You run a dehumidifier in your crawl space. The tank fills up fast. You need to water your plants regularly.
Can you use dehumidifier water on your plants? This question makes sense when you're looking to conserve water and reduce waste.
The short answer: yes for some plants, no for others. Let's break down when dehumidifier water works and when it doesn't.
What Is Dehumidifier Water?
Your dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air. As humid air passes over cold coils, water droplets form. These droplets collect in a tank.
This collected water is called gray water. It's not the same as distilled water. Distilled water comes from boiling and condensing. Dehumidifier water just condenses from air without any purification.
What's Actually in Dehumidifier Water?
Dehumidifier water contains whatever floats in your air. This includes bacteria, mold spores, and dust particles. The water also picks up metals from the dehumidifier's cooling coils.
Common contaminants include:
- Bacteria and mold spores from indoor air
- Heavy metals like copper, zinc, and aluminum from coils
- Dust and other airborne particles
- Microorganisms that grow in the collection tank
A crawl space dehumidifier collects all the moisture and contaminants from below your home. That's why proper crawl space maintenance matters before using this water.
Is Dehumidifier Water Safe for Indoor Plants?
You can use dehumidifier water on houseplants like ferns, spider plants, and philodendrons. These non-edible plants handle the water well.
Dehumidifier water works like soft rainwater. It contains fewer minerals than tap water. This prevents salt buildup in soil that damages roots.
Keep your dehumidifier clean to make this work. Empty and rinse the tank weekly. Wipe down the coils monthly. Clean equipment means cleaner water.
| Learn More: 7 Easy Steps to Clean Your Crawl Space Dehumidifier |
Watch your plants after switching to dehumidifier water. Look for wilting, yellowing, or slow growth. These signs mean the water isn't working for that plant.
Does Dehumidifier Water Work for Outdoor Plants
Outdoor flowers, shrubs, and trees can handle dehumidifier water. Use it on plants you don't eat. The soil and outdoor conditions buffer any contaminants.
Apply the water directly to soil, not leaves. This reduces disease spread. Use drip irrigation or pour at the base of plants.
Monitor your soil over time. Flush with regular water every few weeks to prevent problems.
Never Use on Edible Plants
Skip dehumidifier water for vegetables, herbs, and fruits. The bacteria and contaminants can transfer to your food. This creates health risks when you eat the produce.
Lettuce, tomatoes, herbs, and other crops need clean water. Even washing doesn't remove all bacteria. Cooking helps but doesn't eliminate everything.
Stick with tap water, filtered water, or collected rainwater for anything you eat.
Better Alternatives for Plant Watering
At the end of the day, rainwater beats dehumidifier water for all plants. Collect it from downspouts in barrels. It's naturally soft and free from dehumidifier contaminants.
Filtered tap water works well too. Simple home filters remove most chemicals. Your plants get clean water without the risks.