Best Septic Safe Household Cleaning Products
Household septic systems are something you probably don't think about until there is a problem. And when there is a problem, it is usually an expensive and messy one. More than 25 percent of the homes in the United States use a septic system to process household plumbing waste. To keep the system healthy, there are certain steps that 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.
But what about the laundry detergents and cleaning products you use around the house every week? Are they safe for the septic system?
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 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. Septic systems are not designed to filter out many petroleum-based chemicals such as fuels, lubricants, pesticides, or solvent-based products. Even disinfectants in large quantities can wreak havoc on the processes of a healthy septic system.
It is particularly important to read labels on household products to determine if they are safe for septic systems and monitor the level of use. Just two gallons of chlorine bleach entering the system within a short period of time will kill most of the useful bacteria in a 1,000-gallon septic tank.
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 own 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:
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:
Amway Home Dish Drops Automatic Dishwashing Powder
Method Dish and Dishwasher Soaps
Seventh Generation Dish Liquid
Seventh 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.
Household Cleaning Products to Avoid
Along with petroleum-based fuels, lubricants, car maintenance products such as antifreeze, and lead-based paints, there are several household cleaning products that 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 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.
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