Wondering if that water collecting in your dehumidifier bucket could be put to good use in your garden? Many gardeners ask, is dehumidifier water good for plants as a way to conserve resources. The short answer is: it can be, but with some very important cautions. Using this water isn’t as straightforward as tap water, and understanding the details is key to keeping your plants healthy and thriving.
Using dehumidifier water for plants is a classic example of creative recycling. It reduces your water bill and makes use of a resource that would otherwise be poured down the drain. However, the safety of this practice depends entirely on your home’s environment and the condition of your appliance. Let’s look at what this water actually is and how to use it wisely.
Is Dehumidifier Water Good For Plants
To answer this, we first need to understand what dehumidifier water actually is. This water, often called condensate, is essentially distilled water. It’s created when warm, humid air passes over the cold coils inside the dehumidifier. The moisture in the air condenses—just like droplets on a cold drink—and drips into the collection bucket.
Because it’s condensed from water vapor, it starts as very pure, mineral-free H2O. This sounds ideal, but the journey from vapor to bucket is where potential problems can be introduced. The purity of the final product is not guaranteed.
Potential Benefits of Using Dehumidifier Water
When collected from a clean unit in a healthy home, this water has a couple advantages.
* Low Mineral Content: It’s free of the calcium, magnesium, and chlorine often found in tap water. This can be beneficial for certain sensitive plants, like orchids or carnivorous plants, that prefer “soft” water.
* Water Conservation: It’s a excellent way to reuse water, aligning with sustainable gardening practices. Every gallon used on plants is a gallon saved.
* Convenience: If you run a dehumidifier regularly, especially in a basement, you have a readily available water source without needing to carry it from an outdoor tap.
The Significant Risks and Contaminants
This is the critical part. The water’s quality directly mirrors the air it came from and the machine that collected it. Here are the main hazards:
* Microbial Growth: The dark, damp reservoir is a perfect breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other microbes. If you see slime or smell mustiness, that water is contaminated.
* Heavy Metals: Over time, the condensate can leach metals from the dehumidifier’s internal parts, like the coils (which may contain lead solder) or other components. Older units pose a higher risk here.
* Airborne Chemicals: If you use air fresheners, cleaners, or paints in the area where the dehumidifier runs, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be absorbed from the air and end up concentrated in the water.
* Dust and Allergens: The water can contain dust, pet dander, and pollen particles that were suspended in the humid air.
Using contaminated water can introduce pathogens to your soil, potentially causing root rot or other diseases. It can also deliver unwanted chemicals directly to your plant’s roots.
How to Safely Collect and Prepare the Water
If you decide to use this water, following a strict protocol is non-negotiable. Here’s your step-by-step guide to minimizing risks.
1. Source Matters: Only use water from a dehumidifier running in a clean, chemical-free environment. Avoid using water from a workshop, laundry room, or anywhere with strong fumes.
2. Maintain Your Machine: Clean the dehumidifier’s bucket and interior coils regularly with a vinegar solution or a mild bleach dilution (rinse thoroughly!). A clean machine makes cleaner water.
3. Collect Frequently: Don’t let water sit in the bucket for days. Empty it daily into a dedicated, clean watering can to prevent stagnation.
4. Inspect Before Use: Always look and smell the water. If it’s clear and odorless, it’s likely okay. If it’s cloudy, has floating bits, or smells at all, discard it immediately on the driveway or down the drain—not in your garden.
5. Consider Dilution: To further reduce any risk, you can mix the dehumidifier water 50/50 with fresh tap or rainwater. This dilutes any potential contaminants.
Which Plants Can Tolerate It Best?
Not all plants are equally susceptible. Use this water strategically.
* Better Choices: Mature outdoor shrubs, trees, lawns, and hardy perennials are generally more resilient. Non-edible ornamental plants are a safer bet than vegetables.
* Use With Caution: For seedlings, young plants, or any plant that is already stressed, use only fresh, clean water. Their delicate systems are more vulnerable.
* Avoid For: Do not use dehumidifier water on edible plants like vegetables, herbs, or fruits. The risk of ingesting potential contaminants is not worth it. Also avoid using it on sensitive indoor plants like African Violets.
A Critical Nutrient Consideration: The Fertilizer Factor
Pure water lacks the trace minerals found in most tap water. While this can be good to prevent mineral buildup in pots, it also means your plants are getting zero calcium or magnesium from their water.
If you use dehumidifier water exclusively for container plants, you need to be extra vigilant with your fertilizing routine. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer used regularly will help make up for the lack of dissolved minerals. This is a easy detail to overlook but it’s important for long-term plant health.
Better Alternatives for Watering Plants
For the safest gardening practice, consider these alternatives first.
* Rainwater: This is the gold standard for free plant water. Collect it in a barrel from your downspout. It’s naturally soft and generally clean.
* Tap Water That’s Sat Out: Letting tap water sit for 24 hours allows chlorine to evaporate, making it gentler for houseplants.
* Filtered Water: A simple carbon filter can remove many impurities from your tap water.
Dehumidifier water should be viewed as a secondary, situational resource, not a primary one.
Final Verdict and Best Practices
So, is dehumidifier water good for plants? It can be a useful supplement if used with extreme care. The mantra is: “When in doubt, throw it out.” The risks often outweigh the benefits, especially for food crops.
If you choose to use it, stick to these golden rules: only from a clean unit, only on robust ornamentals, never on edibles, and always inspect it first. Your plants will thank you for your caution.
FAQ: Dehumidifier Water and Plant Care
Q: Can you water plants with dehumidifier water?
A: Yes, but with major cautions. It should only be used on mature, non-edible ornamental plants if it is collected from a very clean unit and is itself clear and odorless.
Q: Is water from a dehumidifier the same as distilled water?
A: In its initial form, it is similar—it’s pure condensed vapor. However, unlike commercially distilled water, it is not processed or stored in sterile conditions, so it can become contaminated.
Q: Is dehumidifier water safe for houseplants?
A: It can be risky. Houseplants are in a confined pot where contaminants can build up. For delicate or valuable houseplants, it’s safer to use tap water that has been left out or rainwater.
Q: Why do some people say this water is bad for plants?
A: They are highlighting the real risks of microbial and chemical contamination, which can harm soil life and plant roots. It’s not inherently “bad,” but it is unpredictible.
Q: Can I use dehumidifier water on my tomato or vegetable plants?
A: No. It is not recommended for any edible plants due to the potential for heavy metal or bacterial contamination that you could later consume.
Q: Does dehumidifier water have nutrients for plants?
A: No, it has no beneficial minerals or nutrients. Plants watered exclusively with it may require more consistent fertilizing to stay healthy.