It’s important to think creatively when cleaning; whether you’re short on time, running out of product, or just feeling like experimenting, you’ll have to think outside the box every now and then. And as it turns out, dishwasher pods are much more versatile in the cleaning department than we give them credit for.
We spoke with two cleaning experts about different ways to use dishwasher pods to clean around the house—here are their top tips.
Meet the Expert
- Chris Willatt is the founder and owner of Alpine Maids cleaning company in Denver, CO.
- James King is operations manager at DeluxeMaid, a professional house cleaning service in Indianapolis, IN.
Deodorize the Trash
Grace Cary / Getty Images
Everybody’s had that moment when you go to throw something away and the smell is worse than anything should ever smell in a home. Thankfully, in a pinch, dishwasher pods have you covered.
“Toss a pod at the bottom of your trash bag before you start filling it up,” says James King, operations manager at DeluxeMaid. “When it’s time to take the trash out, you’ll notice the difference.”
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Tackle Tough Stains
Sometimes, the dishwasher just isn’t powerful enough for those set stains in takeout containers or mugs from coffee and tea. But, just a little more power from a pod could help you out.
“These stains are tough to scrub off with a brush because it is hard to get in there and really add elbow grease,” says Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids. “All you need to do is break a dishwasher pod in your mug, fill it with piping hot water, let it sit for an hour and scrub the stains right off.”
Clean the Garbage Disposal
There are infinite ways to clean a garbage disposal, and everyone swears by their chosen method. King’s method of choice is a dishwasher pod and hot water.
“The cleaning enzymes go to work, breaking down the food scraps, grease, and odors that have built up over time,” he says.
If you’re trying to clean up after a food mess, it feels only intuitive to use a food cleaning product to do so.
Restore the Walls
The Spruce / Brie Goldman
Walls get all kinds of bumps and bruises over the years, whether it be dirt, scuff marks, or even little ones trying out their creativity on a new canvas. Most of the marks that accumulate on the wall over time can be tackled with a dishwasher pod, and you can even use them beyond the wall.
“Dishwasher pods are actually a really good way to clean crayon, paint, or juice stains off your wall, floors, or floorboards,” Willatt says. “Throw two dishwasher tablets in a bucket of hot water, let them dissolve then use a scrubber to scrub off those pesky stains.”
Refresh Outdoor Furniture
In the same vein, dishwasher pods can be used to clean outdoor furniture. Sometimes it can be hard to find the right method to clean outdoor furniture, between wanting something thorough and not wanting to damage any plastic components. Dishwasher pods do just that.
“All you need to do is dissolve the pod in some warm water, grab a sponge, and start wiping down. Once you’ve wiped everything down, rinse with clean water to wash away any leftover detergent, and you’re done,” King says.
