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Using washing machine water

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Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I can't use any of the non bio powders for the washing machine. My older daughter comes out in a rash with those, but not the chemical laden stuff.
    Go figure, as they say.   :)

    We all have the opposite reactions/symptoms to all sorts of things in my family though. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    We find Ecover liquid is fine on sensitive skin … but I know that skin sensitivity is very individual. 

    We buy it online in bulk containers and find it very economical. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
    There is an Ecover Zero range that might be useful
  • Helen P3Helen P3 Posts: 1,152
    kev van said:


    Can anyone see a problem with me using all the collected water from the washing on what I call for me non essential plants

    I tried it once but my non-essntial plants didn't seem to like it much. :/
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I would never uses those gel/liquid pods for my washing. Just a quick way of getting your machine clogged up, then you have to fork out for repairs.
    Far more expensive too. 
    I use about half the amount of powder the manufacturers suggest too. Anything really dirty gets soaked in a bucket before washing anyway. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I find the powders also clog the pipes up. It’s why I use Ecover liquid and put it straight into the drum, not the dispenser drawer. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
    me too
  • GrannybeeGrannybee Posts: 332
    I have had a thing about water ever since we lived in the Middle East. I put all my washing machine water onto the small garden we had - it kept the bougainvillea, banana and lemon trees going. I think the powders then were much harsher than they are today. So... I now use all my washing machine water to keep the garden going during these really dry periods. Soap suds have helped the raspberries grow and the less soapy stuff goes anywhere it is needed.  I haven't got a dishwasher, so can't say.  I also recycle washing up water too. Grey water is fine - better than nothing at all.
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    I remember reading (somewhere) about not using washing machine or dish washer water due to the soap chemicals/salts levels.
    But it seems several people on here have used it with no bad effects or even good ones.

    But I do wonder if taking all the would be sewerage water and not letting it go down the drains to help flush and wash away human waste from our sewerage pipes is a good thing?
    This all should mostly get treated before returning to the sea or reservoirs etc.
     
    If chemicals sprayed by farmers and garden chemicals can eventually leach into the waterways would it not be the same with anything untreated in grey water if we all use it? Maybe not as bad because of lower levels of "chemicals".

    I am not about to lift the drain covers and do a test survey, (insert green pukey faced emoji here),  I just wonder if it had crossed anyone else's mind
    I briefly looked on t'internet  and cannot be bothered at this moment in time to look it up or find out if it matters or not.

    Just a thought or two.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I wonder if that's more to do with the water than the powder, re clogging?
    My machine is used at least 5 times a week, and always has been, and we've never had that problem. 
    We don't get limescale on kettles here either. Nice soft water.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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