Nicola Roy, a Spare Time writer, recently made a simple change to her laundry routine that has transformed the softness of her clothes, towels, and bedsheets. Switching from laundry pods to liquid detergent has not only improved fabric feel but also reduced costs and environmental impact.
The Problem with Laundry Pods
For years, Roy used laundry pods, separating lights and darks and tossing in a pod with each load. However, she frequently encountered the annoyance of pod explosions, which left gloopy marks on clothes, particularly on white washes. These stains were often difficult to remove. Additionally, cheaper pods failed to soften clothes adequately, leaving them feeling rough.
The Simple Swap to Liquid Detergent
In search of a better solution, Roy switched to liquid detergent. She purchased a bottle of Almat detergent from Aldi in the scent Tropical Lily for around £1.79, which provides 28 washes. This price point is significantly lower than many pod brands. She stopped using fabric softener, noting that it can build up on fabrics over time and make them harder. Instead, she uses one capful of detergent per load, poured into the drawer.
Noticeable Improvements
Since making the switch, Roy reports that her clothes have never felt softer, even though she air-dries them. The liquid detergent leaves no gloopy stains, and the scent is fresher and longer-lasting compared to pods. She also highlights the environmental benefit: liquid detergent typically comes in plastic bottles that can be recycled, whereas pods often involve more plastic packaging per wash.
Minor Downsides
The only drawback Roy mentions is the potential mess when pouring detergent into the cap, but she considers it a small price to pay for the benefits. She recommends that others loyal to pods give liquid detergent a try for softer, fresher laundry at a lower cost.
