Should You Wash Your Detergent Cap in the Washer?

If you’ve ever dealt with a sticky detergent cap, you’re not alone. A popular cleaning “hack” suggests a simple fix: toss the cap into the washing machine with your laundry. In theory, it gets cleaned along with your clothes—no scrubbing required.

But is this actually a good idea?

💬 The Appeal of the Hack

Some detergent brands have casually mentioned this trick, and people on Reddit say it works well. They like that it saves time and cuts down on buildup. Instead of rinsing the cap every time, just throw it in the washer and let the machine handle it.

⚠️ What the Experts Say

Cleaning experts and consumer publications advise against it.

According to Good Housekeeping, high-efficiency (HE) washers use less water than traditional models. That means your cap might not get fully rinsed and could leave detergent residue on your clothes. Worse, it might knock around during the cycle and cause damage.

There’s also the risk of the cap cracking or warping under high-speed spins. Articles from House Digest and KATC News point out that plastic caps can break over time or snag on clothing, leading to more problems than they solve.

✅ Safer Alternatives

Here are a few better options for keeping your detergent cap clean:

• Rinse it right after use under warm water.

• Wipe it down with a damp cloth before tossing it in the wash.

• Switch to pod or sheet detergents that don’t use caps at all.

🧼 The Bucko Take

We love time-saving cleaning tips—but only when they actually work. Tossing your detergent cap in the washer might seem like a clever shortcut, but it comes with risks to both your clothes and your machine. A quick rinse or wipe is often the smarter move.