After seeing a debate on social media recently about dishwasher detergent (or dishwasher tabs, more specifically), I decided to write this post to help clear the air. The debate centered on one simple question: where do you put dishwasher pods — in the detergent compartment, or can you put detergent pods in the bottom of a dishwasher?
The debate seems to have been sparked by one TikTok user insisting that it’s better to put detergent pods in the bottom of your dishwasher so they don’t get stuck in the compartment. That claim prompted a lively debate, and the discourse eventually caught the attention of the folks at Cascade, who weighed in with their expert take on the matter.
Table Of Contents
Where Is The Best Place To Put Dishwasher Pods?
According to Cascade, the detergent compartment is the best place to put dishwasher detergent, whether liquid, powder, pod, or tablet.
Why? It comes down to how modern dishwashers operate. The wash cycle typically starts with a hot water rinse, and the detergent compartment remains closed until the rinse is complete.
A dishwasher detergent pod placed in the bottom of your dishwasher will start to dissolve during the initial rinse, which could cause most of the detergent to drain out before the wash cycle begins.
Jillee’s Take:
How To Use Dishwasher Pods: 2 Important Tips
1. Keep The Detergent Compartment (And Pods) Dry
Many dishwasher pod users have had the unfortunate experience of opening their dishwasher to unload it and discovering a clump of partially dissolved detergent clinging to the inside of the detergent compartment.
If the detergent compartment is damp when you put a pod inside, the moisture can cause the PVA coating to become sticky and gel-like. The easiest way to avoid this is to wipe the compartment with a paper towel or dry cloth before putting detergent in it.
(For the same reason, it’s important to handle detergent pods with dry hands and store them in an airtight container.)
2. Consult Your Dishwasher’s User Manual
Your dishwasher may have a special compartment or cycle for detergent pods, but you’ll never know if you don’t read the user manual! The best way to learn your appliances’ quirks and features is to pull out the manual and dive in. Knowing the facts about your dishwasher will ensure you get the most out of it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Put Dishwasher Pods In The Bottom Of A Dishwasher?
I don’t recommend it. (Neither do the makers of at least one brand of detergent pods, for that matter!) Ensure the detergent compartment is dry before putting a dishwasher pod inside for best results.
What If I Put A Dishwasher Pod In The Wrong Place?
If you put a dishwasher pod anywhere other than the detergent dispenser compartment, it may prevent your dishes from getting cleaned effectively. (If you’re worried about worst-case scenarios, your dishwasher will probably be fine!)
Are Dishwasher Pods Safe To Use?
Yes, dishwasher pods are safe when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. These single-use, pre-measured detergent packs are released during the wash cycle to maximize their effectiveness.
What If My Dishwasher Doesn’t Have A Detergent Dispenser?
Most modern dishwashers have some sort of detergent dispenser or compartment. If yours doesn’t (or you aren’t sure where it is or how to use it), consult the manufacturer or user manual for information about using dishwasher pods.
Can Dishwasher Pods Be Used In All Dishwashers?
Yes. Dishwasher pods and tablets are designed to work in all home dishwashers.
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Why Do Dishwasher Pods Stick To The Dispenser?
Dishwasher pods can stick to the compartment if the compartment has residual moisture. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe out the compartment before putting a pod in it to prevent this from happening.
Conclusion
For everyday dishwashing, put dishwasher detergent pods and tabs in the detergent dispenser compartment for best results. As long as the compartment is dry, you shouldn’t have any issues, and it will ensure your dishes come out as clean as possible.
Where have you been putting dishwasher pods?
We had a new dishwasher and had to call the store that sold the dishwasher to come over twice because the dishwasher, while washing, left a burnt plastic smell. Nothing wrong was detected with the dishwasher. I decided to switch from Cascade pods to Cascade liquid, and the smell has never come back!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Your articles now come with ads in the middle of the paragraph and even if you x out to close the ad, there still appears a blank white space where the ad used to be COVERING UP THE MIDDLE OF YOUR ARTICLE.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Georgia, thanks for letting me know. We have recently made some changes to our website. I’m sorry the ads are covering the content. My tech team is working on a fix. Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for your patience while we are working on this.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If your dishwasher has two detergent cups as pictured, the best place to put soap pods is back on the shelf at the store. The dishwasher has a prewash that requires soap to work properly,and that’s why the one cup is covered by the lid with the slots on it. Consequently, if you put the pod in the main wash side that’s sealed off, the prewash is a waste of time and water. If you place the pod in the bottom of the dishwasher, it dissolves in the prewash and the main wash then has no soap.Also, when using pods, any rinse agent (water spot preventer) is splashing around in the wash cycle and goes down the drain instead of being in the rinse cycle where it can do its job properly. I use inexpensive (ok, cheap) Aldi gel dishwasher soap in both cups along with 2 drops of Dawn dish detergent, along with always keeping the Finish dispenser topped up, and our dishes always come out spotlessly clean. And to save p[ower, I open the door as soon as the dishwasjher is done and let the hot dishware air dry instead of running the heater to dry them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Al, you always share such great information. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tips! I had tried Aldi dishwashing pods once and they left a terrible residue in the bottom of my dishwasher and I promptly took them back to the store. Some Aldi cleaning products are great, but these were a disaster. I also leave the dishwasher door open to air dry dishes. I also leave the door open overnight so the inside of the dishwasher dries out completely to prevent any possible odor and mildew that can build up in an air tight closure.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Al – I stopped using dishwasher detergent decades ago.
First, I scrape well because all dishwashers I’ve had for decades no longer have a macerator for food waste, so why put food in that clogs up the filter and have to clean it out…
I put one level teaspoon citric acid powder in the main detergent cup and two level tablespoons (or less, when I’ve had slightly smaller cup) of high quality oxygen bleach on top of that, followed by four drops dish liquid and close it up. Been washing dishes 30+ years this way and they are always completely grease free and clean. As long as the machine heats water to at least 120 this combination has never failed me.
Rarely I put oxy in the prewash cup if its really needed, usually not as the main wash gets it done. The prewash cycle really doesn’t need detergent unless its truly needed, as another purpose is to preheat dishes for the main cycle.
Rinse aid (except cheap dollar store brands) is more concentrated than necessary. I dilute 2:1 rinse aid to distilled water, works just as well as full strength and doesn’t waste.
I never have to clean the inside of the machine, just wipe the frames. The inside is always sparkling clean and looks brand new, just like the dishes. Pods and tablets contain far more detergent than is necessary.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I was having trouble with those plastic pods not fully dissolving so I switched to Finish brand pods. they don’t have that same plastic and they seem to be dissolving fine.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Back when I used to repair and refurbish used dishwashers I would occasionally come across a plastic tub dishwasher where a pod (or two) had simply been tossed in that way, only to then become a permanent part of the tub as it simply could not be removed in cases where the pod had landed directly beneath the heating element. Also had some cases where a metal utensil had dropped through the rach, came in contact with the heating element, and then melted a hole through the bottom of the tub when it became hot from the element, causing a leak. Sometimes I got lucky and was able to repair them with my plastic welder, other times not.The “not” ones would then become organ donors for other dishwashers.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have a 2 year old dishwasher. I’ve stopped using dishwasher pods and gone back to powders and liquids for several reasons. Pod plastic does not 100% dissolve, it leaves micro-particles that create buildup in dishwashers over time. It began to affect the cleaning of the dishes with increased streaking. I had to take out all the racks, utensil holder and the filter and do a couple of deep cleaning cycles with baking soda and vinegar to get the pod build-up cleaned out. I actually replaced the filter as it became compromised. Now it cleans like it should since I stopped using pods. I also stopped using laundry pods for the same reason. Pods are not convenience, they do more damage than good.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Smart move.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My dishwasher never dissolves the pods completely if they are put in the compartment and I wind up with dirty dishes. I put them in the silverware basket. They partially dissolve in the pre-rinse and then fully in the regular wash. ♀️
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