Can You Use Dishwasher Pods For Laundry? (Find Out Now!)
We’ve all been there when we are stuck with a full load of laundry, and we are fresh out of laundry detergent. If running to the store isn’t an option, you may have been tempted to use a dishwashing pod in your washing machine to get the job done. Although a dishwashing pod and a laundry pod may look the same, these two cleaning pods function very differently.
A dishwasher pod should never be used for laundry. Most dishwashing pods contain bleach, which can permanently stain and damage your clothing. Further, dishwashing pods are designed to work the water content and temperature in a dishwasher, which a washing machine cannot match.
While a dishwashing pod may not be a good option for your laundry, there are plenty of practical uses for your pods. Not only can dishwashing pods work to remove stubborn grease stains from the garage floor or driveway, but dishwashing pods can help clean your toilet bowl, Jacuzzi tub, or even your outdoor patio furniture. Conversely, while a dishwashing pod cannot be used in a washing machine, you should never use a laundry pod in your dishwasher.
Can You use Dishwasher Pods as a Substitute for Laundry?
Simply put, you should not use dishwasher pods for laundry. Each cleaner is made of certain ingredients with properties suiting its purpose. Dishwasher pods, in this case, contain bleach, which could discolor your clothes.
What Happens If I Use Dishwasher Pods In the Washing Machine?
Unfortunately, adding a dishwasher pod to your laundry is a bad idea for your clothing and the washing machine. Most dishwasher pods contain bleach to help make your dishes shining white. Adding bleach to your load of laundry can permanently discolor your laundry and leave it stained.
Further, dishwasher pods are formulated to work with a standard dishwashing cycle and temperature setting. Adding a dishwasher pod to your washing machine will not only damage your clothing but could potentially clog or damage your washing machine. Never use a dishwasher pod for laundry.
Can I Use a Laundry Pod for the Dishwasher?
While both dishwasher pods and laundry pods have similar molecules and cleansers that remove dirt and soil, they do not act the same once mixed with water. Just as you shouldn’t use a dishwasher pod for your laundry, you cannot use a laundry pod for your dishwasher.
The biggest reason you shouldn’t use a laundry pod is that it lacks the necessary enzymes that dishwasher pods have. Enzymes work to break down dried food to keep your plates clean and sanitary. Using just a laundry pod lacks these necessary cleaning agents. Further, many laundry pods feature other chemicals or scents that can leave a film or residue on your dishes.
Are There Any Other Uses Of Dishwasher Pods?
Even if you can’t put your dishwasher pods in the washing machine, there are loads of other beneficial and helpful uses for your pods. Some of the best alternative uses for your dishwasher pods include:
- Clean the toilet! Dissolving a dishwasher pod in the toilet bowl will help clean the area. Use a brush to scrub lightly, then flush away your toilet bowl stains.
- Brush up your patio furniture! By dissolving your dishwasher pod in a bucket of hot water, you can rid your patio furniture of mildew, dirt, and pollen.
- Make your tub sparkle! If you have a Jacuzzi tub, a dishwasher pod may be a great option for cleaning. Add the pod to a full tub and turn on the jets. The pod will dissolve and all the areas that need to be cleaned will be scrubbed by the tub’s jets cycling the soapy water through the system.
- Clean your driveway! If you have stubborn stains on your garage floor or driveway, a dishwasher pod can help remove them. Make a thick paste by adding warm water to the pod. Rub the paste on the stain for about five minutes and rinse the stain and soap away.
What Can I Use As an Alternative In My Washing Machine?
If you are in an emergency and without standard laundry detergent, there may be some good alternative options to using your washing machine still to clean your clothing safely. Some great machine-safe alternative options include:
- Add some water to your used laundry detergent container. Shake the container to create a soapy mix. Although the container may appear empty, there is usually enough remaining detergent stuck to the side walls to complete a full laundry load.
- If you only have a small amount of laundry detergent left, you can add baking soda or borax to the mix to supplement the cleaning power.
- You can make a homemade laundry detergent in a pinch by mixing borax, baking soda, washing soda, and bar soap. While not as effective as traditional laundry detergent, this should be enough to wash and clean your clothing lightly.
- Hand wash your garments with a gentle shampoo, bar soap, or liquid bath soap.
Related Questions
Is a dishwashing pod or detergent better for cleaning dishes?
You have many options when it comes to choosing a detergent for your dishwasher. When it comes down to it, there is really no difference between using a dishwashing pod, powder detergent, or liquid detergent. All three options have the same results and can get your dishes and flatware clean and sparkling.If you live in an area with hard water, though, some people may report better luck using a powdered detergent. The powder dishwashing detergent tends to do a better job fighting off calcium and hard water spot accumulation.
Can I use dishwashing detergent in a washing machine?
Adding standard dishwashing liquid to your washing machine is not advised, just as adding a dishwashing pod to your washing machine is bad for your machine and your clothing. Not only can standard dishwashing detergent ruin your dishwasher, but it can be hard to wash out of clothing, even with added rinse cycles.If you are in a pinch, though, it is possible to use dishwashing liquid to hand wash clothing. Before choosing a dishwashing liquid, check to ensure there are no bleaching agents included in the mix. If the liquid has any element of bleach, it can permanently damage your clothing.
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