Dehumidifiers are wintertime heroes, tirelessly sucking moisture from the air and keeping mold at bay. But while this grey water might seem like a handy all-purpose cleaner, experts warn that using it for certain tasks can actually do more harm than good. Here’s what you should avoid, and why.
Dehumidifier Water: Not Your Everyday H2O
It’s important to remember that dehumidifier water isn’t distilled or purified like the water you drink or use in your iron. It collects airborne moisture, which means it can contain a surprising cocktail of tiny particles — everything from dust mites and pollen to metal residues and trace minerals.
While some hardy houseplants might tolerate this “grey water,” using it on certain surfaces or for specific tasks can lead to problems ranging from unsightly streaks to potential damage.
1. The Edible Garden: Say No to Dehumidifier Drops
Don’t even think about watering your salad greens with dehumidifier water! While it’s okay to use it on non-edible plants, potentially harmful contaminants in the grey water could end up in your tomatoes or basil.
2. Kitchen Cleanliness: A Recipe for Trouble
Despite its cleaning potential, dehumidifier water isn’t suitable for sanitizing food preparation areas. Kitchens demand a higher level of hygiene because even tiny amounts of bacteria or mold spores can pose a risk. Stick to tap water with dish soap or a dedicated kitchen cleaner for surfaces you prepare food on.
3. Porous Surfaces: Beware the Stains
Dehumidifier water’s hidden impurities can seep into porous materials like natural stone, unsealed wood, and leather, causing staining, discoloration, etching, or even warping over time. Think of it this way: what would happen if you spilled a bit of muddy pond water on your marble countertop? The same principle applies here.
4. Laundry Day: Dehumidifier Water Doesn’t Belong in the Wash
Dehumidifier water can harbor bacteria and mold, potentially transferring these onto your clothes. Metal coils inside some dehumidifiers might even leach tiny particles into the water that could cause discoloration or damage to fabrics. Stick to traditional detergents for washing clothes.
5. Personal & Pet Care: Skip This One Completely
Dehumidifier water is not meant for contact with skin, especially delicate areas like a baby’s bottom. And it’s definitely off-limits for pet baths. The potential for skin irritation or illness from microorganisms present in the grey water simply outweighs any perceived benefit.
6. Mirror Shine: Streaks Are Inevitable
Mirrors and glass surfaces crave streak-free perfection, which dehumidifier water can’t provide. Those pesky impurities it carries inevitably leave behind streaks or cloudy films, defeating the purpose of cleaning altogether.
Better Alternatives: For everyday cleaning tasks around your home, stick to distilled water, filtered water, or plain tap water mixed with a good quality cleaner.
Dehumidifiers are valuable allies in battling dampness, but understanding their limitations helps us use them safely and effectively
