Return to the Southern Gardening Forum
| Post a Follow-Up
Will the bleach from pressure cleaning the house harm plants?
| | |
Posted by iforgotitsonevermind ♪☺♫ (My Page) on Wed, Nov 11, 09 at 12:31
| I've always done my own pressure cleaning and didn't use bleach out of concern for the effect it would have on the plants in the garden.
Today I hired someone to do the pressure cleaning of the house and they use bleach. It wasn't negotiable but they said they dilute it and never had any complaints. I'm worried that this may harm the plants. Does anyone know?
I have shrubs and stuff planted right in the drip line. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Will the bleach from pressure cleaning the house harm plants?
| | |
| The potential for damage depends up the dilution rate and the care taken before, during, and after the job. If the plants are misted beforehand, and then rinsed carefully right afterwards, you shouldn't experience much of a problem. That's assuming that the workers weren't negligent or careless in their mixing or application. Pressure washing (with the right equipment) shouldn't flood the soil with a bleach solution, hopefully. |
RE: Will the bleach from pressure cleaning the house harm plants?
| | |
| I have had my house pressure washed with bleach several times. The only damage I ever sustained was a bit of spotting on evergreens that were right up against the house. Rhizo's idea of rinsing the plants is an excellent one. I will remember it for next time. Follow it and you should be fine. |
RE: Will the bleach from pressure cleaning the house harm plants?
| | |
| Another point to consider is damage that might be done internally to any plants when using bleach so consider the soil moisture level when the pressure washing is done. The drier the soil, the more likely that the bleach may do damage internally to the plant if it is absorbed into the root system. The wetter the soil, the less likely any damage will be done since the bleach can be diluted by the soil moisture before any may be taken up by the plant. |
|
|
|
|
