Septic Safe Cleaners

Tips to help you extend the life of your septic system in Northwest Pennsylvania.

The Best Septic Safe Cleaners: How to Clean Your Home Without Killing Your Tank

Dealing with sewage is the easiest way to ruin a weekend. Most homeowners don't realize that the biggest threat to their septic system isn't just what you flush but often the harsh cleaners you use to clean your house.

Every time you use a germ-killing cleaner or antibacterial soap, those chemicals drain into your tank. Once there, they act like a bomb, wiping out the natural good bacteria your waste system needs to stay healthy.

To help you protect your investment, we put together this helpful guide to the safe septic cleaners for your home!

1. Septic-Safe Bathroom Cleaners

The bathroom is where the most damage happens. Many people reach for a heavy bleach to tackle grime, but these are incredibly toxic to your waste system.

• Green Works Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Great for stains without harsh fumes and it’s 99% naturally derived.
• CLR Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover: This is great if you have that yellow residue from your hard water that comes from your well.
• Oh, Yuk Jetted Tub Cleaner: Good for pushing debris out of tub jets. Just be careful of the measurements and keep an eye on it!
• CLR Bath & Kitchen Foaming Action Cleaner: Safe for tubs and tiles.

Pro Tip: If you have a clogged drain, avoid Drano or liquid fire. These can eat through older pipes and kill your septic tank's good bacteria. Try a plunger or a snake first then give a professional plumber a call to avoid a plumbing emergency!

2. Septic-Safe Dishwasher Detergents

Your kitchen sink is a direct line to your septic tank. High-phosphate detergents can lead to "algae blooms" in your drainage area which can lead to issues with your septic tank.

• BlueLand Soaps: Zero waste soap tablets and zero regrets.

• Dropps Dishwasher Pods: Plastic-free and chemical-light.
• Amway Home Dish Drops: A classic powder that dissolves completely.
• Dawn Dish Soap: Safe for the environment and your tank!
• ALDI’s Foaming Dish Soap: An affordable, septic-friendly option for hand-washing.

3. Septic Safe Floor Cleaners

Whether you’re cleaning up dirt or a pet accident, what goes into your mop bucket eventually goes into your leach field.

• ECOS PRO Neutral Floor Cleaner: A concentrated formula that is gentle on the environment.
• BISSELL Pet Stain and Odor: Removes tough smells and not the good bacteria.

4. Septic Safe Laundry Detergents

Your washing machine can send dozens of gallons of water into your tank in a single day. Most laundry detergents are safe but always keep an eye on the label. Stick to liquid or pod-based detergents that dissolve completely.

• Seventh Generation Free and Clear: This is widely considered the gold standard. It is free of the optical brighteners that can kill your tank's bacteria.
• Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods: These dissolve 100% in the wash. They are excellent for keeping the "sludge layer" in your tank manageable.
• ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent: A great plant-powered option that works surprisingly well even with the hard water we often deal with in Erie County.
• 9 Elements Liquid Detergent: This uses a vinegar-based formula to help strip away hard water minerals and odors without harsh chemicals.

Pro Tip: Avoid adding fabric softeners as they can create oily films and try to spread out your laundry throughout the week. Doing five back-to-back loads of laundry could possibly flood your septic tank, pushing solids out into your leach field before they’ve had time to break down.

Signs That You Have a Failing Septic System

Preventative action can prolong a septic system’s life and your plumbing. Having your septic tank pumped is much cheaper than replacing a drain field. We can inspect your system in Erie, Titusville, or Meadville for structural damage and help you get your bacteria levels back where they belong.

Contact Mansfield Sanitation Services, LLC today for all your commercial or residential sanitation needs.