Here's How Many Laundry Pods You Need Per Load

When it comes to laundry pods, less equals more.

Whether we like it or not, we spend a great deal of time in our laundry rooms. Since the dirty clothes never stop, we look for simple solutions that help us keep our laundry routines efficient. One helpful tool is the laundry pod. Tossing a pod inside your washing machine, selecting your preferred wash cycle, and pressing start sounds simple enough. However, if you're new to the pod game, you may not know exactly how many laundry pods you need to use per load.

We tapped Matt Mottola, VP of Operations at TediMatts, a laundry operator that customizes shared laundry rooms in apartment buildings, condos, and dorms, for his expertise. According to Mottola, the company's service calls most frequently stem from oversudsing and overloading washing machines. So you won't be the next to call, here's what you need to know about using one or two laundry pods per load.

Meet The Expert

Matt Mottola is VP of Operations at TediMatts, which customizes shared laundry rooms.

Check If Your Washer Is High Efficiency

One of the most important things to take into account is the style washer you are using. If you have a new washing machine model, there is a good chance that you have a high-efficiency washer. Simply put, a high-efficiency washing machine reduces the amount of water and energy required to complete a wash cycle. Owning a high-efficiency washing machine saves on your energy bill, but since it reduces the amount of water used, you'll quickly learn the less suds, the better. Try one pod with a high-efficiency machine.

If you own an older washing machine model or are not certain, Mottola recommends looking at the text on your washer provided by the manufacturer or consulting your owner's manual to find out the efficiency status.

How Many Pods To Use Per Load

For small to medium loads of laundry, Mottola recommends using just one pod. For large loads, even if your machine is high efficiency, he suggests trying two pods. Some companies recommend using three pods for extra-large loads, but this typically isn't necessary for getting your clothes clean.

How To Use Laundry Pods

Unlike liquid laundry detergent, laundry pods go directly into the washer. In fact, Tide recommends putting its pods into the machine first, then loading the clothes on top.

"The pod should be placed directly in the drum of the machine, not in the detergent drawer where it can clog the water flow," Mottola explains.

How To Troubleshoot Laundry Pods

The method sounds simple enough, but you may still find yourself with extra suds inside your washer's drum. Luckily, it's an easy fix, according to Mottola. "If you have used too much laundry detergent in the past and you notice oversudsing, we recommend running an empty cycle with a little bit of vinegar as a way to 'reset' your machine."

Exceptionally cold water can also interfere with the dissolving of laundry pods, especially in winter. If you find that your pods aren't fully dissolving, Tide recommends using a warm setting on your washer.

If you find streaks on your clothes, the laundry pod may not have dissolved correctly, either from being overloaded or from water that was too cold, or you may have used too much detergent. Run the clothes through the wash cycle again without detergent, using a larger load capacity to give the clothes room to move and rinse out any excess detergent. Make sure the residue is gone before putting clothes in the dryer. Washing smaller loads at a time will give laundry detergent room to move freely throughout the load.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use laundry pods in a front-load washer?

After consulting your washing machine's manual, select the size and strength of your laundry pod based on your washing requirements. Place laundry pods directly in the washing machine before adding your clothes. Be sure to have dry hands when adding laundry pods to avoid dissolving detergent. Finally, select the wash cycle and water temperature before starting your machine.

What are some functions to consider when choosing a type of laundry pod?

Laundry pods are available in different scents and sizes. Other features of laundry pods include their detergent strength, odor eliminators, color protectants, and fragrances. Consult your washing machine manual before choosing a laundry pod to determine its compatibility.

How much detergent is in a laundry pod?

According to Tide, “When Tide PODS launched in 2012, a single, 24 ml laundry pac contained the same cleaning power of 43 ml of Tide Original Liquid (a medium load dose).” Laundry pods are filled with concentrated laundry formula specifically designed for smaller, efficient packaging. Because it is a stronger formula, less is needed.

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