You’ve been using the convenient laundry detergent pods WRONG your whole life

A senior scientist from popular laundry detergent brand Tide has shared the correct way to use laundry pods – and many have been doing it wrong.

‘The best way to use liquid laundry packets is to put them into the drum before adding clothes,’ Jessica Zinna told Reader’s Digest.

She explained that the primary cause of liquid laundry packets not dissolving in the wash is improper use, like adding the packet after the clothes instead of before.

Such a practice can create problems because the packet needs as much contact with water as possible in order for the film to dissolve.

A senior scientist from detergent brand Tide has shared the correct way to use laundry pods

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‘People also often make the mistake of placing the pods in the dispenser drawer instead of the back or bottom of the machine drum.’

But loading laundry the wrong way is only one possible reason a pod may not dissolve properly.

Dr Zinna shared that a washing machine’s temperature could also be at fault.

If laundry pods are not dissolving properly even after placing them in before dirty laundry, it is advisable to try switching to warmer water during winter months.

Dr Zinna also shared that people have several misconceptions when it comes to laundry pods – particularly regarding environmental friendliness. 

Pods are the best choice for those looking for laundry detergent in an easy-to-use, mess-free form as they come perfectly pre-measured and packaged in dissolvable film 

But Dr Zinna was quick to assure sceptics that pods are the most environment-friendly forms of laundry detergent presently available for purchase.

‘The format allows for the use of more-concentrated detergents,’ she said. ‘This means less water in cleaning product formulas, and hence reduced packaging waste and less weight when transporting these products.’

Pods are the best choice for those looking for laundry detergent in an easy-to-use, mess-free form as they come perfectly pre-measured and packaged in dissolvable film. 

The number of pods required to properly clean clothes depends on how soiled the laundry is and the size of the load.  

As a general rule she recommended three pods for large loads including washing bed sheets and bed covers, two for medium-sized loads or clothes that are extra soiled, and one for a small load.

Pods are the best choice for those looking for laundry detergent in an easy-to-use, mess-free form as they come perfectly pre-measured and packaged in dissolvable film

An expert from the Australian consumer company CHOICE revealed the five common laundry mistakes thousands are making without realising.

Washing machine and whitegoods expert Ashley Iredale said using fabric softener doesn’t contribute to the cleaning process and there’s little difference between washing in warm and cool water. 

Repeatedly making these mistakes can affect the overall outcome of the wash and how the machine performs, he explained.

Expert Ashley Iredale said using fabric softener doesn’t contribute to the cleaning process and there’s little difference between washing in warm and cool water (stock image)

1. Washing with warm water

Although hot water washes clothes better than cold water, Ashley said there’s a ‘marginal difference’ between warm and cold water.

He also added that in Australia the water isn’t very cold compared to countries overseas, so it’s best to save energy and money by choosing a cool cycle instead of warm.

2. Using fabric softener

While many use fabric softeners to leave their towels and clothes smelling fresh, Ashley doesn’t recommend using the product often as it ‘doesn’t contribute’ to the cleaning process in any way.

What’s worse is fabric softeners can also reduce water absorbency, which isn’t ideal when washing towels, and the liquid contributes to a build-up of soap scrub inside the machine over time.

‘Worse still, they reduce the effectiveness of fire retardancy on clothes, so even though they all have pictures of cute babies on the bottles, they’re an absolute no-no for children’s sleepwear,’ Ashley said.   

Many use fabric softeners to leave clothes smelling fresh, but Ashley doesn’t recommend using the product often as it ‘doesn’t contribute’ to the cleaning process (stock image)

3. Incorrectly loading the machine

Overloading or underloading the washing machine is another common mistake many people make without realising.

‘Too little and you’re wasting detergent, water and energy by not using your machine efficiently; too much and your clothes might not get clean, or you may reduce the lifespan of your machine,’ Ashley said.

The items should be evenly distributed throughout the machine and a large load shouldn’t fill the entire washing barrel.

The lid or door should always be left open directly after using the machine in order to allow the barrel to air-dry (stock image)

4. Closing the door between washes

Another common mistake many make is closing the washing machine door between loads. 

The lid or door should always be left open directly after using the machine in order to allow the barrel to air-dry.

This will reduce the occurrence of bad smells, discolouration and mould over time.

5. Not putting delicates in a laundry bag

Finally, Ashley said you should always put your delicates in a laundry bag, as otherwise they risk getting misshapen and damaged.

‘Those clips on things like bras can also damage other items in the wash, or get caught in seals,’ Ashley said.

It will also reduce the lifespan of your favourite delicate garments.

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