As part of our 'Low Tox Lifestyle' series, helping you reduce and remove harmful chemicals from your home life, today we're looking at the curiously named 'Oxygen Bleach'.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering exactly what oxygen bleach is, (or you might have heard it called oxygenated bleach), you’re probably already curious about greener and healthier cleaning product alternatives to the harsh chemicals that have been in our homes for generations. Over the past few years, more people are becoming increasingly aware of the health risks and environmental impacts of using traditional chemical based cleaning products—especially the generational go-to, common (and toxic) chlorine bleach.
While the word 'bleach' has become somewhat blasphemous these days for good reason, once upon a time, our parents, grandparents and maybe even their parents were sold the idea that bleach was an effective and perfectly safe cleaning solution. While it has its place in commercial and medical applications, sadly, it is not 'perfectly safe' in the slightest and along with the lie they were sold, the public was not informed in any way that chlorine bleach has serious negative health impacts. A typical story of profits before people. The strong, irritating fumes that make you feel like you’re coughing up a lung before passing out should have been enough of a warning sign. The now proven concerns about the long-term effects on human health and the planet by using these chemicals can however, be avoided.
Thankfully, many people are now seeking safer, non-toxic cleaning products and safe laundry detergents that work with our bodies, not against them, and both oxygen bleach powder and oxygen bleach liquid are safe, readily accessible, excellent environmental and health-conscious alternatives. We'll dive in to some valuable information as well as give our recommendations for safe and reputable oxygen bleach options toward the end of this article.
So, what is oxygen bleach exactly and how does it work? Are there differences between oxygen bleach vs chlorine bleach? If you’re looking for answers, you’re not alone! As eco-friendly cleaners, we're often asked these kinds of questions, so we thought a little educational write up would be great to get more in the know about safe cleaning products. Let's dive into why chlorine bleach should stay on the shelves, what oxygenated bleach is made from and why it is becoming a staple green cleaning alternative in households that prioritise health-conscious cleaning, without compromising on results. Let's have a look.
Firstly, why is "chlorine bleach" bad?
There are situations in which we may already have a suspicion that a certain product might not be great for our health, without knowing exactly why. Traditional bleach fits snugly into this category. There are good reasons as to why it should be avoided wherever possible, including how mixing it with other common household products can spell disaster, however to begin, consider this - bleach is designed as an incredibly powerful chemical to kill living things. That is its function as a product. Something so potent won't just lift stains from your bedsheets, it will affect your breathing, your skin, your water column and goes without saying should be no where near your kids or your pets. There are particular and required applications for this product from a disinfecting standpoint in controlled settings, i.e. hospitals, however for your everyday needs to be used inside a home, it would be like holding a firehose on full blast to clean your dishes; overkill and you'll do more harm than good. Chlorine bleach, chemically known as sodium hypochlorite, interacts with organic materials in the environment, such as treated sewage, and when released back into nature it can lead to harmful reactions. In this process it creates dangerous substances such as trihalomethanes, chloramines and dioxins. These chemicals are toxic, carcinogenic, and are linked with risks to reproductive health, making them significantly hazardous to human health.
In the home, something seemingly innocuous such as using ammonia or vinegar alongside chemical chlorine bleach as a cleaning solution can very literally be deadly. You may even have these items sitting in the one laundry drawer. When directly mixed together, they react to release toxic chemicals, namely chlorine gas which can be fatal if inhaled. So, if you have the option to use a less toxic disinfectant, it should always be opted for. Inhalation of chlorine gas at its mildest can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, coughing, and shortness of breath, particularly in people with pre-existing lung conditions like asthma, and for those who are generally more sensitive such as those with autoimmune disorders, MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity), young children, babies and any kinds of pets. Prolonged exposure to chlorine-based cleaners in poorly ventilated spaces can even lead to more severe lung issues and skin irritation.
Oxygen bleach offers a variety of advantages over traditional cleaning agents like chlorine bleach, making it an ideal choice for households seeking safer, eco-friendly alternatives. One of the most significant benefits is its non-toxic, hypoallergenic nature, making it far less likely to trigger skin and breathing problems. Sounds good, yes? Let's take a look at how it compares.
What is oxygen bleach?
Oxygen bleach is sodium percarbonate, an environmentally friendly cleaning agent that combines sodium carbonate with hydrogen peroxide. The reason it is named 'oxygen bleach' is because when used dissolved in water, it breaks down into oxygen, water, and soda ash, making it and its by-products a safe and non-toxic cleaner for a variety of household applications. Not only is it non-toxic to humans, but as it breaks down into oxygen and water, it's safe for our septic systems, the environment, flora and fauna, especially so when compared to toxic traditional chlorine bleach.
How does oxygen bleach work to remove stains?
When oxygen bleach comes into contact with water, it releases oxygen molecules, which help lift stains, whiten fabrics, and clean surfaces. This chemical reaction is particularly effective at removing organic stains like blood, wine, coffee, and tea, making it a great alternative to chlorine bleach without the negative side-effects. Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is safe for colors and won’t produce harmful fumes.
Is oxygen bleach toxic?
Not at all, oxygen bleach becomes water, oxygen and soda ash when used. Entirely safe for humans, babies, pets and the environment. Especially when compared (as noted earlier) to traditional chlorine bleach which can burn or irritate your skin and wreak problems on your respiratory system, let alone drastically damage our environment and waterways. So how safe is oxygen bleach? We've done the tests, but beyond it's effectivity, below is a non-exhaustive list as to why in our opinion it is inarguably a superior alternative:
Eco-Friendly: You can find it in two ways, oxygen bleach powder and oxygen bleach liquid. Both break down into harmless by-products; oxygen, water and soda ash, making it safer for the environment. It's a biodegradable cleaner that won’t contaminate water sources or harm our native flora or aquatic life.
Non-Toxic: Since oxygen bleach doesn’t release toxic chemicals like chlorine bleach does, it's a safer option for households, notably so for those who have children and pets. This makes it a great choice for regular laundry routines, especially for families with sensitive skin or allergies, since the residue left behind by chlorine bleach can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Oxygen bleach, being hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals, is far less likely to trigger skin problems. Let's keep our babies and fur-babies healthy and safe.
Colour-Safe: Another advantage of oxygenated bleach is that it is gentle on fabrics and surfaces. Traditional chlorine bleach is notorious for its harshness, often causing fabrics to fade or become damaged over time. Oxygen bleach is gentle enough to use on coloured fabrics without causing fading, making it a versatile and frankly superior cleaner for both whites and colours alike, preserving their vibrancy while still effectively removing stains and brightening materials.
Odour-Free: Unlike chlorine bleach, which more or less fumigates a space even if well ventilated, oxygen bleach is odorless and harmless, making it more pleasant to use without health risk to your skin and lungs. In fact, it's often used to deodorise.
How do I use oxygen bleach for cleaning?
Plenty of people now use oxygen bleach at home, as it's incredibly adaptable and can be utilised in many different ways for effective and healthy cleaning. The most common method is adding oxygen bleach powder as a safe, non-toxic laundry detergent for whitening and cleaning of clothes. It can be used directly in replacement of traditional bleach or as an addition to your washing machine load, so nothing new or complicated in that sense. In more detail, here are handy ways to use oxygen bleach as a safe and versatile solution:
Laundry Whitening, for you and Baby - Yes, oxygen bleach is a non-toxic and safe laundry detergent that you can add to your washing machine to brighten your laundry and remove stubborn stains. Fantastic for cleaning you and your baby's clothing. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of oxygen bleach to your washing machine compartment or directly in the load (you can use oxygen bleach liquid or powder). It’s particularly effective at keeping white clothes soft without the harshness of chlorine bleach. Any temperature works but it's recommended to use warmer water to better activate oxygen bleach. If you have allergies or want to avoid the ill effects of dust, mites or mould, this is a great choice to neutralise your bedding. You can also read more about bed health here.
Removing Carpet and Upholstery Stains - Mix 1 tablespoon of oxygen bleach liquid with a cup of warm water and apply the solution to stains on your carpet or upholstery. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth. The oxygen in the solution will help lift even deep-set stains. Always try on an inconspicuous section first, such as a corner, just so you can get a sense of what it will do. Once you've finished, wipe the area down with a damp cloth to remove any potential remnants.
Bathroom and Tile Cleaning - Create a paste by mixing oxygen bleach powder with water, add the water little by little to ensure you don't over-dilute. You want a paste consistency. Once done, apply it to grout and tile surfaces. Let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing with a grout scrubber. The oxygen bleach will help whiten grout lines and lighten mold or mildew without releasing harmful fumes. If tackling mold, remember to wear a mask where able, while oxygen bleach is safe, mold itself is highly toxic and the less exposure you have to it, the better.
Deodorising Pet Bedding - Oxygen bleach is safe for our little fur babies too! Use the same methods as above for cleaning pet bedding and fabrics, both as a stain remover and deodoriser. Mix a solution of oxygen bleach and water, and scrub the affected areas by hand before letting soak in the laundry sink. Rinse thoroughly, dry thoroughly and you're good to go.
Best oxygen bleach for laundry?
Now that we know what it is, how safe it is and how to use it, the next most important thing is finding a reputable source to ensure you're getting exactly what's on the label. While we make all our own eco and organic products ourselves for use as a part of our eco-friendly cleaning service, we understand not everyone has the time nor knowledge to do the same, so there are some brands that we trust above others for safe, reputable and effective oxygen bleach cleaning.
A highly regarded staple of Australian home health is Koala Eco, their oxygenated bleach has come up best in our quality testing and seems to have the most consistent results, which is likely why it appears to be the go-to for the majority of our people's home use. If you're looking to make the switch over to oxygen bleach, you can buy them here: Koala Eco Oxygen Bleach
Your New, Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
We've given some specific application tips above, but remember above all that oxygenated bleach requires water and higher temperatures to activate and work, so ensure at a minimum to mix it through with water before use - the warmer the water, the more effective it will be. Also keep in mind that unlike chlorine bleach and other chemical or caustic products, most eco-friendly products seldom have negative reactions with other products, meaning you can double up if you need extra strength. Feel free to add vinegar, bicarb or a favourite soap of choice alongside your oxygenated bleach and water mixture, and agitate to remove tough stains. So long as you pre-mix thoroughly before the fabrics go in, you'll have even, balanced and effective results.
So there you have it! Oxygen bleach is a versatile, powerful, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cleaners like chlorine bleach. Whether you’re looking to brighten your laundry, remove tough stains, or clean household surfaces, oxygen bleach is a safe and effective solution. Plus, the main thing is that it’s non-toxic, odorless, and safe for your family, your pets and the environment. Hopefully we've covered all the answers to your questions, if you have more queries, always feel free to reach out - we think that once you've made the choice to replace the old and toxic chlorine version with the new and safe oxygen version, there's no looking back - let the bin have the chlorine bleach, break ups are always tough but it's often better to leave the toxicity in the past and to move toward a breath of fresh air in the future!
Low Tox Lifestyle Series ✨
Ready to make smarter choices for a healthier home? Our Low-Tox Lifestyle Series is here to help you reduce and remove harmful chemicals from your everyday life. From cleaning tips to product swaps, each article is packed with practical advice to create healthier, baby safe, pet safe, toxin-free spaces 🌿
Looking for more low-tox tips? Check out the latest installments from our series below! • Safest Non-Toxic Cookware, Pots and Pans for the Home
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