If you have a septic system, it’s important to use the right laundry soap. Septic systems rely on bacteria to break down waste; if too many harsh chemicals are used, it can kill the bacteria and cause the system to fail. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what is the best laundry soap when you have a septic system.
What Makes a Good Septic Tank Safe Laundry Detergent?
The ingredients are the first thing to consider when looking for a septic system-safe laundry detergent. You want to avoid any laundry detergents that contain bleach or other harsh chemicals. Additionally, you want to find a laundry detergent that is low sudsing. High sudsing laundry detergents can cause problems in septic systems because they can clog the pipes. You must consider these environmental hazards and septic tank maintenance before choosing a detergent.
Powder Vs. Liquid Detergents
There has been a long-standing debate on whether powder or liquid laundry detergent is better. While there are pros and cons to both, it is important to remember that not all septic systems are created equal. You’ll want to avoid any laundry detergent with fillers and bleach. Fillers can cause clogs, and bleaches can kill the helpful bacteria in your septic tank.
Powder laundry detergents tend to be more effective and easier on septic systems than their liquid counterparts. They contain smaller particles that are less likely to cause clogs. Additionally, powder laundry detergent will dissolve more quickly in water and not leave any residue behind.
Consider the Surfactant Levels
The amount of surfactant in laundry detergent is important because this substance is what actually cleans the fabric. Anionic surfactants are common in laundry detergents, and they work by suspending soil and oils so that they can be rinsed away with water.
Non-ionic surfactants are another type of popular surfactant, and they are often used in laundry detergents for people with sensitive skin. Non-ionic surfactants are less likely to cause irritation, but anionic surfactants are more effective at cleaning.
If you have a septic system, you will want to use a laundry detergent with moderate or low surfactants. Too many surfactants can damage the septic tank’s bacteria responsible for breaking down solid waste.
Can You Use Biodegradable Detergents?
Biodegradable laundry detergents are safe for septic systems as they are designed to break down quickly. In general, these types of laundry detergents will not contain as many harmful chemicals, and they are often more gentle on fabric. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, then a biodegradable laundry detergent is a good choice.
What About Homemade Laundry Soap?
You may be tempted to save some money and make your own laundry soap. However, this is not always the best idea when you have a septic system. Many recipes for homemade laundry soap call for ingredients that can harm your septic systems, such as Borax, washing soda, and castile soap. While these ingredients are safe in small amounts, they can build up over time and cause problems with your septic system. It’s best to avoid homemade laundry soap when you have a septic system.
Which Laundry Detergent Is Best for Your Septic Tank?
So, there you have it! Consider these factors when choosing the best laundry soap for your septic system. Do your research and choose a laundry soap that is compatible with your septic system to avoid any issues. If you’re having trouble with your septic tank and need maintenance or more advice about the best detergent, get in touch with us at Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services.