What Dishwasher Pods Are Really Doing to Your Plumbing, According to an Expert

Dishwasher pods are pre-measured, individually wrapped, single-use capsules that contain detergent for dishwashing. 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 gain professional insight on whether to use dishwasher pods, we consulted Alexis Novacek, an appliance market expert at ZLINE. She shares when and how to use dishwasher pods for optimal results—and whether you should use them at all.

What Are Dishwasher Pods?

Dishwasher pods are an easy-to-use alternative to traditional dishwashing detergent. They consist of small capsules, individually wrapped and filled with a pre-measured amount of dish detergent, intended for one-time use. As soon as the dishwasher pod comes into contact with hot water, it begins to dissolve. Therefore, 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 PVA makeup is biodegradable. The substance is considered safe by the EPA.

In addition to the convenience factor, dishwasher pods are also popular due to their effectiveness 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 they've already been through one dishwashing cycle.

Are Dishwasher Pods Bad for Your Plumbing?

There is some concern about whether dishwasher pods are the best option, given that they contain PVA and can harm the environment and your home's plumbing. "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 emphasizes the importance of ensuring the pods are compatible with your specific 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 worry about dishwasher pods damaging 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 also play a role. For this reason, she recommends checking the manufacturer's directions and consulting a professional regarding your home's plumbing system.

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 fit comfortably 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 separately before running 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 optimal results, store dishwasher pods in a cool, dry place and in an airtight storage container.