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

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

And while these pods are quite the hack for easy dish cleaning, there is an ongoing discussion about the safety of these pods. Are dishwasher pods really safe to use 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 tiny 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 small 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 large 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, 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 small, 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 hot water in your dishwasher, it can sometimes release less-than-great chemicals. 

While dishwasher pods are indeed easy to use, it’s important to use 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).