Measuring liquid detergent can be a problem. Too much can lead to wasted product and residue on clothing. Too little and heavily soiled laundry may not be cleaned.
Laundry capsules contain a measured amount of concentrated detergent inside a dissolvable film that is ideal for home use. The convenient pods can streamline the laundry process while minimizing the risk of messes and wasted product. However, they may not be suitable for everyday use with all types of laundry loads and household sizes.
Why Pre-measured Detergent Can Be Convenient
The main reason to use capsules is the convenience they provide. They eliminate having to measure out, dispense and clean liquid detergent from a dispensing pump after each use. This is especially helpful in family homes where multiple people do laundry or in small apartments with limited storage space
Capsules also minimize mess by providing the exact needed amount of liquid detergent to clean a typical load of laundry. Too much liquid can lead to excessive suds as well as residue on clothing. Pods can also be a storage benefit as well as compared to a large liquid detergent bottle, a bottle of capsules requires less space and eliminates potential spills.
Limitations of Pre-measured Detergent
The primary limitation of using pre-measured detergent in pod form is that there is no flexibility in choosing an appropriate amount for a particular laundry load. A small load of delicate laundry might need less detergent than a large load of heavily soiled cotton t-shirts. Liquid detergent provides more flexibility by allowing the user to choose exactly how much product to use based on the size of the load.
Pods can sometimes fail to completely dissolve and begin to release their active cleaning ingredients. This happens when a pod is placed atop the laundry or if the washing machine is overloaded, thus preventing direct contact with running water. It is important for the film covering to receive adequate water exposure throughout the washing cycle in order for the pod to fully dissolve.
What the Dissolving Film Does to Laundry Detergent
The thin film surrounding laundry detergent capsules is ideally suited for controlled release of the product. As soon as the pod is placed in warm water, the film begins to dissolve, enabling the cleaning ingredients to be released. Manufacturers that produce dissolvable polymers including those that can be found online at www.watersolubleplastics.com can provide additional insight into the characteristics of water soluble materials.
The pods need to be kept dry until they are ready to be used as moisture can affect the dissolving process. The container should always be kept tight to prevent exposure to humid conditions and the pods themselves should not be handled with wet hands.
How to Get Better Results From Laundry Detergent Pods
The best way to ensure that the pod fully dissolves during the wash cycle is to place it into the empty washer drum first and then add the laundry on top. Placing a pod into the dispensing drawer located at the top of some washing machines requires the user to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The dispensing drawers may cause the capsule to become trapped against the side of the washer drum if not specifically designed to keep the pod submerged under the washing water during the spin cycle.
Pods should not be placed in an overloaded washer drum. It is important for clothes to have adequate space to move around in order for the detergent to evenly spread throughout the load. Overloaded drums also result in a smaller surface area for water exposure and reduce the ability of the capsule to completely dissolve. It is a good idea to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer since the washing temperature needs to be appropriate for both the washing machine and the type of fabric being cleaned. Washing machines that operate at higher temperatures cause the film to dissolve faster.
Treating Stains Before Washing
Stains tend to require spot treatment rather than an extra dose of detergent, so it is best to pre-treat any heavily soiled clothing before placing in the washer. A small amount of appropriate stain removing product applied to the affected area can help remove the majority of the stain prior to washing.
Safe Storage Around Children and Pets
Safety is a major concern when using laundry detergent pods. The pods can look tasty and colorful, so it is important to keep them securely stored away from children and pets. Never transfer the capsules into an open container. Always keep the original tightly sealed storage container on a high shelf away from the reach of children and pets.
Small Actions Can Make All the Difference Toward Successful Washing
A few simple changes can make the difference in getting great results when using laundry pods. These key points are worth remembering:
Place the laundry pod into the empty drum first and then add the laundry.
Keep the storage container tightly sealed and the pods themselves should only be touched with dry hands.
Make sure there is always enough space inside the drum for clothes to move freely. Always follow the washing instructions and use the right amount of laundry detergent relative to the size of the laundry load. Keep the pod container out of the reach of children and pets and consider getting a new washing machine if there is a build-up of detergent residue, clogged screens or water pressure issues that may occur over time.
Things to Remember About Laundry Detergent Pods
Pre-measured laundry detergent in the form of capsules can minimize the chance of exposure to liquid mess and help with measuring the correct amount of detergent to be used per laundry load based on typical size. They also tend to be easier to store. Capsules are not right for every laundry situation as larger or smaller than average laundry loads along with delicate garments, heavily stained clothing, or specific washing requirements may need to be considered. It should also be remembered that the washing machine, house size and general storage capacity are additional factors that help to determine the best type of laundry detergent to buy.
