Many people make the mistake of thinking they can use any household cleaners they want to with their septic system but, unfortunately, this just isn’t true. What you flush down your toilets and put down your drains directly affects your home or business’ septic system, which is why we here at Express Septic Services recommend you consider the following when cleaning your home or office.
Household Cleaner Damage
You’re old-fashioned. Bleach keeps your laundry crisp and white. Disinfectants prevent germs, mold, and mildew in your bathrooms. Bleach kills the germs in your toilets, and you scour your kitchen sink with cleanser that has bleach in it. Your house is spotless… and your septic system is dying underneath the ground. Chemicals destroy the bacterial balance in your septic system, which decreases its lifespan and increases clogs, drainfield problems, and septic tank backup.
What Can I Use Then?
The good news is septic systems have been around for a long time and there are plenty of cleaning options that are safe for the tank and drainfield. For the record, they’re also safer for your family, including the pets. Bleach and harsh chemicals aren’t the only things that will disinfect your home. Natural products work well at disinfection, sometimes even better. When looking for cleaning products for your home that won’t damage your septic system, search for
- Products that are labeled “Septic Safe”
- Biodegradable products
- Environmentally-friendly products
- Biodegradable, non-chlorine, non-toxic, phosphate-free laundry detergent
- Water-based cleaners
- Anything labeled unsafe for septic systems
This might seem as if it’s an impossible task, but all-natural cleaners and detergents usually fit the bill. Plus, there are some things you already use that you can continue to do so without damaging your septic system. For example
- Ammonia is safe for the septic system when used in moderation
- Liquid drain cleaners can be used sparingly; don’t use foam drain cleaners
- Baking soda, Borax, hydrogen peroxide, OxiClean, and white vinegar are all safe
- Epsom salt is an excellent toilet bowl cleaner that nourishes your drain field
- Lemon juice disinfects and deodorizes
You’ll be surprised how well natural cleaners keep your bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry sparkling and fresh. You’ll be relieved you don’t have to worry about the kids or pets when you use them.
Express Septic Services helps customers in Spartanburg, Greenville, and Anderson, SC. We’d be happy to inspect and service your septic system, so call us today.