• Choose biodegradable detergents and laundry products which are low or free of phosphorus. Examples of commercial products are Gows BioClean 0.9 grams of Phosphorus per wash, Dynamo concentrate 2.8 per wash, Cold water Surf and Biozet concentrate 3.0 grams of Phosphorus per wash. Check the labels of these and any others first, as manufacturers sometimes change their formulations.
• Avoid soap powders with added bleaches, whiteners or ‘antibacterial’ agents/disinfectants such as Benzyl Alkonium Chloride (BKC). Your treatment system relies on beneficial bacteria to treat the waste water. Bleaches and other strong disinfectants can kill off these helpful bacteria, seriously reducing the system’s effectiveness.
• Pre-soak soiled nappies in 45 grams (about 2 heaped tablespoons) of Bi-carb Soda in a 10 litre bucket of warm water. Soak for 2 hours or more and wash in hot soapy water.
• Washing soda can be used as an effective water and fabric softener. If made into a stiff paste with water it will absorb and remove many stains. Always test on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first.
• A general pre-wash spray can be made up by mixing equal parts of

  cloudy ammonia
  water
  dish washing liquid

Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon or eucalyptus oil. Put into a spray bottle and shake the mixture every time you use it. Make sure you test it first on an inconspicuous area of the fabric and do not spray it on synthetic fabrics or near your eyes.

• Spread your wash load over several days if possible rather than having just one ‘wash day’ a week. This distributes the water throughout the week and allows the treatment system to operate more evenly and effectively.

KITCHEN

• Use bio-degradable detergent for washing dishes.
• Use low sodium, low phosphorus dishwasher powder.
• Use Washing Soda in hot water to unblock drains.
• Scrape all dishes to remove fats, grease etc before washing. Wrap the waste in newspaper and place in the rubbish bin.
• Don’t dispose of cooking oils or fats down the sink. Put in a sealed bag or container in the rubbish bin.
• Keep all possible solids out of the system.
• Don’t install a garbage grinder unless the system was specifically designed for one. Otherwise it will seriously overload the treatment system.

TOILETS AND BATHROOMS

• Clean with crème cleansers or a small amount of ordinary detergents or a spray bottle type cleaner.
• Bi-carb Soda with a little water can be used as cleaner for toilets, baths and tiles. Do not rub vigorously on plastic bath surfaces or laminex.
• Avoid commercial toilet or ‘blue’ cleaners. Frequent cleaning (with a sprinkling of Bi-carb soda) is more effective, quicker and prevents odour problems better than a once a week ‘scrub’.
• Liquid soaps leave less residue in the hand basin, bath or shower.
• Don’t dispose of sanitary napkins or other hygiene products down the toilet.