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Is it okay to use recyled washing up water for plants. ?

We live in the country and have a water tank. In the Summer I try to conserve water by keeping a bucket in the shower and using the excess water for my indoor plants. I was wondering if the dishwashing water would be okay for outdoor garden plants considering it contains detergent.

Public Comments

1. The only water good for plants would be the water from the washer without any bleach or fabric softeners. The phosphates from the laundry detergent are good for plants and lawns.
2. I would be very careful here...dishwasher detergent is highly ionic! Try it on one plant or two plants before you go and ruin a garden...the chances are no problems, but this is NOT soap! Soap does not hurt plants. Highly polar detergents could damage the roots ...check it out.
3. I would not use water with detergent on my plants, it will change the pH of the soil and over time I wouldn't think it too healthy. I dont know where you live but if it's not too dry, you could use one of those large water barrel with a tap on them; put it under your troth (keep a cover on it to leave leaves out, with just a hole large enough to let the troth in); rain water will collect into it and you can use it on your garden and house plants. Natural, environmentally friendly and cheap!