HOW TO USE DISHWASHER PODS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Dishwasher pods offer easy dosing and can even help reduce filming on dishes, but only if you use them the right way. See the guide below to learn four steps for using dishwasher pods, clear up any confusion on where pods should be placed for optimal cleaning and find answers to other common questions.

HOW TO USE DISHWASHER PODS

Incorporating dishwasher pods into your daily dish routine is a simple shift that may help your dishes get a better clean so they’re ready for your next creation. Follow the four steps below to optimize detergent pod performance.

Person loading dirty pan into the bottom rack of a loaded dishwasher

1. LOAD YOUR DISHWASHER

You can help pods work effectively by loading your dishwasher strategically. Start by loading the top rack from back to front, facing items towards the center of the dishwasher and angled downward towards spray jets. The top rack is ideal for mugs, cups, drinking glasses, small bowls and plates, stemware and large utensils.

Load the lower rack in the same fashion with larger items like large bowls and plates, casserole dishes and dishwasher-safe cookware. Load the utensil holder last and be sure to avoid overcrowding the dishwasher.

Person loading pod detergent into detergent compartment in dishwasher

2. PLACE DETERGENT POD

No matter the type of dishwasher, always place only one detergent pod into the main detergent compartment at a time—unless your owner’s manual instructs otherwise—then click the lid firmly into place. Loading pods into a clean and dry detergent dispenser with dry hands can help prevent them from sticking.

Close-up of person adding rinse aid to dishwasher rinse aid compartment

3. ADD RINSE AID

Rinse aid can help water slide off dishes more easily to reduce the need for hand-drying or the occurrence of spotting. Some dishwasher pods include a rinse aid additive, but it may help to use additional rinse aid in every cycle.

Person selecting settings on a top dishwasher control panel

4. CHOOSE CYCLE SETTINGS & START

Use this dishwasher cycles guide to learn more about which cycle to choose, select your wash cycle and drying option, then start the cycle.

Person standing next to partially loaded dishwasher with top rack extended

SHOULD YOU PUT DISHWASHER PODS IN THE DISPENSER?

Some dishwashers are equipped with a designated compartment for dishwasher pods, but most dishwashers require you to place pods into the main detergent dispenser prior to starting a wash cycle. Always consult your dishwasher owner’s manual and pod detergent packaging to find out the best place to put detergent.

WHY DO DISHWASHER PODS SOMETIMES GET STUCK IN THE DISPENSER?

Detergent pods can get stuck in the dispenser when the plastic coating sticks to the wall of the dispenser or old detergent is crusted onto the edges or interior of the compartment. You can help prevent pods from sticking by adding them to a clean, dry detergent compartment with completely dry hands so the pod’s plastic coating isn’t triggered to begin dissolving inside of the dispenser.

CAN I PUT DISHWASHER PODS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE DISHWASHER?

It’s typically best to place pods in the main detergent compartment—or designated pod detergent compartment if applicable—to prevent them from dissolving before the wash cycle begins and the detergent compartment opens.

Person adjusting upper rack height of a loaded dishwasher with a third rack

CAN I PUT DISHWASHER PODS IN THE SILVERWARE CADDY?

Pods are engineered to dissolve when they come into contact with water, so putting a pod in the silverware caddy can cause the pod to begin dissolving too early in the cycle and may lead to poor wash performance.

A dishwasher’s detergent compartment is typically designed to pop open once the dishwasher completes a rinse cycle, allowing the pod to begin dissolving during the wash cycle.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO USE DISHWASHER PODS DURING SHORT CYCLES?

Detergent pods should go in the main detergent compartment for any type of cycle. This can help prevent detergent from dissolving too early in the cycle by delaying when it comes into contact with water.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DISHWASHER PODS?

All dishwasher detergent pods are made up of a single, pre-measured dose of detergent and are typically coated in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to help prevent pods from degrading. They can be made of gel, powder or a combination of detergent types and may include additives like a rinse aid to help dishes dry faster.

EXPLORE KITCHENAID® DISHWASHERS

KitchenAid^® dishwashers offer advanced cleaning features, flexible loading options and a bold aesthetic for any kitchen. The ProWash^™ Cycle on select models measures soil levels and adapts wash time and temperature to properly clean caked-on messes or light loads. Some KitchenAid^® dishwashers also include the Advanced Clean Water Wash System that continuously removes food particles to circulate clean water throughout the entire cycle.