water advocates say what's most concerning is that consumers don't even realize laundry pods contain plastic.
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.
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.
Detergent, oxygen bleach, disinfectant, baking soda, and distilled white vinegar will help ensure your laundry is always sparkling clean.
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.
Though pre-portioned pods are convenient, you have less control over the amount. This can quickly lead to a buildup of chemicals and cleaning agents that stiffen your laundry. We don't recommend powder detergent, either, since it doesn't always dissolve and can leave behind clumps in your laundry.
The cleaning power is what really sets these pods apart. They are packed with the same detergent as traditional Tide, which has been making laundry detergent since 1946. Tide states that its pods clean 10 times as well as some more budget-friendly options. In our experience, that has proven to be true.
Place the pac(s) at the back or bottom of the machine drum, not in the dispenser drawer. 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.
Tide pods are not biodegradable. Well, their active ingredients in Tide are biodegradable, meaning that only the cleaning ingredients are biodegradable. However, the remaining ingredients are completely not biodegradable. The biggest problem arising from this is that they contain chemicals, harmful chemicals.
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.
Since all washing loads are different, it's important to use the correct amount of liquitabs based on your load size, dirt level and sometimes even drum size and water hardness. Use one washing capsule for small to medium loads for drum sizes of 4-5kg. For drums with the capacity of over 6kg, use two PODS.
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.
For small to medium loads of laundry, Mottola recommends using just one pod. For large loads, even if your machine is high efficiency, he suggests trying two pods. Some companies recommend using three pods for extra-large loads, but this typically isn't necessary for getting your clothes clean.
Why does this happen? The detergent pod can have trouble dissolving all the way if the washer is overloaded, if the cycle time is too short or if using very cold water for washing clothes. These situations can create conditions where there isn't enough water or time for the pod to fully dissolve.
Not only that, but the detergent pods themselves are manufactured to contain less water, allowing this cleaning agent to remain stable for longer periods and produce better results. That said, detergent pods are the most expensive option per load of laundry.
Are Tide Detergent Pods Safe for Septic Tanks? Tide detergent pods add an extra layer of efficiency to one of the most effective liquid laundry detergents available. They're generally safe, but like liquid detergent, they may be too sudsy for an aerated septic system.