Pine-Sol was invented in 1929 by Harry A. Harris and later registered as a trademark by Clorox in 1956.
The product is known for its powerful cleaning capabilities, ability to remove tough stains, and long-lasting pine scent.
It can be used on a variety of surfaces including wood, tile, linoleum, rubber, and more.
In addition to being used as a general cleaner, Pine-Sol is also effective as a disinfectant and can be used to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces.
It is available in a variety of scents, including original pine, lemon, lavender, and more.
Pine-Sol is often considered a powerful and versatile cleaning solution for household use.
But Is Pine Sol Safe For Your Septic Tank?
According to the Pine Sol official website, Pine Sol is safe for septic tanks.
However, many septic tank experts advise that the only septic-safe products are biological products.
So, the best way to confirm if Pine Sol is safe for septic tanks is to examine the ingredients.
The ingredients of Pine-Sol vary depending on the specific product and scent.
However, the original Pine-Sol multi-surface cleaner contains the following ingredients:
- Water: The base ingredient of the solution, which helps to dilute the other ingredients and make them easier to apply.
- Pine Oil: The ingredient that gives Pine-Sol its distinctive pine scent. Pine oil is a natural degreaser and is known for its cleaning and deodorizing properties.
- Ethoxylated Alcohol: A cleaning agent that helps to remove dirt, grime, and other stains from surfaces.
- Sodium Chloride: Common table salt, used as a thickening agent in the solution.
- Sodium Hydroxide: A strong base, used to adjust the pH of the solution.
- Sodium Petrosulfonate: A water-soluble salt used as a cleaning agent and emulsifier.
- Sodium Xylene Sulfonate: A cleaning agent and emulsifier that helps to remove dirt, grime, and other stains from surfaces.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: A cleaning agent and emulsifier that helps to remove dirt, grime, and other stains from surfaces.
- Sodium Tripolyphosphate: A cleaning agent. It helps to remove stains and keep surfaces looking clean.
- Sodium Nitrate: A preservative used to extend the shelf life of the product.
As we can see from the ingredients list, Pine Sol has emulsifiers, salts, and alcohol which may pose a significant threat to the health of the useful bacteria in the septic tank.
When these bacteria are killed off, it can lead to a build-up of waste in the tank and can ultimately cause the tank to fail.
Furthermore, Pine-Sol can mess up the pH of your septic tank.
Bacteria in the septic tank typically need a pH of 6.5-7.5 to thrive.
However, depending on the product, Pine Sol will either have a pH of 3-4 or 10-11.
Either of these is still bad for the septic tank bacteria.
A septic tank that doesn’t have the proper pH value will fail, which will lead to clogs and blockages in the drain field.
In turn, this can lead to backups and overflow in the septic system, which can be both costly and difficult to repair.
To put it bluntly, Top of Form
Pine Sol is not good for use in septic systems as it can potentially cause damage to the beneficial bacteria and the overall functioning of the system.
If you have a septic system, it is best to avoid using pine sol and opt for a more septic-safe cleaners.
There are many cleaning solutions available that are specifically designed for use in septic systems, and these products are typically much less harsh and less likely to cause damage.
You may also want to check: Is Dove Bar Soap Safe for Septic Systems?
Pine Sol Alternatives That Are Septic Safe
If you have a septic tank, you may want to be choosy about the cleaning products you use.
One of the safest options is to use homemade cleaners which you can make from materials that are nontoxic to bacteria.
Such materials include baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, and washing soda.
However, if you do not have the patience of making your own cleaning products, you can still buy septic-safe cleaners.
However, not all products that are labeled septic safe actually are septic safe.
Only use products that are made from natural ingredients (e.g. enzyme-based or bacteria-based cleaners.)
Closing Thoughts
Have you been using pine sol and other cleaning products that are made from materials that may be harmful to your septic tank?
Well, the good news is any damage that has been done is not irreparable.
In fact, if you stop using harsh products, the septic tank may heal itself without any intervention from you.
This is because bacteria are typically added to the tank every time you flush the toilet.
However, if you keep using products that kill the bacteria in the septic tank, you are creating an expensive problem that will haunt you soon.