Can Laundry Pods Be Used in Any Washer?

The short answer is yes, laundry pods are compatible with all kinds of washing machines. But there are some considerations to keep in mind. Incorrect usage could keep your clothes from coming out clean or, worse, could leave them covered in detergent residue. 

Don’t panic—we’re here to help. Let’s dive into the details of using laundry pods with different types of washing machines. And as a bonus, we’ll introduce you to another time-saving alternative to liquid and powder detergent. 

Using Laundry Pods in High-Efficiency Washers

Laundry pods are single-use packets of laundry detergent. They’re generally coated in a biodegradable plastic-like film that dissolves in water, releasing the detergent during the wash cycle. As long as the pod gets wet enough for the film to dissolve, it should work in any kind of washing machine—including high-efficiency washers.

High-efficiency (HE) washing machines are designed to use less water and consume less energy than traditional top-loading machines. Instead of using an internal agitator, they typically utilize a tumble-action cleaning method. After the wash cycle, a high-speed spin cycle extracts the excess water. 

Though HE washers offer several benefits, they’re best used with low-sudsing detergents to ensure a thorough clean during low-water washes with no leftover residue. Many laundry pods are designed to produce fewer suds but it’s still important to use products specifically labeled for use with high-efficiency washers. It’s also crucial to place the pod in the drum before adding clothes—don’t place pods in the dispenser drawer unless it’s specifically designed for them.

Using Pods in Front-Load vs Top-Load Washers

Laundry pods are compatible with both front-load and top-load washers but, again, it’s important to use them correctly. Top-load washers fill from the bottom, so laundry pods should be placed in the drum before adding clothes to ensure the pod dissolves completely as the washer fills up with water.

Front-load washers fill from the bottom as well, but the drum doesn’t fill all the way like it does with a top-load washer. Instead of using an agitator to move the clothes around, the drum rotates to tumble the clothes through the water. 

When using laundry pods with a front-load washer, it’s even more important to place the pod in the drum first before adding clothes. Top-loading machines use less water, so proper pod placement is crucial to ensure it dissolves fully.

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid 

While laundry pods can eliminate the hassle of measuring liquid and powder detergents, they still leave some room for error. Using the pods incorrectly could prevent them from dissolving completely and you might be left with detergent stains on your clothes. 

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using laundry pods:

1. Placing the Pod in the Dispenser Drawer

If your washing machine has a dispenser drawer for detergent or a designated spot for fabric softener, don’t use these spaces for laundry pods. Unless the user manual specifically states that you can put laundry pods in the dispenser drawer, they should always be placed inside the drum of the washing machine.

2. Putting the Pod on Top of Clothes

It’s crucial for laundry pods to come into contact with water at the start of the wash cycle so the film dissolves quickly and disperses the detergent evenly. If you put your clothes into the washer before adding the pod, it might not dissolve fully or it may do so late in the wash cycle. This could lead to detergent stains on your clothes, sticky residue left in the machine, or even a clogged drain from partially dissolved pod film.

3. Overloading the Washer

Laundry pods only work when they dissolve completely, so it’s important to make sure the washer isn’t overloaded. If the washer drum is too tightly packed with clothes, the pod might not break open or dissolve evenly. And especially for top-load washers, there might not be enough space to evenly distribute the detergent as the clothes are being agitated.

4. Using the Wrong Number of Pods

In most cases, you’ll only need one laundry pod for a single load of laundry. It may be tempting to throw in an extra pod for large or heavily soiled loads, but there are risks to doing so. Using too many pods could create an excess of suds and leave residue on your clothes or in your washer. On the flip side, if you have a large-capacity washer and don’t use enough detergent for a big load, your clothes might not come out clean.

5. Using the Wrong Wash Cycle

While laundry pods are compatible with various wash cycles, it takes time for them to dissolve completely. If you’re running a short pre-wash cycle with pods, you might find that liquid or powder detergent is a better option. The same is true for gentle cycles, simply because delicate fabrics can be damaged by harsh detergents.

6. Choosing the Wrong Water Temperature

Laundry pods are designed to dissolve in both hot and cold water but, again, it takes time. Hot water cycles should dissolve the pod film quickly but very cold water paired with a short wash cycle could cause an issue. For example, if the water coming into the machine becomes extremely cold in winter, it might take longer for the pod to dissolve.

7. Not Storing the Pods Properly 

An unopened package of laundry pods generally lasts for 12–18 months after manufacture. Once you open the package, however, it’s best to use them within about 6 months. Laundry pods should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat, sun, or moisture can cause the film to start dissolving or the product inside to degrade.

Simplify Laundry Day with Detergent Sheets

Though laundry pods are designed to work with a wide range of washers, results may vary. If you’d rather not run the risk of having to rewash a load or finding residue on your clothes, it might be time to make a switch. Sheets Laundry Club detergent sheets offer the same level of convenience as laundry pods with fewer risks.

Not only are detergent sheets affordable and easy to use, but they’re designed to dissolve fully in any kind of washing machine. Plus, they’re cold-water compatible! Just use one sheet per load and enjoy a perfect wash, every time.

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