Avoid Making This Big Mistake When Using Laundry Pods On Wash Day

For many people, laundry pods are an easier alternative to detergent due to the fact that you only need to pop one or two in the washer and leave them to do their job — simple, right? However, if you're placing them in the dispenser drawer instead of inside the drum, you could be causing major issues for your machine down the line. What's more, putting them in the wrong place over time could lead to clogging within the machine and spotting on your clothes.

Likewise, using your laundry pods in the wrong way could mean that your clothes aren't being washed properly either. Typically, a laundry pod contains a measured amount of detergent, a brightening agent, and a stain remover. While this means that pods do the work of several products, there isn't really a place for them in the dispenser section of your washer, which has separate compartments for each of the above. If you don't want to waste your detergent capsules, this is the correct way to use them and the inside info on how they actually work.

As well as keeping them out of the dispenser, you also shouldn't put detergent pods directly on top of your clothes. Instead, put the pod(s) in before you start to load the washer. This will ensure it can dissolve properly and that all liquid within is also released properly. Be careful about overloading your washer too, since this can make it tough for them to do their job. 

Laundry pods only dissolve when they come into contact with water, so they may not fully disintegrate in the dispenser drawer. This could lead to parts of your washing machine becoming clogged and you needing to call out a professional — a major inconvenience. In addition to this, some pods may not fully dissolve if the water isn't warm enough. 

It's always good to be eco-friendly, but you run the risk of the water being too cold to disintegrate the pods if you set your machine to a heat setting that's too low, i.e. 30 degrees or less. Always check the label carefully before use. So, if you love the convenience of pods, there's no reason to stop using them — just ensure you're putting them in the drum before you add clothes and that your washer is on a high enough heat setting for best results. Make sure you store laundry detergent pods properly too, as it can be dangerous otherwise.