Best Laundry Detergent for Septic Systems 2023

Septic system safety is important when you choosing laundry detergent. What laundry detergent is best for septic in the year of 2023? Because if you make the wrong detergent, it will harm the septic systems fast. Here is the complete guide for this important topic.

Why Best Laundry Detergent is Important for Septic Systems

If you have a septic tank you need to be careful about what cleaning products you use. You should look for a label that states the product is “septic safe” and also choose a biodegradable detergent that contains low levels of surfactants. To avoid excessive foaming, powdered or high-efficiency laundry detergents are best.

Why You Need Septic Systems Safe Laundry Detergent

You need a septic-safe laundry detergent because If you use bad laundry detergent for the septic system. It can be the reason for the septic system bad. To ensure the proper operation of your septic system, having a list of safe cleaning products is more than enough.

For dishwashers and washing machines, certain rules must be followed.

  • Always be sure to turn on machines only when you have enough items (dirty linens, or dishes) to load them.
  • Use detergent as little as possible.
  • If you don’t need it, limit the number of washes per day.
  • When choosing one, choose a washer or dishwasher with water-saving features.
  • You may still need some items.
  • Avoid using detergents that can affect the operation of the septic system.

How We Pick Best Laundry Detergent for Septic System 2023

The negative effect on nature is obvious: phosphates completely destroy calcium ions, which leads to the action of active surfactants.

Phosphate-containing substances kill part of the bacteria, reducing the effectiveness of the entire purification system of the septic tank. So it is better to avoid this type of cleanser if you are using a septic tank.

Water hardness is essential for the longevity of the septic tank. The composition of water is also important.

The level of contamination of the object (dishes, linen). The frequency of detergent use is of paramount importance, as the wrong choice of detergent will damage the septic system very quickly.

Cleaners that are chlorine-free and phosphate-free are suitable for use in septic tanks. However, the higher content of surfactants negatively impacts the microbiome.

So try to choose such products, but watch out for the surfactant content to be less than 5%.

Best Laundry Detergent for Septic Systems 2022

We try to avoid things before choosing the best laundry detergent for your septic systems 2023:

Pure chlorine in addition to the chlorine-containing detergents and chemicals. Substances and products from surfactant content more than 5%.

Drugs and other substances contain formaldehyde, nitrite-oxidizing agents, and quaternary ammonium compound.

They’re not dead but they can produce an unpleasant and constant stink in a toilet tank.

Phosphate and petrochemical-containing liquids (kerosene, gasoline, engine oil, paints, solvents, fuels and lubricants, cadmium.)

Active substances such as alcohols, acids, alkalis, antifreeze, phosphorus compounds, etc. Cleansers with artificial colors, perfumes, fragrances, parabens, and sulfates.

How Does Septic System A Work?

Septic system is an underground treatment system for the waste from your laundry room, kitchen, and bathrooms.

The bacteria break down the waste and the remaining liquid drains into a drainpipe where the bacteria treat the wastewater before safely releasing it into the ground soil.

The wastewater moves to a central area where it separates the oil and grease that float to the top, and the solids that sink and form sludge.

Best Laundry Detergent for Septic Systems 2023

Here is the list for 2023. You can choose one and buy quickly by using any quick link.

RankLaundry Detergent Name
#1Seventh Generation Concentrated
#2 ECOS 2X Hypoallergenic Liquid
#3Arm & Hammer Liquid
#4Eco-Me’s Natural Concentrated Liquid
#5 Charlie’s Soap Powder
#6Mrs. Meyers Clean Day
#7Babyganics 3X Baby
#8 Dropps Stain & Odor Pods
#9 Biokleen Liquid
#10Puracy Natural Liquid

1. Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent is specially formulated for sensitive skin. Seventh Generation Free & Clear laundry detergent is designed for sensitive skin.

There aren’t any dyes or chemical fragrances made from synthetic sources, harmful chemicals, or artificial brighteners on the list of ingredients.

Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent removes stubborn stains like tomato sauce, grease stains, grass, and coffee with our enzyme-rich formula.

It is a USDA-certified bio-based product, which means that at least 97 percent of its plant-based ingredients are biologically renewable.

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent Laundry Detergent is designed to work in both HE and standard washing machines.

This safe, efficient formula is not just gentle on the skin it’s also better for the environment.

best laundry detergent for septic system
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Pros
  • Fragrance Free
  • Phosphate Free
  • Gluten Free
  • Trusted
  • Good Quality
Cons
  • No Cons
Size3.25 Pounds
Number of Loads53
Safe for Machine All types of machines
BrandSeventh Generation
Formulation TypeHigh Efficiency
Customer ReviewsGreat

2. ECOS 2X Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent

ECOS Powerful Laundry Detergent is made from plant-derived cleaners. ECOS Laundry Detergent is ultra-concentrated and made without dyes, brighteners, parabens, phosphates, or phthalates, and is hypoallergenic for sensitive skin.

ECOS Laundry Detergent is 100% vegan laundry detergent. It can be used at any temperature of the water and comes with an unmistakable scent. There are no harmful chemicals present in this detergent for laundry.

ECOS Laundry Detergent is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested and pH-balanced laundry detergent U.S. EPA certified as a safe choice.

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Pros
  • Gluten Free
  • No Harsh Chemicals
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Trusted
  • Good Quality
Cons
  • No Cons
Size12.5 Pounds
Number of Loads200
Safe for Machine All types of machines
BrandECOS
Formulation TypeHigh Efficiency
Customer ReviewsGreat

3. Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent

The hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested formula contains no perfume or dyes and cleanses completely.

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Pros
  • Dye Free
  • Best for Sensitive Skin
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Trusted
  • Good Quality
Cons
  • No Cons
Size150 Oz.
Number of Loads100
Safe for Machine All types of machines
BrandArm & Hammer
Formulation TypeHigh Efficiency
Customer ReviewsGreat

4. Eco-Me’s Natural Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent

Eco-Me’s Natural Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent leaves your clothes clean and with a fresh lavender blossom scent.

It may not be fragrance-free, but there are no synthetic fragrances involved in its formulation. It is also free of formaldehyde, paraben, sulfate, chlorine, phosphate- and dye-free. It is safe for sensitive skin, children and pets.

The plant oils that make up this formula also help fight bacteria. This laundry detergent is both eco-friendly and cruelty-free. You get up to 64 loads with 2 pounds bottle. It is also safe in HE washing machines.

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Pros
  • Unscented
  • Eco-friendly
  • Chemical free
  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Good Quality
Cons
  • Not for hard water
Size2 Pounds
Number of Loads64
Safe for Machine All types of machines
BrandEco-me
Formulation TypeHigh Efficiency
Customer ReviewsGreat

5. Charlie’s Soap Laundry Detergent Powder

In the event that you would prefer detergent for your laundry in powder in place of liquid products, Charlie’s Soap laundry powder is among the top solutions for safe septic.

Powdered detergent doesn’t lather, which makes it preferable for aerated septic systems, yet it still effectively removes dirt, grease, and stains, leaving clothes fresh and soft.

Charlie’s Soap is made with powerful natural ingredients—in fact, only four ingredients are used in the formula—and it’s biodegradable laundry detergent and free of artificial brighteners and perfumes.

This popular eco-friendly formula comes in a 2.64-pound bag that holds up to 100 loads of laundry.

This detergent is safe to use on baby clothes, effectively deep cleaning baby cloth diapers and other baby clothes between wears. No lather, just a deep clean that leaves clothes fresh and soft.

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Pros
  • Fragrance Free
  • Easy to Use
  • Septic Safe
  • Trusted
  • Good Quality
Cons
  • Some Allergic Issues
Size8 Pounds
Number of Loads300
Safe for Machine All types of machines
BrandCharlie’s Soap
Formulation TypeHigh Efficiency
Customer ReviewsGreat

6. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Laundry Detergent

The concentrated formula of Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Laundry Detergent is gentle on fabrics while being fewer chemicals.

It is a highly efficient yet earth-friendly brand. Mrs. Meyers Laundry Detergent is biodegradable and works well with both HE washing machines and conventional washing machines.

Mild wildflower and fruit scents leave clothes smelling fresh and clean. The plant-derived and enzyme-derived ingredients can be resistant to dirt and stains, but the formula is soft enough to be suitable for clothes for babies.

Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent for sensitive skin is a concentrated formula that is biodegradable and made with plant-derived cleaning ingredients along with stain-fighting enzymes and essential oils.

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Pros
  • Biodegradable
  • Nature friendly
  • Good Quality
Cons
  • Not for baby
Size64 Oz.
Number of Loads64
Safe for Machine All types of machines
BrandMrs. Meyer’s
Formulation TypeHigh Efficiency
Customer ReviewsGreat

7. Babyganics 3X Baby Laundry Detergent

Many baby-only detergents struggle with removing stains, but not so with Babyganics. Dermatologists recommend your child use it. This is a reputable name across the USA.

Babyganics Laundry Detergent for Babies Formulated without optical brighteners, 1,4 dioxane, chlorine, phthalates, phosphates, sulfates, fragrance, or dye.

Formulated with plant- and enzyme-based cleaning power — but without sulfates — small amounts of this detergent work great on baby’s dirty bibs, bodysuits, and more.

This laundry detergent was formulated with: Plant-derived ingredients Triple Concentrated Detergent, That is Compatible. Safe for cloth diapers. Good for baby clothes. The procedure for fighting stains for babies.

This is a non-allergenic laundry detergent tested by dermatologists and not tested on animals. Parents appreciate the concentrated formula, and it does not create a smell on the baby’s clothes.

It is a very safe and effective laundry detergent for babies. You can choose this laundry detergent for your baby without any stress. It is safe for a baby’s soft skin.

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Pros
  • Fragrance Free
  • Sulfate Free
  • Dyes Free
  • Trusted
  • Good Quality
Cons
  • Not for hard stains
Size3.9 Pounds
Number of Loads60
Safe for Machine All types of machines
BrandBabyganics
Formulation TypeHigh Efficiency
Customer ReviewsGreat

8. Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pods

If you’re searching for a septic-safe laundry pod, you’ll definitely want to consider the Drops Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pods, which are eco-friendly and incredibly effective.

These pods come in boxes of 140 and are available in several scents including lavender eucalyptus and clean scent.

Despite their powerful cleaning capabilities, these laundry pods are free of any dyes, chlorine, phosphates, enzymes, and optical brighteners, and they are safe to use in septic systems and all styles of washing machines.

If you prefer to prioritize eco-friendly products, you’ll be happy to know that Drops ships its laundry pods in recyclable cardboard boxes, and all its materials and packaging are sourced from suppliers who meet high-quality standards.

The 4-in-1 plant-based formula includes a detergent, stain fighter, brightener, and odor repellent that uses essential oils and botanical extracts to leave your clothes smelling fresh.

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Pros
  • Plant-based
  • Eco-friendly
  • No Phosphate
  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Good Quality
Cons
  • Pods not dissolved completely
Size3 Pounds
Number of Loads140
Safe for Machine All types of machines
BrandDropps
Formulation TypeHigh Efficiency
Customer ReviewsGreat

9. Biokleen Laundry Detergent Liquid

Your money goes to the purchase of a quality (and eco-friendly) item. This plant-based detergent is fragrance- and dye-free, ideal for sensitive baby skin and especially for rashes, and hives caused by eczema.

Bioclean laundry detergent is as gentle as you’ll want, thanks to grape seed extract that cuts through tough stuff without sudsing.

Bioclean Liquid Laundry Soaps are plant-based, eco-friendly solutions that contain no artificial fragrances or colors.

BioClean uses plant-derived cleaning agents to eliminate tough stains and odors, leaving your clothes crisp and fresh.

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Pros
  • Plant-based
  • Eco-friendly
  • No Phosphate
  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Good Quality
Cons
  • Cost
Size150 ounce
Number of Loads150
Safe for Machine All types of machines
BrandBiokleen
Formulation TypeHigh Efficiency
Customer ReviewsGreat

10. Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent

This laundry detergent cleans clothes and less waste. You can now wash clean clothes and reduce waste (less plastic, water, and energy; exact dosage) by using safe, plant-powered ingredients.

Proven Performance in the USA. Best Liquid Detergent on Amazon Based on Customer Review Ratings. Doctors have developed this product: for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

Use on delicate and dark clothing, microfiber towels, cloth diapers, septic, and gray water systems.

No harsh chemicals are added to this laundry detergent. No phosphates, sulfates, petrochemicals, animal by-products, chlorine, perfumes, gluten, tree nut-based ingredients, dyes, or allergens.

Made in the USA, Never Tested on Animals, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back!

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Pros
  • Money Back Guarantee
  • Chemical Free
  • No Phosphate
  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Good Quality
Cons
  • cost
  • not easy to find
Size24 Oz.
Number of Loads96
Safe for Machine All types of machines
BrandPuracy
Formulation TypeHigh Efficiency
Customer ReviewsGreat

Final Words

Thanks for reading the article. Here are some useful tips to make your septic system safe.

Always try to start machines when you have enough items (dirty linens or dishes) for a full load.

When choosing a washing machine or dishwasher, choose an appliance with a water-saving feature.

If you still only need to clean a few things, use a shorter cycle. Do not use detergents that can affect the working of the septic tank.

Try not to do more than one wash cycle per day unless absolutely necessary. Always try to use the lowest dose of detergent possible.