Many people out of habit prefer washing powders, unaware of the effectiveness and efficiency of its analogues: gels or capsules. The latter are dosed gel formulations, which simplifies their use and enhances the active formula. Due to special components, they successfully cope with any contaminants, including difficult-to-remove rust, blood and grass. To gain confidence and sympathy for new washing products, you need to start using Tide washing capsules. We invite you to get acquainted with the instructions, composition, advantages and varieties of the 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 the active substance. Full instructions for use look like this:
- place one capsule on the bottom of the drum in the center;
- Place laundry on top of the product;
- close the hatch door;
- choose a suitable washing program, focusing on the type of fabric and the degree of contamination of the items;
- Click “Start” and wait for the cycle to end.
There is no need to open Tide helium capsules - the shell will dissolve on its own in the drum when interacting with water.
By abandoning powder in favor of capsules, you do not need to change your household “washing habits”. In the usual way, we separate white from color and dark and select any convenient mode. Don’t forget that helium “balls” do an excellent job of removing stains even at low temperatures, so they can be used at 30 degrees, 60, and 90. We’ll talk about the other benefits of the product further.
Allergies - what to do?
The development of an allergy to Tide cannot be ruled out. It can occur at any age and at any time. The most commonly recorded skin reactions are:
Instructions for use of liquid washing powder
- itching,
- redness,
- rash,
- hives.
Possible involvement of the respiratory system in the pathological process (cough, runny nose, bronchial spasm).
Allergies are a reason to avoid detergent. Contact is completely excluded. Linen washed with Tide is re-treated using a different powder.
To quickly eliminate negative symptoms, take anti-allergy drugs (Zodak, Zyrtec, Loratadine) and enterosorbents (Enterosgel, Polysorb, Polyphepan).
What are the benefits of capsules?
Compared to powder and gels, Tide capsules have many times more advantages. The most important thing is safety. Such “balls” are environmentally friendly, a leader among hypoallergenic products and are suitable for washing clothes for children and allergy sufferers.
There are also other positive aspects.
- Efficiency. The innovative composition is 2-2.5 times superior to washing powders in terms of washing quality. Powerful whitening components allow you to remove difficult stains quickly and at low temperatures. One medium cycle is enough without pre-washing or soaking.
- Fast dissolution. The capsule shell dissolves at the right time, and the active substances are easily rinsed out. There is no need for additional rinsing or increasing the temperature - everything is washed out quickly, without white residue or streaks.
- High concentration of active substances. One capsule can wash a full drum of clothes.
- Versatility. The formula works at any temperature and is gentle on all types of fabrics. Capsules can be used even for washing delicate materials: silk, suede, linen and cotton. You can also use them to refresh expensive underwear, which is usually washed only by hand.
- Calculated dosage. One capsule is designed for 3-7 kg of laundry, and the active substance is enough to fully wash all the clothes loaded into the drum. Therefore, there is no need to dose the product, as with conventional powders and gels.
- Economical. When the powder “travels” through the machine, it loses 3-5% of its composition, as it remains on the walls of the drum, tray and nozzles. This does not happen with capsules - the entire mass goes into use. Also, helium balloons are difficult to spill or overfill.
- Ergonomics and ease of use. The capsule packaging is easy to open and close; there is no need to use additional clips or special containers. The box itself does not take up much space, and the “balls” are easy to use. Piece dosing is especially convenient if the washing machine is installed not in the bathroom, but in the kitchen or hallway.
Helium capsules wash 2-2.5 times better than cheap powders.
Another “plus” of capsules is that they are aimed at preserving the color of the fabric. Thanks to the 3-in-1 formula, the product cleanses, removes impurities and adds brightness due to the concentrated conditioner present. Housewives will also be pleased with the range offered by the manufacturer - it’s easy to choose the right scent, neutral, alpine or floral.
Flaws
But capsules also have their disadvantages compared to other laundry detergents, such as:
- they cannot be used in parts - they must be loaded into the drum of the washing machine intact;
- Applicable for machine wash only;
- most products have a strong aroma that can be irritating;
- quite toxic due to the high concentration of detergents;
- Not recommended for silk and wool unless otherwise stated in the instructions.
Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the rather high price.
Attention! Laundry sachets often look very “tasty”. Therefore, there are cases when small children manage to taste them. For this reason, the product must be stored out of the reach of children, and if suddenly a child manages to swallow the gel, you must immediately call an ambulance.
Cons, according to consumers
All innovative products are criticized in one way or another by customers and competitors. Tide capsules are no exception, which is why it has several serious shortcomings. The main one is the impossibility of dividing the capsule into several parts. Many people start the machine with an incomplete drum, and using a whole “ball” is unprofitable. If you regularly wash a small amount of items, the product 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 costs are justified.
- Strong smell. Many people are confused by the fact that after washing the laundry smells too strongly of the fragrance added to the capsule. But here everything is too individual: you can choose a more neutral scent or not use it when cleaning things close to your face (pillowcases, diapers, towels).
- Danger for children. Externally, capsule balls resemble a bath bomb or a teething toy. All this attracts the child and can cause poisoning. But here everything depends on the parents, since household chemicals must be stored in an inaccessible place.
Tide helium capsules must be stored out of the reach of children.
Among the disadvantages, many include the fact that regularly using capsules is unjustified. Household fabrics do not require such serious and gentle cleaning, so the bulk of the formula is wasted. In this case, it is better to find a compromise: keep both powder and helium balloons at home. Then work clothes and technical rags can be washed with cheap products, while delicate fabrics and lace underwear can be washed with expensive products.
Features of choice
When choosing Tide detergent, you need to take into account the type of fabric, the nature of the dirt and the washing method.
Optimal washing quality can only be achieved if the correct detergent has been selected.
Basic recommendations:
- Machine washable. You can use any detergent labeled “automat”.
- Handwash. Detergents with the appropriate mark are suitable for washing, for example, Tide “Alpine Freshness” Hand wash.
- Washing white clothes. Preference should be given to those products that contain whitening components, for example, Tide gel with Lenor “Scandinavian Spring” scent.
- Washing colored or dark items. You need to choose detergents marked Color. They do not contain bleach, but contain substances that protect the original color of the fabric.
- Washing children's clothes. Choose Tide children's washing powder. This product is hypoallergenic and contains no phosphates or dyes. The powder granules are easy to rinse out. The detergent has a neutral aroma.
- Washing delicate fabrics. If careful care of things is required, it is better to use capsules or gel. Their enhanced formula allows you to remove contaminants in cool water. Detergent particles do not linger in the fabric fibers, so you can avoid additional rinsing.
- Washing bed linen. To make it soft and pleasantly scented, you can use powder, gel or capsules with conditioner, such as Tide Pods with Lenor scent.
Harmful components in the composition
Most manufacturers develop their products based on the same active ingredients. Typically, a highly concentrated cleansing gel and stain remover are used. Tide capsules also “stick” to them.
Tide washing capsules contain anionic surfactants.
Tide contains common chemicals that can harm the human body. A striking example is anionic surfactants, which are present in almost all detergents, both cheap and expensive. It is they who are largely “responsible” for combating complex pollution. But at the same time, surfactants dry the skin, clog pores and lead to impaired sweating. This leads to skin damage, allergic reactions and decreased immunity.
The capsules also contain harmless ingredients. These include soaps, enzymes and phosphonates. There are often optical brighteners that are designed to lighten or brighten things.
Storage rules
Capsules are packaged in convenient plastic containers. They are small in size, beautifully designed, and have a sealed lid with a latch.
The container must be tightly closed after each use. The gel tablets will stick together if water gets into it.
The detergent has a limited shelf life. When stored in a dry place it is only 15 months. It is not advisable to use capsules that have expired . The manufacturer does not guarantee the quality of washing. In addition, an expired concentrated product may leak and cause an allergy attack.
The container with detergent should be put away in a closet so that it does not accidentally catch the child’s eyes. Young children are attracted to transparent containers filled with bright liquid; they resemble beautiful toys. If a child comes into contact with a concentrated product, he or she may become poisoned.
Types of Tide capsules
On the shelves of household chemical stores you can find a wide range of Thai capsules for washing in an automatic machine. But if you study the composition on each box, it becomes clear that there is no fundamental difference between the bright boxes. The only difference is the added flavors and the number of balls. But it’s better to take a closer look and choose the most suitable option. A mini-review of the offered range will help with this.
- Tide Go Pods machine A universal product that is suitable for white, light, black and colored items. The method of washing does not matter: it is used both for hand and machine washing. Quick stain removal occurs thanks to the effective composition, which contains enzymes, optical brighteners, 30% anionic and 5% nonionic surfactants. Sold in boxes of 15 or 30 pieces. The first ones cost about 315 rubles, and the second ones – about 619 rubles.
- Tide Alpine freshness. They have a pleasant aroma, and otherwise act similarly to the products discussed. The capsules quickly dissolve in water and work perfectly at temperatures from 20 to 95 degrees. One ball washes 5 kg of laundry, including stubborn stains. As for prices, the approximate cost is as follows: 15 pieces - 200-350 rubles, and 30 - from 500 rubles.
- Tide Color. Copes with any level of dirt on fabrics of all types and colors. But the name speaks for itself - in addition to washing, the product gives the material an initial brightness and shine. There are no phosphates in the composition, which indicates its safety and environmental friendliness. The cost depends on the number of capsules in the package: 12 pcs. will cost 200-300 rubles, 23 pcs. - 300-500 rubles, and 30 pcs. can be bought for 600-800 rubles.
Tide capsules are universal: they are used for washing fabrics of any color and type.
Helium “things” have many advantages, surpassing both powders and gels in terms of washing quality and ease of use. The disadvantage will be the high price, but it is also justified by the final result.
Interesting:
- Review of dishwasher capsules
- How many capsules do you need to wash clothes in a washing machine?
- How to use laundry capsules in the washing machine?
- How to use Ariel 3 in 1 laundry capsules?
- 5 Best Eco-friendly Dishwasher Products
- Why doesn't the capsule dissolve in the washing machine?
Reader comments
- Share your opinion - leave a comment
Directions for use and precautions
When using a capsule product, the following recommendations must be followed:
- Set the temperature to at least 30 degrees: only warm water helps dissolve the film.
- Place the product in the drum. In the washing compartment, the pad shell will remain intact, the gel will not have access to dirty clothes.
- Do not try to burst the capsule yourself.
- Do not combine the use of the gel tablet with powders, soaps, stain removers and other household chemicals.
- For complex stains or a large mass of items (more than 5 kg), you can use 2 capsules at once.
- Do not handle the pad with wet hands to avoid destruction of the shell.
- Do not soak laundry using the capsule.
- Store gel tablets in a cool, dry place with the packaging tightly closed.
Is it possible to wash in a basin?
The product is machine washable only. Aggressive ingredients can cause allergic reactions and irritation upon contact with the skin and respiratory tract. Hand washing using encapsulated products is strictly prohibited.
If you need to remove stubborn dirt, then it is permissible to soak the item in a basin, in a powder solution with a stain remover, then rinse, load it into the machine, and wash using a capsule.
How to remove traces of detergent
The film does not completely dissolve in 2 cases:
- if there is not enough laundry loaded into the machine;
- if the temperature was lower than recommended in the instructions.
The way out of the situation is to rinse things in warm water manually or run the rinse mode in the washing machine. The remaining stain can be removed with alcohol. The product is applied, left for 15 minutes, then washed off with warm water. The treatment with alcohol may have to be repeated 2-3 times until the contamination disappears.
Sidebar: Differences between capsules and laundry tablets
Powder tablets are compressed washing powder. Unlike gel capsules, one tablet can be divided into 2 halves if there is not a lot of laundry. In the machine, the product is loaded into a drum or powder compartment. Some tablets are allowed to be used when washing by hand.
Reviews
You can find many reviews about Tide pods. This indicates that the product is in demand. Most people appreciate the cleaning capabilities of this innovative formula.
Capsules cope well with various types of dirt, leaving things smelling good. Users like the unusual shape of the capsules.
The main disadvantage, according to people, is their high cost . Some are irritated by their pungent odor, which takes a long time to disappear from the laundry. Reviews can be found here and here.
There are housewives for whom the capsule shell does not dissolve completely. It gets under the rubber band of the drum and has to be removed manually. Most often this happens due to a violation of the sequence of actions when the capsule is placed in the drum on top of things. Reviews can be read here.
You will find a lot of important and useful information about laundry capsules in this section.