Laundry detergent formats commonly include powders, single-dose pacs/pods (capsules), and tablet-style unit doses.

Many detergent pacs are formulated to dissolve in hot, warm, and cold water; product listings often highlight that they dissolve in cold water or in all water temperatures.

Pacs offer premeasured, single-dose convenience that removes measuring. Typical guidance seen on packaging is, for example, “1 pac = 1 medium load; 2 pacs = 1 large or heavily soiled load,” which reviewers cite as easier and less messy.