How to Use Laundry Pods Correctly: Common Mistakes and Best Practices

Who's got the time to measure out the detergent? How do you even know you’re using the same amount each time? Say goodbye to detergent – laundry pods are the obvious solution.

Suitable for both front- and top-load washers, laundry pods have quickly become one of the most popular options with consumers. The problem? As any laundry pod manufacturer will tell you, people simply don’t use them correctly. Rather than just throwing it in with your laundry, you’ve got to place it correctly in the washing machine for optimal results.

Join us as we dispel the common myths about using laundry pods, providing a step-by-step guide for proper usage.

In this guide:

⟩ What are Laundry Pods?

⟩ How to Use Laundry Pods Correctly

⟩ Common Laundry Pod Mistakes

⟩ Laundry Pod Best Practices

What are Laundry Pods?

First off, what even are laundry pods? Unlike conventional detergent, which comes in a bottle or container, laundry pods keep the detergent encased in a one-use pouch. There are two parts:

· The casing is a kind of plastic that dissolves when it comes into contact with water – particularly warm water. You should never see the laundry pod after the wash. This means it hasn’t worked.

· The contents include the detergent, enzymes, and any other cleaning agents. These are released into the washing machine when the casing dissolves, cleaning your clothes as usual.

Not all laundry pods are the same. The classic option is a single chamber – however, double and even multi-chamber options exist. Each chamber usually contains a different cleaning agent, e.g., fabric softener, fragrant scent, or detergent.

How to Use Laundry Pods Correctly

People often make the same mistakes again and again when using laundry pods. Most laundry pods manufacturers include detailed instructions on their packaging. Nonetheless, the mistakes persist.

Here’s what to do:

1. Put the Laundry Pod in the Drum. You should never put the laundry pod in the dispenser drawer, as you would with conventional detergent. Pods go directly into the drum. For best results, put the pod inside the drum before you add your clothes. The only exception is if the washing machine manufacturer specifically tells you otherwise. If you’re doing a large load of washing, consider adding two pods.

2. Place the Clothes in the Drum. Next, add your clothes to the drum covering the pod. Make sure the clothes don’t move the pod too much. It should stay at the bottom, near the back. Remember not to overfill the machine. It shouldn’t be more than three-quarters full; otherwise, your clothes won’t wash properly, nor will the casing of the pod dissolve.

3. Set the Wash Cycle. Now, set the washing machine to your preferred settings. If you’re going for a cooler wash, e.g., 30 °C, double-check that the laundry pods are suitable. Not all detergents work correctly at lower temperatures.

That’s it! You’ve performed a correct wash. Just to emphasize – never put the pods in the dispenser. It’s designed for detergent. There usually isn’t enough water to start the dissolving process. This means that the pod is likely to clog the dispenser, leading to poor cleaning results.

Common Laundry Pod Mistakes

As a laundry pod manufacturer and supplier, we heard about all sorts of mistakes. We guarantee you’ve probably made at least one of these:

You're Putting the Pods in the Wrong Place

Washing machines spin. Shouldn’t that mean it doesn’t matter where you put the pod? Well, in the initial stages of the washing cycle, the machine adds water before it spins. If your pod isn’t on the bottom, it won’t dissolve initially.

You should always put the laundry pod in before the clothing. That means it’ll start dissolving right away when the water enters the machine, giving your clothing the maximum wash.

You're Using the Wrong Number of Pods

Most people throw a single pod into the machine and forget about it. Wrong! For most loads, a single pod is all that’s needed. However, if your arms are overloaded with clothes or bedding, a single pod isn’t going to cut it.

That’s also true if you’ve got extra dirty or stained fabrics. Adding an additional pod is likely to save you from running the wash again. Determine the number of pods you’ll need based on the size of the laundry load. Just don’t think that because you’ve added two pods, you can overstuff the machine. Laundry pod manufacturers advise keeping the machine at three-quarters capacity for best results.

You're Handling the Pods with Wet Hands

The outer case of laundry pods is designed to dissolve in contact with water – any water. If you’re handling pods with wet hands, you’ll find it dissolves at your touch. Soon enough, you’ve got the detergent all over your hands and clothes.

You're Using Cold Water

Some laundry pods are highly effective in cold waters. But that’s not always the case. Read the laundry pod manufacturer’s guidelines for a detailed description.

Most of the time, it won’t matter either way. However, in winter, the incoming water can be extremely cold. This means the pod will not dissolve correctly. The solution? You can always try to dissolve the pod with some warm water and pour the mixture either directly into the drum or into the detergent compartment.

Laundry Pod Best Practices

Follow these best practices:

✓ Set the Right Temperature. Read the packaging for the correct temperature information. Usually, anything higher than 40 °C is fine. But if you’re going for a cooler wash, it’s best to double-check.

✓ Don’t Overload the Machine. Your clothes won’t get clean if the machine is too full. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

✓ Store Pods Correctly. Pods will begin to dissolve in a damp, humid environment. As the laundry pod manufacturer will advise, store the pods in a cool, dry location.

✓ Try Multi-Chamber Pods. Multi-chamber pods often have added cleaning agents for the best results. They’re more cost-effective than relying on multiple pods.

Use One or Two Pods. You should never need more than two pods for a load. One is standard, and two are for exceptional volumes of laundry. Following these rules helps cut costs and reduce waste.