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When you have a septic system, there are several limitations on what you can dump down the drain. It follows this idea: Septic systems rely on vital bacteria to help break down waste; thus, adding harsh chemicals to the system might kill the important microorganisms and ultimately, cause the system to malfunction.
To give you an overview of how this system works, the septic tank is completely sealed and includes anaerobic microorganisms for wastewater processing. Pollutants are then recycled into sludge that sinks at the bottom and pure water that may be used for technological reasons, while in the other tank, the water passes through the second step of filtration. Once again, “alive” aerobic microorganisms filter the water and the water is then put into the soil or a third tank, where it may be used for technical purposes on the job site and in the house.
When you have a septic system, you must be careful with the cleaning chemicals you use, including laundry detergents. In general, look for a label on the package that reads “Septic Safe,” and pick a biodegradable detergent with minimal surfactant levels.
To help you, we’ve produced a list of the best laundry detergent for septic systems based on user evaluations and internet forums, so you can get a sense of how they work and whether they’re right for you. Finally, after reading over the advantages and disadvantages, you will have a variety of alternatives to choose from.
Contents
Finding the Best Laundry Detergent for Septic Systems—A Buying Guide
Given the importance of septic-safe laundry detergents in maintaining the health of your septic system, it’s vital to consider issues such as septic-safe products, ecologically friendly goods, less is more, and whether powder or liquid detergent is preferable. These factors will assist you in selecting the finest laundry detergent for septic systems.
Septic Safe Products
No components in a “septic-safe” laundry detergent interfere with the on-site waste treatment system’s performance. Choose septic-safe detergents to maintain an ideal mix of bacteria and enzymes that break down waste.
It’s critical to use septic-safe dishwashing detergent if you have a septic system because these detergents are usually phosphate-free. This is critical because phosphates can harm the beneficial bacteria and enzymes in your aquarium. These enzymes and microorganisms aid in the decomposition of the waste in the tank.
Environmentally Friendly Works Best
Choosing environmentally friendly laundry detergent has several advantages. These substances are derived from nature (e.g. coconut) and biodegrade, meaning they dissolve in water. Nothing will accumulate, and you will have nothing to be concerned about.
This is an important factor to consider in buying laundry detergent because aside from the fact that it eco-friendly products keep your septic system in better health, buying non-eco friendly items contributes to the release of hazardous gases into the environment called VOCs. These hazardous gases are produced by a variety of solids and liquids, including cleansers such as soaps and detergents, shampoo, and dishwashing soaps.
It is important to note that the common liquid detergents that we see on the market contain non-biodegradable chemicals that affect septic tanks. If these harsh chemicals are still being employed, using liquid detergent instead of powder detergent will not safeguard a septic system’s health.
Less is More
It’s not just a waste of money to use too much detergent; it’s also terrible for your washer, clothing, and septic system. Excess detergent is simply poured down the drain, leaving a residue on your clothes. This residue can leave chalky markings on your garments and make your clothes and towels feel crunchy or sticky.
If you use too much washing powder, the undissolved powder will clump inside your septic system. These clumps of powder can cause major obstructions in the system’s inflow pipes, resulting in sewage and wastewater backing up into your house.
Powder vs Liquid
Which brand of laundry detergent is the safest to use depends on the septic system that you own. Use a liquid washing detergent for a traditional gravity-powered machine. To minimize excessive foam in the aeration chamber, a powdered septic tank-friendly laundry detergent is preferable for an aerated septic system.
The Best Laundry Detergent for Septic Systems
Persil – Best Laundry Detergent for Septic Systems
- Combines Persil detergent plus Boosted Stain Removal
- Power-boosted formula to fight the toughest stains
Need to Know Information
- Low Residual suds
- Its formula contains stainfighting enzymes
- Extremely Fresh Scent
- 100% Dye and Perfume Free
- Deep Clean of Visible and Invisible Dirt
What We Love About It: One bottle of Persil ProClean Stain Fighter liquid laundry detergent, enough for 50 loads, is included in this package.
Persil ProClean Stain Fighter is no ordinary detergent because it combines Persil detergent plus boosted stain removal. The formula for Persil comprises stain-fighting enzymes that have been developed specifically for the purpose of breaking down stains and delivering an exceptionally thoroughly clean. Indeed, it is the strongest stain-fighting solution on the market based on the consumer review.
The intense freshness of Persil Power-Liquid detergent is designed to linger long after a load has been washed, in addition to providing a thorough cleaning for all of life’s messiest moments. Persil Proclean particularly those designed for use in high-efficiency machines has been improved. You can assure that your brights will maintain their bright color, and your whites will maintain their white color.
ECOS® – Best Detergent and Fabric Softener Combo
- CLIMATE POSITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE - Not only is this laundry detergent formula effective and kind to sensitive skin, but it's also biodegradable and pH-balanced.
- 100% VEGAN – Containing enough detergent for 200 loads of laundry, plant-powered ECOS Laundry Detergent is both cruelty-free and vegan, making it an ideal choice for planet-conscious households.
Need to Know Information
- Plant Powered
- Hypoallergenic
- Safest-in-class ingredients
- Over 140+ EPA Safer Choice certified products
What We Love About It: ECOS® Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent, Magnolia Lily every ingredient meets strict and safety critera for human and environmental health.
It is not unusual for people to have skin irritation as a result of using laundry detergent. People with sensitive skin may find that using ECOS hypoallergenic laundry detergent alleviates the itching and redness that may be caused by regular laundry detergents’ ingredients. Coconut oil is the primary component, and it also has essential oils added for scent. This product is sourced from plants and includes plant-based cleansers.
ECOS does not include any chemicals that might potentially cause allergic reactions, including 1,4-dioxane, dyes, phthalates, and others. In addition, it has a pH that is balanced, making it suitable for use even on the most sensitive skin.
In addition to being safe on humans, this detergent is also gentle on animals and the environment. It is approved as a Safer Choice product by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and is made from entirely plant-based components from start to finish. To top it all off, the ECOS plant uses 100% renewable energy to produce its products.
365 by Whole Foods Market – Best Concentrated Laundry Detergent
- 365 by Whole Foods Market products give you that dance-down-the-aisles feeling, virtual aisles too! Our huge range of choices with premium ingredients at prices you can get down with makes grocery shopping so much more than tossing the basics in your cart.
- An Amazon brand
Need to Know Information
- Eliminates Even the Toughest Odors
- Fight stains and keep you fresh
- Lavender scent laundry detergent for the septic system.
What We Love About It: 365 by Whole Foods Market, Laundry Detergent Concentrated has powerful cleaning elements in a concentrated form to maximize the effectiveness in removing the dirt in the septic system.
The 365 by Whole Foods Market’s extensive selection of superior ingredients offers an affordable detergent that has many fragrances, including lavender citrus. It is also one of the best-concentrated laundry detergents that you can trust to eliminate stains and dirt.
This detergent with a fragrance of lavender utilizes safe chemicals to effectively remove grime and stains from clothes. The colors do not lose their vibrancy, and the whites do not change. Both ordinary and high-efficiency washing machines perform well when using method detergent.
Arm & Hammer – Most Affordable Laundry Detergent for Septic Systems
- Odor Blasters eliminate tough odors!
- Powers out dirt and odors using the power of OxiClean Stain Fighters and Arm & Hammer freshness
Need to Know Information
- Removes tough odors
- High efficient compatible
- Combat Stains And Remain Fresh
- Composed with baking soda and OxiClean stain removers
What We Love About It: ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent is versatile and affordable. Gentle yet effective and efficient
Laundry detergent can be quite expensive, it can cost a lot, especially when you’re on a tight budget. But don’t worry! because Arm & Hammer Plus Oxiclean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst is ready to take any cleaning challenge you have. It is one of the most affordable laundry detergents on the market.
Remove body odor, musty towels, and more from your clothes and leave them feeling clean and fresh. The odor-fighting power of ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent is unmatched in its ability to eliminate even the most persistent of smells. The solution does more than simply conceal scents; it really removes them completely.
Seventh Generation – Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent for Septic Systems
- Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent lifts stubborn stains like tomato sauce, grass and coffee with our enzyme rich formula
- You won’t find dyes, synthetic fragrances or artificial brighteners in our natural laundry detergent
Need to Know Information
- Eco-Friendly
- Recyclable Packaging
- 100% Essential Oils and Botanical Ingredients
- #2 in Commercial Liquid Detergent
What We Love About It: Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent natural ingredients, the Lavender and Blue Eucalyptus perfume leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean without the use of harsh chemicals.
We can all do our part to protect the environment by using eco-friendly laundry detergent. Select hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, biodegradable, and septic-safe detergent made from sustainable elements. Look no further because Seventh Generation Liquid is a natural laundry detergent that does not include dyes, synthetic scents, or artificial brighteners.
When you purchase Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry Detergent, you won’t find any colors, synthetic scents, or artificial brighteners in the product. This natural laundry detergent has a 97% biobased content and is certified as a biobased product by the USDA. It is strong at all washing temperatures, it is not harmful to septic systems, and it is intended to function in both high-efficiency and ordinary washing machines.
FAQ When Searching for The Best Laundry Detergent for Septic Systems
When shopping for the finest laundry detergent for septic systems, you may encounter many issues. This section will answer the most frequently asked questions concerning septic system washing detergent.
Can Laundry Detergent Damage Septic Systems?
Although it may seem safe to add an extra dosage of detergent to your laundry, excessive detergent usage can cause major septic system damage. Beneficial bacteria colonies in septic tanks eat and digest organic waste so it may be safely discharged into the drain field. Detergents commonly contain phosphate and bleach to give them strength, but they can be hazardous to septic systems.
Can I use Laundry Pods with a Septic System?
Detergent pods may be used properly in washing without affecting septic systems as long as the components are totally biodegradable. It is important to check if your laundry pods are indeed biodegradable before using them as the non-biodegradable detergent can not only damage your septic system but can also pose a threat to the environment.
What Cycle Works Best for Septic Systems?
Septic tanks in residential properties are pumped once every three to five years, on average. It is recommended that alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or other mechanical components be tested more often, usually once a year.
Can I use Fabric Softener With a Septic System?
No. Fabric softeners, much like other types of home cleansers and chemicals, are capable of having a disastrous impact on a septic system. Your septic system is subjected to two types of harm: the chemicals in the fabric softener damage the environment of your system and disrupt the physical operation of the tank.
Best Laundry Detergent for Septic Systems Conclusion
Here are the laundry detergents that are safe for septic systems, we took into account the operation of septic systems as well as their correct maintenance and treatment. Following that, we went through nine different articles that included both background information and product reviews.
We were particularly interested in laundry detergents made from plant-based and biodegradable components that would not harm septic systems. A good number of these options also include hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly characteristics. We included scented and unscented options, as well as liquids, powders, and pods, since we know that most of us want to have a wide selection of laundry detergent for septic systems to choose from.
The expense of installing a septic system on your property is expensive. When we put toxic laundry detergent in the septic system, it causes irreparable damage far sooner than it would otherwise. Use the best septic-safe laundry detergent we have listed for you to keep your septic system in perfect condition.