TikTok's DIY Dishwasher Pod Hack Comes With Major Savings

There is no denying that detergent pods have made cleaning a lot less messy, especially when it comes to your dishwasher. All you have to do is throw in a little pouch and all the power of liquid detergent comes out without spillage or stress. However, when comparing detergent pods to liquid types, the price tag on pods is usually higher than the liquid options, which means you're shelling out more cash for convenience. Studies have also found that the plastic used to encase the detergents can linger after being broken up and make its way into natural water sources, which has a negative impact on the environment.

Instead of paying premium prices, why not make your own DIY versions by placing liquid detergent in an ice cube tray? Making anything at home will not only save you money, but it can also help you keep track of supplies so you are aware of when it's time to stock up. These TikTok pods are so simple to make, and you can do a bulk project to ensure you're prepped for numerous dishwasher loads. This will help you avoid opening an empty box of pods when you have a dishwasher full of dirty dishes ever again.

To recreate these trending pods, all you need is liquid dishwasher detergent and a clean ice cube tray. In @the_gooch's TikTok, he uses Cascade Complete, which creates solid blue blocks. The 125-ounce Cascade liquid detergent bottle from Sam's Club costs just over $10, and usually only 1 ounce is required per load, so this could provide enough detergent for 125 loads. Store-bought pods can cost between $10 and $30, with Cascade's 90-count pods usually costing close to $28, so you are saving money regardless. If you're wondering how much dishwasher detergent to use, you don't have to fill the ice cube tray compartments completely; @the_gooch recommends only filling them up halfway. 

Once you fill the trays, let the liquid sit in the freezer until the detergent is completely frozen. When you're ready to use one, simply pop it out and place it in the appliance. Silicone trays are going to be easier to remove the cubes from than plastic ones, so these are a good option for this trick. However, always make sure that you use liquid dishwasher detergent and never put dish soap in the dishwasher, as the latter could create extra suds and may flood your kitchen. Further, make sure to keep detergent pods away from other ice trays in the freezer, since some dishwasher detergents are clear and could look like ice.