A List of Septic-Safe Cleaning Products In Australia

No one enjoys thinking about their septic system, but it’s an important part of your property.

Maintaining a healthy septic system is an overlooked yet essential part of home ownership. Household wastewater contains bacteria and other contaminants, but a functional tank filters them out.

Proper maintenance includes regular pumping and inspections, of course, to keep your septic system running smoothly. But your cleaning products matter too! The rinse water and residue go down your drain, so you want products that clean effectively without harming beneficial bacteria.

We’ve rounded up a list of cleaning products safe for septic systems in Australia. From floor cleaner to laundry detergent, these cleaners will go easy on your septic tank — but not on dirt and grime.

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What Does “Septic-Safe” Mean for Products?

Labelling a product as “septic-safe” means it will not disrupt the bacterial balance inside a septic system.

A healthy septic system relies on beneficial bacteria to break down any waste that enters. Products with harsh chemicals can kill that bacteria, causing the system to malfunction and potentially leading to costly repairs.

Septic-safe cleaning products are formulated without compounds that could harm the bacteria in a tank or drain field. The ingredients should be readily biodegradable so they break down safely and efficiently. This also minimises environmental harm, since the products won’t release harsh chemicals back into the ground or water.

Plus, they’re better for your plumbing and prolong the lifespan of your septic system!

What to Know When Picking Septic-Safe Cleaning Products

Certain ingredients can indicate whether a product is septic-safe or not, so you know what to look for when at the shops or looking online. Many brands also outright state if a product is safe for septic.

Remember, though, that even labelled products can cause issues with excessive use! Follow product instructions for how much to use and how often, so you don’t shock or overload your system.

What ingredients are septic-safe?

When choosing septic-friendly cleaning products, look for these ingredients or compounds:

Plant-based compounds: Many septic-safe products will use plant-derived ingredients instead of synthetic ones. These are easier for the septic bacteria to break down.

Biodegradable compounds: Products labelled as biodegradable are typically fine for septic systems, since they can be processed by the bacteria and won’t contribute to buildup.

Enzymes: Naturally-derived enzymes or bacteria cultures help break down organic matter, but should be neutralised or well diluted by the time they reach your septic system.

Water-based solutions: Look for water-based products rather than solvent-based ones, as they’re gentler on septic systems. Just be careful of the preservatives included; some (e.g. methylisothiazolinone or MIT) are toxic to the bacteria inside.

Essential oils are okay for septic systems in small amounts. However, since some have organic antibacterial properties, large quantities can disrupt the healthy bacteria.

What ingredients are not septic-safe?

Products that contain chlorine bleach, hydrochloric acid, and solvents can be harmful to septic systems!

Other ingredients to avoid include:

Harsh chemicals: Some cleaning chemicals (like strong acids or sodium hydroxide) are effective at killing germs on surfaces, but they can also harm the microbial balance in a septic system.

Non-biodegradable items: Certain product types (such as cleaning wipes) are not biodegradable, and may cause clogs in the septic tank.

Petroleum: Products with petroleum-based solvents often break down slowly in septic systems and could even kill beneficial bacteria inside.

Phosphates: High levels of phosphates (or phosphorus) encourage algae growth in local waterways, which pollutes the water and hurts aquatic life.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): These compounds are found in many commercial disinfectants/sanitisers, and synthetic forms can be harmful as antibacterial agents.

Be mindful about water softeners. Most systems are fine for septic when operated safely and effectively, but check with the manufacturer to be sure!

Are antibacterial products bad for septic systems?

Generally, you should avoid antibacterial soaps and detergents with chemical sanitisers since the compounds could kill the good bacteria inside a septic system.

However, certain biodegradable products can be septic-safe if they use natural ingredients with antibacterial properties (e.g. plant extracts). Check the product label to be sure!

What’s the difference between septic-safe and greywater-safe?

Many products are safe for both septic and greywater systems, but “septic-safe” and “greywater-safe” are different labels.

A product is greywater-safe if it will not contaminate a greywater system, which collects wastewater from showers, washing machines, dishwashers, and sinks. The water is then recycled for use in your toilet or garden, and does not necessarily go to your septic tank.

Most greywater-safe products will be fine for septic, but not all septic-friendly products will be fine for a greywater system, especially if it’s used on plants.

What Cleaning Products are Safe for Septic Systems?

General Cleaning Products Safe for Septic Systems

These are products that slot anywhere in your cleaning routine, from the living room to the bathroom. Pour that mop water out or unclog your drain and keep your septic system healthy at the same time.

If you regularly have your home professionally cleaned, ask your cleaner if they use septic-friendly products — or offer your own!

Septic-safe drain cleaner: Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Sticks

Many chemical drain cleaners contain harsh ingredients like sodium hydroxide, which are harmful to good bacteria. So here’s a septic-safe option: Green Gobbler Drain Sticks.

These cleaning sticks have powerful enzymes that keep your drains clog- and odour-free. Just drop one stick into the drain and it’ll slowly dissolve, breaking down organic matter inside. Per the brand, it works on grease, fats, and other scum.

Green Gobbler Drain Sticks are safe for all types of pipes, so use them on your sink drains, tubs, toilets, and even washing machines.

Septic-safe floor cleaner: Koala Eco Floor Cleaner

Koala Eco harnesses the aromatic powers of mandarin and peppermint with its Floor Cleaner.

Those essential oils give the product antiseptic and antifungal properties. And since the ingredients are plant-based or biodegradable, the floor cleaner is still septic-friendly.

It’s also safe to use on most floor types, including hardwood. But always test any cleaner on an inconspicuous spot first before mopping the entire surface.

Septic-safe mould remover: White vinegar

For mild cases on hard or non-porous surfaces, white vinegar can remove mould.

Distilled white vinegar is around 5% acetic acid, and you need around a 4–5% concentration to get rid of mould or mildew. Use it undiluted and give it at least one hour of contact on a surface to be effective.

The acetic acid in vinegar can penetrate and kill mould, while still being “mild” enough not to kill beneficial bacteria in a septic system.

However, keep in mind that vinegar isn’t 100% effective on all mould strains, and it can etch stone or wood surfaces. If the mould is on upholstered furniture, mattresses, or an area larger than 0.9sqm, contact a professional mould remediator.

Septic-safe multi-purpose cleaner: Castile soap

Traditional Castile soap is a septic-safe cleaner — it’s mainly made of plant oils, such as olive oil, jojoba, or coconut. The saponification process also renders the lye non-caustic (making it safe for your tank).

Dilute 1/4 cup of liquid Castile soap per 1 litre of water to make an all-purpose cleaner. It works on most hard surfaces, including sealed stone and wood. Use this cleaner on benchtops, walls, floors, and even wood furniture.

Keep in mind that Castile soap can’t clean everything, though! You shouldn’t use it on glass or unsealed stone. And be careful if you have very hard water; the soap can bind with minerals to leave a cloudy film behind.

Bathroom Cleaning Products Safe for Septic Systems

Bathrooms are hotspots for germs, mould, and tough grime. These septic-safe alternatives keep you on top of bathroom maintenance while avoiding harsh chemicals.

Septic-safe bathroom cleaner: Koala Eco Multi-Purpose Bathroom Cleaner

Koala Eco’s Multi-Purpose Bathroom Cleaner tackles soap scum and general grime on most bathroom surfaces.

It works thanks to locally-sourced eucalyptus oil and acetic acid (the compound in vinegar). Simply spray the cleaner onto a hard surface, then wipe it clean with a soft cloth.

Acetic acid is mild, so it’s fine for septic systems, while the other ingredients are biodegradable.

For maximum sustainability, opt for the refillable bottles! You can then purchase concentrated refills, which you’ll dilute in the original bottle, so one product lasts much longer.

Septic-safe shower cleaner: Koh Bathroom & Shower Cleaner

Koh’s Bathroom & Shower Cleaner cuts through soap scum, mineral deposits, and other dirt buildup in your shower. Use it on shower glass, tiles, floors, and fixtures without leaving streaks or residue.

The product works via biodegradable enzymes in the formula, with no bleach or ammonia. It also contains no dyes, phthalates, phosphates, or parabens, so it’s safe for use around babies and pets. (It does contain sodium lauryl sulphate/SLS, though.)

Plus, since it’s a concentrated formula, you only need a little diluted in a spray bottle. One box lasts quite long — Koh’s estimate is 6 months.

Septic-safe toilet cleaner: Wash Wild Natural Toilet Cleaner

Wash Wild features the germ-killing properties of Australian native essential oils in its Natural Toilet Cleaner. The brand uses a proprietary essential oil blend that’s effective against household microbes (like E.coli) and mould.

That also means the toilet bowl cleaner has no synthetic fragrances; instead, native ingredients like lemon myrtle and lemon tea tree provide the fresh scent.

Alongside the essential oils, the surfactants and lactic acid are also easily broken down. Lactic acid is a mild organic acid, so it won’t harm the beneficial bacteria.

Septic-safe toilet paper: iCare Recycled Toilet Tissue

There are indeed septic-safe alternatives for toilet paper! iCare’s Recycled Toilet Tissue is made from recycled fibres, with no bleach or chlorine, so it’s fine to flush down the dunny.

Each roll has cushy 3-ply sheets without dyes or fragrances. And since the toilet paper is flushable and biodegradable, it’s also sewer-safe and works with RV toilet systems.

Kitchen Cleaning Products Safe for Septic Systems

A lot of wastewater comes from the kitchen sink, especially when we wash dishes. These septic-friendly cleaners will ensure your kitchen surfaces are clean without disrupting the bacterial balance in your tank.

Septic-safe dishwasher cleaner: Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets

Your dishwasher washes the dishes, but you also need to clean the dishwasher. And a great septic-safe option is the Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets.

The key ingredient is citric acid, which effectively removes limescale and gets rid of odours. Like white vinegar, citric acid is a “mild” acid, so it won’t disturb your septic system. (It smells better, too!) It works alongside the sodium bisulphate to descale your machine.

Affresh is compatible with most dishwasher models, from Bosch to Fisher & Paykel.

Septic-safe dishwasher detergent: Ecostore Lemon Dishwasher Powder

Make sure your dishwasher’s wastewater won’t harm your septic tank with Ecostore’s Dishwasher Powder. The brand has a plant- and mineral-based formula that’s safe for the environment while still effectively cleaning dishes.

The dishwasher detergent uses washing soda, oxygen bleach, and bicarb soda for cleaning, plus enzymes like amylase to break down food debris. Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach decomposes safely in a septic system! It’s also released more slowly and at a lower concentration.

Septic-safe dishwasher tablets: Koh Dishwashing Tablets

Koh’s dish tabs wash your dishes without needing harsh chemicals.

These eco-friendly dish tabs effectively break down food residue through enzymes, citric acid, and sodium carbonate, which are all septic-safe. The enzymes and washing soda tackle food debris, while citric acid prevents water spots.

Even the wrappers are biodegradable, so you won’t be adding to your plastic footprint.

Septic-safe dishwashing liquid: SimplyClean Lemon Myrtle Dishwash Liquid

If you prefer good old-fashioned hand washing for your dishes, try SimplyClean’s Dishwash Liquid!

It’s formulated with Australian lemon myrtle, which has natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Combined with the other ingredients, you’ll get an effective dishwashing liquid — but one gentle enough to double as fruit and veg wash.

SimplyClean makes its dishwashing liquid with no SLS, SLES, parabens, or phosphates. With all the plant-based compounds, it’s safe for septic and greywater systems.

Septic-safe rinse aid: Ecostore Lemon Rinse Aid

Hard water in Australia can leave water spots or streaks on dishes in a dishwasher. Give your machine a boost with the Ecostore Dishwasher Rinse Aid, so your dishes and glassware come out clear.

The standout ingredient is sodium polyaspartate, a biodegradable chelating agent (or a compound that binds to metal ions and prevents mineral deposits). Many rinse aids use chelators that won’t decompose as readily, like EDTA, but sodium polyaspartate is an eco-friendly alternative.

Ecostore combines that with citric acid, another compound effective at removing limescale, to ensure a streak-free finish.

Laundry Products Safe for Septic Systems

Whether you need liquid detergent or washing powder, these septic-safe products can find a home in your laundry room.

Septic-safe laundry stain remover: SimplyClean Laundry Stain Remover & Sanitiser

SimplyClean’s Laundry Stain Remover & Sanitiser gets its cleaning power from oxygen bleach and washing soda. Both compounds brighten fabrics and remove stains without disrupting a septic system.

Despite the mild ingredients, it can get out coloured stains like coffee, grass, and red wine.

Use this powder as a pre-soak stain treatment for stubborn stains, or add it to the wash as a laundry booster.

It’s safe for both whites and colourfast fabrics, and has a mineral-based corrosion inhibitor (disodium silicate), so it doesn’t hurt your machine.

Septic-safe laundry detergent: Earthwise Sensitive Laundry Detergent

For a detergent that’s gentle on your skin and the environment, go for Earthwise’s Sensitive Laundry Washing Detergent. The formula uses enzymes such as protease, amylase, and lipase to deliver a deep clean in each wash.

Alongside those enzymes, Earthwise includes organic ingredients like glycerine and sodium citrate to tackle stains and odours.

Earthwise does recommend testing this first for use on colourfast fabrics. Avoid using this for delicates or wool.

Septic-safe washing powder: Omo Active Clean Washing Powder

The Omo Active Clean Laundry Detergent Washing Powder is a welcome entry for septic-safe cleaners.

Omo’s washing powder is powered by organic stain removers, including enzymes (like amylase and lipase) and washing soda (sodium carbonate). It’ll clean your clothes using biodegradable ingredients — and hey, even the accompanying scoop is compostable.

Besides laundry, you can use this washing powder as a pre-soak treatment to get tough stains out.

NOTE: Not all Omo products are septic-safe! The powder detergents are fine, but any products containing bleach may not be appropriate for your tank.

Are These Cleaners Safe for Septic Systems?

Household staples like bleach, metho, and vinegar make versatile cleaners, and many are effective alternatives to commercial products. However, some aren’t safe to use with a septic system.

Is This Product Safe for Septic Tanks?

If you’re looking at other products at the shops, check the packaging for the ingredients list or septic-safe labelling. But we’ll round up some popular household cleaning brands in Australia here!

Is Bref safe for septic tanks?

Bref states its products are safe to use with septic tanks. However, certain Bref products contain ingredients like sodium hypochlorite, which could be harmful for septic systems.

If you’re uncertain, it’s better to choose products with milder ingredients.

Is CLR septic-safe?

Per the brand, CLR is safe for septic! CLR states that the product will be neutralised with water by the time it reaches your septic tank. However, the products are not explicitly tested for septic-safe certification.

Is Dettol safe for septic?

Dettol — and similar antibacterial cleaning products like Pine O Cleen or Domestos — are typically not safe for septic systems. They contain germ-killing ingredients that could harm the microbes in the tank.

Is Duck toilet cleaner safe for septic tanks?

Check if your Duck toilet cleaner contains bleach or similar harsh chemicals — if yes, those could harm septic systems. Always refer to the product label to be sure!

Are Finish dishwasher tablets septic-safe?

Certain Finish dish tabs, like the Finish Powerball Quantum Tablets, are advertised as “safe for most septic systems.” The main cleaning ingredients (oxygen-based bleach and enzymes) are septic-compatible, though some dish tabs have synthetic polymers that may not readily decompose.

Finish recommends you consult the manufacturer of your treatment system for further advice.

Is Napisan septic-safe?

Vanish doesn’t explicitly label Napisan as septic-safe, but the ingredients are generally compatible. Napisan uses oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate), not chlorine bleach, and other compounds like enzymes and TAED should decompose fine.

Is Scalex septic-safe?

Proper use of Scalex is fine for septic systems. Scalex contains sulphamic acid, which is typically safe in household quantities.

More to Know About Septic-Safe Cleaners in Australia

We’ll break down some more helpful info and answers to common questions about septic-friendly cleaning products.

What personal care products are safe for septic systems?

Soaps, shampoos, and other personal care products also go down the drain into your septic tank!

Here are some recommendations for septic-safe products, so you get worry-free self-care:

What cleaning products cannot be used with a septic tank?

Some regular cleaning products tend to use ingredients that aren’t septic-safe, such as:

• Chemical disinfectants
• Commercial drain cleaners
• Commercial toilet cleaners
• Chlorine bleach-based cleaners
• Antibacterial soaps and detergents

Avoid non-biodegradable cleaning wipes, too — those won’t dissolve when flushed, and can cause clogs or blockages in your plumbing.

Does septic-safe mean flushable?

All septic-friendly products are technically flushable, but not all flushable items are safe for septic systems. Some cleaning wipes, for example, may be flushed but won’t break down in the septic tank.

For toilet paper, look for the septic-safe labelling so you’re sure it’s flushable and won’t clog the pipes.

What should you not flush down the toilet with a septic tank?

Avoid flushing items like wet wipes (even flushable ones), nappies, sanitary products, cotton buds, and dental floss.

It’s not just bathroom items you should be mindful of, though! Do not flush cooking oil, grease, food scraps, or coffee grounds down the toilet — they can cause blockages or disrupt your septic system. The same goes for anything non-biodegradable.