Can You Use Laundry Water to Water Plants?

Water is a precious resource, and it's important to conserve it in every way possible. One way to do this is by using greywater from household activities, such as laundry, to water plants. However, before you start using laundry water in your garden, there are a few things you need to know.

The Pros and Cons of Using Laundry Water as Irrigation

The main advantage of using laundry water as irrigation is that it helps to conserve water. When you reuse greywater from your washing machine, you can save up to 10 gallons of water per load. This can add up to significant savings over time. Additionally, laundry water contains nutrients from the detergents and fabric softeners used to wash clothes, which can be beneficial to plants.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using laundry water as irrigation. One concern is that some detergents and fabric softeners may contain harmful chemicals, such as bleach or sodium salts, that can harm plants. Additionally, if the laundry water is not properly filtered or treated, it can also contain bacteria or pathogens that may be harmful to plants and humans.

How to Safely Use Laundry Water for Irrigation

If you want to use laundry water to water your plants, there are several precautions you can take to ensure that it's done safely:

1. Use only biodegradable, eco-friendly detergents and fabric softeners that are safe for plants. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners that contain harmful chemicals.

2. Install a dedicated greywater system that collects laundry water separately from black water (i.e., water from toilets or sinks that contains human waste). This will ensure that the greywater is properly filtered and treated before being used for irrigation.

3. Use laundry water for irrigation only on plants that are not edible. Avoid using it on edible crops or plants that are sensitive to chemicals, such as roses or ferns.

4. Only use laundry water for irrigation during the growing season. Avoid using it during periods of heavy rain or drought, when the soil may already be saturated or dry.

Conclusion

Overall, using laundry water as irrigation can be a great way to conserve water and provide nutrients to plants. However, it's important to take precautions to ensure that the laundry water is safe for plants and doesn't contain harmful chemicals or pathogens. By following the tips above, you can safely and effectively use laundry water to water your garden.