There are countless cleaning hacks popularized online, all aimed at making life a little easier. One recent trend lighting up social media is the frozen detergent pod hack. Created as a low-cost alternative to store-bought pods, the hack claims to reduce plastic waste and improve laundry results. Simple instructional videos show users making their own detergent pods at home using everyday ingredients. With the cost of nearly everything on the rise, is this viral trick a smart way to save, or just a recipe for laundry trouble? Learn more with insights from chemist Dr. Bill Carroll of Indiana University.
The Frozen Detergent Pod Hack, Explained
The advertised benefit of this hack is that each frozen pod conveniently provides the right amount of detergent for each load of laundry, without the cost of actual pods, which are notoriously expensive. Others like it because it eliminates the plastic used in traditional pods.
There are several iterations of this laundry hack, but most follow a similar process. Take a silicone ice cube tray, fill each spot with your favorite laundry detergent and stick it in the freezer. Some also add other ingredients like scent booster beads, fabric softener or baking soda to each pod before freezing. When frozen, pop each ‘pod’ out of the tray and store in the freezer until it’s time to do laundry. Toss one in with your clothes and run as usual.
Does the Frozen Detergent Pod Hack Work?
Yes and no. This hack may still clean your clothes, but is it the best use of your time and money? Probably not. “Your washer isn’t going to blow up if you do this,” says Bill Carroll, Ph.D., an adjunct professor of chemistry at Indiana University. “But you may not be getting the cleaning quality you paid for.”
Freezing laundry detergent lowers its cleaning abilities and the pod may not thaw completely during the cycle, leaving your clothes less clean than you’re used to. “People who work in detergents have deep and specific expertise,” Carroll says. “If there were any advantage to freezing laundry detergent I can guarantee you the major brands would offer it that way.”
Why You Shouldn’t Freeze Detergent
Liquid laundry detergent is not designed to be frozen. These products contain a mix of chemicals and ingredients that are carefully formulated to work under specific conditions. “You don’t know whether all the ingredients are cold-stable in themselves nor do you know what freezing does to the formulation,” Carroll says. Virtually all manufacturers advise against freezing detergent and recommend storing it at room temperature.
Many detergents also contain enzymes, naturally occurring proteins that target and break down specific types of stains. While highly effective, these enzymes are sensitive to extreme temperatures and can become inactive when frozen, reducing the detergent’s cleaning power.
Additionally, “most modern products are highly concentrated so don’t freeze very well and will wind up as a gooey mess,” Carroll says.
Alternatives That Make More Sense
While the frozen laundry pod hack isn’t worth the hype, try these ideas instead for low-cost, convenient or environmentally-friendly alternatives.
DIY dry ingredient laundry pods
If you’re committed to making your own laundry pods, try using dry ingredients instead. These will stay stable while in storage and are not altered while forming pods. Combine ingredients like washing soda, borax and grated Castile soap, then spritz with water until it clumps together. Press into forms, let dry, then store in a dry place until it’s time to do laundry.
Laundry sheets
If convenience and ease of use are motivating factors, consider laundry sheets or strips. A modern alternative to liquid or powdered detergent, laundry sheets are infused with concentrated detergent. Place one in your washer and run as usual.
Refillable pump dispensers
If you want a more eco-friendly detergent with reduced waste, refillable pump dispensers may be the right solution for you. Often made of glass, plastic or stainless steel, these dispensers provide an attractive way to easily dispense exact amounts of detergent.
About the Expert
- Bill Carroll, Ph.D., is an adjunct professor of chemistry at Indiana University. The former vice president of industry issues for Occidental Chemical Corporation, he’s currently principal of Carroll Applied Science in Dallas, Texas.
Related
- The Real Reason Aluminum Foil Has a Shiny Side and a Dull Side
- Think Adirondack Chairs Are Uncomfortable? You’re Using Them Wrong
- Why You Shouldn’t Crush Aluminum Cans Before Recycling
The post Frozen Detergent Laundry Pod: Clever Hack or Just a Waste? appeared first on Family Handyman.
Article source here: Frozen Detergent Laundry Pod: Clever Hack or Just a Waste?
No comments:
Post a Comment