How to use Tide laundry capsules?

Many people habitually prefer laundry detergents, unaware of the effectiveness and efficiency of their alternatives: gels or capsules. The latter are pre-measured gel formulations, making them easier to use and enhancing their active formula. Thanks to their special ingredients, they effectively tackle any stain, including stubborn rust, blood, and grass stains. To develop trust and appreciation for these new laundry detergents, you need to start using Tide laundry capsules. We invite you to learn about the instructions, ingredients, benefits, and varieties of this product.

How to wash with capsules?

Using Tide capsules is quite simple. Unlike washing powder, the product does not need to be dosed for each wash – it is sold individually, and each “shell” contains the required amount of active substance. The complete instructions for use look like this:

• place one capsule at the bottom of the drum in the center;
• Place the laundry on top of the product;
• close the hatch door;
• We select a suitable washing program based on the type of fabric and the degree of soiling of the items;
• press "Start" and wait for the cycle to end.

There is no need to open the Tide gel capsules – the shell will dissolve on its own in the drum when it comes into contact with water.

When switching from powder to capsules, you don't need to change your laundry routine. Just separate whites from colored and dark items and choose any convenient cycle. Remember that helium capsules are excellent at removing stains even at low temperatures, so they can be used at 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and even 90 degrees. We'll discuss the product's other benefits later.

What are the benefits of capsules?

Compared to powders and gels, Tide capsules offer many more advantages. The most important is safety. These "balls" are environmentally friendly, leading the hypoallergenic category, and suitable for washing children's clothes and those with allergies.

There are other positive aspects as well.

1. Efficiency. This innovative formula outperforms laundry detergents by 2-2.5 times. Powerful bleaching agents remove tough stains quickly and at low temperatures. One medium cycle is sufficient, without prewash or soaking.
2. Fast dissolution. The capsule shell dissolves at the right moment, and the active ingredients are easily rinsed out. No additional rinsing or raising the temperature is required – everything is washed out quickly, without leaving a white residue or streaks.
3. High concentration of active ingredients. One capsule can wash a full drum of laundry.
4. Versatility. The formula works at all temperatures and is gentle on all fabrics. The capsules are even suitable for washing delicate materials such as silk, suede, linen, and cotton. They can also be used to refresh expensive underwear, which is usually hand-washed only.
5. Calculated dosage. One capsule is suitable for 3-7 kg of laundry, and the active ingredient is sufficient for a complete wash of the entire load. Therefore, there is no need to measure the product as with conventional powders and gels.
6. Cost-effectiveness. Powder loses 3-5% of its composition during its journey through the washing machine, as it adheres to the drum walls, tray, and pipes. This doesn't happen with capsules—the entire mass is used. Helium balloons are also difficult to spill or overfill.
7. Ergonomics and ease of use. The capsule packaging is easy to open and close, without the need for additional clips or special containers. The box itself doesn't take up much space, and the "balls" are easy to use. The individual dosage is especially convenient if the washing machine is installed in the kitchen or hallway rather than the bathroom.

Gel capsules wash 2-2.5 times better than cheap powders.

Another advantage of these capsules is that they are designed to preserve fabric color. Thanks to their 3-in-1 formula, they clean, remove stains, and add brightness thanks to the concentrated conditioner they contain. Housewives will also appreciate the manufacturer's wide selection—it's easy to choose the perfect scent, whether neutral, alpine, or floral.

Cons, according to consumers

All innovative products are subject to criticism, one way or another, from customers and competitors. Tide's capsules are no exception, and they too have several serious drawbacks. The main one is the inability to separate the capsule into several parts. Many people run their washing machine with the drum partially full, making it uneconomical to use a single "ball." If you wash a small amount of laundry regularly, the detergent will be used up very quickly.

Other shortcomings are also noted.

• High price. Laundry capsules are more expensive than regular powders and gels. But in many ways, the cost is justified.
• Strong scent. Many people are concerned about the overly strong scent of the fragrance added to the capsule after washing their laundry. However, this is a personal preference: you can choose a more neutral scent or avoid using it when cleaning items close to your face (pillowcases, diapers, towels).
• Danger to children. The capsules resemble bath bombs or teething toys. This is all very appealing to children and can lead to poisoning. However, it's up to the parents to take precautions, as household chemicals should be kept out of reach.

Tide gel capsules should be kept out of the reach of children.

Another drawback many people consider is that regularly using capsules is unnecessary. Household fabrics don't require such thorough and gentle cleaning, so most of the formula is wasted. In this case, it's better to find a compromise: keep both powder and helium balloons at home. Then, work clothes and laundry can be washed with inexpensive detergents, while delicate fabrics and lace lingerie can be washed with more expensive ones.

Harmful components in the composition

Most manufacturers formulate their products using the same active ingredients. Typically, they use a highly concentrated cleansing gel and stain remover. These ingredients also support Tide capsules.

Tide washing capsules contain anionic surfactants.

Tide contains common chemicals that can be harmful to the human body. A prime example is anionic surfactants, which are present in virtually all detergents, both inexpensive and expensive. They are largely responsible for combating complex stains. However, surfactants also dry out the skin, clog pores, and lead to impaired sweating. This can lead to skin damage, allergic reactions, and weakened immunity.

The capsules also contain harmless ingredients, including soap, enzymes, and phosphonates. Optical brighteners are also often used, which are developed to lighten or brighten items.

Types of Tide capsules

You can find a wide range of Tide capsules for washing machines on the shelves of household chemical stores. But if you examine the ingredients on each box, it becomes clear that there's no fundamental difference between the brightly colored boxes. The only differences are the added fragrances and the number of capsules. But it's best to take a closer look and choose the most suitable option. This mini-review of the product range will help.

• Tide Go Pods is a versatile detergent suitable for whites, light-colored items, blacks, and colored items. It's suitable for both hand and machine washing. Its effective formula, which includes enzymes, optical brighteners, and 30% anionic and 5% nonionic surfactants, quickly removes stains. It's sold in boxes of 15 or 30. The former cost around $3.15, while the latter cost around $6.19.
• Tide Alpine Freshness. These capsules have a pleasant scent and otherwise work similarly to the other products reviewed. The capsules dissolve quickly in water and work well at temperatures from 20 to 95 degrees Celsius. One ball washes 5 kg of laundry, including stubborn stains. As for pricing, the approximate cost is as follows: 15 capsules cost $2–$3.50, and 30 capsules start at $5.
• Tide Color. It tackles stains of any severity on fabrics of all types and colors. But the name speaks for itself: in addition to cleaning, it restores the fabric's original brightness and shine. Its phosphate-free formula ensures its safety and eco-friendliness. The price depends on the number of capsules in the package: 12 capsules will cost $2–$3, 23 capsules will cost $3–$5, and 30 capsules can be purchased for $6–$8.

Tide capsules are universal: they can be used to wash fabrics of any color and type.

Gel-based detergents offer many advantages, surpassing both powders and gels in cleaning performance and ease of use. The downside is the high price, but the end result justifies it.

   

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