Having a septic system comes with the responsibility of being mindful of what goes into it. Certain ingredients commonly found in laundry detergents can wreak havoc on septic systems if used long-term. Choosing an improper detergent can lead to premature system failure, expensive repairs, and groundwater contamination.
When selecting a laundry detergent for a household with a septic system, look for ones specially formulated to be septic safe. These detergents are free of ingredients that could potentially disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria and enzymes in a septic tank. They also contain low levels of chemicals, optical brighteners, and sudsing agents, which can clog drain fields over time.
Below are the top 7 septic safe laundry detergents to consider for maintaining a healthy septic system.
1. Arm & Hammer Septic Care Laundry Detergent
- Specifically designed for septic systems
- Formulated without phosphates or chlorine
- Contains bacteria-based enzymes to assist septic tanks
- Low suds formula prevents drain clogs
- Unscented and hypoallergenic
- Safe on all washing machines
Arm & Hammer Septic Care is one of the best detergents for households with septic systems. It is phosphate-free and contains Aerobic Bacteria Enzymes that help break down waste in the septic tank. The low-suds formula prevents backups and clogs in the system. It is a great option for those sensitive to fragrances. It works effectively at removing soils in all water temperatures. Arm & Hammer Septic Care is an excellent choice for protecting a septic system while doing laundry.
2. RID-X Septic Treatment Laundry Detergent
- Contains microbes that treat septic systems
- Breaks down oils, fats, and organic waste
- Low foaming formula won’t clog drains
- Phosphate-free and biodegradable ingredients
- Unscented and gentle on skin
- Safe for all washing machines
RID-X Septic Treatment Laundry Detergent is a specialty detergent containing billions of natural bacteria and enzymes known to consume organic waste in septic systems. It treats the septic tank while washing clothes, breaking down oils and fats that can cause backups. The low-sudsing biodegradable formula won’t overtax drain fields. It is an unscented and gentle laundry option for those with skin sensitivities. Overall, RID-X is one of the top-rated septic system safe detergents.
3. Oasis Biocompatible Septic Laundry Detergent
- Contains no phosphates, dyes, or perfumes
- Designed for use in aerobic septic systems
- Proprietary bio-enzymes treat waste
- Low suds for septic tank and drain field safety
- Hard water tolerant formula
- Dermatologist tested for sensitive skin
- Cruelty-free and vegan ingredients
Oasis Biocompatible Septic Laundry Detergent is a plant-based formula free of phosphates, fragrances, and dyes. It is specially designed for use with aerobic septic systems. The detergent contains bio-enzymes that help degrade solid buildup and organic sludge. The low foam wash won’t overwhelm or clog septic plumbing. It effectively washes in all water hardness and is gentle enough for those with skin allergies. Oasis Biocompatible Detergent is a reputable septic-safe choice.
4. Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Free & Clear
- Non-toxic and biodegradable formula
- No dyes, fragrances, or brighteners
- USDA Certified Biobased Product 95%
- Contains plant-derived cleaning agents
- Low sudsing for septic system safety
- Dermatologist tested for sensitive skin
- Hypoallergenic and non-irritating
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent is a plant-based formula that is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and safe for septic systems. It is made from 95% biobased ingredients and plant-derived cleaning agents. The formula is free of dyes, fragrances, and optical brighteners that can damage septic systems. It produces low suds to prevent backups and clogs in septic plumbing. Seventh Generation Free & Clear is an environmentally friendly detergent that is gentle on skin and safe for septic tanks.
5. ECOS Laundry Detergent Free & Clear
- Certified 100% biodegradable
- NSF/ANSI Standard 305 certified septic safe
- Naturally derived, plant-based ingredients
- No optical brighteners, dyes or perfumes
- Low foaming for septic system safety
- Non-toxic, hypoallergenic formula
- Safe for high-efficiency machines
ECOS Laundry Detergent Free & Clear is a plant-based, biodegradable formula designed for septic system safety. It is NSF/ANSI 305 certified to protect septic tanks, pipes, and drain fields. The naturally derived ingredients clean effectively while remaining non-toxic. It contains no dyes, perfumes or brighteners that disturb septic bacteria. The low foam wash makes it ideal for high-efficiency machines. ECOS Free & Clear is a reliable eco-friendly laundry solution.
6. Bio-Pac Ultimate Septic System Laundry Detergent
- Formulated specifically for septic systems
- Contains no phosphates, dyes or perfumes
- Proprietary blend of bacteria and enzymes
- Low sudsing to avoid backups
- Hard water softening technology
- Safe on all washing machines
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Bio-Pac Ultimate Septic System Laundry Detergent is designed for optimized septic system protection. It features a proprietary blend of bacteria, enzymes, and stabilizers to treat solid buildup. The plant-based formula contains no phosphates, chlorine, dyes or perfumes that harm septic systems. It generates low suds to prevent drain clogs and failures. The built-in water softeners enhance cleaning performance. Bio-Pac Ultimate is highly effective at both cleaning laundry and maintaining septic systems.
7. Dropps Laundry Detergent Pacs Septic + Septic Systems
- Pre-measured detergent pods
- Certified septic and sewer safe
- Free of phosphates and chlorine
- Plant-based, biodegradable formula
- Low sudsing for septic safety
- Dye and fragrance-free
- Convenient and portable pouches
Dropps Laundry Detergent Pacs Septic + Septic Systems are pre-measured pods specially designed for use in homes with septic systems. The plant-based formula is free of phosphates, chlorine, dyes and perfumes that can interfere with septic bacteria. The low foaming wash helps prevent backups. The pouches provide mess-free handling and can be taken anywhere. Dropps Septic Laundry Pacs provide an easy way to do laundry while protecting a septic system.
What to Look for in a Septic-Safe Laundry Detergent
When selecting a laundry detergent for septic systems, there are several key characteristics to look for:
Low Suds Formula
Excessive suds can overtax or clog a septic system. Detergents labeled as “low suds” or “high-efficiency” generate less bubbles, allowing wastewater to flow freely.
No Phosphates
Phosphates provide cleaning power but also act as a food source, allowing too much bacteria growth in a septic tank. Phosphate-free detergents prevent this imbalance.
Enzyme-Based Ingredients
Specialized bacteria and enzyme blends assist the microbial digestion in a septic tank. They help break down sludge and prevent costly backups.
Biodegradable
Detergents made of plant-based, biodegradable ingredients are less taxing on a septic system. They help maintain proper biological digestion.
Water Softening Agents
Detergents with built-in water softeners increase cleaning effectiveness, even in hard water, without the need for extra products.
Free of Dyes, Perfumes, Brighteners
Dyes, fragrances, and brightening agents can disrupt septic bacteria and clog drain field soils. Detergents without these ingredients are ideal.
Septic System Certified
Choosing a detergent certified as septic-safe by organizations like NSF International ensures the formula meets strict standards for septic system protection.
Benefits of Using Septic-Safe Laundry Products
Switching to septic-safe laundry detergents and proper laundry care provides multiple benefits for homeowners with septic systems including:
- Prolonged septic system lifespan by reducing solid buildup, clogs, and backups
- Optimized treatment process by maintaining appropriate microbial ecosystems
- Prevented malfunctions that can lead to expensive repairs and replacement costs
- Avoided groundwater contamination from waste backup
- Eliminated foul odors from overloaded tanks
- Continued effective performance of drain fields
- Enhanced cleaning results from innovative enzyme-based agents
- Peace of mind knowing your septic system is protected
Septic System Laundry Care Tips
Use these tips to minimize the impact of doing laundry on your septic system:
- Stick to a full laundry load. Smaller loads waste more water.
- Avoid using too much detergent. More does not mean cleaner clothes.
- Select a septic-safe laundry detergent designed for septic tanks.
- Let washing machines drain completely before doing multiple loads.
- Install lint filters on washing machine outflow pipes to prevent clogs.
- Route graywater from washing machines to proper drains or soak areas, not the septic tank.
- Clean dryer lint screens before every load to prevent accumulated lint from draining back.
- Avoid bleach and fabric softeners which can harm septic system bacteria.
- Upgrade older washing machines to more efficient Energy Star models.
- Inspect and pump septic tanks regularly to remove accumulated solids.
Signs It’s Time to Pump the Septic Tank
Watch for these warning signs that your septic tank needs pumping:
- Slow draining sinks, tubs, and toilets
- Gurgling sounds from plumbing
- Plumbing backups and overflows
- Foul sewage odors inside or outside
- Dense green grass over the drain field
- Pooling water or muddy ground over the tank or drain field
- Record of 3 or more years since last septic cleaning
- Increase in household water usage
- Addition of a high-water use item like a hot tub
Septic tanks should be inspected annually and pumped every 3-5 years by a qualified service professional. Regular septic pumping and maintenance helps detergent work more effectively and extends the life of your entire system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients in laundry detergents damage septic systems?
Ingredients like phosphates, bleach, salts, zeolites, brighteners, dyes and synthetic sudsing agents can harm septic system bacteria, clog drain lines, and overload soil absorption fields if used long-term.
How can laundry chemicals overload a septic tank?
Excessive chemicals can kill beneficial bacteria inside the septic tank needed to digest solids. This causes sludge buildup and plumbing backups. Chemicals can also clog drain fields by damaging soils, prohibiting wastewater absorption.
Why should I avoid using too much laundry detergent?
Overuse of any detergent adds unnecessary chemicals to the septic system. It can cause excessive sudsing, which leads to backups and clogs. Stick to the recommended amount based on load size.
Are natural or organic laundry detergents better for septic systems?
Yes, plant-based detergents made from renewable ingredients like soapnuts, citrus, agar, plant enzymes, and oils are typically safer for septic systems than synthetic formulas. Check that they are specifically septic-safe.
How often should I have my septic tank pumped?
Septic tanks should be pumped every 3-5 years by a licensed contractor. Annual inspections are recommended to check sludge and scum accumulation levels. Increased household water use may necessitate more frequent septic cleaning.
What household cleaners should be avoided with a septic system?
Septic systems are sensitive to products like bleach, drain cleaners, ammonia, antibacterial soaps, harsh disinfectants, and caustic cleaning products. Use septic-safe alternatives instead.
The Bottom Line
Having a properly functioning septic system requires choosing the right laundry detergents. Harsh chemicals and sudsing agents found in conventional formulas can disrupt septic bacteria, cause backups, and damage plumbing and soils. Specially designed septic-safe detergents contain plant-based ingredients and enzymes that treat waste while preventing clogs. With regular septic tank pumping and use of compatible laundry products, a septic system can provide many years of hassle-free service. Investing in septic-safe laundry detergents like the ones covered here offers peace of mind that your septic system and household environment are protected.