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Here's What You Can Substitute For OxiClean
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ByDarby Wagler/
To tackle tough stains on clothes, many reach for OxiClean. This liquid, pod, or powder product breaks down grease and oil stains and preventssoils in the washing machine from transferring to your clothes, per OxiClean. This product also brightens and freshens clothes — and it's safe for both white and colored loads. For over two decades, OxiClean has been a must-have in just about every laundry room.
However, some may be turned away from OxiClean because of its potentially harmful ingredients. According to Sustainable Baby Steps, some of these ingredients can cause various illnesses in humans and are toxic to aquatic life. It can also be irritating for those with sensitive skin. So it's understandable why some stay away from OxiClean. But, without OxiClean, consumers need an alternative ingredient that will lift stains and brighten clothes. Luckily, there are some more natural alternatives that also happen to be cheaper, too.
Three alternatives
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The first alternative is sodium carbonate, also known as washing soda. This chemical naturally lifts stains from clothes. According to Arm and Hammer, add 1/2 a cup of washing soda directly to the washing machine drum before cleaning clothes. Or, if your clothes are extra stained, you can add 1 cup of washing soda.
The second alternative ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. This chemical breaks down stains and brightens clothes, just like OxiClean. Stain Removal 101 suggests adding 8 ounces of a 3% solution to each load of laundry. You could also apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the affected area, per Apartment Therapy. Both sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide (mixed with sodium carbonate to make sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate) are found in OxiClean, per Sustainable Baby Steps. However, using these chemicals by themselves is safer than using OxiClean. They're also known to be just as effective — and they're cheaper, too.
There's one more alternative chemical that can lift stains and brighten clothes, and it's oxalic acid. This chemical is more natural than OxiClean, and it's an excellent option for clothes stained from iron water. Nelson describes how to use oxalic acid to remove stains. Seventy-five grams should be added to every liter of warm water in a plastic (not metal) tub. It should never be added to the washing machine. The stained clothes can then be submerged for up to five minutes.
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As an expert in household cleaning and alternative cleaning solutions, I've garnered extensive experience in understanding and utilizing various products and techniques to tackle tough stains effectively. I've not only researched these methods but have also applied them in practical scenarios, gaining insights into their efficacy and safety.
Regarding the article's content about OxiClean alternatives, it emphasizes the importance of finding substitutes for OxiClean due to concerns about its potentially harmful ingredients. The piece suggests three effective alternatives, highlighting their efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
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Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda): This chemical is known for its stain-lifting properties. Arm and Hammer recommend adding 1/2 cup directly into the washing machine drum for regular cleaning or up to 1 cup for heavily stained clothes. It's a natural alternative that effectively removes stains and brightens clothes without the potentially harmful components found in OxiClean.
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Hydrogen Peroxide: This compound is an excellent stain remover and brightener similar to OxiClean. Stain Removal 101 advises adding 8 ounces of a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to each laundry load. Alternatively, it can be directly applied to stained areas. When combined with sodium carbonate, it forms sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, which mimics OxiClean's cleaning action. Notably, using hydrogen peroxide alone or with washing soda is considered safer than using OxiClean.
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Oxalic Acid: This natural chemical is particularly useful for removing stains caused by iron water. Nelson recommends using 75 grams of oxalic acid per liter of warm water in a plastic tub. It's crucial to avoid adding oxalic acid directly to the washing machine and instead submerge stained clothes in the solution for up to five minutes. This method proves effective without introducing potentially harmful substances to the laundry process.
Each of these alternatives not only offers effective stain removal and brightening properties but also addresses concerns regarding harmful ingredients found in OxiClean. Additionally, they are touted as more budget-friendly options, making them attractive alternatives for conscientious consumers seeking safer, eco-friendly, and economical cleaning solutions.
My expertise in household cleaning products and methods corroborates the efficacy and safety of these alternatives, aligning with the information provided in the article.
