When you think of OxiClean, do you picture fresh, clean-smelling, stain-free laundry? That is, if you ever stop and daydream about clean laundry when a million other things in the house need cleaning.
Oxygen bleach, which is best known by the brand name OxiClean, can work with many cleaners and other products without harsh chemicals or lingering odors.
Read on for some uses of oxygen bleach that may surprise you!
What is oxygen bleach?
Oxygen bleach is an alternative to chlorine bleach. The key ingredient in oxygen bleach is sodium percarbonate, which, when dissolved in water, breaks down into two tried-and-true cleaning compounds: hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate (aka washing soda or soda ash).
As a result, oxygen bleach is safer and more versatile than chlorine bleach — just what you need when tackling other cleaning projects.
How to use oxygen bleach
Oxygen bleach can be used not only as a laundry additive but also as a cleaning paste (when mixed with a small amount of water) or as a cleaning spray or soak (when diluted with more water).
When mixing oxygen bleach, start with hot water. As Toronto-based cleaning service Clean My Space explains:
“Make sure you always use hot water to mix your solution, this way the product dissolves completely. If you need to use the solution on something that requires cold water, that’s fine, prepare the solution and then let it cool.
A word of caution
Be sure to check the cleaning instructions before using any cleaning product, and also follow any warnings that may be listed on the product container.
Also, because oxygen bleach essentially turns into hydrogen peroxide, you must take the same precautions with it. This includes remembering not to mix oxygen bleach with cleaning products like vinegar — which produces a toxic substance called peracetic acid, as we explain in “Never Use These Cleaning Products Together.”
1. Treat the carpet
Just a small amount of OxiClean in hot water can help lift the stain. Test the solution first on a small hidden area of your carpet.
After spraying the stain enough to cover the carpet, OxiClean itself recommends letting it sit for 10 minutes. Then, use a clean sponge or cloth to pick up the excess and let the area dry.
If the stain persists, you can repeat the process one more time.
2. Remove jar labels and sticky residue
OxiClean is also great for removing labels, and the sticky residue they can leave behind, from glass jars.
Fill your sink or large bowl with hot water and a spoonful of OxiClean, and let the jar fill with water and soak for at least an hour. Labels and residual residue should be easy to clean.
3. Brighten tile grout
Find your cleaning toothbrush and use OxiClean as a concentrated paste on dirty grout lines. Let it soak for at least 10 minutes and remove the mold and mildew. Apply a second coat for heavier stains.
Consider spraying your grout lines occasionally to prevent mildew.
4. Remove the oil from your range hood filter
Dilute OxiClean in enough hot water to cover your range hood filter, using about one tablespoon per gallon of water. Let the oily filter soak for about 10 minutes. Rinse and replace when dry.
5. Remove the scum from the shower curtain lining
Soaking your plastic shower curtain liner in diluted oxygen bleach can help remove soap scum and mold buildup. Clean My Space recommends doing this in your bath:
“Let the liner soak in for 10 to 15 minutes, then put gloves on and gently scrub the curtains to remove stubborn stains. Finally, rinse well and then hang it back up to drip dry.
