Is Dishwashing Liquid safe for grey water and septic systems?Updated 12 days ago
TL;DR: Yes. Dishwashing Liquid is septic safe and grey water safe. Low sodium (won't disrupt the microbes in your treatment system), no phosphates, no chlorine bleach, made from readily biodegradable ingredients. pH 6.5. Suitable for rural homes, regional properties, off-grid setups, camper vans, caravans, motorhomes, and boats. For garden irrigation reuse, scrape food off plates first and patch-test if you're watering edibles or sensitive plants.
Is Dishwashing Liquid safe for septic and grey water systems?
✓ Septic and grey water safe
Dishwashing Liquid is low in sodium, so it won't disrupt the beneficial microbes that break down waste in your septic or AWTS system. No phosphates, no chlorine bleach, made from readily biodegradable ingredients. pH 6.5. Suitable for septic tanks, AWTS, and standard household grey water reuse setups.
✓ Rural, regional, and on-the-road
If your home or vehicle relies on a septic tank, grey water system, or portable water setup, Dishwashing Liquid is a reliable choice. Always follow your system's manual and don't pour concentrated product directly into the system.
What about garden irrigation and edible plants?
✓ Three-step garden reuse
Scrape first. Remove food residue from plates before washing to keep fats and solids out of your grey water system.
Patch-test for sensitive plants. If you're irrigating edibles or known-sensitive plants, water a small test area first and check for leaf burn or growth changes over a week before broader use.
Check council rules. Council-regulated grey water reuse for permanent dwellings requires licensed installation in some states. Check your local rules if your system serves the main house, not just temporary or garden use.

Septic safe. Grey water safe. Low sodium, no phosphates, no chlorine. Sensitive Choice approved, Dermatest tested, Eczema Association recognised. Made in Australia.

Dish Starter Kit · new at Koh?
Includes Dishwashing Liquid plus the Dish Pump. Soak your dishes, then wipe and rinse, no scrubbing needed.

Koh Perks · earn points on every order
Join 40,000+ Koh Perks members. Earn points on every purchase, refer a friend, and redeem for discounts on your next order. Find all the ways to save in one place.
Browse all Dishwashing Liquid articles
Last reviewed: April 2026

