Many are hailing this method as a revolutionary laundry hack.

However, these homemade frozen pods aren't as effective as people think.

Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) in the US explain that frozen detergent pods may dissolve slowly during washing. Especially with cold water, clothes may not be thoroughly cleaned and residue could remain.

Carolyn Forte, a GHI expert, says freezing can alter the chemical structure of detergents, leading to uneven distribution and reduced effectiveness against stubborn stains like grease or dirt.

Bill Carroll, a chemist at Indiana University, adds that detergent, fabric softener, and laundry detergent manufacturers never recommend freezing because it destabilizes the formula, potentially causing clothes to fade or fabric to wear out quickly.

Kim Romine, a fabric care expert at Tide in Chicago, notes that only water-based detergents are prone to freezing, while concentrated products like Tide Liquid are less affected.

Unlike standard detergent pods, frozen pods lack a plastic coating, and liquid detergents aren't designed to be frozen. Upon thawing, the ingredients may separate, reducing cleaning effectiveness.

Dr. Bryan, director of Mendocino Food Consulting, adds that cold temperatures can hinder the solubility of some ingredients. For biological detergents containing enzymes, freezing can damage the enzymes and decrease their efficacy.

Experts recommend using liquid detergent as directed, pouring it into the dispenser or directly into the washing machine drum for optimal cleaning.

Ngoc Ngan (Yahoo News)