What goes down the drain will affect your drinking water. Nowhere is this more true than in cabins and rural homes using a well and septic system. So not only is it better for the planet (in manufacturer, use, afterlife) to use natural soaps – it’s better for you.
If you’re not already familiar – EWG.org maintains a wonderful resource of all kinds of household chemicals. Below are our two cents on what to be on the lookout for along with our recommended products.
Natural Soaps and Detergents That Won’t Harm Septic Systems
Avoid soaps that contain phosphates which can lead to well contamination issues. And obviously, you’ll want to ensure you are not using anything that can’t be processed by the septic system or soils – leaving it to migrate into your drinking water.
Natural Laundry Detergent
We’re only listing HE detergents since the expectation is that you’re using a water-efficient, Energy Star appliance. We’re also only including liquids on the assumption you’re using the appropriate amount of detergent for the size of your load (rather than the same amount for every load – like what you get with pods and tablets).
- TOP PICK Attitude Nature+ Laundry Detergent Unscented – EWG Verified
- AspenClean Liquid Laundry Detergent Unscented – EWG Verified
- Defunkify Liquid Laundry Detergent – EWG Verified
Natural Laundry Additives
- Bleach – AspenClean Oxygen Color Safe Unscented Bleach with Zero Plastic Packaging – EWG Verified
- Softener – There are zero Verified EWG products because, broadly speaking, softeners are horrible for the environment. Your best option is to forgo them completely.
- Stain Remover – Attitude Nature+ Stain Remover – EWG A-rated
- Washing Machine Cleaner – Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner – EWG C-rated
- Even with a filtration system – these will help extend the life of your washing machine – which is why we’re including them in the list.
Natural Dish Soap
- TOP PICK Attitude Nature+ Dishwashing Liquid Unscented – EWG Verified
- Ecover Zero Dish Soap – EWG A-rated
Natural Dishwasher Detergent
- TOP PICK AspenClean Dishwasher Pods with Zero Plastic Packaging – EWG Verified
- Defunkify Automatic Dishwasher Detergent – EWG Verified
- Highest Rated Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus Dishwasher Detergent Packs – EWG A-rated
- Dishwasher Cleaner – Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner – Not rated by EWG, Septic Safe and Safer Choice
- Even with a filtration system – these will help extend the life of your dishwasher – which is why we’re including them in the list.
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