How to Disinfect a Bathroom Without Harming a Septic System

Cleaning a bathroom that empties into a septic system requires more thought than one that feeds into a city water supply. One does not want to mess up the required bacterium and percentages needed in the septic tank to keep it properly balanced. You do not want to kill the beneficial bacteria present in the tank. The following will help you choose the products and amounts that are safe for your bathroom cleaning and your septic tank.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mild detergents
• Baking soda
• Cleaners low in phosphorus

1. Use bathroom cleaners in moderation. Use them according to their directions and nothing more.

2. Clean the bathroom with a mild detergent. Those low in phosphorus are a good choice.

3. Stay away from non-toxic products when cleaning.

4. Read the labels before using them. Notice that those which say "Danger" or "Poisonous" are highly hazardous and should not be used. Those that say "Warning" or "Cautious" should be used sparingly.

Tips & Warnings

• Baking soda is very mild and is a good tool for cleaning.
• Use limited amounts of toilet paper and paper that is labeled "safe" for septic systems.
• Do not pour oil-based paints down the sinks or toilets.
• Do not place solvents down the toilets or drains.
• Not watching and using the proper cleaners will eventually lead to premature failure of your septic tank and lead to expensive repairs.

Resources

• Acceptable and hazardous items for a septic system
• septic system options

[AbbyNormal]

on 3/14/2008 for WeeSandy - if you clean properly, that should disinfect the bathroom. You could clean with vinegar.

[WeeSandy]

on 7/13/2007 I can see that this would clean the bathroom, but how would it disinfect it?