Can Laundry Pods Stain Clothes?

Laundry pods promise convenience and less mess than liquid and powder detergents. But some users find that laundry pods are more trouble than they’re worth. Whether it’s greasy residue, colored stains, or partially dissolved pods, the question stands: can laundry pods damage your laundry? 

We know laundry detergent pods are still a pretty recent invention—they’ve only been around for less than two decades. So, it stands to reason that they haven’t been perfected yet. But are you willing to risk staining your clothes every time you start your washing machine? 

If not, you’ll be glad to know there’s a better option. Before we get into that, however, let’s take a closer look at how laundry pods work and why they have the potential to stain your clothes.

How Do Laundry Pods Work?

The first laundry pods were released by Procter & Gamble (P&G) in 2012 after numerous similar products failed to deliver the desired results. The laundry pods we know today are single-use packets of concentrated detergent, sometimes with fabric softener or other cleaning agents added to the mix. They’re wrapped in a plastic-like film that dissolves in water. 

The beauty of laundry pods lies in their simplicity. All you have to do is toss one into your washing machine along with your dirty clothes then start the cycle. The problem is, they don’t always work as advertised and using them incorrectly could stain or even permanently damage your clothes.

Can They Stain Your Clothes? 

Though laundry pods are designed to be a hassle-free alternative to liquid and powder detergents, they don’t always work the way they should. Here are some of the problems that can happen which might lead to stains or other damage to your clothes:

• Incomplete dissolving. The pod might not dissolve all the way, causing the whitening agents in the detergent to deposit into your clothes and leave a mark.

• Poor pod placement. Failing to place the pod into the washing machine before adding clothes might prevent the pod from dissolving properly.

• Overfilling the machine. Filling the washer too full could prevent enough water from reaching the pod to make sure everything is fully dissolved, leaving stains on clothes.

• Too many pods. Using more pods than necessary for the load size can lead to undissolved detergent and a greasy residue in the machine or on your clothes.

• Water temperature. Washing clothes in cold water might prevent the pod from dissolving as quickly or as fully as it might in hot water, potentially leading to stains.

It’s also worth noting that every laundry detergent pod is different. Depending on the ingredients in the formula and their concentration, the risk for stains might be higher. It’s always important to read the product instructions and follow garment care recommendations. 

Tips for Removing Laundry Detergent Stains

Using the right detergent (and using it correctly) is the key to avoiding stains, but accidents happen. If you unload your washer to find stains on your clothes, don’t despair—you have a few options. Here are some tried-and-true methods for removing laundry detergent stains:

1. Rewash. The easiest way to remove laundry detergent stains is to simply wash the load again without adding any more detergent. It may even be wise to adjust the wash setting to larger than your load size so there’s extra water to rinse out the residue.
   

2. Baking soda. Treat small stains by hand with baking soda paste. Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with a teaspoon of water into a paste then work it into the stained fabric using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse under cold water until the stain is gone.
   

3. Vinegar. Scrubbing the stain with diluted vinegar can help break the bond between the detergent and the fabric. Mix one part distilled white vinegar with two parts water and dampen the stain with the mixture. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush then rinse well under cold running water.
   

4. Rubbing alcohol. Spray or use a sponge to apply isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to the affected area then scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush. When the stain has lifted, rinse it thoroughly under cold running water and let dry.
   

5. Dishwashing soap. It may seem counterintuitive to add more soap, but the grease-fighting ingredients in simple bar soap or mild dishwashing liquid can help break the bonds between the detergent stain and your fabric. Apply a few drops of soap and scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush before rinsing well in cold running water.

Go Stain-Free with Sheets Laundry Club

If you’re tired of your clothes coming out less than clean or, even worse, covered in stains then it’s time to switch to a smarter solution. Laundry detergent sheets from Sheets Laundry Club are designed to dissolve fully, so they don’t leave a mess behind. And one sheet is all you need for a full load—it couldn’t be easier.

If you’re ready to go stain-free and start enjoying cleaner clothes without the hassle of liquid and powder detergents, shop laundry essentials at Sheets Laundry Club today. Start with a single product or go all-in with the comprehensive Laundry Starter Set. 

While you’re upgrading your laundry routine, start saving money, too! With our Subscribe & Save option you can save up to 30% on your order and receive free shipping. And you can always chat with our experts if you’re not sure which product is the best fit for your needs.