Will Power Washing With Bleach Kill Plants?

Power washing is a fantastic way to clean your outdoor spaces, especially when it comes to removing grime and stains on your plants, patios, and driveways. Most people use bleach when power washing surfaces, as it is an effective, inexpensive, and easily accessible cleaning agent.

But, the question on the minds of many garden lovers is, will power washing with bleach kill plants? In this article, we'll discuss the effects of bleach on plants and discuss some alternatives to using bleach.

Will Bleach Harm My Plants?

The answer is yes, power washing with bleach can harm or kill plants, especially if the solution comes in contact with the green material or leaves of the plant.

The high pressure alone can damage plants, but power washing with bleach will increase the overall impact. The use of bleach can cause browning, wilting, and even the death of plants. We'll explain why bleach can be harmful to plants and give you tips on how you can power wash your outdoor spaces without harming your beloved plants.

Why Is Bleach So Harmful to Plants?

Bleach is a common household cleaning agent that is popular for its effectiveness in killing germs and bacteria. Bleach also has the ability to remove tough stains and get rid of unpleasant odors. Bleach is a highly toxic substance that can cause severe skin irritation and respiratory problems and even induce vomiting if ingested or inhaled.

When bleach comes in contact with plants, the active ingredients in chlorine bleach can damage or kill the plant, as it is a powerful oxidant. The high alkalinity of bleach can raise the pH of the soil, which can reduce nutrient availability to plants.

How To Protect Your Plants When Power Washing?

If you plan to power wash any surface that is close to plants or flowerbeds, it's essential to take precautions to avoid damaging your delicate plants.

• Cover plants and shrubs with plastic sheets or tarps before carrying out any power washing activities. This will protect the plants from bleach or power-washing impacts.
• Avoid power washing plants directly, and keep the nozzle of your pressure washer far away from the plants. Keep in mind that even a small amount of bleach can be harmful to plants.
• Another option is to switch from using bleach to using only water or a milder cleaning agent in your power washing activities. White vinegar is an excellent alternative to bleach as it is an effective cleaner and is also environmentally friendly. Spray down your plants first to mitigate the impact of any potential bleach solution.

Wrapping It Up

Power washing is a great way to clean your outdoor spaces, but it can have harmful side effects for plants. Using bleach in the power washing process can damage or even kill plants if it comes into contact with them. To protect your beloved plants, consider using an alternative to bleach or hiring a professional power washer.

At Crocodile Window Cleaning, we understand the importance of protecting your outdoor garden and plants. We use only the safest cleaning products and techniques to ensure your outdoor areas are sparkling clean while also keeping your plants safe. Contact us today for more information!