TikTok Got It Wrong: Here's the Right Spot for Dishwasher Pods

A few months ago, we published an article addressing a viral TikTok where an appliance repair tech suggested we’d all been using dishwasher pods incorrectly. That same tech and creator, Renae (@renduh on TikTok), has since admitted she was mistaken. In a new video, Renae confessed her error, citing a source that took us by surprise. Here's the latest chapter in the dishwasher pod saga.

Understanding Dishwasher Detergent Pods: The Basics

So why did Renae change her mind? She revealed that she received an insightful letter from the Cascade team, the very same Cascade behind our favorite dishwasher pods. (Not convinced? Our sister site, Real Simple, ran tests.) Cascade even invited Renae to tour their factory to see firsthand how these pods are made. Here's what we learned from Cascade’s letter and Renae's experience on the tour.

As we discussed in our previous article, the debate centers around the coating on the pods — a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel casing. PVA is a polymer that dissolves when it comes into contact with water, or even just moisture. In her first video, Renae suggested that this coating starts breaking down too early, causing a mess in dishwashers. Her recommendation? Place the pods in the silverware caddy. Cascade, however, explains why that’s not the ideal solution for this real issue.

Most modern dishwashers come with a pre-rinse cycle designed to dislodge food scraps, not to clean your dishes. This is why the detergent compartment door doesn't open until the pre-rinse is complete.

The issue with exposing detergent pods during this cycle is that they start to dissolve. Cascade's team states that by the time the actual wash cycle begins, the pods could be up to 80% dissolved. So, while your dishes might look clean, they've only benefited from about 20% of the pods' cleaning power.

Renae acknowledges that her personal dishwasher lacks a pre-rinse cycle, which may have influenced her earlier conclusion based on her own limited experience.

Where Should You Put the Dishwasher Pods?

So, where should the pods go? Cascade’s team agreed that if the pods are exposed to moisture before the cycle begins, their coating could cause clogs. However, the pods are specifically designed to go into the detergent compartment, and that's exactly where they should be placed.

During her visit to Cascade’s headquarters, Renae learned that not only are the pods specifically designed this way, but that Procter & Gamble — the parent company of Cascade — actually invented detergent pods. That’s right. They created the very concept of pods. Procter & Gamble, which also owns Tide, spent years developing and testing them. Simply put, these pods were engineered to fit perfectly in the detergent compartment for maximum effectiveness.

So, how do we prevent the pesky PVA coating from causing issues? Cascade recommends keeping the pods as dry as possible before the cycle begins. This means handling them with dry hands or gloves, ensuring the detergent compartment is completely dry, and storing the pods in a cool, dry place. If you live in a humid climate, transferring them to an airtight container is a smart move.

By following these simple tips, your dishes will get the best cleaning possible in every cycle, and you’ll also help your dishwasher stay in top condition for a longer time.

The Real Takeaway

As mentioned before, always refer to your dishwasher’s manual for the most accurate guidance tailored to your specific model. The manual will also tell you if your machine includes a pre-rinse cycle. If so, make sure to place the pods in the proper compartment to ensure optimal performance.

Even if your dishwasher doesn’t have a pre-rinse cycle, it’s still best to place the pods in the designated compartment. Just make sure your hands are dry, the compartment is dry, and everything is dry when handling any detergent pods — whether for dishes or laundry. And if you need extra motivation, Cascade might even invite you for a factory tour to see the process up close.