Skip the Convenience of Laundry Pods When Washing These Fabrics
Laundry pods have become a household staple due to their convenience and mess-free design. With pre-measured doses of detergent, they make doing laundry a breeze. However, while most laundry pods handle everyday loads, they aren’t ideal for all your wardrobe items. Incorrect use or cleaning the wrong items can cause damage, residue, and reduced fabric performance, such as moisture-wicking workout wear.

From delicate fabrics and garment details to stains and load sizes, understanding when to avoid pods can save your items from unnecessary wear and tear. With advice from laundry experts, discover the items you should never wash with laundry pods and learn how to treat them instead.

The Distinction Between Laundry Pods, Powders, and Liquid Detergents
According to Kim Romine, a researcher for Tide, laundry detergents contain vital components that vary depending on the composition and brand. “Principal ingredients typically include surfactants, enzymes, builders, and fragrances,” she explains. Surfactants act as the main cleanser, while enzymes help eradicate stains, builders soften the water, and a fragrance, if included, infuses a pleasant scent to the items you’re washing. Many detergent brands offer options with additional benefits, such as hue protection or fabric softening.

“Powders are designed in a dry format with processing aids to enhance the flow of the powder, while liquids are formulated with water to create the liquid composition,” Romine says. On the other hand, pods pack only the necessary ingredients into a concentrated formula, making them handy and, therefore, a popular choice for busy households. Some brands, like Tide PODS, contain each ingredient separately so they’re dispensed at the ideal time during the wash cycle, something liquids and powders can’t do.

Regardless of what you use, Romine says that different detergent methods work well for different fabrics. “Laundry pods, liquid, and powder detergents are all highly effective at delivering exceptional cleaning performance across a broad range of stains.” She continues, “However, due to their differing pH profiles, there may be slight variations in their effectiveness, especially when addressing stains that are sensitive to pH, such as various food and beverage stains.”

Romine explains that high-quality pods and liquid laundry detergents are usually effective for tackling greasy stains. In contrast, powders can contain bleach and other ingredients that may be more appropriate for other issues you need to resolve.

Items You Should Never Wash with Laundry Pods
One major distinction (and potential drawback) between pods and liquids or powders is that the dosage is predetermined. “There is a possibility of under or over-dosing,” says Romine, and “they cannot be used for pre-treating or hand-washing.”

For that reason, there are some items and fabrics that should not be laundered with laundry pods. Bear this information in mind when washing the following items, and consider using alternatives to pods for better cleaning.

1. Delicates and Vintage Items
It goes without saying that you should always treat fragile garments with utmost tender, loving care. For this reason, it’s best to skip the pod and stick to a gentler liquid or powder detergent when washing these items. That’s because laundry pods may be too harsh for delicate fabrics, potentially causing damage to the fibers, leading to them weakening or fading.

“There are certain items we recommend extra care with, such as antique textiles,” says Alastair Dorward, CEO of Dropps. “These materials can be sensitive to enzymes, which are commonly found in most detergents for their stain-fighting properties.” This applies to all detergent types—not only pods—so look for an enzyme-free detergent when washing delicates. Dorward also recommends washing these items in cold water and placing them in a delicate care mesh bag to further protect the fabrics during the wash cycle.

2. Stubborn Stains
Since laundry pods are pre-packaged in a pre-determined dosage, they’re not ideal for tackling heavily soiled items. As Romine pointed out, the amount of detergent in one pod may not be enough to clean stains, whereas two can overdo it. Also, pods can’t be used to pre-treat stained clothing. Instead, saturate the spot with a stain remover and let it absorb before washing the item with the appropriate amount of liquid or powder detergent.

3. Small Loads
While using too little detergent will not give you the cleanest results, too much can also have a negative effect—primarily resulting in residue being left behind on your clothes. Suppose you’re running a small load of laundry and use a pod. In that case, the pod will release a disproportionate amount of detergent, creating excess suds that will be difficult for the machine to rinse away before the cycle is complete. Stick to powder or liquid detergents for smaller loads so you can measure out the appropriate amount ahead of time.

4. Cold Water Cycles
Pods can also leave residual detergent on clothes if you use them in cold water loads, as the temperature makes it hard for the pod to dissolve fully. Should you still want to use laundry pods, choose ones specifically formulated for cold water to ensure your items are spotlessly clean when they come out of the washing machine.

5. Down-Filled Items
Down jackets, coats, and bedding (like comforters and sleeping bags) contain feathers that can clump together when they come in contact with a concentrated detergent pod. This can not only make items look misshapen but also affect their ability to keep you warm. Always launder them with a mild liquid detergent, preferably one labeled as safe for use on down-filled items.

6. Athletic Wear
While washing workout clothes using pods is possible, it is generally better to use liquid or powder detergent, especially if you own many moisture-wicking pieces. This is because if the pod does not dissolve completely during the wash cycle, the detergent can become trapped in the fabric fibers. This can reduce the ability of your leggings, sports bras, and zip-up jackets to keep you dry.

7. Items Adorned with Zippers or Velcro
In the realm of zip-ups, a cautious note: steer clear of washing your beloved garments equipped with zippers alongside detergent pods. Should the concentrated formula fail to dissolve completely, it may stubbornly remain lodged between the zipper's teeth, hindering its smooth ascent and descent. Likewise, Velcro, that ingenious fastening method, can also suffer at the hands of excess detergent during the wash cycle, creating a barrier that dulls its grip over time. Therefore, treat these functional adornments with care, ensuring their longevity and grace.