With over a million Australians using some form of rainwater tank on their property—a number that continues to grow each day—many people want to ensure that the water they’re harvesting won’t damage their clothes or appliances.
So, is rainwater safe for laundry?
The short answer, and good news, is yes. Not only is rainwater safe to use in your washing machine and for laundry, but rainwater tanks might actually be the best option for your washing machine water supply.
Other water sources, such as bore water or mains water, contain minerals like calcium, magnesium, fluoride, and chlorine, which are commonly referred to as “hard water”. These minerals can build up in your machine and on your clothes over time.
Rainwater, on the other hand, is considered soft water, which means you may actually use less detergent and require fewer rinse cycles to get your laundry clean.
Additionally, rainwater may help remove trace elements from your clothes when washed, which is why your towels and clothes often feel softer after being rinsed by rain on a warm summer day.
While the pH of rainwater in Australia can fluctuate, it typically sits around 5.6, making it slightly acidic. This is due to the carbon it absorbs from the atmosphere before falling on plants, homes, and sometimes even your laundry.
In contrast, tap water generally has a pH of around 7, as it contains added chemicals to keep the water stable and clean while being stored and transported. These chemicals can leave buildup on taps, appliances, and clothes, and many people notice it in the shower, laundry, or kitchen.
The chemical composition of your rainwater can vary depending on your location. In more urban or suburban areas, rainwater tends to pick up pollutants as it falls, so it’s advisable to have your water tested for contaminants to ensure it is safe for use in washing machines or as drinking water.
It’s also important to remember that many water filters can alter the pH of your water, so if you use a water filter, you’ll need to check the pH after the water has passed through the filtration system.
Several factors will determine whether your water tank helps save you and your family money, especially if you are harvesting rainwater solely for use in the washing machine and toilets. These include the cost of water supply in your area, the price you paid for your water tank, and how often you do laundry.
Beyond these factors, you’ll likely save money on cleaning products like bleach, vinegar, and baking soda, as well as on soap, detergents, and fabric softener. Your washing machine will be less likely to leave spots or stains caused by the calcium or magnesium in hard water.
Additionally, you’ll use less detergent per load and reduce the number of rinse cycles, helping to lower your water usage and extend the life of your tank water.
When Mell and Brandon purchased their home in Nilgen, they made the decision to move away from mains water.
They were frustrated with the tiered pricing system, where the more water you use, the more expensive it becomes. With plans to establish a garden and supply water to their bathrooms and laundry for the whole family, they wanted a more cost-effective solution.
To offset these rising costs, they installed a 150,000-litre rainwater tank, which would eventually pay for itself with the savings in water and connection fees.
“The larger size was just perfect for our property’s water needs and came at a very reasonable price,” said Mell of their decision to opt for the bigger tank.
Each year, tens of thousands of new rainwater tanks are sold across Australia, serving new house builds, existing homes, and rural families alike.
Pioneer Water Tanks has been manufacturing and supplying large steel water tanks to Australian homes for over 30 years, continuing to offer high-quality products and expert advice.
To take clean water for drinking and laundry a step further, Pioneer provides the exclusive Aqualiner Fresh® antimicrobial tank liner, designed to reduce bacteria and keep your stored water fresher for longer, while requiring less maintenance and cleaning.
For a quote on a Pioneer Water Tank today—available in sizes from 12,000L to 500,000L—get in touch with our team, and we’ll connect you with a local installer from your community who will assist you from start to finish.
Call 0490 089 551 or fill out our form online, and NSW Water Tanks will be in touch shortly.
