Shared laundry rooms come with unique challenges. Machines cycle through dozens of loads each day, residents have varying laundry habits, and detergent residue or misuse can impact machine performance. As many multifamily communities upgrade to smart wash laundry systems, the question becomes even more important: which detergent—powder, liquid, or pods—actually delivers the best results in a shared laundry environment?

In this blog post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each detergent type, explore how smart wash laundry technology improves outcomes, and offer tips for keeping your community laundry room running smoothly.

Understanding How Smart Wash Laundry Systems Improve the Process

The New York Times rated several different smart washers based on their performance, as well as their preferred detergents. Modern smart wash laundry technology senses detergent levels, adjusts water usage, and optimizes agitation and rinse cycles. This ensures residents get great results with less waste and reduces the wear and tear caused by excessive detergent use. 

These systems also pair well with specific detergent types—such as high-efficiency formulas designed to produce fewer suds, liquid detergents that dissolve quickly for shorter cycles, and concentrated pods that deliver consistent dosing for machines with automatic detergent dispensers. Some smart washers are even calibrated to recognize HE detergents and adjust wash patterns accordingly, while others work best with liquid or pod-based detergents that allow their sensors to measure soil levels more precisely. Certain Speed Queen models are better suited to wash different load sizes, and some detergents are more efficient within these drums.

Pros & Cons: How Each Detergent Functions

Now that you know why certain detergents might work better with your smart wash laundry system, here are some of the key differences between each type.

Powder Detergent: Effective but Sometimes Messy

Powder detergent has been a staple for decades, and for good reason. It’s affordable, long-lasting/shelf stable, and works particularly well for heavily soiled loads.

Pros

• Cost-effective – Often cheaper per load than liquids or pods.
• Great for hard water – Many powders contain additives that improve cleaning in mineral-heavy water.
• Environmentally friendly options – Cardboard packaging is easily recyclable.

Cons

• Residue concerns – In shared laundry rooms, spilled powder can create visible messes. Inside washers, undissolved powder can leave white streaks on clothing or build up in detergent drawers.
• Less effective in cold water – Some powders require warm or hot water to dissolve fully.
• Measurement inconsistency – Without careful measuring, residents may use too much.

Best for: Residents who wash larger loads or heavily soiled items often need longer, more powerful cycles to get everything thoroughly clean. Powder is the best suited for dealing with this particular problem. Using powder in conjunction with smart wash laundry systems can leave you with larger laundry loads fully completed.

Liquid Detergent: Popular and Versatile

Liquid detergent is the most common choice for apartment and condo residents, thanks to its ease of use and strong performance in all water temperatures.

Pros

• Dissolves easily – Works well in cold, warm, or hot water.
• Good for pretreating stains – Its liquid form makes spot-cleaning simple.
• Wide variety of specialty formulas – Sensitive skin, fragrance-free, high-efficiency, eco-friendly, etc.

Cons

• Residue and buildup – Thick liquids can create gunky residue in detergent compartments.
• Overuse issues – Without smart wash laundry technology to adjust water levels, too much liquid detergent can lead to oversudsing.
• Plastic waste – Most packaging uses HDPE plastic.

Best for: Everyday loads often combine a wide range of clothing and household items. Mixed fabrics require cycles that can gently yet effectively clean different materials simultaneously. Many residents value the convenience and versatility of settings that simplify laundry without compromising results.

Detergent Pods: Convenient but Not Always Ideal in Shared Spaces

According to The Spruce, detergent pods are popular because they’re tidy, pre-measured, and easy to store. But in a shared laundry environment, they come with specific considerations.

Pros

• Near-perfect portion control – Reduces waste and prevents overdosing.
• Mess-free – No spills, no residue in dispensers.
• Simple for all residents to use – Especially helpful in buildings with short-term renters.

Cons

• Higher cost per load – Pods are usually the most expensive detergent option.
• Potential dissolving issues – In older machines or very cold cycles, pods may not fully dissolve.
• Safety concerns for children – Bright colors and compact size can pose a risk in family buildings.

Pods are the ideal choice for residents seeking the ultimate in convenience and a truly mess-free experience. Since they are pre-measured, compact, and easy to store, pods eliminate the guesswork and potential for spills associated with liquid or powder detergents. Furthermore, their simple, one-step use makes them especially helpful for all residents, including short-term renters, ensuring the shared laundry space stays tidy and efficient with no powder residue or sticky liquid buildup in the dispensers. On our blog, we share additional tips and tricks to make the most out of your final choice in detergent type.

Conclusion

Choosing between powder, liquid, and pods comes down to convenience, the type of stains you deal with, and how well your detergent works with your building’s smart wash laundry systems. Liquid is the most versatile option, pods offer unbeatable convenience, and powder remains a powerful choice for certain loads.

By selecting the right detergent and following best practices, residents can maximize cleaning performance, protect clothes, and ensure shared laundry rooms stay efficient and pleasant for everyone. Have questions or want to improve your building’s laundry experience? Contact Automatic Laundry today to learn how smart wash laundry solutions can support your community.