How Many Pods Do You Use Per Load?

We all know them and love them. Single dose detergent packs have taken the laundry detergent world by storm. The laundry pods, laundry detergent tablets and laundry pacs promise to be both effective and extremely convenient. However, many customers have various problems like streaking or spotting left on loads of laundry after using these detergents. Is it a problem of the pods or is it mainly misuse of these packs? How many pods or packs should you use for each load? With any cleaning product (be it dishwasher detergent, dish soap, all purpose cleaner or any other type of detergent), it’s important to read instructions and learn how to use them properly.

Along these lines of single dose detergents, you can now find single dose scent boosters (for those that like their clothes to pack a punch), stain removers, and laundry detergent boosters. Like mentioned before, always read the packages for specific guidelines into how to use these products. Following them could mark the difference between a clean sweater and a ruined sweater.

So, how many laundry detergent pods should I use?

As you may very well know, single dose laundry detergent pods can cost more to use per load than liquid laundry detergent or powder detergent. Even though Tide Laundry Pods recommend to use between 1 to up to 3 depending on your load size, most loads of laundry actually get a decent clean with just 1 pod. Using more than that is just overkill. Moreover, it could damage your clothes and the chemical leftover is much larger, since the washer has a harder time washing the concentrated detergent away.

However if you have an extra large capacity washer that can hold up to 20 pounds of laundry or more and you fill it completely with clothes, use two pods/tablets. The cleaning ingredients in laundry pods, laundry pacs, and laundry tablets are extremely concentrated and perform comparably with a larger quantity of the specific brand’s liquid detergent counterpart.

When you’re looking to buy any of these single dose detergents (be it laundry detergent for babies, organic laundry detergent pods, or any regular detergent pods) take into consideration the sizes of laundry that you’re going to wash with it. If you wash regular loads, then count each pod or tablet as a load of laundry, if you occasionally wash a load of 20+ pounds, then calculate two pods for each of those giant loads.

Troubleshooting Laundry Pods

To ensure that the pods completely dissolve and you get the cleaning you deserve remember to read the instructions on how to use laundry pods and be careful of not overloading your washer. Streaking can definitely happen if the washer is overloaded with clothes and the pod isn’t exposed to enough water to dissolve.

Another factor which may prevent the pods from dissolving is if the incoming cold water is extremely cold. This is a problem especially during the winter months. If you repeatedly experience the problem of the pod not dissolving, try dissolving the detergent pod in a quart jar of hot water first. Afterwards, add the detergent water directly to your empty washer drum before adding the dirty laundry.

If you do notice that a laundry detergent pod did not dissolve correctly and you notice streaking or spotting on your laundry, immediately rewash the clothes with no added detergent. Be sure to choose the largest load capacity setting to make sure all of the clothes move freely through the water. Never throw clothes that are stained with detergent into a tumble dryer. The heat will make the product even more difficult to remove!

Follow all these tips and you’ll notice that you’ll get better performance out of your single dose detergent and a greater value for your money. Win-win!