Oxygen bleach is a plant-derived product made from sodium percarbonate and hydrogen peroxide. It has similar stain-fighting and antibacterial properties to regular bleach but does not contain chlorine. This makes it both more gentle and environmentally friendly. It’s available in liquid and powder form and needs to be mixed with warm or hot water to activate its antibacterial and stain-fighting properties.
You can use oxygen bleach in many ways throughout your home. For example, you can remove tough stains or pre-treat heavily soiled laundry by combining it with warm water. Mix a tablespoon of oxygen bleach with four cups of water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then rinse and wash as usual.
Oxygen bleach is a versatile cleaning agent that can be used for various cleaning tasks around the home. Here’s how to use it effectively:
1. **Cutting Board Cleaning**: Wipe down the cutting board with a paste made from oxygen bleach and water. Use a sponge or brush to apply it, let it sit for a couple of minutes, and then rinse with hot water. This method will remove stains and odors effectively.
2. **Fridge Sanitization**: Oxygen bleach can eliminate mold, bacteria, and mildew in the refrigerator. Mix a tablespoon of oxygen bleach with two cups of warm water and use this solution to clean the shelves and drawers.
3. **Bathroom Surface Disinfection**: Disinfect various bathroom surfaces such as the toilet bowl, vanity countertops, bathtub, and shower tile with a mixture of oxygen bleach and hot water. Use a ratio of two tablespoons per gallon of water and let it sit for up to 15 minutes on heavily stained or mildewed areas.
4. **Grout Cleaning**: To remove dirt from grout, create a paste by mixing powdered oxygen bleach with water until it’s thick but spreadable. Apply it evenly over the grout in bathrooms or kitchens and let it work for up to 15 minutes before rinsing off with hot water.
5. **Outdoor Deck or Patio Maintenance**: Oxygen bleach is effective at removing mold and mildew from outdoor decks or patios without harming grass or potted plants. Sweep the deck before applying a solution made of two tablespoons of oxygen bleach per gallon of water, let it sit for an hour, then scrub and rinse with clean water.
6. **Brick Cleaning**: For cleaning brick surfaces, mix two tablespoons of oxygen bleach in a gallon of warm water. Use a sponge or brush to scrub both indoor and outdoor brick surfaces with this solution.