20 Fun Facts About Pod-Making Machines
Detergent Pod-Making Machines There are many different pod machines available, from K-Cup ® and Tassimo ™ to Nespresso ™ or Senseo™. All pod coffee machines function the same way, by heating water and pressing buttons. The process of making pods is more complicated however, it is still simple enough to make by yourself. Here are a few things to be aware of when purchasing a pod-making equipment: Detergent Pod Manufacturing Detergent pods are practical and efficient. They are also environmentally friendly. How do they get them made? The process is actually quite simple. A single-dose pod contains dissolvable film that dissolves upon contact with water. This film is usually made of polyvinyl ethanol, which is easily dissolved in water and does not leave any residue on clothes. The detergent formula also contains chelating agents that soften hard water, reduce detergent degradation and optical brighteners to whites. The sachets then get sealed, protecting the contents from contamination and moisture during storage, transport and use. Laundry pod makers use advanced production techniques to meet the demand. They can produce between 600 and 240 pods every minute, which ensures that the products are delivered on time. Tide manufactures a portion of these pods. Tide uses top-quality, U.S-made ingredients, and does not import cheaper substitutes. It also takes steps to trace and verify the raw materials. A laundry pod making machine features a product hopper that keeps liquid detergent in storage until it's used. A precise dispenser fills each pod with the exact amount of detergent. Finally, the machine heat-seals each pod. The patented design of the machine shields the water-soluble film, while routine inspections ensure 0.02ml accuracy. The films of Pod also contain minor ingredients, such as denatonium, which imparts an unpleasant taste and makes to repel liquids. For instance, MonoSol uses Bitrex, an ammonium quaternary compound that is known as denatonium. The chemical is so bitter, it can repel people at concentrations of as little as 0.01%. It also discourages children and pets from putting sachets of the chemical in their mouths. When you're not using your laundry pods, store them away from the reach of young children or pets. By storing them away from light and moisture it will prevent their ingredients from degrading too quickly. Proper storage conditions can also prolong the life span of the detergent. Always dispose of laundry pods in a proper manner after use. Detergent Packaging of Pods Detergent pods have become a fashion, gobbling up market share in laundry and dishwasher detergents, as well as personal care products like shampoo. They are a concentrated mix of surfactants, cleaning ingredients, and a water-soluble coating. They are convenient to use, easy to store and a safer alternative to liquid detergents. Pods are not like traditional detergent containers made of PET plastic, which can contain harmful chemicals, such as 1,4 dioxane. Instead, they are made up of an assortment of harsh chemicals, enclosed in a polyvinyl alcohol film. Depending on the brand, these chemicals could contain bleaches, surfactants, optical brighteners, solvents enzymes and fragrances. The manufacturers disclose these ingredients on their websites. The PVA film used to encase pods is biodegradable. It is included in the CleanGredients database of the Environmental Protection Agency. It also holds the Nordic Swan eco-label, one of the most stringent eco-labels that exist. The EPA says it can be broken down into simple, natural substances found in soil and wastewater plants. Laundry pods are a popular alternative to liquid detergents and many brands provide various product options, ranging from basic laundry detergent to stain removers and fabric softeners. In the US they comprise 15 percent of household detergent sales according to a research by Nohbo. Most pods contain a single dose, however some contain fabric softeners and stain removers as well for scent boosters. Many manufacturers also add anti-bacterial properties to the detergent to combat bacteria. Some have complained that laundry pods do not dissolve completely, despite their convenience. This is usually the case if you overfill the tub with water, use water that is unusually cool or you add the pods to earlier in the cycle. It could also occur when the user fails to read the instructions carefully since the pods need the right temperature and pressure to dissolve properly. The pods aren't toys. Therefore, consumers should keep them out of the reach of children and ensure that they are stored in a secure place for storage. They should also be emptied before being put in the dishwasher or washing machine. Recycling the packaging as soon as is feasible can help reduce waste and avoid pollution. Detergent Filling Pods Laundry pods are fast replacing liquid detergents that are traditionally available in the household cleaning market. These tiny containers are convenient and easy to use, and they do not require measuring. They are available in different sizes and strengths. Depending on the laundry requirements, you can choose from single-dose laundry detergent pods, multi-compartment pods, or even powder detergent pods. The key to pods is their thin encapsulating film. It needs to keep its shape while retaining chemically active liquids and solids but must dissolve quickly and completely in water – even cold water. Many companies have settled on a polymer called PVA which has both of these properties. The remainder of the pod contains a mix of powerful detergents, bleaches, solvents, optical brighteners, enzymes and preservatives. Manufacturers usually list the ingredients in their detergents. Pods are made from plant-based polymers, unlike liquid and powder detergents that are packaged in high density plastic. Microbes are able to break down these polymers in soil or water. Scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution claim that PVA is degraded in less than 70 days in sewage and sludge. This is a lot more rapid than conventional detergent which takes hundreds of years to be degraded. While laundry pods have revolutionized the laundry industry but they're not without disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is that they're more expensive than powder or liquid detergents. If you happen to accidentally lick the pod, you will be greeted by an unpleasant taste as well as chemical burn. Another disadvantage is that they're not as versatile as traditional detergents. A laundry pod entitles your washing options to the specific cycle that's listed on the packaging. This could be a problem in the case of top-loading or front-loading washer that has an automatic detergent dispenser or fabric softener. If your machine is equipped with an agitator, pods may not dissolve correctly. If you're considering trying laundry pods, ask a local laundromat about the best choice for your machine as well as your clothes. Always follow the directions. If your clothes have streaks or spotted after washing them with a pod, immediately wash them without adding any more detergent. Do not put detergent-stained clothing in dryers because the heat can make the stain more difficult to remove later. Detergent Pods Inspection Laundry detergent pods are very popular because they dissolve quickly and effectively in hot water. They remove staining from most fabrics. The pods aren't free of controversy. coffee pods coffee machine refer to them as plastic and they are a growing source of marine debris. Although it is true that the polyvinyl alcohol and PVOH that are used to make pods are derived from petroleum, the makers argue that these plastics aren't as harmful as other types of plastics since they are biodegradable in water. Since their introduction in 2012, laundry pods have grown in popularity. They now account for nearly a third of the sales of liquid detergent in the United US. The sachets are offered by many major brands and are available in a variety of scents and colors. They're roughly the size of an ice cube. The pods are also advertised as eco-friendly and the Cleaning Institute (which represents large detergent multinationals like Procter and Gamble) arguing that the blending of detergent into a pre-measured dose results in less packaging, lighter and less emissions from shipping. The manufacturer also claims that the pods' starches from plants and other natural substances aid in making them water-soluble and they biodegrade within a short time in water treatment plants. However, despite all the hype the pods can be dangerous if mishandled. The thin membranes that contain the detergent can easily break open and cause irritation to skin or eyes. If they are inhaled they could also trigger poisoning from chemicals. In addition, the outer packaging designed to prevent children from gaining access to the pods is easily ripped at the zipper track. In September 2012, Consumer Reports called on manufacturers to make the pods safer by changing their transparent containers into opaque ones and adding latches that are child-proof. A number of manufacturers responded and some have added additional safety warnings. In the meantime, to avoid problems, keep the pods out of the reach of children and seniors and away from pets. Store them high or in a secure place to prevent children from mistaking the pods for candy. Also, make sure you use a detergent compatible with your particular washer. Be aware that cold water – especially when it's below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, may not dissolve the pod and may create a blockage for your machine, or cause residue of detergent on the fabric.