Do Tide PODS go in the dispenser or drum?

Author: Floy Welch  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Before adding your laundry, place the laundry pod directly into the drum of your washing machine. Unless otherwise directed by your washing machine manufacturer, it is not recommended to use the dispenser for laundry pods as they may not dissolve and distribute properly.

Where do I put Tide PODS in my washing machine?

How to Dose Tide POWER PODS®:
  1. Simply place one pac of Tide POWER PODS® into the back of your washing machine's empty drum.
  2. Add your laundry, select your preferred wash program, and use the temperature setting indicated on the fabric care label of your garments.

What happens if you put Tide PODS in the dispenser?

Why shouldn't you put laundry pods in the dispenser? Most detergent dispensers in a washer are not designed for laundry pods that require a significant amount of water to start the dissolving process. Placing the pod in the dispenser will result in a clog and clothes that aren't clean.

Which slot do Tide PODS go in?

Don't put it in the detergent slot!

While it may seem counterintuitive, laundry pods are designed to be placed in the drum with your laundry, before your laundry and never in the detergent slot. The pods are designed to dissolve in water, so be sure to handle them with dry hands.

Do Tide PODS go in the drum or dispenser?

Before adding your laundry, place the laundry pod directly into the drum of your washing machine. Unless otherwise directed by your washing machine manufacturer, it is not recommended to use the dispenser for laundry pods as they may not dissolve and distribute properly.

People use laundry pods WRONG, damaging the washing machine!

Do I just throw my Tide PODS in the washer?

Instead of worrying about measuring the right dose or pre-treating stains, just place a single pac of Tide PODS® into your washer drum before starting your wash. It's that simple!

Do I put detergent in drawer 1 or 2?

1 Main wash compartment: Detergent for the main wash, water softener, pre-soaking agent, bleach and stain remover. 2 Softener compartment: Fabric softener (do not fill higher than the line indicated by MAX). 3 Prewash compartment: Detergent for prewash or starch.

What is a drum in a washing machine?

All you need to know about washing machine drums

It is what acts as a container for clothes during a wash cycle, and is made of stainless steel generally. It's main purpose is to hold the laundry, while water, detergent, and the drum agitator go about their work, cleaning your clothes thoroughly.

Why not to use Tide PODS?

Bloomberg cited 2023 research in the journal Chemistry & Chemical Technology that called into question manufacturers' degradability claims for the films. The study concluded that there was sediment in pipes after such pods are used, “resulting in the formation of microplastics, which later enter the environment.”

What if I accidentally put detergent in the softener slot?

If you realize you made a mistake, immediately stop the washing machine , replace the detergent and fabric softener, and try washing again. The only thing you need to be careful about is putting detergent and fabric softener in the fabric softener slot .

Why are my Tide PODS sticking to my clothes?

The problem, according to Tide PR person Lauren Beene, is that the pod doesn't dissolve fully in the water, causing a whitening agent to deposit on your clothes and leave a mark.

Where is the drum on a washer?

The one you see where the clothes are loaded is the inner drum, which moves around the washing machine and is perforated with holes to allow the water in and out. The outer tub contains the inner drum and the water, stopping it from leaking into the rest of the machine and supports the inner drum.

Do Tide PODS work in cold water?

*** Tide is designed to work powerfully in cold water temperatures, giving you a great clean in every single load. ***In non-HE washer, 8 loads/wk from hot to cold, avg electricity rate (13.3c/kWh). ****Tide Power PODS® in cold vs. leading bargain detergent in warm.

Where do you put tide 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.

What do you put in a washing machine drum?

A quick and easy solution for cleaning your washing machine drum is white wine vinegar. White wine vinegar is excellent for cleaning and removing odours; add a glass to the empty drum and then run a normal cycle.

How many tide pods per load?

For small loads of laundry (less than 6 pounds) you only need one laundry pod. For a standard load of laundry (6-10 pounds) use two laundry pods. If you're doing a large load washing sheets and towels (11+ pounds) or if you're using a high-capacity machine, you probably need three laundry pods.

Is it better to put detergent in drum or drawer?

Place the powder in a mesh bag directly in the drum to allow it to dissolve quicker. Always check the instructions on your detergent first to make sure it can be used this way.

What happens if you put detergent in wrong drawer?

Don't worry, it's not particularly bad to fill the washing machine drawer incorrectly from time to time, it just means your clothes won't be washed optimally. The machine likely won't suffer any damage – nor your laundry. In the worst case, it is not quite as clean as usual.

Do you have to put laundry detergent in the dispenser?

Johanes Godoy, laundry and cleaning expert at Liox Clean agrees: 'I suggest adding liquid laundry detergent directly to the washing machine drum instead of the detergent drawer.

Do Tide PODS go in the drum?

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.

What is considered a large load of laundry?

Generally speaking, while the number of clothing items in a load will vary, a medium or regular-sized load of dirty clothes weighs around 6 pounds. Large loads of laundry weigh about 11 pounds and extra-large loads about 21 pounds.

Do Tide PODS clog your washing machine?

Tide Pods can cause issues like residue build-up, clogs, or over-sudsing if not used correctly. These problems are more common in older machines or when pods are placed in the detergent drawer instead of the drum. Proper use and regular washer maintenance minimize the risk of damage.

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