Cleaning products safe for septic systems
If you live in a rural area, you might be using a septic system to treat all household wastewater. As we are spending more time indoors, understanding the DOs and DONTs of septic systems is essential. Harsh chemicals are a strict no-no for septic systems as you might know already. In this article, we discuss the products safe for septic systems and also the products which are to be avoided. If you need some more information about septic systems, give Express Wastewater a call at 300 770 594 and we can help you out.
Cleaning products safe for septic systems
Septic systems rely on bacteria to treat the wastewater and maintaining a healthy level of bacteria is crucial to keep the system up and running.
Household and cleaning products to avoid
- Laundry powders
- Bleach
- Chemical drain cleaners
- Disinfectants
- Anti-bacterial solutions like dishwashing liquid or hand wash
- Water softeners
- Cooking oil
- Bacon grease
- Paints, solvents, and thinners
- Solvents
- Weed and insect killers
- Toilet cleaners like blue toilet tablets, toilet blue or toilet duck
What else shouldn’t be flushed down a septic system?
Anything which isn’t biodegradable or comes in the list of 3Ps (pee, poo or paper) should be avoided. Here’s a list of other products :
- Feminine hygiene products like tampons or pads
- Condoms
- Nappies
- Plastic
- Coffee grounds
- Food scraps
- Bleaching agents
- Paper
- Wet pipes
- Cigarette butts
- Bath bombs
- Insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides
- Medicines
- Kitty litter
- Dental floss
How to keep the septic system healthy?
- Buy cleaning products safe for septic systems
- Use natural and biodegradable products in your household
- Use a bucket to collect extra water when you are washing hands, fruits or vegetables or taking a shower and use the collected water in the garden
- Bacon grease and cooking oil shouldn’t be poured down the sink. Allow the leftover oil to cool and throw it in the bin
- Read labels on cleaning products and ensure they are non-toxic
- Get your pipes and taps checked by a plumber regularly and ensure all leaks are fixed immediately
Products recommended safe for septic systems
For cleaning, there are plenty of natural products which can be used. For example:
- Salt
- Vinegar ( white vinegar and apple cider vinegar)
- Epsom salt
- Baking soda
- Lemon water
In general, any product which is non-toxic, non-chlorine based and biodegradable is considered safe. The following products can be purchased from the supermarket and are considered safe to use.
- Earth Choice - Laundry and dishwashing liquid
- Down to Earth
- BioLogic
- Ecozyme
- Pure soap flakes dissolved in hot water and 1/4 cup of washing soda for washing clothes
References
- https://www.hrcc.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/document-resources/services/public-health/stddoc-29-information-for-owners-handout.pdf
- https://www.aspenclean.com/blog/septic-safe-products-and-the-ones-to-avoid
- https://www.thespruce.com/the-best-septic-safe-household-cleaning-products-4175069
- https://www.crewsenvironmental.com/what-cleaners-are-safe-to-use-with-a-septic-system/
- https://www.valleyseptics.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Septic-Safe-Products-List-email.pdf