A Quick Tip For An Obscure Problem Few People Will Have

Pods Of Wisdom

Sometimes, I just feel like sharing some wisdom. No matter how small or of little use it may be.

Today is one of those days.

But since I know that time is precious, and I know this information isn't something that will benefit a lot of people, you're welcome to stop reading this post if:

• You don't have a front loading washing machine
• You don't use detergent pods

This way, no one can blame me for wasting their time. You've been warned.

The fascinating world inside the front loading washing machine. If you squint, you should be able to see the detergent pod in the back behind the ridge.

The Problem And The Solution

Okay, so here's the deal.

If you've ever used a front loading machine, you'll recognize the problem a detergent pod represents. With a top loading machine, you just throw the pod into the washer and let it do its thing. With a front loading washer, though, one out of three washes may result in a partially used pod ending up near the door, providing a sticky, unpleasant mess to clean up.

It doesn't seem to matter where you place the pod—buried under all the clothes, placed in the middle of the clothes, or as far back in the drum as possible—the partially used pod can find its way towards the door, where it's marooned and therefore becomes useless.

Well, I've come up with a solution for that. I don't know why it works exactly, but it has stopped the pod from making its way to the front every time.

This only works, mind you, if your front loading washing machine has ridges around the inside of the drum. I'm assuming most do based off the fact mine does. If yours doesn't have these ridges, then you're back to square one.

If you take the pod and place it directly behind the bottom ridge, then put all of the laundry in after it, the pod seems to be held in place long enough for it to use all of its contents and melt away the plastic its wrapped in.

You may be tempted to put the detergent pod in here. Don't.

Avoid This

Just for the record, you may have tried putting the pod into the tray where the powder or liquid detergent would go. I did that a couple of times and each time, the results were disastrous. The packaging doesn't dissolve and the detergent doesn't get where it needs to go.

So, if you have a front loading washing machine, use the pods, and would like to eliminate clean up after washing, this is my solution.

I hope it works for you as it's worked for me.

_{Images courtesy of Glen Anthony Albrethsen.}