Washing dishes is something that has to be done in every house daily. Different types of detergents are available, such as dishwashing pods, detergent liquids, and detergent soaps. But how would you know which would work the best when it comes to washing dishes in a dishwasher?
While researching I found out that dishwasher pods are used the most when it comes to washing dishes in the dishwasher. Let’s see what they are and are they even the best choice.
Dishwasher pods are safe to use as long as you are buying the appropriate one from the market. Most manufacturers use Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) to make dishwasher pods. PVA can be a great ingredient for cleaning but it is not so good for your health.
So, whenever you’re buying dishwasher pods, always check the ingredients to see if they have PVA in them. Blueland, a company that makes their cleaning supplies recently came up with their PVA, petroleum-based ingredients, fragrances, and phosphates dish pods which are 100% biodegradable and non-toxic.
Some other non-toxic and biodegradable alternatives include Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dishwasher Pods, Beyond Natural Dishwasher Tablets, and Puracy Platinum Dishwasher Pods.
What Are Dishwasher Pods?
Dishwasher pods are a type of dishwasher detergent and are used to clean the dishes after use. They contain specific types of chemicals and are in a solid state.
Due to the presence of certain polymers, the dishwasher pods are stored for a longer time by the user. They won’t dissolve unless they get in contact with water.
How Do The Dishwasher Pods Work?
Detergent and rinse aids are commonly used in dishwasher pods. While they are both surfactants, they each play a unique role in dishwashing.
In Detergents, the hydrophilic molecules cause it to dissolve in water and quickly wash away the dirt. You’ll also get lipophilic dishwasher pods, which can bind to the fats and lipids such as grease.
Rinse aid is also known as a surfactant, but its main goal is to reduce the surface tension so that the tiny water droplets that are formed on the surface of the dishes, are washed away. If the droplets are washed away without being evaporated, they leave your dishes looking much cleaner!
Why Aren’t Dishwasher Pods Safe?
We discussed before that PVA can be harmful to humans so whenever you’re buying dishwasher pods, always check the ingredients to see if they have PVA in them. Blueland, a company that makes their cleaning supplies recently came up with their PVA, petroleum-based ingredients, fragrances, and phosphates dish pods which are 100% biodegradable and non-toxic.
Some other non-toxic and biodegradable alternatives include Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dishwasher Pods, Beyond Natural Dishwasher Tablets, and Puracy Platinum Dishwasher Pods.
If dishwasher pods are used for a longer interval of time and not disposed of properly, they can be toxic for your kitchen as well as your health. This is because dishwasher pods can cause chemical reactions and require you to do the dishes with your hands. So the harmful chemicals, if reacted by using it for more than its safe limit, can cause damage to your hands.
If dishwasher pods aren’t used properly then grease, food waste, and soap scum may accumulate over time in the dishwasher, delaying and ultimately clogging drain pipes. So to avoid this mishap, it is important to use proper disposal procedures while using dishwasher pods.
Disadvantages Of Using Dishwasher Pods
As we have discussed above that using some dishwasher pods can be very toxic for you. Here, I provide you with some common disadvantages of using a dishwasher pod, such as:
- Water damage is possible.
- You can’t make up your mind about which detergent to use.
- Dishwasher pods may be hazardous to the environment.
Difference Between Dishwasher Pods And Liquids
| Detergent Liquids | Dishwasher Pods |
| Less expensive than pods | Most expensive per load |
| Easy to use too much or too little; measuring or guesswork included | No measuring or guesswork |
| Works better than detergent liquids | |
| Poisonous hazard for children |
When it comes to washing dishes, liquid can never be used in dishwashing machines because it can allow excessive suds to shape and permanently ruin the dishwashers. Dishwashing liquids are generally used when the dishes are to be washed by hand.
So if you’re a person who washes the dishes by hand, then liquid detergent has several advantages over powder, tablet, or pod detergents.
As it’s made of water, it’s gentler on delicate tableware like glasses and decorative dishes. For a drier, shinier look, combine a rinse to help with the liquid gel.
Whereas,
Dishwasher pods are designed specifically for use in dishwashers. Dishwasher pods eliminate the inconvenience of weighing and loading washing powder into machines by merely inserting these compact powder or gel-based pods or tablets into the specified compartment.
However, there are other benefits to recommend dish washing pods or tablets than just their ease of use, as they can also have better results when it comes to removing stubborn stains.
Power balls and gel inserts may be added to pods or tablets to perform a variety of extra tasks, such as de-greasing and washing the dishwasher.
Dish washing tablets or pods are normally costlier than liquid gel or normal detergent, and they can take a longer rinsing period to dissolve mineral deposits. They are even less flexible than liquid gel and powder so they can’t be accurately calibrated with various dishwasher load sizes.
What Do You Do When Your Dishwasher Pods Don’t Dissolve?
If the hot water temperature in your dishwasher is less than 110F/115F, some brands of detergent tablets do not dissolve. Before starting the dishwasher, make sure the water is hot. Run the dishwasher until the hot water in the sink has reached a boiling point. Start the dishwasher in its longest, hottest loop.
Also, make sure the detergent dispenser door’s spring opening action is working properly. A large detergent tablet will not be able to open the detergent dispenser properly if it is too thin. It may be clogging the entrance. If this is the case, try using a liquid or gel dish washing detergent.
Today’s market is flooded with high-quality liquid and gel dishwasher detergents. Another thing you can do to completely dissolve it is to use rinse aid; as rinse aid allows them to dissolve completely.
Final Verdict
It is preferred to use detergent pods when it comes to washing dishes in the dishwasher. Cascade dishwashing pods are considered one of the best dish washing pods out there. Keep one thing in mind while you’re using dish washing pods; dispose of them within short intervals to save yourself from any mess.
Whereas, liquid detergents are only supposed to be used if you plan on washing dishes by hands as they can ruin or damage your dishwasher and might not even properly wash the dishes.