Antibacterial soap is an essential cleaner for many, but those who live in homes with a septic system or a cesspool should beware the damage antibacterial soap can cause. This doesn’t mean you can’t use it, you just need to get creative with how you use it. Read the rest of this blog post to learn how to use antibacterial soap safely and effectively.
Why is Antibacterial Soap Bad for Septic Systems?
Both septic systems and cesspools depend on helpful bacteria to function. Bacteria naturally forms to break down waste, a type of bacteria that doesn’t need to breathe, known as anaerobic bacteria. Thanks to them, waste breaks down and extra moisture drains away so the tank doesn’t fill up as quickly.
As its name will tell you, antibacterial soap is soap that kills most bacteria on contact. While most bacteria on surfaces in your home can make you sick, this soap can still hurt the helpful bacteria your waste management system needs. If the bacteria in your system die, your septic system or cesspool could fail, burdening you with an unexpected repair bill. It just isn’t worth it to use antibacterial soap unless you’re smart about it.
How to Use Antibacterial Soap Safely
First of all, know that most bar soaps, body washes, shampoos, detergents, and even many all-purpose cleaners aren’t antibacterial. Check which ones are and aren’t in your home, and adjust accordingly. You may want to keep some antibacterial soap around to clean wounds and piercings, but the soapy water shouldn’t go down the drain. Use paper towels or other disposables instead to catch the soapy water and then throw them away in the garbage.
Cleaning wipes are usually antibacterial, and you should never flush them anyway, so be sure to throw them out with the trash as well. If you use wipes like these to wipe up tubs, sinks or other drains, be sure to let them dry before running water in them.
