How Many Dishwasher Pods to Use
Dishwasher pods are one of the best kitchen hacks to emerge in the last few years – they’re a mess-free, convenient, fast way to get your dishes clean, and a great alternative if you’re looking to ditch the bulky, heavy liquid detergent bottle.
If you’re new to pods, you might have some questions, like how many dishwasher pods to use. It’s important to understand how many pods to use, so that you can plan how often you need to re-stock, and also to figure out what you’re spending on each load of dishes.
So, how many dishwasher pods should I use for sparkling dishes that don’t need to be re-washed? In this guide, we’ll help you figure out how many pods you should be using to keep your dishes clean and prevent damage to your dishwasher.
Factors Influencing How Many Pods to Put in the Dishwasher
When it comes to using dishwasher pods, the “one pod per load” rule doesn’t always apply. So, how many dishwasher pods should I use? It depends on a few different factors – let’s take a look at them.
Dishwasher Size
The size of your dishwasher is the first factor in how many dishwasher pods to use. Most dishwashers work best with a single pod, but if you’re using a compact model, such as a countertop or single-drawer dishwasher, a full pod might be too much, and you may want to try to use half a pod.
On the other hand, for extra-large or commercial-sized dishwashers, a single pod might not be enough to clean a full load effectively. Try to match the pod amount to your dishwasher’s capacity to avoid over-sudsing or under-cleaning your dishes.
Load Size
The number of dishes you’re washing is another important factor when it comes to how many dishwasher pods to use. If you’re running a half load or only cleaning a few dishes, using a full pod may result in leftover detergent, which can cause residue buildup.
For smaller loads, consider using less detergent, or if you can’t cut your pods in half, try to wait until your dishwasher is completely filled. If you have a large load that’s tightly packed, one pod might not be enough to penetrate and clean every dish properly – it’s a balancing act.
Soil Level
For lightly soiled dishes, a single pod is usually enough to clean your dishes. However, if you’re dealing with heavy grease, baked-on food, or particularly dirty pots and pans, you may want to add an extra half pod (if possible) to boost the cleaning power.
Another option is to use a powerful pre-wash setting along with a single pod to tackle tougher grime without using extra detergent. Think about how dirty your dishes are as you load them them to ensure you’re using the right amount for the level of soil.
How Many Dishwasher Pods Should I Use?
So, how many dishwasher pods should I use? In most cases, a single pod will do the trick, but there are exceptions where using less (or occasionally more) might be more effective.
Why Less is Often More
You might think that more detergent would lead to cleaner dishes, but that’s usually not how it works. Using more detergent than needed can actually backfire and leave you with cloudy glasses, detergent residue, and even damage to your dishwasher.
Dishwasher pods are formulated to dissolve in specific amounts of water, ensuring they release the right concentration of cleaning agents during the wash cycle. When you use too more detergent than you need, you’re wasting both product and money.
Not only is too much detergent wasteful, but it can also damage your dishwasher. Using more pods than you need to risks a buildup of suds that can reduce your dishwasher’s efficiency and potentially clog your machine over time. This can lead to problems like longer cycle times or the need for extra rinsing.
Often, one pod per load is enough to tackle a normal amount of food residue and grease. For smaller loads, you might even want to use half a pod, which is possible if you’re using pods or tabs that are filled with powder rather than liquid.
Situations That Call For More Than One Pod
We just said that less is usually more, but there are times when you do actually need to use more than one dishwasher pod. If you’ve got dishes with baked-on grease or food residue, or you have an extra-full load, some more detergent might come in handy.
Also, if you have especially hard water, you might find that you need extra detergent to combat the minerals that reduce the cleaning power of your pod’s active ingredients. What are dishwasher pods made of that can be affected by hard water? Typically enzymes and surfactants.
More Tips on Making the Most of Your Dishwasher Detergent Pods
As well as understanding how many dishwasher pods to use, there are a few other things you can do that will help your pods clean even more effectively. Here are some tips on how to use dishwasher pods to their full effect.
Choosing the Right Pods
Not all dishwasher pods are created equal, so it’s important to do your research and find a brand you can rely on. At Clean People, we’ve formulated pods that deliver a powerful clean without relying on harsh chemicals that really shouldn’t be near your dishes.
Instead, our top-rated dishwasher pods are made using plant and mineral-based cleaning agents, avoiding the need for phosphates, dyes, parabens, phthalates, and chlorine. Plus, they’re fragranced naturally, made in America, and safe for septic systems.
Some people opt for homemade dishwasher pods, but these are much more time consuming than you’d think. Why go to all the time and effort when you can find the best dishwasher pods right here at Clean People?!
Wondering how many dishwasher pods to use when you choose Clean People? Our pods are accurately pre-measured and formulated to ensure that one pod per dishwasher load gives you sufficient cleaning power without being over-concentrated or damaging your dishwasher.
Proper Pod Placement
As well as choosing a high-quality pod, it’s also important to learn where to put dishwasher pods within your dishwasher. Always place the pod in the designated detergent dispenser (unless the manufacturer explicitly states otherwise), as this ensures it’s released at the right time during the wash cycle.
If you put the pod directly into the main chamber, you may notice your dishwasher pods not dissolving properly, or it may dissolve too early and not distribute evenly, leading to dirty dishes that, frustratingly, have to be re-washed.
Also, make sure that the dispenser is dry before inserting the pod – moisture can cause the pod to start dissolving too soon, which can reduce the detergent’s potency by the time the cleaning cycle actually begins.
Selecting the Right Dishwasher Cycle
The wash cycle you select affects how well your dishwasher pod performs. Some pods are formulated to work best with standard or heavy-duty cycles that use hotter water and longer washing times, ensuring they fully dissolve and release all their cleaning agents.
Using a quick or eco-cycle may not provide enough water or time to activate all pods properly, leaving detergent residue on dishes. If you normally run an eco-cycle or other low-water option, make sure you opt for pods that are compatible with this.
Adjusting for Hard or Soft Water
Water hardness also plays a role in the effectiveness of your dishwasher detergent pods. Hard water, which contains higher levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can interfere with how well pods dissolve, leaving streaks and spots on your dishes.
If you have extremely hard water, you might want to use pods with built-in water softeners or add a separate rinse aid to prevent mineral buildup. On the flip side, if you have soft water, standard pods should work just fine.
Storing Pods Correctly to Maintain Potency
Storage is also important when it comes to dishwasher pods. You can extend the shelf life of your pods and preserve their cleaning power by keeping them in a cool, dry place, and ensuring their container is properly sealed to prevent moisture.
It’s usually best not to store pods under the sink or anywhere damp, as humidity and moisture can cause them to clump or dissolve prematurely. If your pods come in a resealable bag, always close it securely after each use.
Closing Thoughts on How Many Dishwasher Pods to Use
So, how many dishwasher pods should I use? One pod is usually enough, but if you have particularly dirty dishes, an industrial-sized dishwasher, an extra-full load, or extremely hard water, you might want to increase the amount of detergent you’re using per load.
Clean People dishwasher detergent pods are carefully formulated and measured to ensure you’re always getting the right amount of detergent. Your dishes will be sparkling, but our formula isn’t concentrated to the point where it can cause residue buildup or damage your dishwasher.
Life’s too short to spend it re-washing your dishes – switch to Clean People today for crystal-clear dishes the first time!
