So you’ve heard of laundry sheets — the liquid detergent alternative free from harmful chemicals such as phosphates, brighteners, parabens, and dyes. You’re interested, and you want to do your bit to reduce your impact on the planet. But your home has a septic system, and you don’t want to use anything that might cause havoc. Well, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly what laundry sheets are, how they work with septic systems, and how to choose the right ones for you. We’ll also go over common ingredients you’ll want to look out for to avoid problems with your septic system and DIY tips. Read on to learn everything you need to know about laundry sheets and septic systems.
Can You Use Laundry Sheets With a Septic Tank?
As of 2023, at least 25% of US households depend on septic systems to treat their sewage. That’s a significant number of Americans who need to ensure that the chemicals they put into their homes—and, more specifically, washing machines—are compatible with their systems and won’t cause further problems down the line.
Septic systems work because there are living organisms within the tank that treat (and digest) your household waste. The last thing you want to do is to harm or kill those living organisms. Unfortunately, some traditional detergents that you wouldn’t even think twice about may contain those organism-killing chemicals.
So, what’s the deal with laundry sheets in this situation? Can you use them? Are they safe?
You’ll be happy to know that most laundry sheets are compatible with septic systems. It all depends on the chemicals used and the physical makeup of the strips.
Need more information to be convinced? We’ve done all the hard work for you.
What Are Laundry Sheets, and How Do They Work With Septic Systems?
Some traditional laundry detergents—whether in liquid or powdered form—have two main problems with septic systems. The first is that the chemicals used to create them often react badly with the living organisms within the tanks. Second, these detergents' viscosity or fine powders lead to a much higher chance of clogs and sediment forming in the tank.
So what’s different about sheets, and how do we get around those two problems?
Laundry sheets condense detergent into very thin, dissolvable strips. They’re used in the same way as many other detergents—simply pop one into the drum of the washing machine, put your clothes in, and then select the appropriate setting.
We’ve carefully formulated Freddie to be free from harmful chemicals like parabens, phosphates, and dyes, ensuring it’s compatible with your laundry systems. Our formula includes protease, a key ingredient that helps break down protein-based stains, making your laundry fresh and clean.
Protease is an enzyme that breaks down protein-based bioproducts such as blood and other bodily waste. This enzyme is crucial in helping your septic tank work as efficiently as possible.
As for how our products will avoid causing clogging, it’s simple: the sheets dissolve very easily in water. Therefore, less residue equals less clogging or sediment build-up.
Are Laundry Sheets Biodegradable?
Including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) means that many detergents (sheets and otherwise) cannot be considered 100% biodegradable. PVA creates a thin film that holds the cleaning formula, which is then dissolved in water, allowing the detergent to be released into the washing machine.
While polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is not fully biodegradable, it dissolves in water during the wash cycle, ensuring that our detergent sheets release the cleaning formula properly. As we continue to improve, we aim to eliminate PVA from our formula entirely and provide even more sustainable options.
Common Ingredients To Watch Out For
- Chlorine Bleach: Bleach will kill the good bacteria within tanks and systems that are present to ensure the breakdown of household waste.
- Chemical Dyes: Dyes can also badly disrupt the careful balance of beneficial bacteria, leading to clogs, leaks, and environmental damage.
- Phosphates: These chemicals can’t be broken down by the tank's organisms, leading to clogging and environmental pollution.
The above can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in septic systems and may contribute to clogs or environmental damage. That's why we avoid these ingredients in Freddie Laundry Sheets.
A Guide to Septic-Compatible Laundry Detergent
Laundry Sheets vs Detergent
The comparison between sheets and some traditional liquid detergents for use in a septic system mainly concerns the chemical makeup and the physical form.
Some traditional liquid detergents tend to include many chemicals not suitable for septic environments. These chemicals are less serious when used in homes that don’t rely on septic tanks. However, given the careful balance of bacteria, enzymes, and organisms within the tanks, these chemicals can have severe negative impacts on how well your waste is managed.
Laundry sheets are designed without the aforementioned chemicals, making them an excellent alternative for those using septic systems.
Secondly, the thick liquid form of some detergents leads to clogging and sediments within the tanks. In contrast, laundry sheets are dissolved in the washing machine water, meaning you’re far less likely to experience clogging.
What Makes a Laundry Detergent Safe?
Ultimately, what makes a laundry detergent suitable for use in homes with septic systems is that it must be free from harmful chemicals and toxins and not be overly thick or powdery to the point where it’ll lead to clogging or malfunctions.
The safety of a detergent depends on the sewerage system being used. When a person’s home uses the national sewerage system instead of their septic tank, most detergents are compatible. This is because of the differences in how the waste is dealt with.
When buying a detergent, check the ingredients list and consider the product's physical characteristics and how they might affect your system.
How To Choose the Right Laundry Sheets for Septic Systems
We believe that the right laundry sheets for you aren’t just about being compatible with septic systems, but also for minimizing environmental impact. That’s why we ensure our packaging is low-waste.
To choose the right laundry sheets, we recommend checking the ingredient list, looking for a product with little to no plastic in the packaging, and finding a company that truly believes in positive innovation.
DIY Tips for Septic-Compatible Laundry Practices
Preserve Water
This is a big one when it comes to preventing oversaturation of the drain area around your tank. To do this, wait until you have a full laundry load before using your washing machine. You can also move to hand-washing delicates.
Install a Lint Filter
A lint filter will prevent excess lint and other debris from entering your tank or system, reducing potential clogging that can cause issues later on.
Make Sure Everyone in Your Home is Aware of the Best Practices
This seems obvious, but checking that everyone in your home who uses the washing machine is aware of the products to use and to avoid will make a big difference in keeping your septic tank working as it should.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Worst Thing for a Septic Tank?
The worst thing you can do for your septic tank is use harmful chemicals such as bleach, phosphates, brighteners, and thickeners. These chemicals are often found in detergent, so check the labels and opt for an alternative, like laundry sheets.
Final Thoughts
If your home has a septic tank or system, make sure to use a compatible detergent in your washing machine. Due to the living organisms in the tank, harmful chemicals like bleach can pose serious risks and lead to clogging and leaks.
The best way to avoid damaging your system is to opt for a septic-compatible option like the laundry sheets from Freddie. You can rest assured in the knowledge that you’re not disrupting the bacteria in your tank while also doing your bit for the environment.