Receiving Helpdesk

are downy unstopables safe for septic systems

by Norwood Schinner Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Yes. P&G evaluates environmental safety of all ingredients used in our products. All Downy products are expected to be safe as long as they are used as intended and the septic system is functioning properly.

How to use unstoppable downy?

Symptoms that have been reported are:

  • rash/hives (this is the most commonly reported negative reaction)
  • itchy skin
  • eye and sinus irritation and swelling
  • sore throat/trouble swallowing
  • itchy nose
  • sneezing and coughing
  • pustules on the skin
  • eczema
  • nausea
  • asthma exacerbation

Are downy unstopables dangerous?

Procter & Gamble (the maker of Downy brand products) does not recommend using Downy Unstopables (or any other product) in a manner inconsistent with the directions on its label. Whether using Downy Unstopables in a tart or wax warmer is a dangerous practice that can cause injury or even death.

Is Downy fabric softener safe?

Yes, Downy Softener can be toxic with repeated exposure. The main ingredient in Downy fabric softener is diethyl ester dimethyl ammonium chloride which is a ‘quaternary ammonium compound’. These compounds are harmful. They can cause skin irritation, rashes, allergies, etc. It can also cause breathing difficulty and nasal congestion/irritation.

Are downy unstopables toxic?

The second potential contaminant PEG could contain is called 1,4-dioxane, which is another known carcinogen. The problem is that PEG (and therefore Downy Unstopables) could contain both of these toxic chemicals even though they weren’t added intentionally, meaning they won’t be listed on the ingredient list.

Are scent beads safe for septic systems?

Meyer's Laundry Scent Boosters are safe for septic systems — some settling may occur. They're also easy and safe to use with your washing machine: Simply toss one in with your detergent and let these mineral balls work their magic.

Can you use Downy with a septic system?

Fabric softeners, just like other household cleaners and chemicals, can have devastating effects on your septic system. The impact on your septic system is two-fold – the chemicals within fabric softener attack your system's ecosystem as well as interfere with the tank's physical functioning.

Will Downy fabric softener hurt septic systems?

In addition to being harmful to your own health, the chemicals can harm your home systems. Softeners include ammonium compounds with antibacterial properties. This may seem like it will help keep your clothes clean, but the chemicals and products can be toxic to the natural microbes in your septic system.

Are laundry pods OK for septic?

Are detergent pods bad for septic systems? As long as the ingredients are fully biodegradable, detergent pods may be used safely without harming septic systems.

Is Downy scent boosters septic safe?

Yes. P&G evaluates environmental safety of all ingredients used in our products. All Downy products are expected to be safe as long as they are used as intended and the septic system is functioning properly.

What fabric softener is safe for septic tanks?

Is Seventh Generation fabric softener septic safe? It is! It's safe for both septic systems and greywater systems, so you're good to go with Seventh Generation.

Are Downy Unstopables toxic?

Downy Unstopables is safe for consumers and other users under intended and reasonably foreseeable use. Acute Effects: Minor irritation (see Section II). Chronic Effects: No chronic health effects reported or expected.

Are Downy Unstopables good for the environment?

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Downy Unstopables are rated 'F' due to 'Health, Environment, and Disclosure Concerns. ' The only constituents listed on the bottle are perfume dispersant, perfume, and dye. Due to the company's vague ingredient listing, there are several potential health concerns.

Is OxiClean safe for septic systems?

Vinegar (white vinegar and apple cider vinegar), Borax, OxiClean, and baking soda are some products that can be used to clean very well and be septic-system safe. Oxidized bleaches are also a less hazardous alternative to chlorine bleach.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for septic tanks?

One of the best know is commercials for Dawn dish soap. The ability for the cleaner to disperse oil and grease is better for cleaning, as it helps to break it up. The reason these are bad for septic systems is because if you use too much they can leach out into the environment without being properly treated.

Are Cascade Pods bad for septic?

Dishwasher Pods and Septic Systems Septic systems are safe when using non-toxic, organic manufactured detergent pods. They are easily dissolved in water. They don't clog the pipes and don't affect the stain.

Can you use Tide pods with a septic tank?

Most pods are considered safe for septic tank systems, though, so if using caution and not minding the price tag, these pods may be a good choice for your use. As with all household items, make sure you carefully follow the packaging directions to protect yourself and your septic tank.

What Are Downy Unstopables?

Downy Unstopables are “scent booster” beads that you put in your laundry to make your clothing smell stronger and last longer compared to using detergent and fabric softener alone.

How long does it take for Downy Unstopables to work on dogs?

If you notice your dog or cat experiencing things like rashes and sneezing, consider taking Downy Unstopables out of your laundry routine for at least a month to see if it makes a difference.

Can you use Downy Unstopables on baby clothes?

Babies’ little developing bodies are more vulnerable to toxic substances than adults’ are, so we can’t recommend using Downy Unstopables on baby clothes. For the little ones, we recommend just skipping the scent boosters and using non-toxic detergents like Dropps Baby Detergent (unscented) or Attitude Baby Detergent (which comes in Soothing Chamomile, Sweet Lullaby, Pear Nectar, and Fragrance-Free) instead. Your baby’s skin smells amazing as it is anyway.

Is Downy Unstopables hair dye?

Most of the Downy Unstopables scents contain colorants from the “Acid Red” family, which have been found to be potentially problematic when used in hair dye. We could really use some more information and transparency in this area!

Does Downy Unstopables have ethylene oxide?

That means that even if the PEG in your Downy Unstopables does not contain ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane, it can still decrease your body’s ability to protect you from other toxins in your home, personal care products, and environment.

Can Downy Unstopables be used with detergent?

Downy Unstopables aren’t soap and they’re not meant to replace your detergent and/or fabric softener. They’re supposed to be used WITH your detergent. They’re only meant to add smells, not to clean anything.

Can you put Downy scent boosters in a wax warmer?

These should NOT be confused with Downy Unstoppable laundry scent boosters. You should NOT put Downy scent boosters in a wax warmer.

What can't you put in a septic system?

The things you don't want to put in septic are things that will mess up the microbial action (like bleach) or clog the system (like rinsing paint brushes, or putting non-TP down the toilet.) Stuff with a lot of scent won't matter.

Can crystals be used for septic systems?

My husband works in fabric softener and he said he believes the crystals are fine for septic but it’s worth calling the companies you use and verifying the ingredients with your septic company

Is Downy Unstoppable a fragrance?

I just looked up the ingredients of Downy Unstoppable. It's just fragrance in a base of polyethylene glycol or PEG. While this product can be derived from petroleum, it is not an oil or waxy substance like fabric softener. PEG is used in tons of consumer products such as cosmetics and personal lubricants. The tiny amount that is going into your septic system from scent boosters is not going to make any difference in the composition of your septic tank. It doesn't harm the bacteria, and can even be broken down by various types of bacteria.

What happens if bacteria don't work?

If these organisms can't do their work, your tank may begin to clog and overflow, leading to a contamination of groundwater and a flooded drainfield.

What is the best way to clean your drainfield?

2. Laundry Detergent. Laundry detergent is different than soap, and not in a good way. Most laundry detergents contain the environmental contaminants like phosphates and surfactants. These can soak into your drainfield, potentially harming wildlife as well as contaminating your drinking water. 3. Dishwasher Detergent.

How to dispose of liquid waste?

Washing things down the drain of your sink or tub is one of the easiest ways to dispose of liquid waste. However, before blindly discarding in this manner, you need to consider one important factor - the health of your septic tank. Because your tank relies on bacteria to break down waste, you've got to avoid flushing anything ...

Is it bad to clean a tank with drain cleaner?

Drain Cleaner. Drain cleaners in small quantities shouldn't be too harmful to your tank, as they become too diluted to do much harm to bacteria. However, if you treat your drains on a weekly or even monthly basis, then your tank could be in trouble.

Can household products harm a tank?

While many household products won't have an effect on these bacteria, there are several common types of products that can do irreparable harm to the health of your tank.

Is it bad to dump laundry detergent down the drain?

Small amounts of these chemicals, such as the amount you use when cleaning clothes, shouldn't be too harmful. However, if you dump an entire bottle down the drain, then this can cause serious damage to the bacteria in your tank. 2. Laundry Detergent. Laundry detergent is different than soap, and not in a good way.

What is the best septic safe laundry detergent?

Buy On Amazon Buy On Home Depot. If you prefer powder laundry detergent to liquid products, one of the best septic-safe choices is Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder. This popular eco-friendly formula comes in 2.64-pound bags that contain up to 100 loads of laundry.

What is the best detergent for septic systems?

If you're looking for the best overall detergent for septic systems, ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent with Built-In Fabric Softener ( available on Amazon) is compatible with all sorts of machines, is gentle on sensitive skin, and is biodegradable. Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Laundry Detergent ( available at Amazon) is a great option at a slightly lower price point, but still has powerful stain fighting properties and a pleasant scent.

How many loads of laundry can you use with biodegradable detergent?

The naturally derived detergent comes in 53.5-ounce bottles (made from recycled plastic), which you should be able to use for up to 66 loads of laundry. And, of course, the biodegradable formula is safe to use with septic systems, so you can rest easy knowing it won’t harm those beneficial bacteria. The 11 Best Laundry Detergents ...

Why do septic systems need chemicals?

Septic systems rely on important bacteria to help break down waste, so if you’re putting any harsh chemicals into the system, it may harm the microorganisms and stop the system from functioning as efficiently. 1.

Is 7th generation detergent septic safe?

The Seventh Generation Detergent has a powerful triple-enzyme formula that effectively breaks down dirt and stains, and it’s actually both a USDA Certified Biobased Product and an EPA Safer Choice Certified Product. The cleaning solution is biodegradable and septic safe, and despite its gentle nature, users say a little bit of the plant-based formula goes a long way toward getting clothing clean.

Is Ecos laundry detergent safe?

The ECOS Laundry Detergent is biodegradable and safe to use in both septic and gre ywater systems , and people love the light smell and effective cleaning power of the eco-friendly formula.

Is Charlie's soap biodegradable?

Charlie’s Soap is made with powerful natural ingredients—in fact, there are just four ingredients used in the formula—and it’s biodegradable and free from artificial brighteners and perfumes. The powder detergent doesn’t create suds, making it better for aerated septic systems, yet it still effectively removes dirt, grease, and stains, leaving fabric fresh and soft.

Why Use Unstopables?

For some reason every time I watch this commercial, all I can think is WHY? My mind curls up with the question: Why would anyone spend $6 to pour chemical fragrances into their washer and HOPE that it will stay in their clothes for up to 12 weeks? (AND, what the heck does “shimmer” smell like???)

Why is dispersant rated D?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG.org) gives dispersants a big fat “D” rating for a few reasons, including the fact that by only listing “dispersant” we don’t have enough information to know if it contains toxins or not.

What are the effects of emulsion stabilizers on a septic system?

Emulsion stabilizers impact the natural settling and stratification process within a septic system. Petroleum products are potentially toxic to a septic systems natural microbes.

How to make sanitizer smell better?

Try using a cup of white vinegar per a load of laundering during the rinse cycle. This is a natural alternative and safe for clothing and the environment. It’s a natural sanitizer as well. Adding essential oil and baking soda with the vinegar can add fragrance. Make sure to purchase vinegar that is grain versus petroleum derived.

Is fabric softener bad for septic systems?

The chemicals in softeners cause the fabric in clothes to become electrically charged, and the threads stand up to form the surface, which causes the fabric to feel softer. Common softening chemicals are called “quats” or quaternary ammonium compounds. Sounds healthy, right? Definitely not healthy for your septic system!

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