Dishwasher Tablets vs Pods

The secret to getting spotless dishes after every dishwasher cycle lies in your detergent. You should be able to load up your dirty silverware, plates, and glasses, press a few buttons, and walk away without much fuss.
However, many homeowners don’t get the results they want because they choose the wrong type of dishwasher soap. Dishwasher tablets are a classic option, as a natural evolution of powder-based detergents. However, dishwasher pods have become more popular for balancing convenience and effective results with minimal effort.
So, which side of the dishwasher pods vs tablets debate should you choose? We’ll explore each option in this guide to help you achieve sparkling, clean dishes every time.
But no matter which you choose between dishwasher tablets vs pods, you can upgrade here at Clean People! Our dishwasher pods use up to 60% less plastic and come with 50% less carbon emissions than leading brands. We use powerful septic-safe enzymes and cleaning agents to eliminate grease and stains, leaving no residues behind.
We also recently released our dishwasher tablets, though. These are also boosted with powerful enzymes that cut through grease and stuck-on food. Like everything here at Clean People, it’s a safer choice for your family and the environment with no harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances.
You can take advantage of free shipping across the USA and Canada, as well as our 30-day money-back guarantee when you place your order!
What Are Dishwasher Pods?
Pods are pre-measured and water-soluble packets with a blend of enzymes, cleaning agents, and rinse aids. These ingredients dissolve when they come into contact with water, releasing detergent to tackle tough stains.
Pros of Dishwasher Pods
The benefits of dishwasher pods vs tablets, liquid, and other forms of detergent are clear as day. Pods offer unparalleled convenience and cleaning power.
You don’t need to measure and pour out liquid. Just grab the pod out of the box, place it in the dishwasher, and you’re all set. Dishwasher pods dissolve quickly thanks to their unique formula, ensuring stains get removed ASAP.
Dishwasher pods are gentle on dishwashers and sewage systems, including septic tanks. They release ingredients at the right time, unlike other methods, which can result in uneven distribution. Pods are also generally more eco-friendly than other detergent types, though this can vary by brand. Pods with minimal plastic and innovative packaging are safe for your family and the environment. You can also fit over 100 loads’ worth of detergent in a tiny package or box, which can save you shelf space in your kitchen or pantry.
Cons of Dishwasher Pods
There wouldn’t be much of a debate between dishwasher tablets vs pods if there weren’t a few drawbacks to consider.
Dishwasher pods are sensitive to moisture. You don’t want to leave them in a humid area, as they may stick together or even prematurely dissolve. We recommend storing them in an airtight container to bypass this issue.
Conversely, some low-quality brands have issues with dishwasher pods not dissolving in colder temperatures. It’s essential to select a line of dishwasher pods with a proven track record of delivering exceptional cleaning results.
Some pods have a higher upfront cost than other forms of detergent, but this will vary based on the brand you choose. We find that the convenience of pods is more than worth the extra premium, especially since you won’t accidentally over-pour it, unlike liquid options.
So are dishwasher pods bad for your dishwasher compared to tablets? Not at all! There are a few drawbacks to consider, but you can minimize most of them by selecting a proven brand that prioritizes user convenience.
What Are Dishwasher Tablets?
Now let’s shift focus to the other half of the dishwasher tablets vs pods discussion. Tablets are the older option of the two. They’re a natural evolution from old-school dishwasher powder. They usually feature a cube or circle shape, allowing it to dissolve during the wash cycle.
Pros of Dishwasher Tablets
What are the reasons that help distinguish dishwasher tablets vs pods? Dishwasher tablets are widely available in stores worldwide.
Dishwasher tablets aren’t as sensitive to humidity as pods, but you still want to avoid exposing them to harsh temperatures or moisture.
Tablets are more convenient than liquids or gels, even if they aren’t as easy to use as pods. You drop them in the dishwasher and let them do the work – if they don’t crumble apart in your hands, that is.
Cons of Dishwasher Tablets
There are a few concerns to consider when comparing dishwasher tablets vs pods.
Tablets may dissolve a bit slower, which creates an inconsistency that leads to subpar results. You may even open your dishwasher after some tablet cycles to find all of your dishes covered in streaks and food residue. The lopsided distribution can also damage your dishwasher or plumbing by leaving massive clumps of detergent behind.
Fortunately, though, these issues are really only linked to cheap, low-quality tablets. You can avoid these concerns by choosing to use dishwasher tablets from a trusted brand like Clean People.
But, which is right for you between our Dishwasher tablets vs pods? Let’s take a closer look below!
Dishwasher Tablets vs Pods: Key Differences to Consider
You now have a clear understanding of the benefits of each side of the dishwasher tablets vs pods debate. So how do they stack up against one another?
The best dishwasher pods offer convenience, powerful cleaning, and gentle ingredients. Meanwhile, dishwasher tablets attempt to strike a balance between cost and convenience. It’s just a matter of which you prefer!
Cleaning Performance
There are multiple differences between dishwasher tablets vs pods, but cleaning power is the one you will notice first. No one wants to deal with dirty dishes after waiting through an entire wash cycle.
Dishwasher tablets dissolve slowly. They may not release detergent until midway through the cleaning cycle, leading to uneven streaks on your plates and glasses. Fortunately, you don’t have to run a second cycle or hand-scrub the remaining stains with our tablets. We use powerful enzymes to help break down tough stuck on food.
Pods dissolve almost instantly. This lets the cleaning agents coat your dishes as the cycle begins. That gives pods a head start on removing grease, leftover sauce, and baked-on stains.
Ingredient Breakdown and Formulation
It’s essential to understand ingredient lists and their impact on the dishwasher tablets vs pods debate. But as it pertains to dishwasher pods vs tablets from Clean People, you can’t go wrong either way. Here are the ingredients in our tablets:
Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Metasilicate, Alkyl Polyglucoside, Sodium Citrate Dihydrate, Sodium Percarbonate, TAED, Itaconic Acid, Sodium Salt, Natural Lemon Verbena Fragrance, Protease, Amylase.
On the other hand, here’s what you’ll find in our pods here at Clean People:
Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Metasilicate, Alkyl Polyglucoside, Sodium Citrate Dihydrate, Sodium Percarbonate, TAED, Itaconic Acid, Sodium Salt, Natural Lemon Verbena Fragrance, Protease, Amylase, Polyvinyl Alcohol.
As you can see, there is a little overlap in comparing our dishwasher tablets vs pods as far as ingredients go. Notice what you don’t see in either ingredients list, though. There’s no:
- Dyes
- Phosphates
- Parabens
- Chlorine Bleach
- Formaldehyde
- Nonylphenol Ethoxylates
- Synthetic Fragrance
Therefore, don’t just choose any pod or tablet brand and expect the ideal results – be sure to do your research. Or, just enjoy peace of mind by sticking with Clean People.
Dissolvability and Water Temperature Sensitivity
Water solubility is another key factor in the dishwasher pods vs tablets debate. Tablets take a while to dissolve, acting as a slow-release solution.
The key issue here is that eco-friendly dishwasher cycles tend to forgo hot water to save on energy costs. Using tablets from lower-quality brands means you have to decide between a higher energy bill and carbon footprint or ineffective cleaning results – and that’s not a trade you should have to make. So, we’ve made sure our tablets don’t have this issue! You can use them with any dishwasher and any setting.
Dishwasher pods have better solubility in general, though. They can dissolve even in cold water, no matter your machine’s settings. This does mean you need to be careful to store them in moisture-free spaces, though.
Dishwasher pods OR tablets from Clean People are best for your peace of mind. You don’t have to gamble with the cleaning results and hope for clean dishes when you open your dishwasher. Either of our formulas will work wonderfully!
Cost Per Load and Overall Value
We can’t forget about price tags when discussing dishwasher tablets vs pods. Here’s a quick breakdown of our pods and tablets prices:
- Tablets: $20 for 60 loads
- Pods: $20 for 60 loads
So, it’s a draw!
Either way, it’s clear you get what you pay for. Clean People isn’t the cheapest option, but you’re getting non-toxic, eco-friendly, and effective dishwashing solutions – that’s worth it!
Which is the Better Way to Clean Your Dishes?
Let’s settle the dishwasher tablets vs pods debate right here. Which one offers the most reliable way to clean your dishes?
We personally prefer pods. They dissolve faster, have a similar cost per load, and use a more diverse and effective set of ingredients. But that’s not to say our tablets aren’t great in their own right! We have a lot of customers who prefer them over our pods. Our advice? Try both and see which you prefer!
The few drawbacks of pods and tablets in general – such as their sensitivity to humidity – can be easily avoided by choosing a reliable brand with innovative packaging and eco-friendly components.
Want to learn more about how dishwasher pods stack up against other types of detergent? Check out our other guides exploring dishwasher pods vs liquid and dishwasher powder vs pods.
Experience the Difference Firsthand With Clean People
We’ve created the best dishwasher pods and tablets that go above and beyond to deliver consistent results, keeping your family and the planet safe.
That mission is at the heart of what we do at Clean People. Our dishwasher pods and tablets offer the best eco-friendly clean, with a safer and cleaner ingredients list and minimal plastic waste. We avoid harmful ingredients like chlorine bleach, parabens, and phthalates, and instead use natural compounds like sodium metasilicate and itaconic acid.
We offer 5 different scents of pods, including peppermint, lavender, and a fragrance-free option. You can choose from lemon verbena or fragrance-free for tablets. No matter what, you’ll love how your dishes smell – and more importantly, how they look.
Our commitment to eco-friendly cleaning products goes beyond dishwasher pods. We also sell
Eco-friendly and septic-safe dishwasher cleaner tablets, dish soap, and dishwasher detergent powder.
Don’t just take it from us. Hear it from real homeowners and families who trust Clean People for their cleaning needs:
“Lemon dishwasher pods make my kitchen smell so good and the dishes are spotless. Love the smell.” – Judith
“I absolutely LOVE these peppermint dishwasher pods. They clean 10x better than the leading brand we have been using for years. So glad to have found these!” – Jenna
“I’m only using these from now on in my dishwasher! They work very well. Thank you!” – Toni
You can try us risk-free thanks to our free shipping across the USA and Canada. Talk to our friendly team to learn more!
Bringing Our Dishwasher Pods vs Tablets Comparison to a Close
Dishwasher pods are the natural evolution of tablets. They offer a streamlined cleaning experience that is tough to beat. You can drop them in your dishwasher and let them do the scrubbing, without worrying about a potential mess or spotty results.
That said, we ALSO have tablets for you here at Clean People, and ours are so much better than the other options on the market because they’re made the Clean People way – safer for your dishwasher, your family, and the environment.
It’s essential to choose the right dishwasher pod brand for you and your family. Clean People has everything you need to get clean dishes without harming the planet. We manufacture our pods in the USA and Canada, featuring safer, cleaner ingredients.
Explore our online shop and select your favorite scent. Our pods will revolutionize the way you do your dishes, so don’t hesitate to make the switch!