Are Tide PODS Septic Safe? (Read First Before Buying)
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It is completely reasonable to wonder if it is okay to use Tide PODS if you have a septic system. Most of us do not think about what we are putting in our septic system until there is a problem. Repairing a septic system because of chemical damage is never fun.
So, are Tide PODS septic safe?
All Tide PODS are considered safe for septic systems because the do not contain phosphates. Therefore, they are considered “septic safe” when used following label directions. Tide PODS dissolve quickly in liquid and should not clog septic lines.
Are you wondering if Tide PODS are safe to use in septic systems? What chemicals should be avoided when you have a septic system? Is there a way to ensure the cleaning products you use will not harm your septic system? We will explore these questions more fully in this post.
Tide Does Not Contain Phosphates
(Why this is important to your septic system)
The most important thing to consider is phosphates.
Phosphates are the naturally occurring form of the element phosphorus, found in many phosphate minerals. Tide does not contain phosphates, which is good because:
Phosphates kill good bacteria in a septic system. Good bacteria is necessary to break down the waste particles flushed into the septic tank. Since Tide PODS are phosphorus-free, they are considered safe to use in a septic system because they do not kill the good bacteria in a septic system.
The reason phosphates are dangerous is because they disrupt the ecosystem of the septic tank and the drain field. Your septic tank relies on two types of good bacteria to break solid waste down into tiny particles.
Without these “good bacteria” inhabiting your septic tank the solid waste will build up and clog your tank and drainage system. This will result in frequently needing to have the septic system pumped. If your drain field becomes clogged, you may have to build a new one.
Are Free and Gentle Tide PODS Safe For Septic Systems?
Tide’s Free and Gentle laundry PODS are safe for septic systems because they do not contain:
- Phosphates
- Dyes
- Chemical Scent additives
This makes Tide Free and Gentle safer for you and your septic system.
Free and Gentle Tide PODS are considered safe to use with septic systems. They do not contain the harsh dyes and other chemicals found in most products. This makes it ideal for you if you are sensitive to perfumes, or if your skin is sensitive to laundry residue.
- Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist Tested. Free of dyes and perfumes
- 3-in-1: detergent, stain remover, color protector
- Each pac of Tide Pods Free & Gentle provides a deeper clean (versus the leading Free detergent) that’s gentle on skin
Are Hygienic Clean Tide PODS Safe For Septic Systems?
But what about Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10X Power PODS® Original Scent, are they septic safe?
Hygienic Clean Tide PODS are said to be septic safe due to lack of phosphates in the ingredients. It does contain components that kill bacteria, but should be used following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Generally, products that kill germs and harmful bacteria are not considered safe for septic systems. These antibacterial properties in Tide Hygienic Clean PODS have the potential to harm the good bacteria necessary for your septic system.
All Tide PODS are considered septic safe. However, it is important to consider using the right type of Tide detergent for your septic system and replenishing your system's healthy bacterial levels.
Other commonly used laundry and household cleansers that kill bacteria are:
- Bleach and products containing bleach. Chlorine is found in municipal water sources, or in well water treatment, could also negatively affect your septic. If it smells strongly of bleach, chances are it is killing off the good bacteria.
- Lysol cleaners
- Laundry sanitizers
It is okay to use ammonia in small amounts as well as vinegar in a septic system.
Because we are likely to use a number of products that can harm the delicate bacteria in our septic systems it is important to regularly replenish the good bacteria with a septic treatment once per month. They are easy to use, just flush down a ground level toilet and let it do the work.
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What Ingredients are Tide PODS Made With?
There are many ingredients in Tide PODS. There are up to 83 ingredients in Tide Products. These range from Acrylamide-methyl acrylamide propyl trimethyl ammonium chloride copolymers to water.
You can visit Tide's Ingredient page to learn what ingredients are contained in the PODS. This table will also provide you with a short explanation as to why it is there, and what it does.
Some of these ingredients have the potential to throw off the good bacteria in your septic system. However, it is important to remember that many of the products we use in our homes and wash down our drains contain these ingredients and more, so using a septic treatment is a must.
Tide PODS are Septic Safe
All of Tide’s products are phosphate free, earning them a septic safe rating. However, be sure to follow the label directions on the Tide PODS bin. Be sure to use a good septic treatment once a month to keep the healthy bacteria flourishing in your septic tank.
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