When it comes to surface cleaning and disinfection, nobody wants to compromise. We can say the same for laundry and always aim for cleaning agents that do the job. Oxi Clean is among the trusted cleaning products for stain and odor removal. It is a strong solution for lifting stains and removing disease-causing germs, but does Oxi Clean have bleach in it?
No, Oxi Clean products do not have bleach and are safe for use on laundry and other surface stains. It has an oxygen-based active ingredient in powder, liquid, and spray form. The components in Oxi Clean are activated once it gets in contact with water and releases oxygen. This process helps in the thorough removal of stains reviving white clothes and boosting the hues of colored ones.
What is Oxi Clean?
Oxi Clean is a line of household cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing products. Oxi Clean is used primarily for cleaning fabric and removing dirt and grease from laundry, carpet, and upholstery. The products are bleach-free. Instead of bleach, it contains a combination of key ingredients called oxygen bleach that works similar to chlorine bleach. But, these ingredients are relatively safe for most surfaces, materials, and colors.
What are the Ingredients in Oxi Clean?
Oxi Clean has two main and active ingredients: sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate. It also has surfactants and copolymer along with other inactive ingredients. These inactive ingredients also vary by type of Oxi Clean products.
Other ingredients are also added to Oxi Clean that functions as enzyme stabilizers, pH modifiers, dispersing agents, and chelating agents. Preservatives, fragrances, and colorants are also added to improve the final output of the product.
What are the Different Oxi Clean Products?
Oxi Clean is popular as a laundry cleaning agent. The most popular product is its Versatile Stain Remover for laundry use. But, it also has several other products for cleaning various materials. Some of them have added dyes and perfumes while others do not.
Other Oxi Clean products are intended for carpet and rug cleaning, outdoor item cleaning, baby product cleaning, and convenient power paks or pods. Aside from the detergent and stain remover, it also has cleaning sprays, disinfectants, and laundry sanitizer.
How Does Oxi Clean Work?
Does Oxi Clean have bleach in it? If it does not, then how can it accomplish its stain-removing job?
Unlike bleach, there is no need to dilute Oxi Clean in water. When its ingredients come in contact with water, it breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate. These compounds become effective in cleaning fabrics and hard surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide will act as an oxidizing agent that breaks down stains. Sodium carbonate dissolves the grease and lifts the acid from stains by increasing water alkalinity.
Will Oxi Clean Stain Clothes and Other Fabrics?
No, Oxi Clean will not alter the appearance of fabrics since it cannot break down the chemistry of the dye. This stain remover is safe for laundry, carpet, and fabric upholstery. Oxi Clean even has its line of products intended for washing baby products.
Generally, Oxi Clean is color-safe. Unfortunately, some fabrics react to cleaning agents differently. To ensure it will not damage your clothes, always do a spot test in a hidden portion of the clothing.
What is the Best Way to Use Oxi Clean?
The components and crystals of Oxi Clean are activated upon contact with water. The best way to use Oxi Clean in its powdered form is to dissolve it in warm or hot water. Hot water can easily disintegrate the hydrogen peroxide, which creates foaming bubbles.
Oxi Clean is a versatile product that can work on most surface and material. It can also work alone or combined with regular detergents.
Can You Mix Oxi-Clean with Bleach?
Bleach should never be mixed with any cleaning agents including Oxi Clean. It can concoct noxious gases that are harmful when inhaled. When Oxi Clean is combined with bleach, its chemical reaction can create heat that may trigger an explosion.
Can Oxi Clean Disinfect a Surface?
Yes, Oxi Clean is also used as a disinfectant as it breaks down into hydrogen peroxide. To sanitize the material, just add a scoop of Oxi Clean powder to a gallon of water. Spray or soak the material or surface in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing.
Where Not to Use Oxi Clean?
Oxi Clean is safe for most fabrics, materials, and surfaces, including porous ones. But use it with caution in the following materials:
- Prolonged exposure of metal to Oxi Clean can cause corrosion.
- Oxi clean cannot remove rust build-up because both the rust and oxygen in the product have oxidizing agents.
- Special fabrics. Silk, wool, cashmere, leather, suede, and argyle are delicate materials that are not compatible with the components of Oxi Clean.
- Finished Wood. Oxi Clean can damage hardwood.
- Food and Food Preparation Tools. Oxi Clean is not food grade and should never be used in cleaning food prep tools.
Is Oxi Clean Toxic?
Oxi Clean is harmful when ingested by humans and pets. It can also cause eye and skin irritation. When inhaled, it is best to remove the victim into the open air and seek medical advice when there is breathing difficulty.
If Oxi Clean gets into the eye, remove contact lenses and rinse the eyes with water. When the product is ingested, rinse the mouth but do not induce vomiting. Seek medical advice if undesirable symptoms occur and get worse. Bring the label with you for the doctor to see when going for a check-up.
Final Thoughts
Oxi Clean is a powerful cleaning agent. Thus, people often ask if it contains bleach or not. Oxi Clean products do not contain bleach. Instead, they have a combination of strong ingredients that reacts when combined with water. Its foaming bubbles can easily lift stains and grimes from clothing. It has varied products for cleaning other surfaces that are also bleach-free. Hence, they are effective as a chlorine bleach alternative.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.