Do detergent sheets clog drains?
No one likes a clogged drain. Whether it’s the kitchen sink or your laundry machine, it’s unsightly, smells bad, and holds up the process of doing your regular chores. Sometimes, it can take days to have a drain fixed, and who has time for that?
We know laundry detergent sheets are a relatively new invention created long after the invention of the laundry machine (1830, for anyone asking). As a result, you might be wondering if they could clog your drain. It’s a fair question. You know a liquid won’t create a clog and you’ve seen powder dissolve, but what about these newfangled detergent sheets?
To put your mind at ease, we’re going to break down exactly how detergent sheets work, how they compare to other laundry products, whether there’s any risk to your plumbing, and what to do if you ever run into a clog (hint: don’t panic).
Let’s get into it!
How Detergent Sheets Dissolve
Detergent sheets are made from concentrated, water-soluble cleaning agents embedded into a thin, flexible sheet that looks like a dryer sheet. These sheets are designed to completely dissolve in both hot and cold water, breaking down into a cleaning solution that sinks deep into fabrics to lift away dirt and stains. They possess the same cleaning power as liquids and powders in a more concentrated format.
Here’s exactly how detergent sheets work:
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As soon as the sheet comes into contact with water inside your washing machine, it begins to dissolve.
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The sheet becomes a soapy solution that spreads evenly throughout the wash, surrounding your clothes.
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The active ingredients get to work lifting away dirt, oils, and odors from your laundry, providing a deep clean every time.
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The fully dissolved detergent washes down your machine’s drainage system with the water, leaving no residue in the drum.
Comparison: Detergent Sheets Vs. Pods
Laundry pods might seem similar to detergent sheets at first glance. Both are designed for ease. They’re both pre-measured, sure, but there are some key differences to keep in mind.
Laundry Pods
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Contain a liquid or gel detergent inside a dissolvable plastic-like film.
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The outer film needs a certain amount of water and time to dissolve fully.
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In cold or quick-wash cycles, pods sometimes don’t dissolve completely, leaving behind a gross goo that is difficult to remove.
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Partially dissolved pods can clog washer drains, filters, and pipes over time. Not ideal!
Detergent Sheets
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A flexible sheet made of ingredients like deionized water and naturally derived surfactants that will clean your clothes fully.
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Completely dissolves in both hot and cold water, even on short cycles.
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Washes away without leaving any residue behind.
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Safe for plumbing because there’s no plastic-like film involved that might create a clog.
In short, if you’re wondering, do detergent pods clog drains? The answer is that they could. On the other hand, detergent sheets are less likely to clog drains or washer filters compared to pods because they dissolve faster and more completely in any temperature of water.
Comparison: Detergent Sheets Vs. Dryer Sheets
Detergent sheets and dryer sheets may look similar, but they serve different functions and work in distinct ways. As you know, detergent sheets clean your clothes in the washer, while dryer sheets reduce static in the dryer. While the former are designed to dissolve, the latter are made to stand up to the harsh conditions of the dryer. If you’re wondering, do dryer sheets clog lint filters…keep reading!
Detergent Sheets
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Fully water-soluble.
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Won’t contribute to clogs in lint traps or drain pipes because they fully dissolve during the wash cycle.
Dryer Sheets
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Made from fabric-like material that has been infused with softeners and fragrance.
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Non-soluble in water or heat.
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Can contribute to lint buildup in dryer ducts, leading to clogs.
While they look similar, you can’t really compare these two types of sheets because they are used in different ways.
Do Laundry Detergent Sheets Clog Drains?
Nope! As they’re formulated to dissolve entirely in water, detergent sheets won’t leave anything behind that could collect in your machine’s drain, filter, or pipes. They actually tend to be gentler on plumbing systems compared to thick liquid detergents or pods.
What about in High-Efficiency (HE) Washers?
Detergent sheets are designed to work in HE washers. They dissolve quickly in both high and low water levels and temperatures. No worries at all!
Troubleshooting Tips If Clogs Do Happen
While detergent sheets are very unlikely to cause clogs, no laundry routine is completely immune to the occasional issue. If you’re experiencing drainage problems, here’s what to check and how to fix it:
Common Causes of Washer Drain Issues & How to Avoid
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Lint buildup in the washer drain filter: Regularly clean the filter to avoid this.
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Foreign objects like coins, hair ties, or fuzzies stuck in the drain: Don’t forget to clear out your pockets before doing a load of laundry!
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Overloaded cycles that prevent proper water flow: Don’t overstuff your machine. There should be enough room for water to move all around the clothes.
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Buildup of old detergent gunk from previous products like pods or liquid detergent: Be sure to look inside the washing drum before you do a load of laundry and clean out any residue.
What To Do If You Suspect a Clog
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Run an empty hot wash cycle to flush the system. You can also try adding 2 cups of distilled white vinegar to an empty hot cycle if the clog persists.
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Check and clean the washer’s filter.
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Inspect the drain hose for kinks or clogs.
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When in doubt, call a plumber for expert maintenance and advice.
Sheets Laundry Club: Safe, Simple, and Plumbing-Friendly
Give our sheets a spin! Sheets Laundry Club Detergent sheets are safe, easy to use, and washing machine-friendly. Beyond eliminating waste and making your life easier, they also don’t clog the drain when used properly.
If you’ve been considering the switch to detergent sheets, now’s the perfect time. Join our Subscribe & Save program and get your favorite laundry essentials delivered right to your door, exactly when you need them. Have a question? Our team’s always happy to help!
Jamie Dorman
Jamie Dorman is the Social Media and Content Manager at Sheets Laundry Club. She has been in advertising for 11 years and is passionate about keeping our clothes and planet clean with eco-conscious products. She is also an avid reader, recreational guitarist and her favorite Sheets Laundry Club scent is Sea Breeze.