For years, a common concern among biodigester owners revolved around the use of harsh detergents. Many people worried about stains in their water closets because they were told not to use strong cleaning agents to wash their toilet bowls.
This issue arose because, traditionally, biodigester installers would advise against anything containing bleach, like “Akeshaa,” popular in Ghana, and other bleach products on the market.
What Was the Problem? The Old Biodigester Design
When biodigesters became prominent about 10 to 12 years ago, the internal filtration systems often used materials like wire mesh and mosquito nets. The problem with these materials was their susceptibility to corrosion.
The water from the toilet, combined with the acidic content of human solid waste, could corrode these wire mesh components. After just one or two years, these materials would often corrode, rendering the biodigester ineffective.
This led to inconvenient and costly reinstallation requests barely six months or a year after the initial setup, which was not sustainable for businesses.
The Game Changer: New Biofuel Digesters and Porous Filtration!
The good news is that this problem is largely a thing of the past! With the new biodegradable toilet digesters, you can actually use any type of detergent.
This significant improvement came about through a collaboration between the government of Ghana and the original installers. They determined that the best solution was to switch to a porous filtration system.
This porous material is primarily made up of chippings mixed with cement, and it’s used for the water filtration process. When solid waste enters the digester, it’s filtered at the top through this porous material, along with fiber nets and other fiber materials. The filtered water then goes down into a soak hole or soakaway.
What Does This Mean for Your Cleaning Routine?
With these new, improved biodigesters, you no longer have to worry about the type of detergent you’re using. You can confidently use harsh detergents like Harpic and Mr. Muscle to wash your toilet bowl. It’s truly not a problem anymore; you can use your detergents as much as you want, and it will not affect the biodigester.
A Gentle Recommendation for Longevity
While the new design offers much more flexibility, it’s still a biodigester, relying on enzymes and microorganisms to function efficiently. Therefore, ideally, it’s still recommended to minimize the use of these harsh detergents. You want to protect the enzymes and microorganisms that are diligently working within the system. You can use detergents in moderate quantities, and your toilet bowl and digester will be perfectly fine.
Beyond Detergents: The Power of Daily Cleaning
For optimal biodigester performance and a consistently clean toilet, remember that it’s important to clean your toilet on a daily basis. Experts always recommend a “clean as you go” approach, rather than waiting for a major cleanup over the weekend. For example, if you notice any waste stuck to the toilet bowl after use, the ideal practice is to take a brush and clean it nicely, then flush. Consistency in this daily habit significantly contributes to the effective use of your biodigester.
The evolution of biodigester technology means that the concern about detergents is largely gone.
Enjoy a cleaner home with the freedom to choose your preferred cleaning products, while still practicing mindful daily cleaning for the best results!
Learn how to construct a biodigester in a challenging area.
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