One of the most common questions we get at Wiggly Wigglers is about that mysterious liquid you drain from your Bokashi bin. Recently, David wrote to us saying:
“I’m really enjoying finding out how my Bokashi kit works and have almost filled the second bin. I’ve been drawing off the tea and saving it for the moment, but wanted some guidance on whether and how it can be used as a liquid feed. I attach a photo of what I’ve collected – this smells strongly vinegary but isn’t unpleasant – does the tea look right and is it ready to use when diluted?”
It’s a brilliant question – and if you’ve got a Bokashi kit, you’ve probably wondered the same.
✅ What is Bokashi Tea?
Bokashi “tea” (sometimes called leachate) is the liquid that drains off your food waste during fermentation in your Bokashi bin.
If it smells vinegary, that’s a very good sign – it means your Bokashi is fermenting exactly as it should, and those beneficial microbes are alive and thriving.
🌱 How to Use Bokashi Tea
1️⃣ As a plant feed:
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Dilute it – about 1 spoonful per litre of water (roughly 1:100).
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Water houseplants, garden beds, or pots straight away.
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Don’t stress about measuring perfectly – it’s not a science experiment!
2️⃣ Down drains and loos:
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Use it undiluted in sinks, drains, or even compost loos.
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It keeps pipes fresh and helps clear out gunk – all thanks to those hard‑working microbes.
🐛 A Couple of Wiggly Tips
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Use it fresh. Bokashi tea is alive! Once drained, the microbes don’t stay active for long, so the sooner you use it, the better.
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If it looks dark or strong, simply dilute it a bit more for sensitive plants.
👩🌾 Bottom line:
David’s tea – vinegary smell and all – was spot on. And if your Bokashi bin is giving you the same, you’ve got liquid gold on tap. Use it, don’t hoard it, and your plants, drains, and soil will thank you.
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From Our Farm to Your Footprint,
Team Wiggly