Is OxiClean the same as hydrogen peroxide?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 10, 2026
I was surprised to discover that OxiClean does not contain magical, stain-removing fairy dust. What it does contain is a powdered version of hydrogen peroxide and good, old-fashioned washing soda. This combination is also known and referred to as Oxygen Bleach.
Does OxiClean have hydrogen peroxide in it?
OxiClean contains several ingredients, but the important one for boosting and brightening laundry is sodium percarbonate — basically, dry hydrogen peroxide plus washing soda (also called sodium carbonate, which is very similar to but not exactly baking soda).
How much hydrogen peroxide is in OxiClean?
These calculations suggest that OxiClean consists of 34.1% sodium carbonate and 65.9% sodium percarbonate. Based on our simple experimental methods, OxiClean con- tains approximately 21% hydrogen peroxide by mass, which is in close agreement with the company's reported 18%.
What is the active ingredient in OxiClean?
OxiClean's most important active ingredient is sodium percarbonate: Which is basically dry/powdered hydrogen peroxide plus washing soda. Washing soda is also called sodium carbonate, which is very similar to but not exactly baking soda.
What can you use to replace hydrogen peroxide?
If you need to disinfect and you don't have a bottle of hydrogen peroxide around, plain ol' white vinegar will also do the trick.
43 related questions foundCan you make hydrogen peroxide?
Currently, hydrogen peroxide is made through what's known as the “anthraquinone process.” This method is energy-intense, requires large-scale production, and produces large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct.
Can I use bleach instead of hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is indeed a great replacement for bleach in many well water applications, whether the goal is to destroy hydrogen sulfide or other odors, bacteria or to oxidize iron or tannins.
Why is OxiClean so effective in cleaning?
The sodium carbonate component of OxiClean breaks up that magnetic attraction. Sodium carbonate raises the pH in the cleaning water, causing a chemical reaction that turns the positively charged stain negative. Once negatively charged, the dirt flies off of the fabric.
Has OxiClean been discontinued?
Unable to find it on store shelves or through Amazon (at a normal price) prompted a call to Church and Dwight (owner of the OxiClean product lines) consumer support line to ask about availability: it was DISCONTINUED by them in August, 2017.
How can I make OxiClean at home?
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup washing soda.
- 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide 3%, this is the stuff you find in most grocery stores.
What can I use instead of OxiClean?
Since sodium percarbonate is highly concentrated, where you would use 1/2 cup of OxiClean in your laundry, you would substitute with only 2 tablespoons of its generic, sodium percarbonate.
What should you not mix hydrogen peroxide with?
Cleaning Products You Should Never Mix
- Hydrogen peroxide + vinegar. While these two chemicals can be used in succession as a cleaning duo, do not mix them together. ...
- Drain cleaner + more drain cleaner. ...
- Bleach + ammonia. ...
- Bleach + rubbing alcohol. ...
- Bleach + vinegar.
What is the percentage of hydrogen peroxide used for cleaning?
It's a pale blue liquid in its pure form. Hydrogen peroxide is sold in concentrations of 3 to 12 percent at most drug stores and online. The 3 percent solution works great for household cleaning and disinfecting.
Can you use OxiClean to strip laundry?
For most laundry stripping in standard size tubs, follow this recipe: ¼ cup ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda. ¼ cup Borax. ½ cup ARM & HAMMER™ Plus OxiClean™ Powder Laundry Detergent.
Is Borax and OxiClean the same thing?
Ingredients: Borax is a naturally occurring compound made up of boron, sodium, and oxygen. OxiClean's active ingredient is sodium percarbonate, which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water. Uses: Borax is most commonly used as a laundry aid, although it can be an all-purpose cleaner as well.
Which is better bleach or OxiClean?
Both break down stains, but bleach isn't ideal for cleaning colored clothes because it will remove stains and dye from the fabric. OxiClean removes stains while protecting colored fabric. Uses: For brightening whites, bleach is the best option. To remove stains from colored fabric, go with OxiClean.
What happened oxyclean?
Church & Dwight acquired the OxiClean brand (along with Orange Glo and several others) through its acquisition of Orange Glo International in 2006; at that point the OxiClean brand expanded into laundry detergent with the introduction of the OxiClean Detergent Ball, followed by OxiClean Liquid Laundry Detergent in 2014 ...
Is OxiClean good for carpet cleaning?
Yes! You can use OxiClean™ Large Area Carpet Cleaner in any carpet cleaning machine. Just use the product as directed and follow all usage directions in the home owned or rental carpet cleaning machine's user guide.
How do you use OxiClean Stain Remover Powder?
Clean up hard surfaces.
- Fill. Scoop to Line 4 per gallon of water. (Follow instructions on package.) For some surfaces, like grout, a more concentrated paste may be used.
- Apply. Apply using a cloth, sponge, brush, or by pouring solution directly onto surface.
- Let Stand. Let stand 5–30 min. Scrub as needed. ...
- Rinse.
Can you use too much OxiClean?
Don't use more than directed
Using more OxiClean than you need to could result in color loss for your clothes and fabrics.
Why is it called OxiClean?
This ingredient is known as an oxygen bleach, hence the name OxiClean, and it works like this: First, when you mix OxiClean into your laundry, the soda ash “softens” the water, which helps other cleaning ingredients lift soils from the fabrics.
Can you use vinegar with OxiClean?
For household cleaning such as scrubbing tubs and counter tops, mix one scoop of OxiClean with enough vinegar to form a paste for stains that require scrubbing. The graininess of the OxiClean will act as a scouring powder, and the vinegar will cut through grease or soap scum. Add a bit of water and continue scrubbing.
What's the common name for hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide, dihydrogen dioxide, hydrogen dioxide, hydrogen oxide, oxydol, peroxide.
How do you make hydrogen peroxide at home?
Water + air + electricity = hydrogen peroxide.
Which is better for cleaning vinegar or hydrogen peroxide?
Each solution has its own disinfection properties. Vinegar works as a disinfectant thanks to its high acidic content. Meanwhile, hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant because it produces free oxygen radicals, which destroy bacterial cells when hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with bacteria.