Are Dishwasher Pods Wrecking Your Plumbing? Here's What the Pros Say

These convenient detergent pods could actually be ruining your pipes.

Dishwasher pods are pre-measured and individually wrapped single-use capsules that contain dishwashing detergent. One of their main draws is convenience, as all you need to do is pop one in the designated compartment in your dishwasher —no measuring or messy spills to worry about.

While dishwasher pods offer a convenient and powerful cleaning method, there is some concern about whether their plastic coating negatively affects the appliance (and your home's plumbing) over time. To get professional insight on whether or not to use dishwasher pods, we turned to Alexis Novacek, appliance market expert at ZLINE . She shares when and how to use dishwasher pods for best results—and whether you should even be using them at all.

Related: The 10 Best Dishwasher Cleaners of 2024 to Keep Your Appliance in Top Shape

What Are Dishwasher Pods?

Dishwasher pods are an easy-to-use alternative to traditional dishwashing detergent. They consist of small capsules which are intended for one-time use and are individually wrapped and filled with a pre-measured amount of dish detergent . As soon as the dishwasher pod comes into contact with hot water, it begins to dissolve, so once the dishwasher cycle is completed, you will find the compartment empty just as you would if you used traditional liquid-style dishwashing detergent.

The thin wrapping portion of the pod which contains the liquid detergent is made from PVA, a dissolvable form of plastic also known as polyvinyl alcohol. This same PVA coating is also used in laundry pods . Although the synthetic substance is not fully biodegradable and doesn't simply disappear in its entirety, a large percentage of the makeup of PVA is biodegradable and the substance is considered safe by the EPA.

In addition to the convenience factor, dishwasher pods are also popular for how effective they are in cleaning dishes. Their concentrated dishwashing power is tough on burnt-on messes, stubborn stains, and extra dirty dishes, making it a practical option that helps avoid running the dishwasher twice or having to hand-wash items after you've already put them through one dishwashing cycle.

Related: 5 Dishwasher Mistakes That Could Be Preventing a Good Clean

Are Dishwasher Pods Bad for Your Plumbing? It Depends on Your Appliance

There is some concern about whether dishwasher pods are the best option given the fact that they contain PVA and can have a negative effect on the environment and the plumbing in your home. "It’s not necessarily that they aren't the best option, but more so if they can work for you," Novacek says. Instead of ruling out dishwasher pods altogether, she stresses the importance of the pods' compatibility with your particular dishwasher model. "A big thing to note here is the sizing of the actual dishwasher pod; If they don’t fit properly in the designated compartment, this can result in issues with dispensing as the soap dispenser may spring open," Novacek points out.

When it comes to whether you should be worried about dishwasher pods messing up your kitchen appliance , Novacek says, "Not necessarily, as the plastic coating on most pods is supposed to be 100% water soluble, so this shouldn’t present a problem with hurting the dishwasher." However, she points out that every appliance is different and the type, age, and condition of your home's plumbing plays a role, too. For this reason, she recommends checking the manufacturer's directions and consulting a professional regarding your home's plumbing system.

Related: 7 Ways You're Shortening the Life of Your Dishwasher

The Right Way to Use Dishwasher Pods

If you are using dishwasher pods, the key to getting your dishes clean and maintaining your appliance is using the pods correctly. Since each single-use capsule contains the perfect pre-measured amount of dishwashing liquid that's sufficient for one cycle, do not attempt to use more than one pod at a time. Not only is it not necessary, but chances are that multiple pods won't comfortably fit inside the designated compartment, preventing it from closing properly, and leading to dishes not getting a thorough clean.

For an alternative way to use dishwasher pods in your kitchen appliance , Novacek says, "We find pods can be most effective when placed in the bottom of the dishwasher or in the silverware tray so there are no problems with them releasing correctly." Some dishwasher pods contain rinse aid , which helps with the drying process and minimizes water spots, while others don't. If your dishwasher pods don't already contain rinse aid, you can add it in separately before you run a cycle.

Lastly, dishwasher pods need to be stored properly. Because they are filled with liquid and wrapped in a dissolvable substance, they can easily stick to one another and become hard to separate or even damaged. This is the case especially in a hot and humid climate or during the warm summer months. For best results, store dishwasher pods in a cool and dry place and inside an airtight storage container.

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Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens .