Simple Green is a popular household cleaner and degreaser that many people use for a wide variety of tough cleaning tasks. But is Simple Green safe to use on plants in the garden? This article will discuss all you need to know about using Simple Green in your garden, from safety concerns to tips on how to get the most out of your product.
What Is Simple Green?
Simple Green is a concentrated all-purpose cleaner and degreaser that can be used to clean up tough messes around the home. It’s also widely used as a pre-spotter on laundry, and some people even use it to clean their vehicles or other outdoor surfaces.
Is Simple Green Safe For Grass?
The short answer is yes, Simple Green is safe for grass. This product dilutes easily in water and does not contain any harsh chemicals that can damage your lawn or garden plants. However, you should still exercise caution when using Simple Green near plants as it has a tendency to burn foliage if applied too heavily.
If you are going to use Simple Green on grass, it is recommended that you dilute the product with two parts water before applying.[1]
What Ingredients Does Simple Green Have?
Water
The main ingredient in Simple Green is water, which makes it safe to use around the home. Additionally, Simple Green contains natural degreasing agents like citrus oil and surfactants that are designed to remove tough dirt and stains without harming surfaces or plants.[2]
Nitrates
Another common ingredient found in Simple Green is nitrate salts. These are used to break down oils and grease, making them easier to clean off surfaces. However, these nitrates can be a hazard for your garden plants if applied in too high of concentrations.
Tetra Sodium EDTA
Simple Green also contains Tetra Sodium EDTA, a chelating agent that helps to break down oils and grease. This is a common ingredient in many cleaning products, but it should be used with caution as it can damage plants if applied too heavily or left on surfaces for extended periods of time.[2]
Sodium Citrate
Simple Green contains sodium citrate which is a mild surfactant. This helps to break down oils and grease on surfaces, making them easier to clean without damaging the surface or plants in the process.
Sodium Carbonate
The last main ingredient in Simple Green is sodium carbonate, which helps to break down oils and grease. This ingredient is also found in many other cleaning products, but it should be used with caution as high concentrations can damage plants if left on surfaces for too long.[2]
Citric acid
Citric acid is also present in Simple Green, and helps to break down oils and grease. This ingredient can be used safely around plants, but it should still be diluted with two parts water before applying.
Alcohol Ethoxylated
Alcohol ethoxylated is also found in Simple Green, and helps to break down oils and grease.
This ingredient should be used with caution around plants as it can burn foliage if left on surfaces for too long.
Fragrance
Simple Green also contains a fragrance, which is used to mask the unpleasant odor of some of the other ingredients. This ingredient should be of no concern when using Simple Green around plants as it does not pose any safety risks.
Precautions When Using Simple Green in the Garden
As with any household cleaner, it is important to use caution when using Simple Green around plants.
Reasons why simple green is safe around plants and grass
It has no bleach or ammonia
Simple Green does not contain any bleach or ammonia in it, which makes it safe to use around plants and grass. Bleach can damage foliage and soil while ammonia can burn plant leaves, so Simple Green is a safer alternative as it contains none of these ingredients.
It has no harsh chemicals
Simple Green also does not contain any harsh chemicals that can damage foliage or soil. This includes things like chlorine, phosphates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Additionally, Simple Green is biodegradable which means it won’t pollute the environment if used correctly.
It’s free of petroleum distillates
Simple Green is also free of petroleum distillates, which can be harmful to plants and grass. These chemicals are commonly found in other household cleaners but Simple Green does not contain any of these potentially dangerous ingredients.[1]
How to use simple green around plants and grass?
Take clean water
Before using Simple Green in the garden, you should always dilute it with two parts water. This will help to reduce the concentration of the product and make sure that it won’t damage your plants or grass.[3]
Dilute the solution
Once you have mixed the Simple Green with two parts water, you should dilute it even further. This can be done by adding more water to the solution or if necessary, adding additional cleaner.
Mix well
Once you have diluted the solution, be sure to mix it well. You want to make sure that all of the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture so that when you apply it, it won’t cause any damage or discoloration to your plants or grass.[3]
Use a spray bottle
Using a spray bottle to apply the Simple Green solution is the easiest and most efficient way to use it in the garden.
This will help to ensure that you don’t over-apply it, which can cause damage to plants and grass.
Spray the cleaner
After mixing the solution and transferring it to a spray bottle, you can commence spraying it on your plants or grass. Take care to avoid direct contact with flowers or foliage to prevent potential burning or discoloration.
Wipe gently
Once you have sprayed the Simple Green on your plants or grass, you should use a cloth to gently wipe it off. This will help to ensure that all of the dirt and grime is removed without damaging your plants or grass in the process.
Rinse off the plants and grass
After wiping off the Simple Green, it’s important to rinse off the plants or grass with clean water. This will help to wash away any residue that may be left behind and ensure that your plants and grass remain safe and healthy.
What Does It Do In The Environment And Plants?
Simple Green is biodegradable and does not contain any harsh chemicals, which makes it safe for the environment and plants.
Does Simple Green Have Harmful Chemicals?
No, Simple Green does not contain any harsh chemicals that can damage foliage or soil. It is free of bleach, ammonia, chlorine, phosphates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Additionally, Simple Green is biodegradable which means it won’t pollute the environment if used properly.
Will Simple Green Kill Grass?
No, Simple Green is a safe and effective cleaner that will not harm grass. It is important to note that when using it around plants, it should be diluted with two parts water and not left on surfaces for too long as this can cause burning or discoloration. Additionally, you should never spray Simple Green directly onto flowering plants, as this could damage the flowers.
How to Prevent Cleaning Agents from Getting onto Plants?
The best way to prevent cleaning agents from getting onto plants is to dilute it with two parts water before application. Additionally, you should use a spray bottle and take care to avoid direct contact with foliage or flowers. This will help to ensure that the solution is not too strong and will not cause any damage or discoloration. Finally, be sure to rinse off the plants and grass with clean water after application to wash away any residue that may be left behind.
What to do if a Plant is exposed to Simple Green?
If a plant is exposed to Simple Green, it is important to take immediate action. The first step is to rinse off the plant with clean water as soon as possible.
This will help to wash away any residue and prevent burning or discoloration of foliage or flowers. If signs of damage are visible, be sure to remove any affected leaves or flowers and apply an organic fertilizer to the soil. This will help to replenish any nutrients that may have been lost and encourage healthy regrowth.
Other safe cleaning agents that can be used around plants and grass?
Some other safe cleaning agents that can be used around plants and grass include white vinegar, baking soda, and borax. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can help to remove dirt and grime without damaging foliage or soil.
FAQ
Where should you not use Simple Green?
Simple Green should not be used on flowering plants or foliage, as this could cause burning or discoloration. Additionally, it can be harmful if ingested by animals and should not be used in areas where they may have access to it.
Is Simple Green safe for plants & animals?
Yes, Simple Green is safe for plants and animals when used correctly. It is biodegradable and does not contain any harsh chemicals or petroleum distillates that could cause damage. Additionally, it should be diluted with two parts water before use to reduce the concentration of the product and make sure that it won’t damage your plants or grass.
Is Simple Green safe to use outside?
Simple Green is not only safe to use outdoors, but it also poses no harm to the environment. This remarkable product is biodegradable and completely free from harsh chemicals or toxic petroleum distillates. To ensure the utmost protection for your plants and grass, it is recommended to dilute Simple Green with two parts water before application. This will effectively reduce its concentration while preserving its effectiveness.
Is Simple Green a fungicide?
No, Simple Green is not a fungicide. It does not contain any chemicals that can kill or prevent the growth of fungi, though it can help to reduce mold and mildew build-up on surfaces. To effectively remove fungus from your plants or grass, you should use an organic pesticide specifically designed for this purpose.
Is Simple Green really eco friendly?
Yes, Simple Green is an eco-friendly product. It is biodegradable and designed to break down oils and grease without damaging foliage or soil. Additionally, it is free of harsh chemicals and petroleum distillates that can be potentially harmful if not used correctly. As long as you use Simple Green correctly, it will help keep your garden plants and grass clean and healthy without any damage or discoloration.
Is Simple Green toxic free?
Yes, Simple Green is free from toxic substances such as bleach, ammonia, chlorine, phosphates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is biodegradable and designed to break down oils and grease without causing any damage or discoloration.
Will Simple Green damage plastic?
No, Simple Green will not damage plastic. It is designed to break down oils and grease without causing any damage or discoloration. Additionally, it can be used safely on a wide range of materials such as metals, concrete, glass and wood surfaces without any harm.
Is Simple Green acidic?
No, Simple Green is not acidic. It is a non-toxic cleaner that will not damage or discolor surfaces while effectively removing dirt and grime. Additionally, it does not contain any harsh chemicals or petroleum distillates that can be potentially harmful if not used correctly.
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Conclusion
Using Simple Green is a safe and effective way to clean your garden plants and grass without causing any damage or discoloration. It is important to remember that it should be diluted with two parts water and not left on surfaces for too long, as this could cause burning or discoloration. Additionally, take care to avoid direct contact with foliage or flowers when using Simple Green. With the right precautions, Simple Green can help keep your garden in top condition and make sure that it is safe for plants and animals alike.
References:
- https://flourishingplants.com/is-simple-green-safe-for-plants/#:
- https://www.fallsgarden.com/simple-green-safe-for-plants/
- https://leafyjournal.com/is-simple-green-safe-for-plants-grass/
