Procter & Gamble recalled 8.2 million defective bags of laundry detergent pods from four of its brands because the film bags can split open along the zipper, posing a “risk of serious injury” to children and other vulnerable populations, according to a statement from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Exposure of the pod contents to the eyes is an additional danger, which can cause abrasions to the corneas. Needless to say, these products work wonders for easing our laundry burdens, but are extremely dangerous to children. Laundry detergent pods have received a considerable amount of press in recent years.
Laundry pods were invented to make washing clothes easier, however, there have been consequences to consumers and the environment. As they are often mistaken for candy, laundry pods pose a serious health threat to people, especially young children, who ingest the poisonous pods, resulting in various harmful effects.
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.
The majority of cases involving exposure to laundry detergent pods are due to ingestion. As a result, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common effects. "Dysphagia secondary to oropharyngeal and esophageal mucosal burns and ulcers" may also happen as a result of ingestion.
Liquid Detergent Leaves Behind Less Residue
Even if hard water isn't an issue in your home, liquid detergents are less likely to leave residue on clothes and linens than other formulas. It's possible that pods and sheets won't fully dissolve in the washer, creating stubborn detergent stains on fabrics.
A: Yes, the pods are wrapped in a thin layer of PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), which dissolves into microscopic particles and contributes to plastic pollution. I wish Cascade offered this powder in a box instead of these pods.
Con: They're usually more expensive than powdered detergent. Con: They have plastic packaging, which is less eco-friendly.
A: Yes they will speaking from personal experience. The granular part of the pod does not fully dissolve and will eventually build up in the sewer pipe.
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.
The recalled laundry detergent pods
The affected products include certain lots of Tide Pods, Gain Flings, Ace Pods and Ariel Pods sold in flexible film bags between September 2023 and February 2024, containing 12 to 39 packets each.
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.
The Delicates Cycle
A delicate wash or “hand wash” cycle is the machine equivalent to handwashing! This cycle uses warm or cold water with low or no spin. It's typically the shortest and most gentle cleaning cycle, and the low or no-spin allows for minimal fabric agitation.
Nature Clean® Liquid Laundry is hypoallergenic and perfect for people with sensitive skin. This product is gently scented with Lavender essential oils and is made without phosphates, enzymes, potentially dangerous sulphates (SLES), chlorine, optical brighteners, synthetic perfumes, dyes or any animal ingredients.
Yes, laundry pods can dissolve in all water temperatures including the cold setting.
Designed for large loads, the innovative Tide POWER PODS® are equipped with more cleaning ingredients and freshness power than two regular-sized Tide PODS® to better remove the dirt in today's large loads and make sure your clothes get clean!
Instead, these smaller plastic particles persist in our environment as microplastics and nanoplastics. Research shows that ~75% of intact plastic particles from laundry detergent pods are released into our oceans, rivers and soil (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021).
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.
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.