In short, YES. Bar Keepers Friend is safe for traditional septic tanks.
However, BKF has not been thoroughly tested on worm-based systems. If you have a worm based system, be sure to check with your manufacturer before using Bar Keepers Friend.
If you have had a septic tank for a decent period of time, you probably know that there are certain cleaning products that you should stay away from to keep your tank in good health.
Some chemicals used in cleaners maybe be great for cleaning but not so great when washed down the drain.
About your septic tank:
Many homes around New Zealand, especially in rural areas have septic tanks.
Septic tank systems are generally in place because the property isn't able to connect to a town sewage system. These properties will instead have an onsite disposal system, the most common being a septic tank.
Your household waste water is drained and flows into your septic tank. Liquids and partially decomposed solids, then separate. There are three parts to this including;
- Lighter materials create a layer called scum made up of things like fat and grease
- A layer of liquid waste called effluent
- The final bottom layer of partially decomposed solids called sludge
Septic tanks need to be pumped out every 3-5 years due to the sludge buildup over time. Modern septic systems may have their own pumps, be worm based or even have pressurised disposal with multiple chambers and filters. Check with the manufacturer to learn more about your particular system.
So is Bar Keepers Friend Safe for Septic Tanks?
Yes, our products are safe for traditional septic tank systems.
However, best check with your manufacturer if you have one of the newer worm-based systems as we don’t have testing on these!
The active ingredient in Bar Keepers Friend is called oxalic acid, which comes from plants such as rhubarb and spinach. Other ingredients can be found under the ‘ingredients’ tab here.
Oxalic acid cleaners are acidic instead of alkaline, which are more effective against rust, tarnish, oxidation, mineral scale, hard water, and lime deposits than most other cleaning products.
Unlike other acidic cleaners, Bar Keepers Friend doesn’t use fillers or bleaches, making our products 100% biodegradable and therefore suitable with most septic tanks. However, if you are still unsure, check with your manufacturer before use.
We are your local distributors here in New Zealand. Shop Online and will deliver to your door! We're also stocked in over 200 stores across the country. If you would like to view the stockists, take a look at this map.
Happy Cleaning!!
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Bar Keepers Friend 3 Piece Spring Cleaning Kit
Clean your entire home with our awesome 3 piece kit containing:
- 1 x Bar Keepers Friend Original Cleanser & Polish 340g
- 1 x Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser 369g
- 1 x Bar Keepers Friend MORE Spray & Foam 750ml
- 1 x Tough Grade Non-scratch pad
- 1 x Light Grade Non-scratch pad
Original Cleanser – Best for use on tough stains like showers glass, tiles, toilets, brass, copper tubs, and more to get rid of rust, hard water stains, mineral deposits, and built-up grease and grime. Can be used in a paste-like formula for the toughest stains or dilute for lighter ones, very versatile, and great for almost any hard surface.
Soft Cleanser – In a pre-diluted, liquid form. Has the same active ingredients as the original cleanser though in an easier-to-use form. Use for stainless steel benches and sinks, solid chrome tapware, porcelain, acrylic, rust stains, tarnish, or aluminium.
MORE Spray & Foam – The gentlest formula, great for chromes, benches, cleaning oily residues, vertical areas such as backsplashes, great for faucets, tapware, and sinks. Also tackles everyday grime, but with a massive kick and shine.
