What Type of Household Products Can Be Used With Your Septic System?

There is a common misconception that a septic system receives water only from the toilet. However, modern septic tanks receive all forms of wastewater from the shower, kitchen, washing machine, etc. Unfortunately, many homeowners unknowingly use household chemicals that can cause significant damage to their septic system and the environment. So, to inform everyone about the household products that should and shouldn’t be used, we have prepared this guide for you. If you want to get a safe septic tank cleaning, call Septic Blue today.

Why Can’t All Products Be Used With A Septic System?

Have you ever wondered why only certain products are safe to be used in septic systems while others are not? A crucial septic system process is the natural enzymes, chemicals, and bacteria that work to break down the waste and harmful substances in the water. The use of certain chemical cleaners reduces the critical role that these beneficial bacteria and enzymes play. This can cause the chemicals to enter the wastewater without being processed or filtered. When the unfiltered wastewater with chemicals eventually reaches nearby water sources, it can be contaminated with chemicals and other cleaners, harming the environment and the septic system more. So, we must know which products can and can’t be used with a septic system.

Which Products Can Be Used With A Septic System

The recommended products for your septic system are mainly natural products that can be used in various fields of our lives. Let’s go over some of them:

Vinegar: Vinegar is a magical substance. It can be used for various cleaning, disinfecting, and descaling applications. It is a natural alternative to harmful chemicals like bleach.
Baking Soda: You may have heard advice about using baking soda to clean your house. It is also great for your septic system. This substance can be combined with vinegar to remove limescale and clogs.
Soap: Natural soaps are also great products that can be used as an alternative to harmful chemicals.
Lemon: Lastly, lemon is an excellent cleaning substance. It contains citric acid, which can degrease and shine any place while leaving it with a great smell.

Which Products Can’t Be Used With A Septic System

The products not recommended for your septic system are unnatural and harmful chemicals. Let’s go over some of them:

Bleach: Bleach is one of the most used disinfectants. It is excellent at killing bacteria but can also kill beneficial bacteria. When it comes to its effect in septic tanks, bleach can kill the beneficial bacteria in the tanks, causing them to malfunction. Constant long-term use of bleach can result in you getting a new septic tank installation.
Antibacterial cleaners: Antibacterial cleaners kill bacteria, even the beneficial ones. Their effects are similar to bleach and can cause a lot of harm to the septic system. It can also result in you getting a septic tank repair constantly in the long term.
Pharmaceuticals: Certain medications and personal care products can deeply harm the septic system's health. The best way to avoid this is to avoid flushing them down.

Septic Blue

Are you looking for a septic company that offers reliable septic services? At Septic Blue, we are a locally owned and operated company. We provide quality and affordable septic services. Call us today to learn more about us and our services, or get estimates for our septic tank pumping right away.

Septic Tips from Septic Experts

Sep 11, 2025

Services We Offer

Drainfield & Field Line Replacement

Septic Pumping & Cleaning

Septic Tank Repair

What Type of Household Products Can Be Used With Your Septic System?

Why Can’t All Products Be Used With A Septic System?

Which Products Can Be Used With A Septic System

Septic Blue

Septic Tips from Septic Experts

What’s the Worst That Could Happen If I Skip Septic Pumping?

Why You Could Need Septic Cleaning in the Middle of a Storm

A Real Talk About Toilets and Septic Tanks

Our Address

Phone Number