There are many things to consider when it comes to the proper maintenance and upkeep of your septic system, including the type of laundry detergent that you use. Septic systems need certain types of bacteria to be present to break down waste. However, if you’re adding harsh chemicals into your septic system, the function and efficiency of this bacteria may be impacted.
Choosing the right laundry detergent can make a world of a difference in the health of your septic system. Ideally you want to use a detergent that has a “septic safe” label. Detergent with low levels of surfactants and biodegradable ingredients can also help keep your septic system working as it should.
But with so many laundry detergents to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is best. Below you’ll find a guide to the 20 best laundry detergents for septic systems. These products will get your clothes clean and smelling good without harming your septic system.
- Loni Labs Bio Detergent
- ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent
- Hex Performance Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent
- All Liquid Laundry Detergent OXI + Odor
- Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent Duo
- Persil ProClean Intense Fresh Power Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Tide Zero Soft Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Gain Botanicals Plant Based White Tea & Lavender Detergent
- Clean Cult Laundry Detergent
- Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets
- Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods
- Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder
- Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Laundry Detergent
- Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Clean People Laundry Detergent Sheets
- Boulder Clean Laundry Sheets
- Rosey Laundry Detergent
- Method Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Keep reading to learn more about each of these top rated detergents so that you can find one that works for you.
1. Loni Labs Bio Detergent
Loni Labs Bio Detergent is the top choice for anyone looking for a septic system safe detergent that gets rid of stains, dirt, grime, and odors. This hyper-concentrated detergent is made with non-toxic, bio-based ingredients that break down and remove stains with every wash.
Loni Labs Bio Detergent doesn't contain any harsh chemicals, which means no artificial fragrances, dyes, or parabens. This product is hypoallergenic and is made with natural ingredients, making it a safer, healthier option to clean and freshen your clothes.
2. ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent
ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent is a reliable and environmentally conscious option for your laundry needs. This detergent is made with plant-derived ingredients and is biodegradable. It effectively cleans clothes, removing stains and odors without the use of harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances.
3. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent is a gentle and eco-friendly way to get rid of stubborn stains and odors. This detergent is made with plant-based ingredients and doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like dyes, fragrances, or artificial brighteners. It effectively removes stains and dirt while being gentle on sensitive skin.
4. Hex Performance Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent
Getting sweat smells and body odor out of your workout clothes is no easy feat. But with Hex Performance Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent, you can get back to enjoying your favorite leggings or compression shorts.
This detergent is specially formulated to remove tough stains and odors without using artificial fragrances. Its powerful cleaning formula works effectively in all water temperatures and is suitable for all fabric types. Hex Performance Laundry Detergent also helps prevent future odors by eliminating the source of odor-causing bacteria.
5. All Liquid Laundry Detergent OXI + Odor
All Liquid Laundry Detergent OXI + Odor is a reliable choice for getting rid of tough stains and unpleasant odors. This detergent combines the power of OXI and odor-eliminating technology to effectively remove dirt, grime, and lingering smells from clothes.
It works in all water temperatures and can be used in standard and high-efficiency washers.
6. Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent Duo
Tackle your smelliest, dirtiest laundry with Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent Duo. This laundry detergent and laundry booster is exactly what you need to get rid of tough messes and stains. Made with advanced bio-enzymes, this laundry duo will have your whites looking brighter than ever and your colors vibrant and fade-free.
Dirty Labs Bio Laundry Detergent Duo is available in three great scents, including natural fragrances like bergamot, magnolia, jasmine, and matcha.
7. Persil ProClean Intense Fresh Power Liquid Laundry Detergent
Persil ProClean Intense Fresh Power Liquid Laundry Detergent is a high-performance product that provides exceptional cleaning results. It works fast to effectively tackle tough stains and odors, leaving clothes spotless and smelling fresh.
This detergent is suitable for all washable fabrics and works well in both standard and high-efficiency washing machines.
8. Tide Zero Soft Liquid Laundry Detergent
Tide Zero Soft Liquid Laundry Detergent is a gentle and hypoallergenic detergent that is specially formulated for sensitive skin. It’s made without any perfumes, dyes, or phosphates, and instead uses gentle compounds to clean and deodorize your clothes.
Despite its gentle ingredients, Tide Zero Soft still delivers powerful cleaning performance, effectively removing stains and odors.
9. Gain Botanicals Plant Based White Tea & Lavender Detergent
Gain Botanicals Plant Based White Tea & Lavender Detergent offers a refreshing laundry experience. Made with plant-based ingredients, this detergent combines the calming scents of white tea and lavender along with powerful stain and odor fighting compounds. It effectively tackles stains and dirt while being gentle on fabrics.
Gain Botanicals doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients, making it a great option for your skin and septic system.
10. Clean Cult Laundry Detergent
Clean Cult Laundry Detergent is a highly effective and environmentally conscious choice cleaning the dirtiest of clothes. This detergent is formulated with plant-based ingredients that powerfully remove stains and odors. Made without any harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances, this detergent is safe for even the most sensitive skin.
11. Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets
Say goodbye to heavy detergent bottles and messy measuring cups with Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets. These eco-responsible detergent sheets are tough on stains and odors but are made with dermatologist-approved ingredients that are gentle on the skin. These sheets work in all machine types and are great for households with septic systems.
Not only do Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets feature an ultra-concentrated formula, they come in compostable packaging, making them even more eco-friendly.
12. Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods
Harness the power of nature from the comfort of your laundry room with Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods. These pre-dosed pods are not only convenient, they provide an amazing clean that leaves your clothes stain-free and smelling amazing. Made with plant-based ingredients and natural enzymes, these pods not only remove odors and stains, they keep your colored clothes bright and bold.
Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods come in many great scents, including clean & crisp, orange blossom, lavender eucalyptus, and ocean.
13. Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder
If you’re looking for a septic friendly powdered detergent, check out Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder. This natural detergent is made with nature-derived ingredients that are gentle enough for sensitive skin but tough enough to tackle stubborn stains and odors. With a super concentrated formula, a little goes a long way.
Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder doesn't contain any parabens, dyes, phosphates, or synthetic fragrances. After just one wash, your clothes will feel, smell, and look fresher than ever. The best part? No residue!
14. Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Laundry Detergent
Tough odors are no match for Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Laundry Detergent. Say goodbye to musty towels, sweat odors, and other unwanted smells. This highly concentrated liquid detergent is specially formulated to keep your clothes stink-free. With 3x odor fighters in every load, your laundry will smell fresh and look cleaner than ever.
Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Laundry Detergent works best in cold water washes and as a high efficiency detergent.
15. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent is a top choice when it comes to natural detergents. Made with plant-derived ingredients, this detergent effectively removes stains and dirt without using any harmful ingredients.
Because of its highly concentrated formula, you don’t need to use a lot to get a thorough clean. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent leaves clothes smelling delightful with its variety of refreshing scents, including lavender, birchwood, peony, and honeysuckle.
16. Clean People Laundry Detergent Sheets
Washing your clothes has never been easier! Clean People Laundry Detergent Sheets require no measuring. All you have to do is drop one in and start your washing machine. These sheets may be small in size, but don’t let that fool you. The powerful combination of all natural ingredients gets rid of the toughest stains and odors, leaving your clothes looking (and smelling!) good as new.
Clean People Laundry Detergent Sheets are great for septic systems and sensitive skin, as they’re made with any harmful chemicals, including artificial fragrances and phosphates.
17. Boulder Clean Laundry Sheets
Boulder Clean Laundry Sheets are a convenient and eco-friendly way to wash your clothes. These innovative sheets are pre-measured and dissolve completely in both hot and cold water.
Made with plant-based ingredients, these sheets are tough against stains and odors but are gentle on your skin and delicate fabrics.
Boulder Clean Laundry Sheets are made without any harsh chemicals, including phosphates. The compact design saves space and reduces waste.
18. Rosey Laundry Detergent
Enjoy clothes that smell like fresh flowers after each wash while protecting your septic system with Rosey Laundry Detergent. Infused with the delicate fragrance of roses, this detergent features a powerful cleaning formula that works hard to remove stains and dirt while leaving your clothes smelling fresh and floral.
19. Method Liquid Laundry Detergent
Method Liquid Laundry Detergent is a great option for anyone looking for a product that is effective and eco-friendly. With a plant-based formula, this detergent delivers powerful stain removal while being gentle on clothes and the environment.
It’s formulated without any harsh chemicals and contains biodegradable ingredients. Method Liquid Laundry Detergent offers a refreshing fragrance and leaves clothes clean, fresh, and looking great.
20. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is an eco-friendly laundry product that’s made using a blend of organic and fair-trade ingredients. Though it can be used for many purposes, it makes for a great septic system friendly laundry detergent. be used as a body wash, shampoo, household cleaner, and even laundry detergent.
The soap's gentle formula doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals, making it a safe option for those with sensitive skin.
Factors to consider when looking for a septic system safe laundry detergent
There are many key factors to consider when choosing a laundry detergent that is safe to use for septic systems. Here are the most important details to be mindful of.
Septic safe label - Ideally you want to choose a laundry detergent that is labeled “septic safe.” This means that the product is biodegradable, has a low amount of surfactants, and won’t damage your septic system. If a detergent doesn’t have a septic safe label, choose a high-efficiency detergent or one that comes in powdered form.
Concentrated formula - The less detergent you use with each load of laundry, the healthier your septic system will be. If you prefer liquid detergents, choose one that offers a highly concentrated formula, which means that you need less product to get a thorough clean.
Eco-friendly ingredients - Choosing an eco-friendly laundry detergent not only benefits the planet, but it also helps to keep your septic system in good working order. These detergents are free of harmful chemicals and are made with natural ingredients that clean your clothes without harming the environment.
Final thoughts
If your home has a septic system, using the right laundry detergent is a must. With this guide, you’re one step closer to finding a product that gets rid of tough stains and odors while protecting your septic system for years to come.
