Is it safe to water my flowers and vegtables with the water from washing machine?

I use Tide liquid, the bottle says "phosphate free, biodegradable surfactants %26amp; enzymes. Safe for septic tanks". Since The plumbing is being worked on for a few weeks, I have to let the wash water drain into a big tub, then we dump it in an unused part of the yard. I hate to waste water, thought maybe I could use it to water the garden?

Is it safe to water my flowers and vegtables with the water from washing machine?
Gray water from your washer works fine for gardens. Many cities have actually encouraged their gardeners to do this rather than send all their wash water to the sewer system.

I do agree, though, that you shouldn't use your bleach load wash water for this. The rinse water would probably still be ok.

Do be prepared for the wash water to have some insecticidal effects. Insecticidal soaps are very popular non-chemical insecticides. While they are made with sticking agents (glycerine, for example) to keep the soap on the plants longer, and your wash water wouldn't have that, any soft-bodied crawlies that come in contact with soap residue are going to be unwell.
Reply:Even though its biodegradable direct contact with the plants would kill them.
Reply:Many gardeners do use washing machine water. It's sometimes called gray water and the little bit of soap can be beneficial to your plants. Just don't overdo it and make sure there's no bleach.
Reply:No..it will kill them because that water has soap in it!
Reply:yes you can use it to water your plants and such. I would use it on plants I am going to eat though.
Reply:Not completely sure but I would say there are probably still some chemicals in the water that are not good for consumption. Especially if you are going to be eating the food you are trying to grow. If it was me, I would try and use the water on some flowers and see if it effects them badly before using on ALL your flowers. Then you will know for sure. You could always try and have someone test the water you want to use but it can be hard to find someone to do that.
Reply:I would think not
Reply:noooooooooooooooooooooooo



but the water u boil ur eggs in is great for the plants..really..am not kiddin
Reply:Water the garden with it. It will not hurt it... That is if you don't use any bleach or bleach alternative. We have our wash water running out in our front yard and that is the healthiest darkest green and thickest part of out lawn. The two Chinese elm trees, in the front yard, have grown 8" in diameter in the past 2 years. I worked in a flower shop/greenhouse years ago and we specifically poured soap water on plants that were infected with distructive insects. It'll be just fine...but no bleach!