Finding the best washing pods will ensure your laundry comes straight out of the washing machine clean and fresh. Some of us find washing pods a better solution than washing powder, which is easily spilt, and sometimes a little awkward to dispense.
Laundry pods, or capsules, can simply be popped straight into the drum with the wash. Plus, with three-in-one options as well as those developed specially for coloured fabrics and for sensitive skin, there’s a product out there that’s perfect for everyone. To help you determine which is the best, we’ve listed the best washing pods you can buy right now.
Our pick includes everything from capsules with built-in fabric softener and a lovely fresh floral fragrance, to those that lift stains and brighten colours at the same time. Then, to really ensure your clothes are kept in the best condition, make sure you have the best washing machine money can buy, too.
What are the best washing pods?
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We think the best washing pods you can buy are Bold 3-in-1 Pods Spring Awakening Washing Liquid Capsules. You’ll get fantastic cleaning results with built-in softener, so will save on buying separate detergent and softener. They also leave laundry with a lovely scent that lingers long after washing. We also love the Surf Tropical Laundry Capsules, as their exotic aroma reminds us of summer holidays, beach towels and swimsuits. Read our full reviews below.
The best washing pods
Best for…
An all-in-one liquid detergent solution that washes, softens and gives laundry a lovely fresh smell of lotus flower, water lily and forget-me-not flowers – so there's no need to splash out on separate fabric softener.
3-in-1
Use one capsule per load of laundry for best cleaning results, along with softer fabrics and a gorgeous fresh fragrance, which is designed by Lenor perfume experts.
Larger box
You won’t find this size in shops (online only!) and you’ll get 55 washes, so your money goes a lot further too.
Results
For an even fresher wash, you could use these pods with Lenor Spring Awakening fabric conditioner too. And there is a matching washing powder, washing liquid and washing gel for the full set.
Good to know
Your clothes and bedlinen will still smell fresh even after tumble drying in one of the best tumble dryers, and you can use these washing pods in both soft and hard water areas.
Best for…
When you want a burst of exotic fragrance from your laundry, Surf Tropical liquid capsules combine tropical lily with ylang ylang for a lovely scent on clothes and bedding.
Brilliantly clean
As well as releasing an exotic fragrance, these capsules also give great cleaning results on clothes and bedlinen.
2-in-1
The sensual smell of ylang ylang is said to reconnect body and mind, creating feelings of euphoria, while lily ranks in the top five most popular fresh cut flowers in the world.
Results
Suitable for both colours and whites, these washing pods release their fragrance throughout the day, so laundry stays fresh for longer.
Good to know
For best results, use one capsule for a standard wash in soft or medium water and two capsules for heavy soiling, hard water areas or a 6-8kg larger washing machine.
Best for…
All the cleaning power you need in one little capsule. They work by using a multi-compartment pod that keeps the ingredients stable and separate until they reach the wash, then you get a super-concentrated cleaning power. Plus, the capsule film dissolves completely when it comes into contact with water.
Tough on stains
All kinds of stains will be removed thanks to these washing wonders, even in the first wash – so there's generally no need to do a second load.
Exact dosing
There’s no need to worry about how much to add to the wash as each pod has exactly the right ingredients to lift stains and brighten your clothes.
Results
Try these washing pods with a Touch of Febreze for an extra fresh smell after washing.
Good to know
To take extra care of colours and prevent fading, use Ariel 3-in-1 Pods Colour & Style, which are created specially to keep your brights bright.
Best for…
Giving excellent cleaning power while preserving bold colours and patterns each and every wash. The triple action formula combines impressive stain removal with a fresh smell that lasts.
Stubborn stains
Whatever stains you’re dealing with, whether it’s mud and grass or wine and grease, Persil takes care of it with tough stain removal.
Fabric care
Your clothes and bedlinen will be treated with care thanks to the gentle formula that’s kind on textures.
Results
Your laundry will come out of the machine smelling ultra fresh, and will carry on smelling sweet as the days go on.
Best for…
Those with sensitive skin or skin allergies, as these washing pods are perfume and colourant-free. They also have the Allergy UK Seal of Approval
Cleans effectively
As well as being kind on skin, these capsules are also great at washing clothes, and will help keep your whites white for longer.
Neutral 0 per cent
There are no unnecessary chemicals or additives in these capsules, so no need to worry about perfumes, optical brighteners or colourants.
Results
Use with Neutral kind to skin fabric conditioner for a softer feel after each wash.
Good to know
These capsules, along with all Neutral household products, have the Allergy UK Seal of Approval.
Best for…
Colour care. These capsules are specially formulated to tackle tough stains, while keeping clothes bold and bright.
Stain removal
For really effective stain removal, Presto! handles all sorts of spills, splashes and stains on all types of fabrics.
Fresh smelling
Once the laundry is done, your clothes and bedlinen will smell super-fresh and fragrant for days afterwards.
Results
Great on coloured clothes, helping to prevent fading while keeping them bright and fresh.
Good to know
If you want a stronger smell, use with fabric dryer sheets or washing beads.
How to buy the best washing pods
With so many brands and different types to choose from, it can be difficult to know the best washing pods for your laundry needs. Pods are so convenient and easy to use, as there’s no measuring out or dosing to worry about. Simply pop a pod in the drum of the machine and away you go. It can be more expensive than using washing powder or a liquid detergent that you pour into the detergent drawer but for many, the convenience outweighs the cost.
Water temperature
Check before you buy that your washing pod will work effectively in the wash temperature that you tend to use most often. So if you favour an eco-friendly 30˚ programme, make sure the detergent is compatible with cooler cycles.
Active ingredients
Look for things like stain removal technology and enzymes that work to break down stains such as mud, tomato, grass and grease – especially if you have young children! But, if you need a product that’s more eco-friendly and works with a septic tank, then you need a non-bio washing pod or something that uses only plant-based extracts. be sure to consider any caveats like this that might apply to your home.
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