We researched the best laundry detergents for septic systems, evaluating their ingredient list, effectiveness, value, and environmental impact. Our top pick is the ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent with Built-In Fabric Softener because it’s safe to use in both septic and greywater systems, and has a concentrated formula that leaves your clothes smelling and looking fresh. Here are the best laundry detergents for septic systems. The ECOS Laundry Detergent is our top pick because it’s biodegradable and safe to use in a variety of home water systems, and people love the light smell and effective cleaning power of its eco-friendly formula. This concentrated product comes in 100-ounce bottles that can be used for up to 100 loads of laundry, and its plant-powered formula has a wonderful magnolia and lily scent. Its formula is free from dyes, optical brighteners, parabens, phosphates, and phthalates, and it’s hypoallergenic and pH-balanced for users with sensitive skin. This laundry detergent also includes a built-in fabric softener to save you money, plus it works in all water temperatures and in both high-efficiency (HE) and standard washing machines. This detergent is also certified as a U.S. EPA Safer Choice product, meaning it’s made with ingredients that are safe for human health and the environment. ECOS is also a climate positive company, where all of their products are made in carbon neutral, water neutral, TRUE Platinum Zero Waste factories that use 100 percent renewable energy. So, you can not only feel good about using this detergent with a septic system, but you can also feel good about the impact your purchase makes on your personal and environmental health. How’s that for a win-win! Overall, we think this detergent is not only a cost-efficient option, but it’s also environmentally conscious and effective against tough stains and smells in your clothes. Price at time of publish: $31 This detergent comes in 122.5-ounce bottles that can be used for around 70 loads of laundry, and the formula is biodegradable, making it ideal for use in homes with septic systems. The Arm & Hammer detergent contains OxiClean Stain Fighters that help to remove dirt and stains from clothing, and it’s a favorite among homeowners thanks to its fresh smell and affordable price. Price at time of publish: $10 The Seventh Generation Detergent has a powerful triple-enzyme formula that effectively breaks down dirt and stains, and it’s actually both a USDA Certified Biobased Product and an EPA Safer Choice Certified Product. The cleaning solution is biodegradable and septic safe, and despite its gentle nature, users say a little bit of the plant-based formula goes a long way toward getting clothing clean. Price at time of publish: $15 This high-efficiency detergent has no formaldehyde, parabens, chlorine, phosphates, phthalates, and DEA, yet it still removes dirt and stains, keeping colors bright and whites clear. The naturally derived detergent comes in 53.5-ounce bottles (made from recycled plastic), which you should be able to use for up to 66 loads of laundry. And, of course, the biodegradable formula is safe to use with septic systems, so you can rest easy knowing it won’t harm those beneficial bacteria. Price at time of publish: $15 This detergent is available in several scents, including lavender, clean linen, and the unscented Free Clear. It’s compatible with both high-efficiency and standard washing machines, and the formula contains powerful stain fighters to leave your clothes squeaky clean after every wash. The concentrated detergent has twice as many loads per bottle versus a standard formula, and the brand even offers a money-back guarantee within a full year of purchase. Charlie’s Soap is made with powerful natural ingredients—in fact, there are just four ingredients used in the formula—and it’s biodegradable and free from artificial brighteners and perfumes. The powder detergent doesn’t create suds, making it better for aerated septic systems, yet it still effectively removes dirt, grease, and stains, leaving fabric fresh and soft. Price at time of publish: $40 These pods come in boxes of 140, and they’re available in several scents, including lavender eucalyptus and clean scent. The 4-in-1 plant-based formula includes a detergent, stain fighter, brightener, and odor defense, using essential oils and botanical extracts to leave your clothes smelling fresh. Despite their powerful cleaning abilities, these laundry pods are free of any dyes, chlorine, phosphates, enzymes, and optical brighteners, and they’re safe to use with septic systems and in all styles of washing machines. If you like to prioritize eco-friendly products, you’ll be happy to know Dropps ships its laundry pods in recyclable cardboard boxes, and all its ingredients and packaging are sourced from suppliers that meet high-quality standards. Price at time of publish: $52
Eco-Friendly Ingredients
Buying eco-friendly laundry detergent is one small thing we can all do to help protect the planet. Choose an eco-friendly detergent that is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, biodegradable, and septic safe. That way you can keep yourself, your septic system, and the earth a little healthier and happier while you get your laundry clean.
Concentrated Formula
Using less detergent will help keep your septic system healthy. If you prefer liquid detergent to powder formulas, look for concentrated formulas that will work hard with less product, lasting longer and keeping your septic system happy.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Camryn Rabideau has been a freelancer writer and product tester for The Spruce since 2017, and covers a range of home products from bath sheets to high-efficiency washers. For this piece, she considered the ingredients, labels, effectiveness, value, and environmental impact of several top laundry detergents that are safe for septic systems.
