The maintenance of a septic system relies heavily on using septic-safe products on it.
I am talking about dish soaps, toilet cleaners, laundry detergents, shaving creams, hand washing soaps, shampoos, you name it.
Basically, anything that goes down your drain ends up in your septic system.
Sadly, most of these products harm bacteria in the septic tank. Without these bacteria, your septic system wouldn’t do what it’s meant to do.
Today, I will shed some light on the popular Gain laundry supplies. These products are a staple in most American homes. You probably have one or two of them on your shelves already.
Before you open it up and use it to clean your clothes, find out if it is safe for your septic system first.
Gain Laundry Detergent and Your Septic Systems Safety
The safety of Gain depends on the actual Gain product in question. Some have harsh chemicals that affect bacterial action in a septic tank. Others are completely safe. A few are toxic but not enough to cause adverse effects on the rank.
Generally, though, most Gain cleaners contain dyes, additives, thickeners, and cleaning agents and thus aren’t safe for your septic tank.
If you must use Gain, go for its original or plant-based laundry detergent. The rest should be used on occasion, not frequently.
Let’s go over some of the common Gain cleaning products and decipher their safety with regard to your septic system.
1. Gain Liquid Laundry Detergent Original
Gain Original, used for regular wear, infuses clothes with a fresh scent. It is one of the very first products made by Gain Company.
It is made from biodegradable anionic and nonionic surfactants as well as enzymes.
Since it doesn’t contain phosphates and acids, it is relatively safe for septic tanks.
However, watch out for formulations with fragrances and dyes.
While the active ingredients aren’t toxic, the dyes and fragrances can mess things up.
Stick with Gain Original Fresh. If you must use the ones with fragrances, use them sparingly.
2. Gain Flings
Gain Flings are pods containing Febreze, laundry detergent, and Oxi Boost to boost the scent of clothes.
Like most Gain products, it contains dyes (from the detergent) and fragrances from the Febreze.
However, occasional use will not hurt your system.
The danger is making Gain Flings your primary laundry detergent.
3. Gain Laundry Fabric Softener Liquid
When looking for a good laundry softener and fragrant for your laundry, the Gain Laundry Fabric Softener promises to deliver great results.
Sadly, it contains harsh fragrance compounds and chemicals that can disrupt septic tank bacteria.
As such, it is best kept away from your septic system.
4. Gain Powder Laundry Detergent
The Gain Powder Laundry Detergent is made of soap and clay.
The latter doesn’t dissolve well in the septic tank.
Over time, it will clog the system.
Additionally, the product is heavy on fragrances and cleaning agents making it hazardous for septic systems.
5. Gain Botanicals Plant-based Laundry Detergent
As the name goes, the Gain Botanicals Plant-based Laundry Detergent is made from organic ingredients.
Granted, the plant-based ingredients make up 65% of its formulation but it is by far the best on this list as far as your septic system health goes.
It contains zero dyes, brighteners, and phosphates.
6. Gain Laundry Detergent Ultra Concentrated
Gain Laundry Detergent is a stronger option compared to its counterparts.
It is made for economical people as a little goes a long way.
There’s only one problem, though. This formula, like other concentrated formulas, poses a risk to septic systems.
Because it consists of less water in its formulation, users often end up using too much of it when doing laundry.
As such, a high concentration of chemicals and dyes is introduced to the septic system. These will certainly kill useful bacteria there.
Conclusion
Is gain laundry detergent safe for septic systems?
Well, the Gain Botanicals Plant-based Detergent contains a higher percentage of plant-based ingredients, making safe for your septic system.
The Gain Original Laundry Detergent is also biodegradable and safe for your system.
The rest have harmful chemicals. If you must use them, don’t make a habit of it.