- TikTok users are creating DIY laundry pods by freezing liquid detergent in ice cube trays.
- While it might seem convenient, the so-called hack isn't that simple.
- Our experts at the GHI Home Care & Cleaning Lab weigh in on the hack.
There is absolutely no shortage of cleaning, organizing and laundry-related hacks on TikTok. With the overwhelming amount of content we all come across on the daily, it's difficult to determine what's worth your time versus what isn't — and what can actually cause more harm than good.
A recent laundry "hack" taking over TikTok suggests people create their own DIY frozen pods by filling up silicone ice cube trays with liquid detergent, freezing them and then throwing them in one by one with each load of laundry. While it might seem like an easy way to control the amount of detergent you use with each load, it's not that simple.
We spoke to our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab about the so-called hack and why you should avoid trying it at home.
The Frozen Detergent Hack, Explained
The thought process behind the frozen detergent hack might seem reasonable — by creating measured "pods," you can easily control how much detergent you use. Plus, popping one out of the tray when it's time to throw in your next load is super quick and simple.
Why You Shouldn't Make Your Own Frozen Pods
The reality is cleaning products like detergent aren't meant to be exposed to extreme temperatures, whether high or low.
"It can alter the chemistry and cause them to separate. Liquid detergents are formulated to be used in normal wash temperatures and stored at normal room temperatures," says GH Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté. "Depending on the chemistry of the detergent, some brands may freeze more quickly than others and some may never fully freeze."
The simple pop of detergent this hack promises may turn into a gooey mess, depending on your detergent preference. And even if it does eventually freeze, the DIY "pod" might not work the way you'd hope.
"The frozen cube will likely take longer to fully dissolve in the wash cycle, especially if you're already washing in cold water, which can compromise cleaning performance," says Forté.
What You Should Do Instead
If you dread the process of measuring liquid detergent, there are plenty of expert-tested, high-quality pods you can conveniently throw in with your laundry.
Otherwise, stick to the instructions on the bottle for the best results. "The safest advice is to measure liquids using the cap and follow the directions or add single-dose packs to the front of the drum before adding in your clothing so they fully dissolve," says Forté.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
