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Plastic-Free Rating
Cleaning
Mainstream Brand
Cleaning·Tide

PODS Original Scent Laundry Detergent (81 Count)

D
PFR Grade
Poor — significant plastic content, use with caution
Contains synthetic fragrances, optical brighteners, and 1,4-dioxane. PVA plastic film pods. Tide is the most popular laundry detergent brand in the US.
PFR Avoid

81-count laundry detergent pods. Contains synthetic fragrances, optical brighteners, and 1,4-dioxane. PVA plastic film.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials
2
Packaging
2
Transparency
3
Durability
5

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Conventional cleaning products contain synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals that off-gas into indoor air.

Synthetic Plastic Content
90%
synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Tide PODS contain 1,4-dioxane (probable carcinogen), synthetic fragrances, and PVA plastic film that passes through wastewater treatment into waterways. Powder laundry detergent in cardboard is a cleaner alternative.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:PVA plastic film pods + plastic tub
1

1,4-dioxane

Source

Byproduct of ethoxylation in laundry detergent

Health Risk

Probable human carcinogen

Who Is Most At RiskAdults and children wearing clothes washed with Tide PODS

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.

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