Alternative Household Cleaning Solutions

Because many of the commercial household cleaners can cause adverse effects on a septic system it is important to limit their use when possible. Most ready-made solutions contain poisonous or toxic chemicals that may or may not be listed on the container. When using these products it is very important to follow label instructions.

In some cases, the residue from cleaners such as polishes, rugs, windows or stoves/ovens find their way into the septic system, via the cleaning clothes rinsed in the sink basin or even cleaned in the washing machine. These cleaners are additionally not supportive of a healthy septic system.

When possible, alternative household cleaners can be substituted for the commercial product. These products are less harmful to the bacteria in the septic tank, can be produced with few ingredients and require little time to combine.

Note: Always wear gloves, use the simplest, mildest cleaner that will complete the job and NEVER mix bleach with ammonia or products that contain these ingredients. A poisonous gas will be produced.

C = Cup Gal. - Gallon Tlbs. - Tablespoon tsp. - Teaspoon Qt. - Quart

All Purpose Cleaners
1. Mix 1 tsp of Borax with 1 qt of warm water. Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to cut grease.
2. Mix 2 tsp of Borax with 1 tsp soap in 1 qt of water. Can be stored in a spray bottle.
3. Mix 3 Tbls of washing soda per qt of warm water.

Tile/Tub/Toilet Cleaners
1. Use soap and sponge, or a stiff brush and one of the following: Baking Soda, Borax or Salt.

Disinfectant
1. Mix 1/ 4 cup borax in 1/ 2 gal. hot water.

Drain Cleaners
1. For maintenance, pour about one gal. of boiling water down the drain weekly.
2. Pour 1/ 4 cup baking soda and 1/ 2 cup vinegar down drain. Close drain tightly until fizzing stops. Flush with 1 gal. of boiling water.

Always use a drain screen and do not pour grease down drains. Plungers and metal snakes can be used to alleviate clogged drains.

Floor Cleaners
1. Wood or vinyl floors: Mix 1/ 4 cup oil soap with 1 gal. of warm water.
2. Use a mild detergent. Add a few drops of vinegar to help remove grease.

Oven Cleaners
1. Mix 3 Tlbs of washing soda per quart of warm water. Spray on and wait 20 minutes. Scrub with a fine steel wool or plastic scrub pad, if necessary
2. Mix thoroughly 2 tsp of borax, 2 tsp of liquid soap and warm water. Put in a spray bottle. Spray mixture and let set for 20 minutes. Scrub with a fine steel wool or plastic scrub pad, if necessary.

Wood Polishes
1. Polish with a cloth dipped in olive or soybean oil.
2. For light polishing, use a damp cloth to clean most surfaces and dry immediately with a soft dry cloth.

Window and Glass Cleaners
1. Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Wipe off with a clean dry cloth. Should streaking occur during the first application, it is due to wax that some chemical glass cleaners contain. Remove wax with a little rubbing alcohol and then clean once more with the above solution.

Other Topics
Sewage Protection Program | Caring for Your Septic System | Why systems fail | Check List for Evaluating Your Septic System | Septic Tank Additives Danger in Disguise

Information Source in part: Penn State Cooperative Extension Office ( 814) 865-7685

Back to Articles | Top of Page