It's unanimous! All four plumbers I spoke to recommend using dishwasher pods over liquid detergent. Pods are pre-measured, which means they're less likely to leave residue behind, and they perform better than liquid detergent. “I prefer Cascade Platinum Pods.
If I'm doing an easy load that doesn't require any extra care, I'll toss in pods. For items that come home dirtier than usual, it's time for a tougher bio detergent probably in pod form. For anything that requires a gentle or handwash cycle, then a liquid detergent customized for silk or wool is a must.
But one of the drawbacks of pods is that if you use them for shorter wash cycles, some might not dissolve all the way, says Larry Ciufo, who has tested hundreds of dishwashers over the past 20 years at CR.
Use an enzymatic dishwasher detergent and rinse aid
A good detergent is arguably more important than a good dishwasher. A generic dishwasher detergent has far fewer and weaker ingredients than a pod like Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs, the top pick in our guide to dishwasher detergent.
Maytag brand recommends using quality detergent tablets or pods in your Maytag® dishwasher over powder or liquid detergents because they have been proven to work better than powder, liquid or gel detergents at reducing filming on dishes.
It's unanimous! All four plumbers I spoke to recommend using dishwasher pods over liquid detergent. Pods are pre-measured, which means they're less likely to leave residue behind, and they perform better than liquid detergent.
There is some concern about whether dishwasher pods are the best option given the fact that they contain PVA and can have a negative effect on the environment and the plumbing in your home. "It's not necessarily that they aren't the best option, but more so if they can work for you," Novacek says.
To avoid those issues, he exclusively recommends Cascade Platinum ActionPacs, which he says is the absolute best on the market. “It's made up of half powder and half gel, and it's the ideal mix for removing all dirt off dishes,” he says. Ray Brosnan, a plumber with the Ireland-based Brosnan Property Solutions, agrees.
First, you want to make sure to use every inch of space, to ensure no water is wasted. Just be sure not to overfill it instead. Second, you should avoid placing specific metals, wood, thin plastic, and other specific objects into the unit. Finally, you should make use of eco-mode whenever possible.
In terms of stain removal, both dishwasher pods and liquid detergent are capable of removing tough stains and grime. However, pods may have more cleaning power for tackling baked-on food and coffee stains due to their higher concentration of cleaning agents in their gel detergent.
Squeeze in two to three drops of regular dish soap, the kind you'd use to hand-wash your dishes normally. Next, pour in baking soda until the compartment is full. Then run your dishwasher on the normal cycle. Don't be tempted to use a compartment full of dish soap.
"Rinse aid can help with drying and prevent water spots, especially if you have hard water—it can also make your dishes shine." While most dishwasher manufacturers expect owners to use rinse aid, it's not required: "You can skip it if your dishes are clean and dry without it," says Fleming.
Con #3: They Require Space
PODS containers are great in theory as long as you have a place to put them. If your driveway isn't big enough, the POD won't be an option for you. If you try to put a POD on your grass, it will most definitely kill the grass, adding costs to this need for storage.
Cons of Laundry Pods
Limited Options: Laundry pods do not come in as many different varieties as liquid detergent. This means that if you have specific laundry requirements, such as sensitive skin or allergies, you may have a more difficult time finding a suitable pod.
Both are compatible with a washing machine, and it is a matter of personal preference which one you choose. But if you ask which one is better for your washing machine, then it is hands down your liquid detergent. This is because it comes in a liquid form which dissolves easily when it is put in the machine.
Door Latch and Handle:
The door latch and handle are among the most frequently used components of a dishwasher. Frequent opening and closing can lead to wear and tear, causing these parts to break. Additionally, if the door isn't properly aligned or closed forcefully, it can strain the latch mechanism.
THE STANDARD:
In 2024, DOE finalized amended standards for dishwashers based on a joint recommendation from manufacturers and efficiency advocates. The new standards for dishwashers will cost-effectively reduce energy consumption by 15% relative to the current standards while also cutting water waste.
Be diligent with your cookware by always checking for dishwasher-safe markings before putting pots or pans through a dishwasher cycle. If an item hasn't been labeled as “dishwasher safe,” avoid potential damage to your cookware by hand washing.
No, dishwasher pods with packed powder won't clog up your pipes, so long as you use them correctly | VERIFY. Problems arise, however, when you don't put the pod in the correct spot.
According to Robert Blair Plumbing, the residue from the pods can easily cause you to have less cleaner dishes or the dishwasher can clog up entirely.
No, you should only use dishwasher detergent in your dishwasher as it is designed specifically for your dishwasher to clean dishes without the use of suds or bubbles. Read on to learn what to do if you accidentally use dish soap in your dishwasher.
Just like liquid soap, liquid laundry and dishwasher detergents generally do not clog the drains in your home. The same is not true for powder detergents however. Before using a washing machine or dishwasher, it's important to read the user manual on the recommended amount of powder detergent to use per wash.
These manufacturers recommend throwing in the pods inside the dishwasher — on the bottom of the unit or in the utensils compartment for quick cycles. The gel pod casing of a dishwasher pod may not fully disintegrate during a quick wash, that's why.
Soap scum can make shower screens look grimy and dull. But dishwasher cleaning tablets can help remove the buildup and make your shower screen sparkle.