Is it Safe to Use Soapy Water for Watering Plants?
Asked by G4rd3nN3rd92
I've got a bit of a debate going on with my dad about watering the plants. We have a handwashing station set up with a hose that drains into a bucket, so we don't waste water. We wash our hands there using Dawn dish soap, and later he fills up a watering can with that soapy water to water the plants, both in the ground and in pots. I'm a bit concerned that this soapy water might not be great for the plants, especially the potted ones, since it still has suds in it. It's hard to measure how much soap is in there. Can anyone help ease my worries or confirm if this is a bad idea? ?
Answers
A bit of dish soap in the water can actually be okay, since it acts as a wetting agent and helps with saturation. However, using antibacterial soap like Dawn regularly might not be the best choice since it could harm the microbial life in your soil. It's safer for outdoor plants than for potted ones that rely on healthy soil microbes. Just a heads up to use it sparingly!
Reply to this answer
Honestly, I think you're right to be cautious. While a small amount of neutral dish soap is generally fine, too much soap, particularly antibacterial ones, can lead to issues. Just keep an eye on your plants! If they seem to thrive, then maybe it's not as big of a deal as you think.
Gardening_Pro: True, and if your dad’s garden is doing well, that might be a good sign to not stress it too much!
Reply to this answer
You might want to consider switching to Castile soap if you can. It's less harmful for plants and won't leave as much residue. And if you feel unsure, you could always rinse the soap out with plain water before watering the plants. That way, you'll have peace of mind!
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
PlantLover05: Yeah, I read that too! Anything that messes with the good bacteria can be risky. Maybe just dilute it more?