Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner & Your Septic System: Safe or Unsafe?

Is Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner safe for your septic?


Let’s begin by examining its ingredients:

Ingredients:

  • Water
  • Lactic Acid
  • Octyl/Decyl Glucoside
  • Xanthan Gum
  • Sodium Benzoate
  • Orange Peel Oil
  • Eucalyptus Leaf Oil
  • Mint Leaf Oil
  • Spearmint Leaf Oil
  • Rosemary Leaf Oil
  • d-Limonene (fragrance allergen)

Ingredient Analysis

Septic-Safe or Generally Acceptable Ingredients:

  • Water – Neutral solvent; completely safe.

  • Lactic Acid – Plant-derived and biodegradable; acts as a mild descaler, generally safe for septic systems.

  • Octyl/Decyl Glucoside – Mild, plant-based surfactant; biodegradable and septic-friendly.

  • Xanthan Gum – Plant-based thickener; fully biodegradable.

  • Sodium Benzoate – Synthetic preservative but low-toxicity and biodegradable in small concentrations.

  • Essential Oils (Orange, Eucalyptus, Mint, Spearmint, Rosemary) – Natural plant extracts; biodegradable when used sparingly.

  • d-Limonene – Naturally occurring in citrus oils; biodegradable, but a known allergen. Acceptable in small amounts for septic use.

Verdict: Safe or Unsafe for Septic Systems?

Safety: Safe for Septic System Use

Seventh Generation’s Mint Toilet Bowl Cleaner features biodegradable, plant-based ingredients and avoids harsh surfactants, synthetic dyes, and phosphates. While it contains essential oils and a mild preservative, these are present in low, septic-safe concentrations.