How to Clean Your Home Safely When You Reuse Water

In South Africa, water-saving isn’t just a trend it’s a necessity. Many households now reuse greywater for cleaning, gardening, and even flushing toilets. But the type of cleaning products you use matters, because not all products are safe for reuse.

If you’re trying to keep your home clean while conserving water, here’s what you need to know.

1. What Is Greywater?

Greywater is gently used water from:

• laundry
• dishwashing
• cleaning floors
• rinsing produce

It’s perfectly good for reuse IF the products in it are biodegradable.

2. Why Most Cleaners Aren’t Safe for Reuse

Traditional products contain:

• phosphates
• chlorine
• ammonia
• synthetic dyes
• petrochemical solvents

These can:

• damage soil
• kill beneficial bacteria
• harm plants
• irritate skin
• contaminate groundwater

3. What to Look for Instead

Choose products that are:

• plant-based
• biodegradable
• free from harsh solvents
• scented with essential oils (not synthetic perfumes)
• low-residue
• safe for septic + greywater systems

These break down naturally and don’t leave harmful chemicals behind.

4. Reuse Water the Smart Way

Here are safe ways to reuse water in your home:

Laundry water

Use for:

• flushing toilets
• washing outdoor areas
• watering non-edible plants

Dishwashing rinse water

Use for:

• pre-washing floors
• cleaning outdoor furniture
• small gardening tasks

Floor-cleaning water

Use for:

• patios
• driveways
• washing bins

Just ensure the cleaner in that bucket is biodegradable.

5. Eco Cleaning = Better Cleaning

Biodegradable products clean just as effectively — without the heaviness or residue that makes water unsafe to reuse.

They’re safe for:

• your home
• your family
• your garden
• the environment

Reusing water is one of the smartest ways to reduce costs and protect the environment. When you clean with biodegradable products, you make every drop count — safely and responsible