How to Use Laundry Detergent Pods

The days of relying on liquid laundry detergent are over. There are far better alternatives that make your life easier while cleaning effectively and potentially even safeguarding our environment!

While we personally prefer using our laundry detergent sheets, we also have some amazing laundry detergent pods in store for you at Clean People. They’re better for you, better for the planet, and super easy to use in any washing machine!

That being said, understanding how to use laundry detergent pods the right way is key to unlocking all the benefits they have to offer. While it’s fairly simple and straightforward, we’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of every wash cycle. Learn more below!

The Lowdown on Laundry Detergent Pods

Laundry detergent has come a long way from the bulky jugs and messy powders of the past. Sure, they get the job done – but are they the best way to do your laundry? Not by a long shot.

Overuse, spills, storage hassles, and plastic waste are just a few of the many reasons people are looking for a smarter approach to laundry. That’s where pods come in. They’ve really surged in popularity over the past decade or so, and it’s not hard to see why:

• Pre-Measured for Precision: No more guessing how much detergent to use. Each pod contains the exact amount needed for a standard load.
• Mess-Free and Convenient: No spills, no sticky detergent bottles, no awkward scooping. Just grab a pod and toss it in (sort of – more on that in a moment).
• Space-Saving Design: Pods come in compact packaging that’s easy to store compared to bulky plastic jugs and powder boxes.
• No Overpouring, No Residue: It’s easy to go overboard with liquid and powder detergents, leading to residue buildup on clothes and in the washer. Not with pods!
• Travel-Friendly: Ever tried traveling with a bottle of liquid detergent? Pods are lightweight, compact, and TSA-friendly for on-the-go laundry needs.

The best part is how easy these pods are to use, too. But is it as simple as just loading up the washing machine and tossing a pod in? Not quite.

Do You Just Throw Laundry Pods in the Washer?

Let’s be clear – technically, yes, you can throw a laundry pod in the washer and let the cycle run. Is this the best way to use laundry detergent pods, though? Not by a long shot. You’re selling them short if you don’t follow the proper instructions!

Where you place them in the washing machine matters, as tossing a pod on top of a full load of clothes can prevent it from dissolving properly and in turn lead to detergent residue or an undissolved pod stuck in fabric.

There’s a lot more that goes into perfecting your laundry ritual, too, including how many pods to use, washing machine settings, and more. That being said, let’s clear the air on how to use laundry detergent pods correctly.

How to Use Laundry Detergent Pods the Right Way: Step-by-Step Guide

As we said from the start, using laundry detergent pods is by no means rocket science. That’s the appeal – it takes so much of the guesswork out of doing laundry and makes your life easier. Once you understand how to use laundry pods the right way you’ll never go back!

Choosing the Right Laundry Detergent Pods

Before we can get into how to use laundry detergent pods we need to help you choose the right ones. There are countless options at your disposal, but this can be a blessing AND a curse. It makes it tricky to determine which brand and formulation is best for you.

There are so many ingredients to avoid in laundry detergent, so we recommend you start by ruling out products containing harsh chemicals, synthetic dyes, and unnecessary fillers.

The pod needs to dissolve well and break down completely without leaving behind residue, too. You need to make sure you’re getting the best laundry detergent for septic systems as well.

The good news is you won’t have to look far for a pod that checks all these boxes and then some. Clean People doesn’t just craft amazing laundry detergent sheets, our detergent pods are second to none!

They’re dermatologist-approved and gentle for sensitive skin. Plus, our pods are safe for all washing machines, including HE and front-load models. They’re septic-safe as well.

They’re not just good for you, though. They’re gentler on your environment with plastic-free packaging, reducing waste without compromising on cleaning power.

How Many Pods Do You Put in the Laundry?

Once you have the right product in your arsenal, it’s just a matter of learning how to use laundry detergent pods! Understanding how much detergent to use per load is a good starting point. It all depends on load size and soil level:

• 1 pod: Small to medium loads with light to moderate dirt
• 2 pods: Large or heavily soiled loads
• 3 pods: Extra-large loads or items with deep-set stains

Overloading with too many pods doesn’t make clothes cleaner. This is a common misconception. Instead, it can lead to excess suds, poor rinsing, and detergent residue. On the other hand, not using enough pods won’t get you the cleaning results you want.

There’s no exact science for how many pods to use, so you may have a bit of trial and error during your first few loads. Eventually, though, choosing the right number of pods will be second nature.

Should You Put Detergent Pods in Before Clothes?

Now, which comes first – the pod or the dirty clothes? This is where we see so many of our customers go wrong. We always suggest placing the pod in the drum first before adding the clothing.

This is because pods need direct contact with water to dissolve properly. They’ll get trapped in fabric and leave behind sticky detergent build up if you place them on top of the clothes.

Select the Right Wash Cycle and Temperature

Once you have your pods and clothing in the washing machine it’s just a matter of figuring out what cycle and temperature is best for your load. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here as it comes down to soil level and garment type:

• Cold water (60°F or lower): Works for lightly soiled clothes but may not dissolve pods fully in some machines.
• Warm water (90°F-110°F): Best for everyday loads and ensuring full pod dissolution.
• Hot water (130°F+): Ideal for heavily soiled items, towels, and bedding.

If you have an HE machine be aware that the lower water usage could impact cleaning results. You may want to select a longer cycle or extra rinse option to completely dissolve the pod.

Start the Wash and Let the Pod Do Its Job

At this point it’s just a matter of letting your washing machine do the heavy lifting to clean your clothes! Water activates the pod as soon as it comes into contact with the outer layer. It breaks down the film and releases the detergent. A few more things to note for the best results:

• Avoid overloading the washer as clothes need space to move freely.
• Use the correct number of pods. More isn’t always better.
• Make sure your machine has good agitation to help dissolve the pod fully, especially if you’re using cold water.

Keep yourself busy with some other chores or kick back and relax while you wait for the cycle to complete. We’ll talk next steps in a moment.

Why are My Detergent Pods Not Dissolving in the Washing Machine?

There are a few reasons your detergent pods might not be fully dissolving in the washing machine. It could be any of these issues, so diagnose accordingly:

• Wrong placement: Pods stuck in clothes instead of dissolving in water.
• Low water temperature: Some machines struggle to break down pods in cold water.
• Overloaded washer: Clothes packed too tightly prevent water from reaching the pod.
• Short wash cycles: Not enough time for the pod to dissolve completely.

Just know that if you follow our tips above on how to use laundry pods the right way, you shouldn’t encounter this issue.

Do I Need to Add Fabric Softener Separately?

Most detergent pods are not formulated with fabric softener – so that will need to be added separately if you want it. There are some pods that include fabric softeners or conditioning agents, but ours do not.

There’s a reason for that. These ingredients can be questionable. So for a cleaner, chemical-free alternative, try using vinegar in the rinse cycle for naturally softer clothes without synthetic additives.

Post-Wash Best Practices

Once the cycle is complete you can move your laundry onto the next phase. DO NOT let your clothes sit in the washing machine for any longer than absolutely necessary. This is how you end up with musty odors on your clothing.

Throw them in the dryer or hang dry them, and leave the washer door open to let it air out. This will go a long way in preventing mold and mildew buildup. You might even want to run an empty cycle with vinegar or our washer cleaner tablets every so often, too.

One more thing to keep in mind – storing your laundry detergent pods correctly goes a long way in preserving their performance, so the very last pod works just as well as the first one.

Keep them in a cabinet out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. That means DO NOT just let them sit on your washing or drying machine. Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to doing laundry smarter!

Final Words on How to Use Laundry Pods

There you have it, how to use laundry detergent pods. We hope this resource has left you feeling clear and confident in your next steps. Just like learning how to use laundry detergent sheets, this will help you make the most of every cycle.

Key takeaways – always place the pod in the drum first, choose the right number of pods for your load, and select the optimal wash cycle for full dissolution and thorough cleaning, without risking damage to sensitive garments.

Avoid common mistakes like overloading the washer or using the wrong water temperature, and you’ll get consistently clean, fresh laundry without residue or waste.

But remember, whether you prefer laundry sheets vs pods or even want baby laundry detergent pods for your little one, Clean People has you covered with high quality ingredients. So, ditch the plastic jugs and sketchy chemicals for something eco-friendly and powerful today!