We asked laundry experts for their top tips on how to use laundry pods, and there's a good chance you've been doing it wrong all along!
Laundry—it’s never ending. The moment you think your laundry pile is finally finished, another load comes in almost instantly! And while there’s no way to make doing laundry disappear entirely, there are certain things you can do to make the job easier. In addition to reading care labels and separating your clothes for a better outcome, learning how to use laundry pods correctly can make the chore simpler.
While liquid or powder detergent is perfectly acceptable, there’s something especially convenient about a little flubber-looking packet of cleaning solution. Laundry pods are mess-free, require no measuring and get tossed right in your washing machine. But there are some usage requirements. Reader’s Digest spoke with laundry experts Mary Gagliardi and Jessica Zinna to find out how to use Tide Pods (or any other brand of detergent packet) the right way, so your wash consistently comes out clean, bright and residue-free.
Ahead, you’ll find out the basics of using detergent pods, including how much you need and the do’s and don’ts of using them.
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How to use laundry pods in the washing machine
Don’t fret, it’s pretty easy. But the most important task when using laundry pods is to make sure they dissolve properly, and that means they’ll need to come into contact with as much water as possible.
According to Zinna, a former senior scientist with P&G Fabric Care, the best way to use liquid laundry packets is to put them into the drum first, before adding clothes. “Place the [pods] at the back or bottom of the machine drum, not in the dispenser drawer,” she says. That way, they’re sure to be submerged.
Directions
- Place the laundry pod in the washer drum.
- Add your dirty clothes to the washer.
- Select the warm or hot water setting. (Hint: Check the laundry symbols and choose an appropriate temperature for your clothing.)
That’s it! Pretty simple, right? The key is to remember that warmer is better. “Cold water—especially if it’s lower than 60 degrees, which is totally possible during the winter months—might not dissolve the pod entirely,” says Gagliardi, Clorox’s in-house scientist and laundry expert.
| ♦ Pro tip |
| If you are experiencing issues when using pods and cold water for doing laundry, fabric-care expert Mary Marlowe Leverette suggests dissolving the pod in 1 cup of hot water first and adding the solution to the washing machine drum before loading dirty laundry. |
How laundry pods work
There’s no rocket science behind how detergent pods work. According to Zinna, laundry pods typically contain liquid or powder cleaning ingredients in a dissolvable film that can be added directly into the washer drum. “When the packet comes into contact with water, the film dissolves, allowing the cleaning ingredient to do its job and remove yucky stains and odors from your laundry,” she says.
In addition to containing a concentrated form of detergent, laundry pods sometimes also include fabric softener or a color-safe brightener, adds Gagliardi.
How many Tide Pods to use per load
The number of Tide pods or laundry pods you’ll pop in the washer will depend entirely on the size of the load and how soiled your laundry is, just as your washer and dryer settings depend on what’s in the machine.
“As washing machines become larger, so do load sizes,” Zinna explains. “This means there’s more dirt going into each load, which requires more cleaning power.” That said, always read the product’s package instructions, as well as your washing machine manufacturer’s guide, says Gagliardi, as usage can vary.
For instance, while laundry detergent pods work well in both standard and high-efficiency washing machines, HE machines use less energy, detergent and (importantly) water. If you have an HE washing machine, consider using fewer pods to ensure they’re able to dissolve. Leverette recommends following this guide:
- Small loads and compact washers (4–8 pounds of laundry): 1 pod
- Average-size loads and top-load washers (12–16 pounds of laundry): 1 pod
- Large and extra-large loads and front-load washers (16–25 pounds of laundry): 2 pods
Keep in mind that while laundry pods may look like a small amount of product compared with the amount of liquid or powder detergent you would use, they are very concentrated.
The benefits of using laundry pods
People don’t pick up laundry pods at random. Most reach for the package because it promises some key benefits when doing laundry. Here’s why you may want to switch from liquid or powder to pods.
Offers convenience
“Liquid laundry packets are great for consumers who are looking for laundry detergent in an easy-to-use, less-messy form in a premeasured amount,” says Zinna. “They are convenient to transport [for shared laundry facilities] and take the guesswork out of measuring with convenient, pre-portioned doses.”
Reduces carbon footprint
The format “allows for the use of more-concentrated detergents,” she says. “This means less water in cleaning product formulas, which results in reduced packaging waste and less weight when transporting these products.”
Provides value
In general, using liquid or powder laundry detergent will be cheaper per load than using laundry pods. But there’s a silver lining: “Because liquid laundry packets often provide better cleaning performance, stain removal and freshness, they can be a great option if you’re looking for overall value in your laundry routine,” Zinna says.
The safest way to store laundry pods
If you watch the news, you’ve probably heard stories about hospitalizations, and that’s because the colorful pods are sometimes mistaken for candy by kids. Always store laundry packets in the container they came in; putting them in glass jars can make them look like candy. “Like any other household cleaning product, keep liquid laundry packets out of the reach and sight of children,” Zinna says. “Do not let children handle liquid laundry packets, even with supervision.”
Leverette adds that the original container should be stored in a cool, dry place to protect the pods from excessive moisture, which can cause them to dissolve. Always handle the pods with dry hands.
FAQs
Are laundry pods bad for your washer?
No, laundry pods are totally safe to toss in your washing machine. And it doesn’t matter whether you have an HE or traditional washing machine—they work in both. “Liquid laundry packets are safe to use [in] all commercial washing machines, including [high-efficiency] washers,” Zinna says.
What happens when a laundry pod doesn’t dissolve?
“Typically, the cause of liquid laundry packets not dissolving in the wash is improper use, like adding the packet after clothes instead of before,” Zinna says. Why does that create issues? The packet needs as much contact with water as possible in order for the film to dissolve. So adding it at the correct time is a crucial part of learning how to use laundry pods.
Your washing machine temperature may also be to blame. “If you are still having issues with dissolution, switch to warmer water during winter months or when water is especially cold,” Zinna suggests.
Can you use laundry pods for handwashing clothes?
Because of their design and concentrated formula, laundry pods aren’t recommended for handwashing. These little guys are best suited for washing machines. However, the good news is that they work in all kinds of washers, including front-loading, top-loading and high efficiency machines.
What should you do if a laundry pod bursts before you put it in the wash?
Don’t panic! Just try to collect as much of the laundry detergent as you can in a glass. Add some warm water to dissolve the detergent, then add the liquid to the washer drum before putting your clothes in.
Make sure you don’t accidentally swallow or ingest any part of the detergent! Toss the rest of the broken pod in the trash.
How do I remove pod residue from my clothes?
If you notice detergent residue after using a laundry pod, soak the item in warm or hot water. If the residue has dried, soak it until it softens or loosens, says Gagliardi. Then rewash the item in warm or hot water and check once more to make sure the residue is gone before putting it in the dryer.
About the experts
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Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field, in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece on how to use laundry pods, Maryn Liles tapped her experience as a longtime home and lifestyle writer. Then fabric-care and stain-removal expert Mary Marlowe Leverette gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We relied on reputable primary sources, including cleaning and health experts and reputable organizations. We verified all facts and data and backed them with credible sourcing, and we will revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Mary Gagliardi, in-house scientist and cleaning expert at Clorox; email interview, Jan. 8, 2024
- Jessica Zinna, PhD, former senior scientist with Tide; interview, September 2021
