Septic Safe Cleaners- Update

Last year, I shared my thoughts on the septic safe cleaners we used for various cleaning chores. Since then, we have tried a handful of different non toxic and septic safe cleaners.
Surprisingly, our very small local grocery store has a slew of options when it comes to non-toxic, eco friendly, and septic safe cleaners compared to the 2 or 3 options at the larger grocery store chains (another reason I love our local shop).

We’ve started using Ecos Laundry Detergent which runs about 7 bucks for 50 oz (1 oz being the suggested amount used for a full load in a front load washing machine). It’s formulated with replenishable and sustainable essential oils and low sudsing plant based surfactants. Their website states Ecos detergents are 100% biodegradable, non-toxic, and have a neutral PH of 7-8. Furthermore, Ecos detergents do not kill bacteria in septic systems and they are also safe for grey water systems.  Something that I love about this detergent is its effectiveness in cold water washing since the majority of our laundry is washed cold. It’s compatible with high efficiency washers as well as both top and front load. An added bonus for me (if you’ve read about my attempt to rid our house of as much chemical exposure as possible) is that Ecos detergents are free of 1,4 dioxane which is present in many laundry detergents and is known to pose health risks and contaminate ground water.

Seventh Generation is an eco friendly brand created with a focus on consumption awareness, environment restoration, and transparency (important in an industry that has few regulations and often doesn’t disclose ingredients).
I have fallen in love with the Seventh Generation Daily Shower cleaner although I don’t use it daily. Its active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide as the stain fighter instead of the chlorine typically used in shower cleaners and it is formulated without petroleum based ingredients. I find it effective in removing soap scum, mold and mildew without the harsh toxic smell.
Seventh Generation Dishwashing Gel is a new addition to our cleaners and is formulated without phosphates which contaminate groundwater and have a negative impact on life in rivers and oceans. Seventh Generation Dishwashing Gel also is free of chlorine and dyes and of course is non toxic and septic safe. Most importantly, it thoroughly cleans even dried on messes. No complaints about this product, I will happily continue to use it.

I was really excited about this next product: Method Lil’ Bowl Blu. I will admit that I LOVE the eucalyptus mint scent.  The bottle is designed to make squirting in the hard to reach places easier. Lil’ Bowl Blu has no bleach and uses lactic acid to break down ring build up, decalcify and deodorize. My assessment of this product is that it works, but its not extraordinary. A lot of elbow grease is called for to remove the deposits we get from our well water even with this bowl cleaner.
All in all, we have been pretty happy with the septic safe and non toxic cleaners we have tried thus far and plan to continue to post updates as we experiment more.
Are you using septic safe and environmentally friendly cleaners? Join in on the discussion.