If you have a septic system, the last thing you want is to kill the good bacteria and enzymes that live in your tank. They help break down the solid waste into sludge that takes up less space until it’s cleaned out.
Failing to do that could lead to your septic tank overflowing, getting clogged, or breaking down, and eventually having to be replaced.
To properly care for your septic system, you need to choose a suitable type of dishwasher detergent that won’t kill the good bacteria. That’s probably something you wouldn’t need to think twice about with a regular sewer system, but with a septic system, it’s vital.
Here are some tips that’ll help you choose the best septic-safe dishwasher detergent to keep your system in good shape, and a quick list of our top picks:
What to Look For in a Septic-Safe Dishwasher Detergent
The number one requirement in your septic-safe dishwasher detergent is it must be a phosphate-free formula. Regular dishwasher detergents often contain chemicals, including antibacterial agents, which could be very harmful to your septic system. Also, look for a low-sudsing, non-toxic, plant or mineral-based, and biodegradable option.
Of course, it’s also best to opt for green or eco-friendly detergents to do your best towards saving planet earth. Try to give priority to those cruelty-free products that aren’t tested on animals — now that’s what we call clean!
Our Top Picks: The 5 Best Septic-Safe Dishwasher Detergents
You may want to try several brands of detergent before deciding on the one. Here are five of our favorite septic-safe dishwasher detergents that’ll keep your dishes clean, your septic tank healthy, and the environment safe.
They’re all green, low-sudsing, plant and mineral-based, phosphate-free, and biodegradable products. In a range of pods, liquid gel, tablets, powders, they’re bound to suit various budgets.
1. Biokleen Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent
This is an eco-friendly, non-toxic detergent that’s mineral and plant-based. It’s free from phosphates, chlorine, harsh chemicals, colors, and preservatives. It’s quite concentrated, and you can buy it in powder, liquid, or gel form—all of which are safe to use in various dishwashers.
Its oxygen bleach also helps remove tough stains, making your dishes sparkling clean. You can buy it in a light citrus scent or unscented.
What We Like:
- It’s great at removing stuck-on foods and grease.
- Its citrus scent gives your kitchen a fresh, soothing smell.
- Unlike with pods, you can control the amount to use.
What We Don’t Like:
- The powder may leave a slight residue if you’re using hard water.
- There’s no scoop included, which might be an inconvenience.
2. Grab Green Natural Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods
This plant and mineral-based detergent is great for all kinds of dishwashers. It’s free from phosphates, dyes, and harsh chemicals. The ingredients are hard on grease, and they’ll give your dishes a nice shine without any residue. You may need to give them a rinse with hot water before loading into the dishwasher, though.
The Grab Green comes in natural fragrances like tangerine lemongrass, thyme fig leaf, and red pear magnolia. The burst of fragrance from those essential oils gives a feeling of freshness and revitalization. There’s also a fragrance-free option if you’re not a fan of scented products.
The plain pods that don’t resemble tempting, colorful candy will give you extra peace of mind if you have small kids or curious pets around.
What We Like:
- The convenient, compact pods are simple-looking and hard to swallow.
- Its natural fragrances are very rejuvenating.
- It’s eco-friendly and cruelty-free; the packaging is also recyclable and biodegradable.
What We Don’t Like:
- This detergent may leave a slight white residue on dishes.
- The pods may harden if they’re left for too long, making them difficult to dissolve.
3. Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus Dishwasher Detergent Packs
The Seventh Generation detergent doesn’t contain phosphates, fragrances, dyes, or toxic chemicals. It’s a green product consisting of sustainable, plant-based ingredients, making it eco-friendly. It’s also suitable for all dishwashers.
The detergent doesn’t completely get rinsed off your dishes or dishwasher. You can overcome this problem by using a dishwasher cleanser regularly and using the sanitizer dishwasher cycle to increase the water temperature.
The detergent breaks down well, so it’s ideal for hard water washing. It also shows impressive results on stubborn food residue.
What We Like:
- It gives your dishes a shiny, streak-free shine.
- It works great in areas with hard water since it breaks down well.
- It’s really good at removing food bits, residue, and grease.
What We Don’t Like:
- It may sometimes leave a chalky soapy residue.
- It may leave a slight rainbow discoloration on the bottom of stainless steel pots.
4. Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets
This citrus-scented or fragrance-free detergent is non-toxic and free from harsh chemicals like chlorine. The formula is phosphate-free, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly. You can bulk buy the detergent in powder form.
If you find the tablets not dissolving easily, you can always use a hot water cycle. Also, vinegar will help remove any build-up if you wash with hard water.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful on stubborn stuck-on food.
- It won’t leave a residue on dishes.
- Its citrusy lemony scent is very refreshing and relaxing.
What We Don’t Like:
- The tablets may not dissolve completely.
5. Method Dishwasher Detergent Packs
The Method dishwasher uses a powerful green technology and works well with hard water. It may be your best option on this list for hard water washing.
In scented and unscented forms, it has a strong rinse-aid action and will leave your dishes sparkling. It also works with all kinds of dishwashers, and best of all, it’s not animal-tested.
What We Like:
- It’s tough on grease, grime, and stains.
- The packs are flexible and fit well in the detergent compartment.
- The lemon mint scent is very clean and refreshing.
What We Don’t Like:
- It may leave a little food residue if you don’t rinse your dishes beforehand.
- It may also leave a soapy residue or film on your dishes.
To Sum Up
We hope this overview of the best septic-safe dishwasher detergents has helped you decide on the best option to suit your needs. All the above eco-friendly detergents are phosphate-free and will help maintain the balance of your septic system, keeping those plumbers away.