Septic systems have a lot of advantages, but they can also be very fine.
There are some things that your septic system cannot process, including:
- Hair
- Kitty litter
- Sanitary napkins
- Fat, grease, or oil
- Paper towels
- Coffee grounds
- Dental floss
- Cigarette butts
- Chemicals: (these will contaminate the wastewater and kill the bacteria in your septic tank that help to purify the wastewater). These chemicals can also refer to the type of laundry or dishwasher detergent you are using.
Best & Safe Laundry Detergent To Use
Laundry is a necessary part of life, even though most of us fear the job. But did you know that the type of detergent you're using can rely on more than just the way it smells? Using the wrong form of laundry detergent can have a negative effect on the operation of your septic tank. We have assembled a list of the best laundry detergents for your septic system:
- Ultra Citra-Suds Natural Laundry Detergent
- Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent
- Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds
- Equator
- Fresh Start
- Biokleen Laundry Powder
- Ecover Laundry Products
- Mrs. Meyers Laundry Detergent
- Mountain Green Ultra Laundry Liquid
- Seventh Generation Laundry Products
- Planet Laundry Products
Relevant tips for maintenance of the septic system
In addition to using these detergents, do not do more than one or two loads of laundry every day. It's safer for your septic system if you spread out the use of your laundry for a week. Also, make sure you use regular quantities of detergents in your laundry loads. More detergent is usually not going to make your clothes cleaner, but it may cause problems for your septic tank in the future. Using an unnecessary amount of detergent, it adds more contaminants into the septic tank, which are then exposed to the bacteria that are meant to break down the solid waste in the tank.
Check out this Septic System FAQ for any other questions you have about your septic tank! Or if you need a septic repair service, please call Punctual Plumbing Pros at (762) 320-5531 or contact us online.