More than one in five homes in the United States use a septic system to process household plumbing waste. To keep the system healthy, certain steps should be taken such as regularly scheduled pumping every three to five years to reduce sludge buildup and the installation of low-flow water fixtures and laundry appliances to reduce wastewater input to the system. So those laundry detergents and cleaning products you currently use around the house every week; are they safe for the septic system? Our comprehensive guide provides input on which household cleaners are safe to use with septic systems.
Household Cleaning Product Ingredients
Most people want to use the most effective cleaning products to keep their homes sparkling and germ-free. But some of the same ingredients that protect people from illness-causing bacteria are not good for the bacteria that keep a septic system working properly. Bacteria are necessary for a septic system to break down the solid waste and kill pathogens that will flow into the leach field and, eventually, groundwater. That same groundwater should be protected from chemicals classified as hazardous to humans or the environment. While most commercial products are safe for septic systems when used in recommended quantities (always read the labels), the better choices are “green” cleaners that do not contain petroleum-based solvents and have received the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice designation. You can also make your products with distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda to clean and disinfect your home.
Safest Toilet and Bathroom Cleaners
Bathrooms are pretty germ-ridden places and need regular cleaning with septic-safe cleaners. Try one of the following when cleaning that space:
CLR Bath & Kitchen Foaming Action CleanerCLR Calcium, Lime, and Rust RemoverGreen Works 99% Naturally-Derived Toilet Bowl CleanerMethod Bathroom and Toilet Bowl CleanersProline EFP Toilet Bowl
If plumbing clogs appear in a sink or toilet, do not use crystal drain cleaners that are too toxic for septic systems. Opt for non-chemical methods to open drains or use a commercial liquid drain cleaner.
Safest Dishwashing Detergents
Whether you are handwashing dishes or using a dishwasher, these are safe choices:
Aldi Foaming Dish SoapAmway Home Dish Drops Automatic Dishwashing PowderDropps Dishwasher PodsECOS Dishmate Dish SoapMethod Dish and Dishwasher SoapsSeventh Generation Dish LiquidSeventh Generation Automatic Dishwashing Gel: Free & Clear
To clean your dishwasher, use vinegar and baking soda or a commercial cleaner such as LemiShine that contains natural ingredients.
Safest Floor Cleaners
Choose one of these floor cleaners to keep different types of flooring in your home looking great:
BISSELL Advanced Professional Spot & Stain + OxyBISSELL Pet Stain and OdorECOS PRO Neutral Floor Cleaner Concentrated 1:128Holloway House Quick Shine Hardwood Floor CleanerHolloway House Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor CleanerHonest Floor Cleaner: Grapefruit Grove
Safest Odor Removers
When odors strike inside your home, these are septic-safe options:
Earth Friendly Products Everyday Stain & Odor RemoverECOS Pet Kitty Litter DeodorizerFresh Wave Odor Removing SprayWegmans Advance Fabric Odor Remover Fresh LinenWell at Walgreens Odor Eliminator
Safest Kitchen, Glass, and All-Purpose Cleaners
Opt for one of these products for many of your cleaning needs:
Amway Home L.O.C. Multi-Purpose CleanerDisney Baby ECOS Stain & Odor RemoverECOS Glass + Surface Cleaner VinegarGreen Works 98% Naturally-Derived Glass & Surface Cleaner SprayGreen Works 98% Naturally-Derived All-Purpose Cleaner SprayHonest Glass Cleaner: Free & ClearKrud Kutter Kitchen DegreaserSeventh Generation All-Purpose Natural CleanerSimple Green All-Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser
Household Cleaning Products to Avoid
Along with petroleum-based fuels, lubricants, car maintenance products such as antifreeze, and lead-based paints, several household cleaning products should not enter a septic system: Crystal drain cleaners: Crystal drain cleaners contain large quantities of lye and sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid that can kill beneficial bacteria and cause corrosion. Liquid drain cleaners are diluted and move more quickly through the system making them safer to use. Disinfectants: Large amounts of disinfectants like chlorine bleach, pine oil, phenolic, and quaternary disinfectants will kill the needed bacteria in a septic system. They should be used in limited quantities, following product directions and allowing time for the septic system bacteria to recover between uses. Oven cleaners: Many oven cleaners contain lye and other septic-harmful chemicals. It is much safer to choose other methods for removing grease and food from oven surfaces. Oils and solvents: Oily products such as some furniture polishes and leather conditioners should never be disposed of into a septic system, because they can smother the leach field. Solvents such as degreasers, paint thinners, and nail polish removers also upset the balance in a system and pollute the leach field groundwater. Dispose of these products at a local hazardous waste facility.
