Science

What's Inside: Tide Pods

That squishy, swirly pocket of goo looks delicious, but we promise you pressure-packed soap is not tasty.
This image may contain Ice Outdoors and Nature
  • 01

    Fatty Acid Salts

    Otherwise known as soap. It works by attaching its hydrocarbon chain to the grease or oil in a clothing stain, allowing both to be washed away by water.
  • 02

    Polyvinyl Alcohol

    This stuff forms the film that holds the rest of the ingredients in a jolly, candylike form.
  • 03

    Denatonium Benzoate

    The bitterest known substance was added in 2015 to strengthen the outer layer and discourage kids from eating pods. (We all know how that worked out.)
  • 04

    Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetate, Sodium Salt

    Say that five times fast. This molecule softens your wash water, which enables enzymes to work more effectively.
  • 05

    Calcium Formate

    Enzymes will devour each other over time or become denatured when exposed to heat, but this substance is added to ensure they’re still around when you need them.
  • 06

    Mannanase

    This enzyme breaks apart guar gum, a thickener used in ice cream and salad dressing that can leave behind hard-to-remove stains.
  • 07

    Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate

    DDD (or "triple D," if you’re a hey-fellow-kids kind of scientist) absorbs ultraviolet light and emits it in the visible range, providing a faint blue glow that counteracts the natural yellowing of old clothes.
  • 08

    Subtilisin

    All the dead skin cells you leave on your clothes are toast because of this protein enzyme, which breaks down your bodily grime.
  • 09

    Alcoholethoxy Sulfate

    As with soap, one end of the molecule binds to grease and dirt that’s stuck to your clothes; the other binds to water molecules in the washing machine. Agitation helps lift the stain off fabric and down the drain.
  • 10

    Amylase

    These enzymes attack starch-based stain like those from gravy and baby food. So next time you spill mashed potatoes on your shirt, you know you’re covered.
TopicsAMP Stories
Read More
What's Inside Triple-Action Mace? Chili Peppers and UV Dye
When you push the button, nitrogen shoves a pungent, debilitating cocktail out of the canister.
Chelsea Leu
What's Inside a Magical Grease-Lifting Cleaner
K2r spot-lifter erases greasy stains with a delicate balance of chemicals.
Chelsea Leu
What's Inside: Vodka
Ethanol Vodka, by definition, is ethanol cut with water to at least 80 proof (40 percent purity). Despite its common sobriquet of “potato juice,” it’s actually pretty hard to make it from spuds—the tuber tends to produce more methanol (poison) than grain feedstocks, requiring additional distillation. More often, commercial vodkas are fermented and distilled from […]
Patrick Di Justo
Catnip Ain't the Only Plant That'll Send Your Kitty to Blissville
Three other plants tweak your feline's neurons.
Nick Stockton
Inside the Magically Mundane Lab of a Nobel Prize Winner
Ben Feringa is a pioneer in nanotechnology, and this is his world.
Laura Mallonee
Don’t Get Too Attached to Jimothy
Urban wildlife biologists say the stumpy raccoon seems to have adapted well to his environment and spinal condition—but his internet fame presents a new threat.
Miles Klee
The Dyson V16 Piston Animal Can Do It All
Dyson’s new stick vacuum can vacuum and mop in a single cordless device—if you’re willing to really splurge.
Nena Farrell
Top Altra Running Promo Codes and Deals August 2026
Score big savings on Altra Running shoes with up to 50% off sale styles, 20% off select models, 10% off your first order when you sign up, plus free standard delivery on every purchase.
Boutayna Chokrane
Herman Miller Promo Codes: Save Up to 40% Off
Whether you’re looking for a Herman Miller promo code or discounts in their sale, here is how to save on the world's best ergonomic office furniture in August 2026.
Nena Farrell
Top 20% Off With a Brooks Promo Code for 2026
Enjoy 20% off your first order with a Brooks coupon code, plus top discounts and deals on our favorite Brooks running shoes.
Boutayna Chokrane
DHS Official Resigns, Citing ‘War on Immigrants’
The outgoing executive director of the Office of Homeland Security Statistics is one of very few federal officials to speak out against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Noah Shachtman
The New Friend AI Pendant Can Now Talk Back to You
Avi Schiffmann has a new version of his controversial AI companion. It’s more expensive, and you can’t change its personality.
Boone Ashworth