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Laundry detergent pods were introduced in 2012, and their market has rapidly grown to $12.86 billion and rising. The convenient tossing of laundry detergent pods into the washing machine is becoming the most popular way to get through the laundry. First-time users of laundry detergent pods might simply buy and put their detergent pod in the washing machine without giving it much thought. However, the most efficient washing of clothes requires a proper technique.



These pods result from highly sophisticated and precisely engineered laundry pod making machine. Simply tossing the pod inside a washing machine is not the best technique. The article will explain laundry detergent pods, their types, how they work, and the proper method for using them for the best results. Let's analyze how we can efficiently make our clothes shiny and soft!




What are Laundry Detergent Pods?
The detergent “Pod” name represents a form of packaging. These pods are sometimes referred to as packs or liquitabs. They are a result of precisely engineered laundry pod making machines. The pod-making machines make packaging that encloses liquid detergent, which is released into the washing machine after contacting water. A typical laundry detergent pod consists of the following parts:


Detergent or Soap
Stain Remover
Brightner
Packaging

The detergent pod has many implementations, but most feature these three parts. Some might only come with soap, while others only feature a stain remover or brightener.



How Does the Laundry Detergent Pod Work
As we know, the pod has four parts. The three liquid parts are the key ingredients that clean the clothes. Compared to regular liquid soap, laundry detergent pods feature a higher concentration of these liquids, leading to faster cleaning and lower liquid requirements. Let's see how each of these parts contributes to the working of the laundry detergent pod:



1. Soaps in Laundry Detergent Pods
The detergent liquid is the key ingredient that washes away dirt and oil. Water has a high surface tension, which prevents it from mixing with oil and grease. The soap part of the laundry detergent pod consists of surface-active agents or surfactants. The detergent molecules have one end that likes water and another that repels it. The repelling end traps oil, grease, dirt, and other unwanted molecules in the water. When we extract the water, the surfactants carry the oil or other unwanted molecules.



2. Stain Remover Liquid in Laundry Detergent Pods
The second liquid in a typical laundry detergent pod is the stain remover. These include enzymes and oxidizing agents that enhance the removal of stains in clothes. The enzymes in the laundry detergent pod break down the stain to loosen it from the clothing. It works for proteins, starches, and fats. The oxidizers release oxygen when they come in contact with the stain. The process of oxygen release helps break the bonds of color in stains. Oxidizers work for wine, coffee, or ink.



3. Brightner in Laundry Detergent Pods
The brighteners are part of the laundry detergent pods that use a trick to create an optical illusion of cleanliness. As time passes, the clothing can start to catch a yellowish tint, which can cause the clothes to appear dirty. The brighteners cause the UV light to bounce off as visible blue light. The phenomenon cancels out the yellowish tint, giving an illusion of clean clothes. The actual cleaning happens with oxidizers and soaps. The laundry pod-making machines ensure that the brightness stays separate in the pod until it goes into the laundry.



4. Packaging of the Laundry Detergent Pods
The packaging is made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The presence of alcohol in plastic makes it dissolvable in water. The packaging does not react with the three liquids present in the pod. Another feature of PVA is its transparency, allowing manufacturers to create magical multi-color pods. Manufacturers ensure enough thickness, often maintained by specialized liquid detergent packaging machines, to allow the liquid to release slowly. The thickness also contributes to the stability of the packaging during transportation, storage, and display.



How to Use a Laundry Detergent Pod for Best Results
Now that we know how these laundry detergent pods work, we can devise the best technique for clothes. Who doesn't want their clothes cleaned on the first wash? We will use rough measurements and standard measurements of laundry detergent pods to form the steps. However, we may require specific types of laundry detergent pods for heavy stains. Let's just get into it:



Step 1: Testing the Laundry Detergent Pod
You can test the laundry detergent pod or find the results online. The testing should be done using the standardized method of the International Association for Soaps, Detergents, and Maintenance Products (A.I.S.E.). They have a comprehensive guideline that provides a step-by-step process of testing laundry detergent. Here are the main areas in which it tests the performance of laundry detergent pods:


Remove stains (e.g., grease, dirt, food spills).
Maintain whiteness over multiple washes.
Preserve color vibrancy for dyed fabrics.
Prevent dye transfer, reducing color bleeding.



Step 2: Determine the State of Your Laundry and Start Sorting
Here, by laundry, we mean your clothes. Check your clothes for stains. Evaluate your clothing based on the following:


Stains: Different types of stains may require different laundry detergent pods. For example, as explained earlier in the blog, a heavily stained cloth will require stain removal.
Fabric: Sorting based on fabric types can help determine how much detergent will be needed. Or whether you need a softening laundry detergent pod.
Color and Washing Requirements: White color clothing will require more brightness and stain removal than regular clothing.
Load Size: The quantity of laundry will help determine the pods you need to place for a good cleaning.



Step 3: Finding the Right Laundry Detergent Pod
As we mentioned earlier, most pods come with three liquids. However, some specialize in stain either stain removal, brightening, or general cleaning. Here’s a table listing the main types of laundry washing pods, categorized by their composition, use case, and special features:







Type of Pod



Formulation



Suitability for Fabric/Clothing Type



Common Features





Standard Detergent Pods



Liquid or powder in film



General fabrics (cotton, synthetics)



Pre-measured, dissolvable film, easy to use





2-in-1 Pods



Detergent + Softener



Everyday wear, towels, casual clothes



Combines cleaning and softening





3-in-1 Pods



Detergent + Stain Remover + Brightener



Mixed loads, heavily soiled clothes



Multi-functional, brightens and removes stains





Sensitive Skin Pods



Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free



Baby clothes, undergarments, delicate fabrics



Gentle on the skin, no dyes or fragrances





Eco-friendly/Plant-based Pods



Biodegradable ingredients



All fabrics, including delicates



Plant-based, good for sensitive skin and the environment





High Efficiency (HE) Pods



Low-sudsing, concentrated



All fabrics in HE washing machines



Prevents residue, saves water





Cold Wash Pods



Activated at low temperatures



Darks, wool, synthetic blends



Energy-saving: protects the fabric from heat damage





Color Protection Pods



Formulated for colored clothes



Bright or dark colors



Maintains vibrancy, reduces fading





Whitening Pods



With optical brighteners or bleach



Whites like shirts, socks, linens



Boosts whiteness, removes dinginess





Baby Laundry Pods



Gentle, non-toxic



Baby clothes, blankets, cloth diapers



Non-irritating, safe for newborn fabrics





Scented/Fragrance Pods



With added perfume or essential oils



Everyday wear, bed linens



Long-lasting fragrance, multiple scent options





Antibacterial/Sanitizing Pods



With antimicrobial agents



Gym wear, undergarments, towels



It kills germs, useful for illness-prone environments







Step 4: Loading Clothes in Washing Machine
After we have sorted the clothing and selected the detergent based on the type, color, and usage, we can load the clothes into the washing machine. Depending on the design, the machine can be front-loading or top-loading. Ensure all the clothes are untangled and the stain side is up when placed in the washing machine.



Step 5: Ideal Placement of Laundry Detergent Pod in Washing Machine
The ideal placement of the laundry detergent pod will make the soap, enzymes, oxidizers, and brighteners dissolve efficiently, distribute evenly, and keep the washing machine clean of residue. Here are the two key things to do:


Directly in Drum: Place the pod directly in the drum. Do not place it in the dispenser or drawer. Doing so will cause the laundry detergent pod material to stick to the internals and leave a residue. The water flowing through the drawer doesn't necessarily mix the detergent efficiently.
Before Clothes: Always put the pod first and place the clothes inside the drum. Putting them above the clothes may cause them to dissolve incorrectly or leave residues on some clothes. Placing them under the clothes ensures they mix properly with water, even during water-filling.



Conclusion
Laundry detergent pods are an innovation that has made washing clothes even more convenient. There are no spills or over- or under-dosage issues. They combine multiple liquids that were otherwise required to be loaded individually, increasing costs. Pods are a reasonably recent innovation owing to the formation of sophisticated laundry pod-making machines, making them possible. Combining soaps, stain removers, brighteners, and other key ingredients in a single combined unit makes them a great choice.



If you are looking for a laundry pod making machine to develop your laundry detergent pods, consider visiting the Tongchuang Machinery website. This company produces water-soluble PVA films. Their reliant and high-performance TC-660 water-soluble PVA Film Laundry Detergent Pods Filling, Sealing, and Packaging Machinery for Laundry can produce up to 1000-2000 pods/min. Visit their website to explore a ton of options!