How to Use Dishwasher Pods

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Dishwasher pods are easily one of the most convenient and effective ways to clean the dishes in your dishwasher. The small, individualized pods can be popped right into your dishwasher without the messy measuring of liquids, powders, or gels. The best part is, they are simple to use and can often be environmentally friendly too.

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Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Loading Your Dishwasher

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  1. The first step before adding your pod to the dishwasher is ensuring that all of the items you have loaded are dishwasher-safe. Avoid adding items that are made of cast iron, crystal, plastic, copper or nonstick pans, and insulated mugs into the dishwasher as these might be ruined by the heat and detergent. [1]
    • Items that are not dishwasher-safe often have a warning on their packaging or right on the product, so check the product before you add it to your load.
    • Try not to let your dishes sit for more than 24 hours. The less time you leave them sitting in your dishwasher, the less likely you are to have caked on food and grease.
  2. One of the benefits of the pods is that they are individually packaged and measured for a typical dishwasher load, which makes it convenient and easy for you to pop one into the dishwasher. If you have a regular dishwashing load, use one pod.
    • If you have a full load that is heavily soiled, you should add in a second pod. Be sure not overload your dishwasher. [2]
    • Be aware that very light dishwashing loads may have leftover residue from the pod, so you may want to wait to turn on your dishwasher when you have a close to a full load. [3]
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  3. Ensure that you are placing the pod in the correct place in your dishwasher – this is typically located on the inside of the door to your dishwasher and is designated for dish detergents or dishwashing pods.
    • Close the latch tightly on the dispenser before closing the door to your dishwasher. [4]
    • Do not try to pierce or open the dishwasher pod in any way. The casing of the pod is meant to help measure out the individual packaging of the pods, as well as easily dissolved in the dishwasher with the contents. Breaking the outer casing of the pod can create a mess and can be irritating to your skin. [5]
  4. In some cases, adding a finishing liquid with the pod can help the pod clean away caked on food and grease, and leave your glassware shiny and streak free.
    • Fill the rinse-aid dispenser in your dishwasher with the finishing liquid, and it will automatically add the correct amount of liquid to the load for you each time.
  5. If your dishwasher has temperature control settings, adjusting the temperature between 125 °F (52 °C) and 140 °F (60 °C) is the optimal heat setting for the pods to clean your dishes.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Choosing and Storing Your Dishwasher Pods

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  1. To ensure that your dishwasher pod is going to effectively clean your dishes, you’ll need to find the right set of pods that work for best for your needs.
    • Choosing a powerful dishwasher pod will ensure that you don’t have to use an extra one (and extra water and energy) on another cycle if there is food left behind.
    • Look for pods that are labeled with concentrated cleaning power, for example, “15 X Power” or “12 X Power.” This means there are more grease-fighting ingredients per pod.
    • Depending on your preference, you can choose between scented pods, which come in fragrances like Fresh or Lemon, or if you’d prefer you can opt for the odorless pods with no added dyes or fragrances.
    • High-quality dishwasher pods tend to steer clear of toxic ingredients like synthetic dyes and chemicals, which will be printed on the labels. [6]
  2. If you tend to rinse your dishes quite well before you put them in the dishwasher and like to choose eco-friendly cleaning products for your kitchen, select a pod that is environmentally friendly to reduce your green footprint. [7]
    • In general, if you are looking for a more eco-friendly product, make sure to pick a dishwasher pod that is biodegradable and free from artificial fragrances and phosphates. [8]
    • It’s good to remember that even if a product states on its packaging that it is “green,” you should always read the list of ingredients because this may not be the case. [9]
  3. Since detergent is water-activated, be sure to keep the pods stored in a place where they will not be in contact with water.
    • Keeping your pods away from the sink and stored in a kitchen cabinet near the dishwasher is optimal. [10]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Does it matter if the pod is powder side up or gel side up?
    Hollyanncan
    Community Answer
    No. It does not matter which side is facing up, as long as you have it placed in the right compartment before you begin the wash cycle.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 13
  • Question
    Can you just throw a pod in the dishwasher?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    The problem is that if you simply add the pod into the dishwasher instead of the dispenser, then it will dissolve quickly in the pre-wash cycle. That means there won't be any detergent left for the main washing cycle, which is when your dishes really get cleaned and sanitized. It's best to add the pod into the dispenser so it can properly clean your dishes.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 11
  • Question
    How do dishwasher pods work?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Dishwasher pods are self-contained packets of detergent wrapped in a water-soluble polymer that dissolves at room temperature. That means that when it comes into contact with water, the polymer and detergent dissolve into the water forming a cleaning solution that effectively cleans. Combined with the heat of the water, your dishes come out sparkling clean and sanitized.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/things-you-shouldnt-put-in-the-dishwasher-204276
      2. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a24839/dishwasher-mistakes/
      3. ↑ https://www.bankrate.com/financing/saving-money/are-cleaning-pods-smart-buys/
      4. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a24839/dishwasher-mistakes/
      5. ↑ https://www.marketwatch.com/story/detergent-pods-are-dangerous-and-expensive-2014-11-11
      6. ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/live-grow/10-dishwashing-products-to-avoid-altogether
      7. ↑ https://www.yummymummyclub.ca/blogs/gwen-leron-50-shades-of-green/20140316/how-to-choose-an-eco-friendly-dishwasher-detergent
      8. ↑ http://dishwashers.reviewed.com/features/powder-gel-or-tabs-which-detergent-is-most-effective
      9. ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/live-grow/10-dishwashing-products-to-avoid-altogether
      1. ↑ http://dishwashers.reviewed.com/features/powder-gel-or-tabs-which-detergent-is-most-effective
      2. ↑ https://www.marketwatch.com/story/detergent-pods-are-dangerous-and-expensive-2014-11-11

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Dishwasher pods are a convenient and easy way to clean your dishes without messy liquids, powders, or gels. For a regular dishwashing load, use 1 pod. If you have a full load of heavily soiled dishware, add a second pod. However, if you have a very light dishwashing load, you might have leftover residue from the pod, so wait to turn your dishwasher on until you have close to a full load. Put the pod in your dishwasher detergent dispenser and close the latch tightly. For the best results, add a finishing liquid with the pod to help clean away caked-on food and grease. If your dishwasher has temperature control settings, adjust it between 125 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. To learn how to choose environmentally friendly dishwasher pods, keep reading!

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        Sep 21, 2020

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