If you live in a humid area, you probably use a dehumidifier to keep your home dry and comfortable. But have you ever wondered what to do with all the water it collects? That liquid waste—often called condensate or gray water—might seem like something to pour down the drain, but it actually has several useful purposes. Instead of wasting it, why not recycle it in creative and eco-friendly ways?
In this article, we’ll explore what dehumidifier water is, whether it’s safe to use, and how you can reuse it around your home and garden. Let’s dive in!
What Is Dehumidifier Water?
Dehumidifiers work by pulling moisture from the air. They do this by passing air over cooled coils. The water vapor in the air condenses on these coils and collects in a tank or drains through a hose.
This collected water isn’t the same as tap water. It hasn’t been treated or filtered in the same way. It doesn’t contain minerals like calcium or magnesium (making it “soft”), but it may contain dust, mold spores, or tiny bits of metal from the dehumidifier coils.
So, while it may look clean, it’s not safe to drink—but that doesn’t mean it’s useless.
Is Dehumidifier Water Safe?
The short answer is: not for drinking or cooking.
Although it’s not toxic, dehumidifier water can contain bacteria, mold, or even traces of heavy metals, depending on how clean your appliance is. You should never drink it, use it for brushing teeth, or prepare food with it.
But it can be reused in other smart and sustainable ways—especially where potable (drinkable) water isn’t required.
10 Smart Ways to Reuse Dehumidifier Water
1. Watering Outdoor Plants
You can use dehumidifier water for watering outdoor plants, especially flowers, shrubs, or ornamental trees. These plants don’t mind the impurities in the water as long as it’s not being sprayed directly on edible fruits or vegetables.
Pro tip: Avoid using it on food crops, unless you’re sure it’s clean or filtered.
2. Flushing the Toilet
Why use clean tap water for flushing when you can use gray water? Simply pour a bucket of dehumidifier water into the toilet bowl (not the tank) to flush manually. This is a great way to conserve water, especially in homes that collect a lot of condensate.
3. Mopping Floors
Dehumidifier water is suitable for cleaning tasks like mopping floors, especially if you’re adding disinfectant or floor cleaner anyway. It helps you save fresh water while keeping your home tidy.
4. Washing Your Car
Use the collected water to rinse your car or mix it with car shampoo. It won’t leave mineral spots like hard water does, and it’s a great way to save gallons of water during each wash.
5. Filling Your Iron or Steamer
Many irons and clothes steamers recommend using distilled or demineralized water to avoid limescale buildup. Since dehumidifier water has low mineral content, it can be a great substitute—as long as you filter it first to remove any dust or particles.
6. Topping Up Water in Car Batteries
Older cars or some types of batteries require topping up with distilled water. Dehumidifier water can work here too, again with proper filtering. Be cautious and consult your car manual or mechanic first.
7. Cleaning Tools and Outdoor Equipment
Need to rinse off muddy garden tools or dusty patio furniture? Use your dehumidifier water for the job. It doesn’t need to be drinkable—just wet enough to help clean.
8. Filling Decorative Water Features
Fountains, birdbaths, and small garden ponds can be topped up with dehumidifier water. Since it’s free from minerals, it won’t cause scale buildup like tap water can. Just make sure the water is reasonably clean if birds or pets have access to it.
9. Using It in Humidifiers (With Caution)
Ironically, you can use dehumidifier water in humidifiers—but only if you filter it properly. Bacteria and mold can grow in humidifiers and spread through the air, so always sanitize the water or use a HEPA filter before reusing it this way.
10. Craft Projects or Paint Mixing
If you’re doing DIY or painting, use dehumidifier water to rinse brushes or mix with water-based paints (if the quality isn’t a big issue). It saves fresh water and keeps your art space a bit greener.
What You Shouldn’t Do With Dehumidifier Water
While it’s versatile, there are a few things you should not use dehumidifier water for:
- Drinking or Cooking – It’s not safe for consumption.
- Watering Edible Plants – Especially if unfiltered, as it may introduce harmful microbes.
- Bathing or Showering – The water is not clean or sterile enough for skin use.
- Fish Tanks or Pet Water Bowls – Your pets need clean, fresh water—don’t risk their health.
How to Store Dehumidifier Water
If you collect more water than you can immediately use, store it in a clean container with a lid to avoid contamination and mosquito breeding. Label the container clearly so no one accidentally drinks it.
Keep it out of direct sunlight and use it within a few days. If it smells or looks dirty, it’s better to discard it safely.
Can You Purify Dehumidifier Water?
Yes, but it depends on what you need it for.
- Basic filtering (through a coffee filter or cloth) is enough for watering plants or washing.
- Boiling will kill bacteria but won’t remove metals or chemicals.
- Distillation or reverse osmosis is needed to make it safe for drinking—but this is often more effort and cost than it’s worth.
In most cases, use it for non-consumption purposes to save time and stay safe.
Final Thoughts
Reusing dehumidifier water is a great way to conserve resources and reduce water waste. While it’s not suitable for drinking or cooking, it can be incredibly handy for cleaning, gardening, and other household tasks. With just a bit of caution and creativity, that bucket of waste water can become a tool for a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
So next time your dehumidifier fills up, don’t pour it down the drain—put it to good use!
