If you have a septic system, wait several hours between each load of laundry. Too much water at once overloads your septic tank and does not allow your septic tank to replenish the sewage-digesting bacteria that get killed off by the use of detergents. Only wash full loads.
Find better alternatives to your salt-based water softener system: use potassium chloride, or a magnetic system. Sodium can impede your septic system’s sewage-digesting bacteria and contribute to premature failure of your septic system.
Hang your laundry to dry.
Do not use liquid fabric softener – use only the sheet type.
Do not allow any sort of bleach or chlorine to drain into your septic system.
Avoid as many chemicals as you can and try making your own detergent, disinfectants and cleaning products using recipes online with: baking soda, aluminum foil, salt, distilled white vinegar, castile bar and liquid soap, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, club soda, grapefruit seed extract (natural germ killer), dish soap, essential oils such as orange, lemon, lavender, and peppermint.
Disinfect toilet seat and other surfaces with rubbing alcohol. Make sure that the rubbing alcohol is safe for the surface you are cleaning first.
Never pour cleaning products down your toilets or drains. Use as little as possible and as is needed.
If you must use harsh chemicals, use old clothing as rags and discard them after use. Do not drain chemicals into your sinks or toilets.
Use all organic laundry Soap Nuts – dried fruit of the Chinese Soapberry tree are natural soap-releasing berries that have been used for thousands of years. Buy online.
Wear your clothing more than once – also extends the life of your clothing.
Buy concentrated detergents – for reduced packaging and shipping weight.
Try organic dry cleaning – DIY instructions can be found online.
Wash and rinse in cold water to conserve energy costs.
Read Labels – Manufacturers are Not required to disclose what ingredients are in your cleaning products. Greener companies will display what is NOT in the product and market more environmentally friendly products.
Look for “phosphate free’, “no bleach”, “SLE, SLS free”, “NPE free”. Look for plant-based ingredients.
