Why You Should Think Twice Before Using Dishwasher Pods Again

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Dishwasher pods are convenient — so convenient that people are even finding all kinds of alternative uses for them around the home. They can perform better than liquid detergent, and there's no need to worry about whether or not you've put in the right amount or spilling it and making a mess. But that convenience can come with a catch, which is why you should think twice before using dishwasher pods. 

First things first: Pods are generally more expensive per wash when compared to liquid or powder detergents. If you run the dishwasher every single day, that cost adds up quickly. To give you a better idea of how much more it may be running you, a 59-count pack of dishwasher pods from Cascade costs about $19.94, which works out to about $0.34 per wash. Compare that to a 75-ounce bottle of liquid detergent from the same brand for $5.99, and a single ounce per wash comes out to $0.08 per load. Annually, pods could cost you $100 more than liquid detergent for a similar number of washes, which is quite the premium. 

On top of the already stark price difference, pods are pre-measured, and as convenient as that is, you'll have to use one whole pod whether your load is full or half-empty. If you have a larger load, you may even have to opt for two pods. That lack of flexibility makes the cost-per-wash gap even more evident. 

Beyond price, dishwasher pods may also not live up to their promised performance in real-world conditions. Pods are designed to dissolve fully in hot water cycles, but if your water happens to run cooler or you have an older dishwasher, the pod may not break down completely. This doesn't mean just cloudy glassware and chemical residue on dishes; the pod can also leave behind bits of its water-soluble film. Fortunately, this polyvinyl alcohol film is biodegradable, so it shouldn't pose a long-term environmental concern. These issues do, however, show that pods aren't always foolproof. Achieving a consistently clean load may require adjustments to your usual dishwasher setup and routine. 

If you're still up for using pods after knowing all of the downsides, then it's time to be strategic and avoid common dishwasher pod mistakes. Consider the type of dishwasher you have and look into the water hardness of the area you're in. Seek out information from the brand of your dishwasher for suggested pod brands and tips on how to use them effectively. 

For example, if you own a Bosch dishwasher, known to be one of the most reliable dishwasher brands, the company recommends using Finish pods for best results. In hard water areas, look for dishwasher pods specifically designed to tackle hard water, like the Finish Quantum Hard Water formula. Paying attention to these details can make the difference between sparkling dishes and a load that comes out less than clean.