What to Use Instead of Dishwasher Pods: 4 Safe Alternatives to Dishwasher Pods

We’ve all been there – you’ve loaded your dishwasher and you’re all ready to start a load before heading out the door for work. You reach for a pod… and then realize you’re out! So, what can I use instead of dishwasher pods in an emergency?

Pods are the most convenient option, there’s no doubt about it. But there are a few alternatives to dishwasher pods that you can use in desperate times. In this guide, we’ll give you some ideas for what to use instead of dishwasher pods when you find yourself in a pinch.

And, if you need to stock up on pods, you’ll find the best dishwasher pods here at Clean People. Made in America, our pods contain plant and mineral-based cleaning agents, no harsh chemicals, and natural fragrances. You can even set up a subscription so you never run out again!

Why You May Need Alternatives to Dishwasher Pods

There are a few different reasons why you might need to find alternatives to dishwasher pods – maybe you tried to make homemade dishwasher pods and things didn’t work out, or maybe you’re having issues with dishwasher pods not dissolving. Let’s take a look.

You Ran Out of Pods

It’s easy to do – you forget to pick up some pods while you’re at the store, or you thought you had a spare pack under the sink already. Instead of making a mad dash to the store or unloading your dishwasher and washing everything by hand, it’s good to know some alternatives to dishwasher pods.

Do dishwasher pods expire? They can, yes. You might notice that your expired pods are hard, or that they have sediment in them. If they’re past their expiration date, they might not clean your dishes properly, and you may want to look for dishwasher pod alternatives.

Allergies or Sensitivities

What are dishwasher pods made of, and can they cause allergies? It depends on the brand, but some dishwasher pods may contain ingredients that can trigger allergies or sensitivities, especially if you have sensitive skin or respiratory issues.

Some people experience irritation from fragrances or dyes commonly found in dishwasher detergents, which leads them to look for alternatives to dishwasher pods. Switching to a gentler, more natural option can prevent allergies while keeping your dishes clean.

Environmental Concerns

Are dishwasher pods bad for the environment? In terms of dishwasher pods vs liquid, pods are generally considered better for the environment than liquid detergents, because their packaging is usually recyclable, unlike the large plastic bottles that plastic detergent comes in.

That said, some people are concerned about the plastic coating on pods (learn what happens to the plastic in dishwasher pods in this guide), and may look for dishwasher pod alternatives that they believe are more environmentally friendly.

Dishwasher Compatibility Issues

Learning where to put dishwasher pods and how to use dishwasher pods for your specific dishwasher is important, and unfortunately, not all pods are compatible with all dishwashers. If you accidentally bought pods that don’t work with your dishwasher (it happens!), you might find yourself wondering what to use instead of dishwasher pods.

Cost Considerations

Dishwasher pods are convenient, but you might find that they’re more expensive than other types of detergent, depending on the brand you’re using. If you’re trying to save money on cleaning supplies, you might want to look and see what to use instead of dishwasher pods.

What Can I Use Instead of Dishwasher Pods?

So, what can I use instead of dishwasher pods? Whether you didn’t realize you were out of pods, or you’re just looking to see what else is out there, here are some alternatives to dishwasher pods.

Liquid Dishwasher Detergent

Liquid dishwasher detergent is a popular alternative to pods, but it’s definitely not as convenient. Those bulky jugs of detergent can take up a lot of storage space in your kitchen, plus pouring from them can lead to sticky messes on your dishwasher, floor, or the bottle itself.

Dishwasher Powder

Dishwasher powder is another alternative to pods. It avoids the plastic bottles that come with liquid detergents, as most powders are sold in a cardboard box. However, it can be just as messy as liquid detergents.

Trying to measure dishwasher powder and add it to your dishwasher’s detergent compartment isn’t easy – you might find that you end up with powder throughout your dishwasher and on your kitchen floor! It’s definitely not as convenient as just throwing a pod into your dishwasher.

DIY Dishwasher Detergent

What can I use instead of dishwasher pods if I don’t like some of the harsher ingredients in some detergents? If you’re not a fan of the ingredients in your pods, or you have allergies, you can make your own DIY dishwasher detergent.

A common homemade recipe includes baking soda, washing soda, and citric acid, with optional essential oils for fragrance. It is a significant time investment though, and you might find that the cost of the ingredients actually makes it more expensive than most regular dishwasher detergents.

Dishwasher Tablets

Dishwasher tablets are similar to pods but often come in a compressed form without the plastic coating. They dissolve quickly and are easy to use, but they often come with a higher price tag than pods.

Many brands now offer eco-friendly dishwasher tablets, which come in biodegradable or plastic-free packaging and contain plant-based cleaning agents. Also, some of the budget-friendly tablets may not dissolve properly, leaving residue on your dishes.

What Not to Use as Alternatives to Dishwasher Pods

We’ve talked about what to use instead of dishwasher pods, but it’s worth mentioning what not to use. Some things shouldn’t be put in your dishwasher, even if you regularly use them for cleaning around the house. Let’s take a look.

Body Wash or Shampoo

Body wash or shampoo might seem like a quick fix because they’re designed to clean, but they aren’t formulated for dishwashers. These products create far too many suds, which can overflow and cause a mess in your kitchen.

Also, body washes and shampoos often contain fragrances and moisturizers that could leave an unpleasant film on your dishes and utensils. Using them long-term could also cause damage to your dishwasher, as they contain ingredients that aren’t designed for appliances.

Household All-Purpose Cleaners

All-purpose cleaners are designed to tackle dirt and grime on various household surfaces, but they aren’t made for dishwashers. These cleaners may contain chemicals that are not safe for food contact surfaces, leaving harmful residues on your dishes.

Also, many all-purpose cleaners are too harsh for dishwashers, potentially leading to corrosion of the internal parts or damage to your dishes. If you’re wondering what to use instead of dishwasher pods, all-purpose cleaners aren’t a safe choice.

Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is another product that should never be used in place of dishwasher pods. Like body wash, it creates too many suds, which can cause your dishwasher to overflow. Plus, laundry detergents contain chemicals designed for fabrics, not dishes.

These ingredients can leave residues that aren’t safe to ingest and may not rinse off completely, posing potential health risks when you use your dishes. Laundry detergents might also be too harsh for dishwashers, causing long-term damage to your machine.

Despite These Dishwasher Pod Alternatives, Clean People’s Pods Are the #1 Choice for Gentle, Effective Cleaning!

So, we’ve covered what to use instead of dishwasher pods (and what not to use!), but really, there’s no substitute for high-quality dishwasher pods themselves! Here at Clean People, we have the best dishwasher pods for sparkling, safe dishes.

Unlike other detergents, we don’t use harsh chemicals like phosphates, dyes, parabens, phthalates, or chlorine. Our cruelty-free pods are formulated with plant and mineral-based active cleaning agents and natural fragrances, because who wants chemicals on their dishes?!

Clean People’s dishwasher pods couldn’t be easier to use. They’re suitable for all dishwasher types (and septic tanks!) and can simply be thrown into your dishwasher’s detergent compartment. During the wash cycle, they release their powerful cleaning agents which get to work on grease and grime.

So, instead of wondering what to use instead of dishwasher pods, get your hands on the best pods out there. Clean People dishwasher pods are safe, effective, made in America, and available as a subscription so you never run out again!

Wrapping Up Our Guide on What to Use Instead of Dishwasher Pods

If you find yourself without dishwasher pods, don’t panic! You can use liquid dishwasher detergent, powder dishwasher detergent, dishwasher tablets, or even make your own dishwasher detergent.

Just remember, don’t use anything that’s not made for a dishwasher, like body wash, shampoo, household cleaners, or laundry detergent. These can damage your dishwasher, cause a flood of suds, and potentially add harmful chemicals to your dishes.

At the end of the day, there’s no substitute for quality dishwasher pods. At Clean People, we have the most effective pods out there, and they’re formulated with clean ingredients! Our pods are safe, with powerful plant and mineral-based cleaning agents that will leave your dishes sparkling.

Make the switch to Clean People dishwasher pods today – you’ll soon see why our customers never look back!