Why Are Your Dishwasher Pods Not Dissolving?

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Doing the dishes got three seconds faster once we compacted detergent into a pod, because pods take the guesswork out of it. No mess, no measuring. But there’s one drawback: Sometimes dishwasher detergent pods don’t dissolve all the way.

If you eagerly embraced pods only to find gunky plastic film stuck in your detergent compartment, or a sad puddle of undissolved detergent in the bottom of your machine, we can help.

“Several factors can contribute to dishwasher pods not dissolving properly during a wash cycle,” says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean, which sells dishwasher detergent pods.

We talked to Sokolowski and dishwasher expert Haven Polich to learn why pods don’t dissolve, and what you can do about it.

About the Experts

Haven Polich is a product manager at Asko Appliances, a Scandinavian-inspired luxury kitchen and laundry appliance maker.

Alicia Sokolowski is the president and co-CEO of AspenClean, a maker of environmentally conscious and cruelty-free cleaning products, including dishwasher detergent pods.

7 Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Pods Are Not Dissolving

Pods are convenient, but if they don’t work, what’s the point? Here are some potential culprits:

Water temperature

“Dishwasher pods are designed to dissolve efficiently in hot water,” Sokolowski says.

Water coming into your dishwasher from the hot water supply is likely around 120 degrees, which prevents corrosion but isn’t hot enough to scald. Polich says dishwashers use a heating element to bump up that temperature as high as 160 degrees. So if that’s not happening — due to a faulty heating element, thermostat or even your home’s water heater — the pod may not dissolve.

Too-short cycle

Quick and eco-friendly cycles save water and time. Unfortunately, they could also be why your pods aren’t dissolving, Sokolowski says.

Though detergent pods can be used in all cycles, you might find there isn’t enough time for the pod to fully dissolve, depending on the specific quirks of your machine or water conditions.

Some short cycles use lower water temperatures, too, and may not provide enough heat to dissolve the pod completely, Sokolowski says — a double whammy.

Water flow

So, we know pods need heat to dissolve. They also need water. “Insufficient water flow or pressure in the dishwasher can prevent the pod from dissolving properly,” Sokolowski says.

If you’ve loaded your dishwasher the right way and nothing’s blocking water from reaching your detergent pod, it might be a mechanical problem. If water’s not circulating, Polich says, “it could be anything from a broken spray arm to a failing circulation pump.” Get it checked out by a certified technician. Or fix it yourself, if you’re handy.

Pod placement

If you’re still finding half-dissolved pods when the cycle’s over, make sure you’re putting the pod in the right place.

“Pods are typically designed to be placed in the detergent dispenser, or a designated compartment in the dishwasher,” Sokolowski says. Put the pod where you normally put the powder and liquid detergent, at least to start (we’ll troubleshoot more later).

Newer dishwasher? Look for a separate compartment specifically for pods. Follow the directions in your use and care manual for best results.

Hard water

Even the best dishwashers struggle against hard water. Polich says it’s important to keep your dishwasher clean and free of mineral buildup by running a self-clean or sanitize cycle periodically. Add a cup of vinegar to the bottom rack, or use a commercial descaler, especially in hard water areas.

Sokolowski says pods themselves can react with minerals in hard water, too, forming a film or buildup that prevents the pod from completely dissolving. Descaling your dishwasher makes pods dissolve better, Sokolowski says.

Detergent age or storage conditions

Dish detergent is shelf stable, but it’s important to use and store it correctly. “Dishwasher pods can lose effectiveness if they are old, or have been stored improperly,” Sokolowski says.

Close the box or inner sleeve to keep them dry between dishwasher cycles. Moisture can reduce the efficacy of the detergent, and cause the film or the detergent to dissolve too soon. If the pods fuse together, they’re staying that way.

Blocking the detergent compartment

Make sure you’re not blocking the detergent compartment by loading your dishwasher wrong, Polich says.

Cookie sheets, cutting boards and casseroles should go along the sides, tilting slightly inward and down toward the spray. Make sure the spray arm can freely spin. If larger items block the spray or movement of the arm, remove and wash by hand.

Don’t jam in every dish, either. “Always leave enough space for water to circulate freely around the dishes and detergent dispenser,” Sokolowski says.

What To Do When Your Dishwasher Pods Aren’t Dissolving

It’s often trial and error, depending on what’s going on. Here are some solutions to try:

• Clean your dishwasher: Vinegar, citric acid and commercial descalers are good options.
• Turn up the temperature: Change cycle settings from low to high heat.
• Choose a longer cycle: Eco-friendly cycles may be too short for pods.
• Fix broken parts: If you suspect water isn’t getting hot, or the dishwasher is malfunctioning, have it checked out.
• Keep pods and compartment dry: Sticky pods or wet spots can gunk up the compartment, preventing full release.

FAQs

Is it better to use dishwasher pods, powder or liquid detergent?

It’s really up to you, according to the experts. “Dishwasher pods, powder and liquid detergent all have their own advantages and disadvantages,” Sokolowski says.

Pods are convenient. There’s no measuring, and no mess. Powder often has earth-friendly cardboard packaging, while liquid is easy to pour.

Can you throw dishwasher pods into the bottom of the dishwasher?

Yes, but read your use and care manual to see what’s recommended. Polich says this may be a solution if your pod’s not dissolving. But if you notice your dishes aren’t getting clean, you may have to investigate another option.