Don’t wash this clothing with gel pods: You could ruin it
Which items should not be washed with laundry pods (photo: Freepik)
Laundry pods are convenient, but they aren’t suitable for all items. Some fabrics and garments can get damaged or lose their properties due to the concentrated formula and the temperature needed to dissolve the pod’s coating, according to Better Homes Gardens.
Difference between pods, powders, and liquid detergents
Laundry powders contain important components that vary by formula and brand. Key ingredients usually include surfactants, enzymes, conditioners, and fragrances.
Surfactants act as the main cleaning agent, while enzymes help remove stains, conditioners soften the water, and, if included, the fragrance adds a pleasant scent to items.
Powders are made in a dry form with technological additives to improve flow, while liquids are combined with water to create a liquid formula. Pods contain only the necessary ingredients in a concentrated formula, which makes them convenient.
It’s important to understand that different types of detergents are better suited for different fabrics. High-quality pods and liquid detergents usually handle greasy stains well, whereas powders may contain bleach.
Items you should never wash with pods
Delicate and vintage items
Pods can be too harsh for delicate fabrics, potentially damaging fibers and causing color fading.
These materials can also be sensitive to enzymes commonly included in detergents for their stain-fighting properties.
It is recommended to wash these items in cold water and place them in a mesh laundry bag for delicate care, providing extra protection for the fabrics during the wash cycle.
Clothing with stubborn stains
Laundry pods come pre-measured, which makes them not ideal for heavily soiled items.
The amount of detergent in one pod may be insufficient to remove tough stains, while using two pods could be too much. Additionally, pods cannot be used for pre-treating stains.
Instead, apply a stain remover directly to the affected area, make sure the stain is fully treated, and only then place the item in the washing machine.
Small loads of laundry
Using too much detergent can have a negative effect, primarily leaving powder residue on clothing. In this case, a pod may release a disproportionately large amount of detergent, creating excess suds that the washing machine may struggle to rinse out before the cycle ends.
Not all pods contain the same amount of detergent, so be sure to check the packaging to make sure you are using the correct amount for your load.
Cold water cycles
Pods can also leave detergent residue on clothes when used in cold water, because lower temperatures make it harder for the pod to fully dissolve.
In this case, it is recommended to use pods that are specifically designed for cold water.
Down-filled items
Down jackets, coats, and bedding (such as duvets and sleeping bags) contain feathers that can clump together when exposed to the concentrated detergent in a pod.
This can not only deform the items but also affect their ability to keep you warm. Always wash them with a gentle liquid detergent.
Sportswear
For these items, it is better to use a liquid or powdered detergent, especially if you have many moisture-wicking garments. This is because if a pod does not fully dissolve during the wash cycle, the detergent can get trapped in the fibers.
Items with zippers or Velcro
The concentrated formula in pods may not fully dissolve, which can cause the detergent to get stuck between zipper teeth, making it harder to slide up and down. Similarly, excess detergent can stick to Velcro during washing and gradually reduce its effectiveness.
You might also be interested in:
