What are the disadvantages of detergent pods?

Author: Jayson Hauck  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

With pods, if you have an extra-large load of laundry, you might need to use two — and that can get expensive if you do a lot of large loads. 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.

Are detergent pods bad for your washer?

Take it from a from retired, experienced appliance technician (me) laundry pods do not damage washing machines. They are just a ball of laundry detergent, wrapped in a dissolvable package.

Is it better to use detergent pods or liquid?

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.

Why are Tide PODS being banned?

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is the film that contains detergent in Tide Pods and other similar products. It dissolves when coming into contact with water, but studies have argued that the process leaves behind microplastics that go on to pollute the water supply, according to the New York Post.

Why is my tide pod ruining my clothes?

If you use pods, you are likely using too much detergent. It's like using the brand recommended amount of detergentl, which is usually 5-10x as much as you need.

Laundry pod - is it really expensive? Pros and cons of pods, quick demo

What is the best laundry detergent?

The Best Laundry Detergent
  • Top pick. Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Top pick. Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Runner-up. Persil Original Liquid Detergent Everyday Clean. ...
  • Best for... Tide Pods Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Best for... Dirty Labs Free & Clear Bio Laundry Detergent.

How do you use tide pods without ruining clothes?

More Helpful Tips for Using Tide PODS®:
  1. Save the 'Delicate' cycle for use with lighter loads.
  2. Avoid using laundry packets in pre-wash cycles.
  3. Switch to a warm setting during winter months or whenever water is exceptionally cold.
  4. Make sure your wash cycle lasts at least 15 minutes.

What is the safest laundry detergent?

The best non-toxic laundry detergent is one that delivers cleanliness to your clothes while ensuring safety and sustainability.
  • NaturOli* (Our Top Pick)
  • Truly Free*
  • Ecos Free & Clear*
  • Meliora Unscented Powder Detergent*
  • Molly's Suds*
  • Aspen*
  • ATTITUDE*
  • Clean Cult*

Should I stop using Tide Pods?

Many dishwashing and laundry detergent pods are coated in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which dissolves in water. Gennaro says it is neither safe nor biodegradable as has been claimed. Opt for plastic-free detergent brands and shop at refill stations to reduce your impact.

What is the best laundry detergent pod?

  • Best Overall: Tide Pods at Amazon $13. ...
  • Best for Sensitive Skin: All MightyPacks Laundry Detergent at Amazon $40. ...
  • Best Eco-Friendly: Grab Green 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Pods at Amazon $21. ...
  • Best for Stains: Arm & Hammer Order Blaster 5-In-1 Power Paks at Amazon $10. ...
  • Best Smelling: ...
  • Most Buzzworthy: ...
  • Best Sheets:

Is fabric softener necessary?

Remember, fabric softener is completely optional, and your garments will likely pop out of the dryer feeling fresh, clean, and soft without it. However, “For some, it might make doing their laundry a little more fun to use an extra product that smells very good and is colorful,” Fulford says.

What is the best smelling laundry detergent?

Our top picks for the best-smelling laundry detergents of 2025
  • Best Overall. The Laundress Signature Detergent Classic. Read more.
  • Coolest Laundry Care Brand. Dedcool Dedtergent Xtra Milk. Read more.
  • Best Woody Scent. Snif Rain Check Everything Wash. Read more.

What is the downside of Tide PODS?

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.

What happens to the plastic in dishwasher pods?

They are so small that they wash down the drain. Then the particles wind up in our environment, contributing to plastic pollution. It's been calculated that detergent pods contribute to 8,000 tons of PVA that goes into the environment annually.

Do detergent pods clog drains?

While these compact, pre-measured detergent packets have revolutionized how we clean our dishes, they can damage our home's plumbing systems, leading to costly repairs and frustrating blockages.

Do laundry pods work in cold water?

Yes, laundry pods can dissolve in all water temperatures including the cold setting.

What form of laundry detergent is best?

Comparing the Three
  • Liquid detergents and laundry pods may be best for cutting through oil and sweat stains because they contain additives. ...
  • Powder detergents are most effective at removing dirt, mud, blood and grass stains. ...
  • Laundry pods are the most convenient and space-saving detergent out of the three different types.

Why are my Tide PODS not cleaning my clothes?

Instead of placing the pod in the drawer, place it directly in the washer drum. The water temperature is too low. Laundry pods need hot water to dissolve properly. If you're setting the water temperature at low or medium, the pod might not be able to dissolve.

What is America's number 1 laundry detergent?

America's favorite detergent, Tide, has every laundry detergent you need - whether it's HE detergent or Tide PODS® with Febreze. For over 75 years, we have been committed to changing the way laundry is done while always delivering the hardest working laundry detergents.

Which laundry detergent is being recalled?

Procter & Gamble is recalling more than 8 million bags of Tide, Gain, Ace and Ariel laundry detergent packets sold in the U.S. and Canada. That's because there's a defect in the products' child-resistant packaging.

What detergent do dermatologists recommend?

all Free Clear is the #1 recommended detergent brand by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians for sensitive skin. 100% free of perfumes and dyes, all Free Clear is Tough on Stains, Gentle on Skin.

Why are my Tide PODS ruining my clothes?

'Pods used with delicate or expensive clothing can lead to stains,' warns Ocean Van, owner at Coco Laundry. 'I refrain from using pods with delicate clothes as the dye used in them could stain the clothes easily. '

Where does Tide pod plastic go?

The plastic particles from pods go down the drain into our water systems and to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that do not have the ability to biodegrade PVA. Research estimates that ~75% of intact plastic particles from laundry detergent pods are released into our oceans, rivers, and soil.

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