As a gardener I’m sure you’ve heard the question before: will laundry detergent kill plants? The short answer is yes it can but the more nuanced answer is much more complicated.
The Potential for Damage
The truth is the potential for laundry detergent to damage or even kill plants depends on the type of detergent you use and how you use it.
Many detergents contain harsh ingredients and certain concentrations of these ingredients can be toxic to plants.
For example some detergents contain phosphates which can cause a build-up of phosphorus in the soil leading to scorched and wilted plants.
Other detergents may contain alcohols that can burn delicate leaves or fragrances that may irritate plants.
Avoiding Damage
If you want to avoid damage to your plants it’s important to use detergents that are specifically designed for outdoor use.
Detergents that specify they are safe for outdoor use are formulated to be non-toxic to plants and are less likely to cause damage.
When using these detergents it’s also important to use them as directed.
This means diluting the detergent and using only the recommended amount for the size of washing you are doing.
Too much detergent can end up in the soil and if you use too much you run the risk of killing your plants.
Using Detergent Safely
Finally it’s important to keep any detergent away from edible plants and fruits.
Detergent residues can remain on plants and may end up in the food you eat so it’s best to keep any detergent use away from edible plants.
All in all laundry detergent can be a useful tool for outdoor cleaning but it’s important to use it safely and thoughtfully to avoid any potential damage to your plants.
If you follow these guidelines your plants should be safe and your outdoor area will be sparkling clean.
Can You Pour Used Laundry Detergent Water In Your Garden Or Backyard?
Yes you can pour used laundry detergent water in your garden or backyard but you need to be careful that you don’t use too much.
Too much detergent can be damaging to your plants as it can make the soil too acidic.
If you are going to use laundry detergent water in your garden or backyard it’s important to dilute it first.
You can do this by adding some water to the detergent water before you pour it.
This will help reduce the concentration of the detergent and make it safer for your plants.
It’s also important to remember that the type of detergent you use is important.
There are some detergents that are specifically designed for use around plants and gardens and these are generally safer than other options.
Finally it’s important to be aware that detergent water can contain trace amounts of chemical residues so it’s best to avoid using it if you can.
Overall laundry detergent water can be used in your garden or backyard but you need to be cautious and remember that it should be diluted first.
If you do this and use the right type of detergent you should be able to safely use the water without any issues.