When your home relies on a septic tank to store and process waste, it is important to avoid using cleaning products that could upset the natural balance of bacteria inside the tank. When cleaning your home, the following products should be safe to use, but others could lead to your septic tank needing costly repairs.
1. Septic Safe Cleaners
An increasing number of brands are starting to label their products as being safe for use in homes that have septic tanks. Look for the "septic safe" label on bathroom and kitchen cleaners. Products that are labelled biodegradable are also safe to use, as are most cleaning products that are labelled as environmentally friendly. If you are unsure about a particular product, you can contact the manufacturer to ask for more information.
2. Baking Soda With Vinegar
As a septic tank owner, you will need to avoid using bleach to clean your bathroom. Bleach has a very strong antibacterial effect, which means that it can kill the microbes that you rely on to break down waste in your septic tank. If you absolutely must use it for a particular purpose, dilute it as much as possible and use it sparingly.
A safer alternative for cleaning the bathroom is baking soda mixed with vinegar. This homemade cleaning solution is much milder than bleach but extremely effective at removing stains and loosening mould and mildew from bathroom tiles. You can even use it as an alternative to drain cleaning products for unblocking slow-draining basins, bathtubs and shower stalls.
3. Ammonia-Based Kitchen Cleaners
Most ammonia-based kitchen cleaners are safe to use sparingly if you have a septic tank. However, you should avoid excessive usage. In addition, you should also take care in the kitchen to ensure you dispose of excessive cooking fat responsibly. Instead of pouring it down the sink, allow fat to cool, pour or scrape it into a plastic container, and throw it out with solid household waste. This precaution should help to avoid blockages forming in your septic tank.
4. Phosphate-free Laundry Detergents
Some laundry detergents can also cause problems for septic tanks. The troublesome ingredients are phosphates, which you can see listed in the ingredients of certain detergents. To keep your septic tank safe, look for phosphate-free detergents, which are often labelled as mild, eco-friendly, or suitable for sensitive skin. Remember to check your fabric conditioner as well, if you use it.
For more information on products that are safe for septic tanks, reach out to septic services near you.
