Why do people use detergent pods?

Author: Darrin Walter  |  Last update: Saturday, August 16, 2025

Laundry pods were advertised as a way to reduce wasted use of powdered and liquid detergent by having precise measurements for a load. For large loads, most brands recommend two pods, with Tide suggesting up to three. Detergent pods cost significantly more than liquid detergent for equivalent laundry loads.

What is the point of detergent pods?

More than just a detergent, Tide PODS® also contain a stain remover and a brightener in one convenient pac. These detergent pacs are filled with a super-concentrated detergent, and their small, compact doses mean minimal hassle for you.

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.

What are the downsides of laundry pods?

Con: They're usually more expensive than powdered detergent. Con: They have plastic packaging, which is less eco-friendly.

Are the laundry pods really better?

Laundry pods are more concentrated than standard liquid detergent, which is often diluted. This gives you more active ingredients per load in a smaller package without sacrificing cleaning power. For example, Laundry Sauce Pods are 4x more concentrated than traditional liquid laundry detergents.

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Why not 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's the healthiest laundry detergent to use?

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*

Do laundry pods work in cold water?

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

What are the disadvantages of pods?

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.

What happens to the plastic in laundry pods?

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.

Do I need fabric softener with pods?

Bold All-in-1 Pods thoroughly clean your clothes, removing even the invisible stains that are set deep in the fibres of the fabric (read more about the difference between detergent and softener). Remember to add Lenor fabric softener which will soften your clothes and give them that irresistibly fresh smell.

How to make laundry smell good?

How Can You Make Your Laundry Smell Good?
  1. Deodorize With Baking Soda.
  2. Clean Your Washing Machine.
  3. Do Smaller Loads of Laundry.
  4. Use Scent Boosters.
  5. Choose the Right Detergent.
  6. Pre-Treat Any Stains.
  7. Don't Let Wet Clothes Sit.
  8. Try Scented Dryer Balls.

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.

Do you just throw detergent pods in?

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.

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.

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.

What are the cons of laundry pods?

Unfortunately, though, pods can't be easily used to pre-treat stains, and because pod detergent dosage cannot be adjusted to the dirtiness or size of a load, you might end up using too much or too little detergent. We also can't forget that pods can leave a mess.

What are the bad effects of pod?

There is no good evidence that vaping causes cancer. But e-cigarettes are not risk-free. They can cause side effects such as throat and mouth irritation, headache, cough and feeling sick. These side effects tend to reduce over time with continued use.

Why you should stop using laundry pods immediately?

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.

Why are my laundry pods sticking to my clothes?

If the pod is placed on top of a load of clothes, it may not dissolve properly. This can result in streaks and spotting from deposits of detergent left on the wet clothes. Streaking can also happen if the washer is overloaded with clothes and the pod isn't exposed to enough water to dissolve.

Does Tide really clean better?

We pitted more than 35 detergents against a slew of stains and odors (on all kinds of laundry, from stained T-shirts to smelly socks). Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent and Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent consistently and effectively removed a wider variety of stains than the competition.

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.

Why you shouldn't use a lot of laundry detergent?

Detergent build-up can clog hoses, valves and other components, preventing water from draining properly. Over time, this creates a moist environment that supports the proliferation of mold, mildew and bacteria. This, in turn, can lead to mold and mildew growth on rubber gaskets and bad odors.

What is the #1 dermatologist recommended laundry detergent?

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.

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