How to Clean With Products Safe for Septic Tanks
Microorganisms living in your septic tank naturally break down the waste solids, separating them into wastewater and processing the sludge. These natural microorganisms, usually from human waste in the septic tank, can die from excessive contact with many chemicals, including certain cleaning products. You can't stop cleaning your dishes, laundry and toilets--and washing a load of "whites" in bleach is certainly not going to kill all the microorganisms in your tank--but you can clean with products that are safer for your septic tank. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vegetable- or fruit-based cleaning products
- Natural, homemade cleaners (optional)
Instructions
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Read the label on the cleaning product to determine how harmful it will be to your septic tank. Cleaning products labeled "dangerous" or "poisonous" are the most hazardous for your septic system, while the word "warning" on the label indicates that the product is moderately hazardous and "caution" means it's slightly so.
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Look for cleaning products that contain active ingredients like bio-based solvents or citrus, seed, vegetable or pine oils, rather than chemicals. Don't simply rely on advertising that claims the product is "environmentally certified" or "green."
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Limit your use of disinfectants to surfaces that are most likely to become contaminated to reduce the amount of disinfectant that makes its way into your septic tank. Use a fruit- or vegetable-based all-purpose cleaner for all other surfaces.
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Try cleaning surfaces in your home with natural, homemade cleaning solutions. For example, vinegar is an effective cleaner for most household surfaces.
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Tips & Warnings
If you must use any type of chemical-based cleaning product that may enter your septic system, always use it according to the label's instructions and in moderation.
You should still use cleaning products labeled "septic safe" or "nontoxic" in moderation. Also look for words like "danger," "poison," "warning" and "caution" on these products.
Avoid rinsing out paintbrushes or rollers used for applying oil-based paints, stains or solvents in your sink, because these chemicals are harmful to your septic system.
Don't fill your toilet bowl with bleach to clean it, unless doing so is absolutely necessary. If you have tough stains to remove from a toilet bowl, try scrubbing them away before pouring in the bleach or other harsh chemicals.
