Explained: Can You Use Dehumidifier Water in the Washing Machine and More

If you own a dehumidifier, you’ve probably wondered if you can recycle the water produced by the device. After all, disposing of the water seems wasteful. One common question that many owners ask is, can you use dehumidifier water in the washing machine?

Yes, you can use the dehumidifier water in the washing machine. The water collected by the device is clean enough to be used for soaking clothes. But, only if you keep the device clean. If not, then the water is exposed to bacteria, dirt, mold, and other harmful substances present in the unit. Which can get on your clothes and the washing machine. 

We have insight on ways and under what conditions you can reuse water the dehumidifier collects. That way you don’t end up wasting it. 

Why does the dehumidifier produce water?

The primary function of dehumidifiers is to extract water from the air. As the air passes through the device, the water is removed and stored in the container. This occurs through a process known as condensation. The device function as follows:

1. A fan draws the air into the device. 
2. The air passes through refrigerated (cold) evaporator coils. 
3. The coils bring the temperature down below the dew point of the air. 
4. The water separates from the air and onto the coils.
5. It then drips down to the water container of the device. 

The device doesn’t necessarily produce water. It removes it from the air. The container makes sure that the water is not released back into the room. 

How much water does a dehumidifier collect?

The amount of water a dehumidifier collects depends on the following three things:

1. The size of the device
2. The capacity of the device
3. The humidity in the air

The larger the device, the more water it collects. 

On a day with 85% humidity, a 22-pint (12.5 liters) mid-sized dehumidifier will collect around 5 gallons (20 liters) of water. In a room with about 65% humidity, you can expect the unit to collect up to .05 gallons (2 liters) of water every 5 to 6 hours. So, the daily total would be around 2 gallons (8 liters). 

Commercial devices are far more efficient at capturing moisture and dehumidifying the air. They can collect up to 13 gallons (50 liters) on a humid day. 

Is the dehumidifier water safe?

The water that the dehumidifier takes out from the air is technically pure. So, yes it is safe.  

Water from the atmosphere vaporizes into the air. As it vaporizes, it leaves all the minerals and impurities behind. So, when the water is drawn out from the air, it is essentially clean. Which makes people wonder if they can reuse the water from their dehumidifier? We have the answer for you.  

Can you use the dehumidifier water in the washing machine?

In theory, yes, you can use the water in the washing machine to soak clothes. Rather than using the soak cycle, you can pour the water from the device in and allow the clothes to soak in it. Then, you can proceed with the clean cycle. 

However, you need to consider two things:

1. Whether the device is clean
2. The amount of time the water stays in the tank, the longer it rests, the less likely it remains clean. 

While the water may be clean, it will pick up dirt and other impurities from the device. It is common for dehumidifiers to develop mold due to the presence of water. The last thing you want is to pour water from a mold-infested device into your washing machine. The mold can spread into the machine and also potentially ruin your clothes. 

So, make sure you regularly clean your device, if you plan on reusing the water for the washing machine. 

Can you use the dehumidifier water to water plants?

Yes, you can use dehumidifier water to water plants. In fact, it is one of the recommended uses for water drawn out by the device.  

The water that the device removes has similar properties to rainwater. So, it promotes the growth of your plants. However, only do so if you use the device indoors and if the air is relatively clean from pollutants. Otherwise, the water carries the pollutants into the plants resulting in fungal diseases. So, if you’ve been using the device to get rid of mold, you should dispose of the water rather than use it to water your plants. 

Can you pour dehumidifier water into your car’s battery?

You can pour dehumidifier water into your car’s battery. Just run it through a filter first, if you notice any substances floating around in it. The water poses no threat to the battery and will allow it to continue to function as it should. 

Can you drink dehumidifier water?

While the dehumidifier water is clean, experts at McGill university do not recommend that you drink it. The whole condensation process doesn’t produce distilled water. The water also picks up bacteria and dirt from the device, which can be a hazard to your health. 

You can reuse the water for other things we’ve mentioned, as long as you know that it is clean. But don’t try to drink it as it is or consider boiling it to drink. 

Final Thoughts

Recycling the water produced by the dehumidifier is the smartest thing to do. The water is clean and can be used to water plants, soak clothes before a wash, and in your car’s battery. However, that is only if you keep the dehumidifier clean. If not, then you are better off disposing of the water since it likely contains bacteria, mold, and dirt.