If you have been using chlorine bleach for the cleaning at home but you would like to find a safer alternative, oxygenated bleach is the perfect solution for you. The best part is – you can use it for much more than clothes. You can even make your own oxygenated bleach.
Keep reading to find out what oxygenated bleach really is, what the benefits of using it are, how you can implement it into your cleaning routine and how to make your own DIY oxy bleach.
What is Oxygenated Bleach?
Oxygenated bleach, often referred to as colour-safe bleach is a chlorine-free alternative to regular bleach. You can find it in chlorine and powder form. Its active ingredient is sodium percarbonate. Even though it sounds like a harsh chemical it is actually hydrogen carbonate and sodium carbonate together. You may have heard of this ingredient as wood ash.
Traditional bleach contains sodium hypochlorite. This is a harsh and corrosive irritant that may cause permanent damage to the skin, eyes, lungs and throat. What is more, it adds toxic fumes to your home. They can be very harmful to pets and children.
Combining chlorine bleach with other household cleaning products can be fatal. Nowadays, more and more people realise how dangerous chlorine bleach can be and decide to switch to the safe but effective alternative – oxygenated bleach.
How to use Oxy Bleach for laundry?
Oxygenated bleach is perfect for whitening whites, brightening colours and is safe for most materials and types of clothing. However, you should not use it with silk, wool, or if the manufacturer’s label says not to use it.
In the washer – Add 1-2 tablespoons to your usual laundry detergent. It works with any water temperature but when in powdered form, it needs a bit longer to dissolve. You can use the liquid instead. For heavily soiled clothes, you can use up to ½ cup.
As a pre-soak for stains – To remove stains from clothing make a pre-soak by combining 2 tablespoons of oxygenated bleach to 4 litres of water. Use cold water for cleaning blood and mud and warm water for everything else. For stubborn stains, soak the garment in the solution for 15 minutes, then wash it immediately.
How to clean your home with Oxy Bleach?
There are many uses of chlorine-free bleach around the house. However when cleaning with it, always check the label on the package. If using a homemade oxy bleach spray, always test on a hidden spot first. Never use oxygenated bleach on silk, wool or leather.
In the kitchen
- For soiled pots – sprinkle some oxy bleach on the pot and use the corner of a sponge dipped in hot water to scrub any burned food away.
- For a clean sponge – make a solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of oxygenated bleach with 2 cups of boiling water. Soak the sponge in it and let it sit until the water cools completely. When finished, rinse the sponge well and squeeze it dry.
- For a refrigerator cleaner – dissolve 1 teaspoon of oxy bleach into ½ litre of water. Use this mixture and a microfiber cloth to clean and deodorise your refrigerator. Wipe with clean water then buff the surface dry.
In the bathroom
- Grout cleaner – make a paste of oxygenated bleach and water to naturally clean grout. Apply on the grout, rub in with an old toothbrush and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. When finished, wipe with a clean cloth.
- For stubborn toilet stains – sprinkle oxy bleach all over your toilet and let it sit for 2 hours. After that, scrub it with a brush. For extra stubborn stains, leave the bleach to sit overnight. Do not use the toilet in the meantime.
- Tub brightening – If your acrylic bathtub is dull looking, fill it with hot water and add 1 cup of oxygenated bleach. Let it sit overnight, scrub the tub then rinse and enjoy.
In the bedroom
Mattress cleaner – you can use homemade oxygenated bleach to deep clean your mattress. You can also dissolve 2 teaspoons of powdered oxygenated bleach in 2 cups of water. Spray this on the surface of your mattress, wait 5 minutes, then wipe it away with a clean cloth. You can also use this method to get rid of yellow sweat stains from your bedding.
Carpets and upholstery
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of oxygenated bleach into ½ litre of water. Dip a cloth in the mixture and dab it on the stain. Wait 3-5 minutes, then “rinse” with a clean cloth. Repeat if needed. For a deeper clean, steam clean your carpet or upholstery afterwards.
To make your own oxygenated bleach:
Mix ½ cup washing soda (for whites) or ½ cup baking soda (for colours) with 1 cup hot water. Stir in ½ cup 3% hydrogen peroxide. Use this in your laundry detergent and never pour it directly on clothing.