Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
mogardener

Using water from a washer

mogardener
21 years ago

I tried using the gray water from my washer a number of years ago and I wasn't particularly happy with the result. I called the manufacturer of the detergent I used at the time to ask about using water containing their product, even the rinse water. I was told not to use it, even on ornamentals. No explanation was given, only the admonition not to use it.

It would be better to call about the products you use than lose an expensive plant or contaminate your soil. I should have asked for a complete ingredient list to see what might be the problem but I didn't. I use a different product now but can't easily set up my washer to utilize the gray water anyway.

Comments (10)

  • audioaus
    21 years ago

    I use water from the washing machine on the grass here in australia.
    As long as you change the area where you put it from time to time and use a quality detergent and not too much it is fine

  • dawnstorm
    21 years ago

    I use wash water on my hydrangea with no problem

  • Moonsinger
    21 years ago

    I've been using my washer water for 22 years, the washer was like that when I bought the house (hose out the window). I now have the hugest volunteer Siberian elm in my yard right by the window, shading the south side of my desert residence. There's grass underneath too, not planted by me. It's been the best "free" gardening boon I have. I never water there, it's just the washwater.

  • dawnstorm
    21 years ago

    I'm just glad my hydrangea is right outside the basement door! It's a bear hauling 5 gallon buckets of water up the steps! Worth it though!

  • mdryja
    21 years ago

    When I was growing up in Michigan, my parents' house was on a septic tank, so we hooked up a garden hose to the outlet of the washer, and just watered the grass, except when my mom was bleaching clothes . . .

    If your current detergent is giving problems to your plants, look at an all natural one, like those available from Seventh Generation.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Seventh Generation

  • Cheryl_Perth_WA
    21 years ago

    Using washing water is quite common here especially in the last few years. I just put the drain hose from the washer into another longer flexible hose and let it pump out as normal. Except very hot water of course. I just shift the hose around to a different spot each wash.
    Cheryl.

  • PPennypacker
    21 years ago

    Another bio soap product you might find across the country in a supermarket is called, "Sun and Earth". They make a bio laundry detergent, window/counter cleaner, and dish washing soap. I've used all 3 and have been siphoning greywater from the sink for months through our drought alerts here in SE Massachusetts with no probs to any plant material. As a matter of fact, not many unwanted bugs either. Bugs don't like soap!
    Best,
    PP

  • Elanor
    21 years ago

    I'm sorry to come in on this very late! I hope no one minds. My question is, what happens to plants if the wash water is hot? And, since I am in a wintery area, do you still shunt it off into the garden during the winter?

  • Paul_Donovan
    21 years ago

    Hi Elanor,

    I just came upon your post and thought I'd give you my two cents worth.

    I'm guessing the hot water would shock and kill your grass or plants (plants are like us...don't like scalding water on our skins either).

    Whether you shut it off in the winter probably depends upon how cold it is where you are. I live in Colorado and winter water our trees & shrubs at least every four weeks if the temp gets above 50 or so.

    We're asked not to water our grass though.

    Hope this helps!

    Paul

  • Elanor
    21 years ago

    Thanks- we do have freezing conditions, and our water is softened, so I guess we're outta luck doing this.

Sponsored
Grow Landscapes
Average rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars8 Reviews
Planning Your Outdoor Space in Loundon County?