Do Dishwasher Pods Clog Your Pipes? The Answer May Surprise You

Dishwasher pods are beloved by all and popular for good reason. These miniature pods are effortless to exploit and don’t make a mess in your kitchen like when you exploit old-fashioned dishwasher soap.

And while these pods are quite the hack for effortless dish cleaning, there is an ongoing discussion about the safety of these pods. Are dishwasher pods really safe and sound to exploit for your plumbing? And do they clog up your pipes?

Let’s talk about all things dishwasher pods.

What Are Dishwasher Pods Made Of?

Dishwasher pods are miniature plastic shells that are filled with detergent and other ingredients. These ingredients are packaged inside a dissolvable plastic coating called polyvinyl alcohol, or PVA.

This synthetic material easily breaks apart during the wash cycle, releasing the cleanser inside the pod.

Will Dishwasher Pods Clog Pipes?

Now for the real question everyone is wondering: will dishwasher pods harm your pipes or clog them? The answer is usually no, they don’t.

Since pods are biodegradable, the microplastics that the pods come in disintigate after a round of cleaning in your dishwasher. They are miniature enough where they won’t clog or block your pipes, so that’s a win.

In order for your pods to perform correctly (and not back up your pipes), make sure it’s placed properly. If it isn’t, you risk it not dissolving all the way and you’ll have to do another washing cycle.

Are Dishwasher Pods Safe?

PVA isn’t just used in dishwasher pods. It’s used in a huge variety of products and is often found in textiles, paper, adhesives and paints. It also has medical, industrial and commercial applications.

While using dishwasher pods in your dishwasher is definitely safe and sound, they arguably aren’t great for the environment.

Many companies claim PVA is 100% biodegradable, but PVA can break down into microplastics, which can certainly pollute the environment and cause harm for the air, water and soil.

These microplastics are so miniature, that you won’t be able to see them with your own eyes and they will wash down the drain. This can be harmful for animals, especially birds if they come in contact with the plastic.

Also, as the pods dissolves upon contact with balmy water in your dishwasher, it can sometimes release less-than-great chemicals. 

While dishwasher pods are indeed effortless to exploit, it’s crucial to exploit them the correct way. But of course, you can always revert back to the basics if you’re feeling concerned for the environment (which we completely understand).