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What kind of peroxide do you use for Retrobrite?

Author

Emma Payne

Published Jan 20, 2026

Retrobright consists of hydrogen peroxide, a small amount of the "active oxygen" laundry booster TAED as a catalyst, and a UV lamp. The optimum mixture and conditions for reversing yellowing of plastics: Hydrogen peroxide solution. 12% or 6% work the same, and even 3% has been used with success.

How do you Retrobrite with hydrogen peroxide?

Retrobrighting requires two ingredients: hydrogen peroxide and a source of UV light or heat energy. All parts to be retrobrighted need to be very thoroughly cleaned in warm soapy (dishwashing fluid) water, very thorougly rinsed and completely dried.

What do you use for Retrobrite?

In order to make Retrobrite Gel, you will need a few simple ingredients and tools:

  • Oxi Clean.
  • 3% Hydrogen Peroxide.
  • Xanthan Gum (Corn Starch is a suitable substitute)
  • Nitrile Gloves.
  • Plastic Wrap.
  • Foam Brushes.

How does hydrogen peroxide and UV light Remove yellowing?

For yellowing, there is a technique called retr0brite that has proven successful, and essentially involves using MORE UV light to break apart the bromine-oxygen bonds. Hydrogen peroxide is then used to get in there and fill the broken bonds with hydrogen, making the bromine more stable and reversing the yellowing.

Will hydrogen peroxide whiten yellowed plastic?

Coat the yellowed plastic in hydrogen peroxide using this simple process: put the plastic in a plastic bag with enough hydrogen peroxide to cover it entirely (ability to submerge depends on the size of the object), and leave it in direct sunlight for three to four hours.

38 related questions found

Does peroxide need UV light?

Hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light are combined in a synergistic effect to degrade organic chemicals in aqueous solutions. The generation of hydroxyl radicals is fundamental to the process as the hydroxyl radicals are largely responsible for the success of this process.

Can you use 3% hydrogen peroxide for Retrobrite?

Retrobright consists of hydrogen peroxide, a small amount of the "active oxygen" laundry booster TAED as a catalyst, and a UV lamp. The optimum mixture and conditions for reversing yellowing of plastics: Hydrogen peroxide solution. 12% or 6% work the same, and even 3% has been used with success.

Can you restore yellowed white plastic?

Using Peroxide to Clean Yellowed Plastic

Pour straight peroxide in a container. Put the plastic in the container. Allow the plastic to soak in the sunlight until the stain lifts. Rinse and dry.

Is Retrobright permanent?

Technically, nothing is permanent :) I know a quality retr0bright treatment will last many years when the computer is stored in a friendly (low heat and UV) environment.

How do you reverse plastic yellowing?

Coat your yellowed plastic gadget and wrap it. In a nutshell, all you need to do is to coat the plastic (cleaned and dried, of course) evenly with the cream peroxide. Avoid having the cream coming in contact with your skin or eyes, as it can cause burns.

Does hydrogen peroxide weaken plastic?

H2O2 is a strong oxidizer. I wouldn't even dare try it on anything metal. On plastic, it would perfectly be fine as long as it's not the industrial 35% grade.

How do you whiten ABS plastic?

Steps to Whiten the Plastic:

  1. Start by moistening the plastic pieces.
  2. Place some Comet cleaner on the scrubbing sponge and start scrubbing.
  3. This requires plenty of elbow grease and time, but will take the yellow out with some scrubbing.
  4. When the yellow is removed, wash the piece in water and dish detergent.

Does UV light whiten plastic?

Whitening process. The reverse process uses commonly available 6% or 12% hydrogen peroxide and UV light as catalyst (can be common UVA bulb or even simple sunlight) to activate the whitening reaction. Ultraviolet light bombarding hydrogen peroxide generate very active hydroxyl and restore the original color.

How long does it take to Retrobrite?

It takes 2 or 3 hours to have good results on caps and cases.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies hydrogen peroxide as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for humans at low doses. But the FDA warns that getting hydrogen peroxide on your skin may cause irritation, burning, and blistering.

How do you whiten yellowed plastic on a fridge?

Spray vinegar onto yellow plastic bins and sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar. Spray the area again until the bubbling ceases. Allow this mixture to sit on the yellowed plastic for an hour or overnight before wiping clean.

Can you soak plastic in bleach?

Chlorine bleach can be used to remove blemishes from plastic. If you want to make a solution of water and bleach, use a small amount of bleach per cup of water. For one or two hours, let the containers and other items soak in the solution. After the stains are gone, rinse and dry the containers.

How long does Retrobright last?

When exposed to UV-light, the bromide comes to the surface of the ABS plastic, and the yellowing begins. Unfortunately, even after treating the item with Retr0bright, the yellowing returns after 3-4 years, looking worse than your grandfather's underwear.

What is Perhydrolysis?

Abstract. Many serine hydrolases catalyze perhydrolysis – the reversible formation of per-acids from carboxylic acids and hydrogen peroxide.

What happens when you leave hydrogen peroxide in the sun?

The UV light from the sun catalyzes the reaction. If you leave hydrogen peroxide in a clear container in sunlight, it decomposes much faster. That's why it's sold to the public in brown bottles. At concentrations of 70 to 98+ %, it is used as an oxidizer for rocket fuel.

What happens when hydrogen peroxide is exposed to sunlight?

Hydrogen peroxide breaks down to form water and oxygen gas along with heat energy. Was this answer helpful?

Does hydrogen peroxide react to UV light?

When exposed to UV light, hydrogen peroxide decomposes into H2O and O.

What is oxygen peroxide?

peroxide, any of a class of chemical compounds in which two oxygen atoms are linked together by a single covalent bond. Several organic and inorganic peroxides are useful as bleaching agents, as initiators of polymerization reactions, and in the preparation of hydrogen peroxide (q.v.) and other oxygen compounds.