Seven Items That Should Never Be Washed with Detergent Pods
Laundry pods, with their easy-to-use and mess-free design, have become a household staple. They're packed with detergent, making laundry a breeze for most everyday loads. Yet, they're not the magic solution for every item in your closet. Misusing them or washing the wrong items can result in damage, residue, and even reduced performance for certain fabrics like workout wear.
Experts in laundry, like Tide's Kim Romine, explain that while laundry pods, liquids, and powders all offer excellent cleaning performance, they differ due to their pH profiles. High-quality pods and liquid detergents are generally great for greasy stains, while powders often contain bleach and other ingredients better suited for specific problems.
However, there are items you should avoid washing with laundry pods:
- Delicate and vintage items: Laundry pods can be too harsh for delicate fabrics, causing damage to their fibers and leading to fading. Stick to gentler liquids or powders instead.
- Tough stains: Since laundry pods are pre-determined in dosage, they're not ideal for heavily soiled items or to pre-treat stained clothing. Instead, use a stain remover before washing with the appropriate liquid or powder detergent.
- Small loads: Laundry pods release a disproportionate amount of detergent for small loads, leading to excessive suds and residue. Choose powder or liquid detergents instead, and measure out the appropriate amount.
- Cold water cycles: Laundry pods may leave residual detergent on clothes if used in cold water loads, so opt for cold-water specific pods to ensure a squeaky clean outcome.
- Down-filled items: Down jackets, coats, and bedding contain feathers that can clump with concentrated detergent pods. Instead, use mild liquid detergent made for these items.
- Athletic wear: While working out gear can be washed with pods, liquid or powder detergents are generally better, especially for moisture-wicking pieces, to minimize trapped detergent in the fabric fibers.
- Items with zippers or velcro: Concentrated detergent pods can get stuck in zippers, making them harder to use, and velcro can become less effective over time from excess detergent.
In the grand scheme of laundry, choosing the right detergent and washing technique for every item can save your wardrobe from unnecessary wear and tear. By understanding when to skip the pod and opt for alternative methods, you ensure your clothes last longer and look their best.
BHG's Housekeeping section often shares Laundry Tips Checklists that advice against washing certain items with Laundry Linens. For instance, down-filled items like down jackets and bedding can be damaged by the concentrated detergent in Laundry Linens, so it's recommended to use a mild liquid detergent instead. Similarly, delicate and vintage items may fade or cope harm from the harshness of Laundry Linens, making it better to clean them with gentler liquids or powders.
