When you find a massive spill on your favorite outfit or a nasty stink coming from your clothes, the first instinct you might get is to immediately bleach your clothes to get them super clean super fast.
However, all of us know that most fabrics are damaged while being treated with chlorine bleach and can end up ruining your clothes.
So what do you do then? This is where OxiClean comes in! What makes OxiClean so unique is that no harmful or harsh chemicals have been used to manufacture this product and it is very easy to use on your clothes, plus, it can clean just about any clothing you own as long as it is tolerant of hot water in the washing machine.
In this article, I am going to discuss the uniqueness and advantages of using OxiClean and how it does wonders for your clothes. Moreover, I will tell you about the different ways you can apply OxiClean to your clothes to clean them.
Learning about OxiClean
So, what exactly is OxiClean?
OxiClean is essentially a cleaning agent used in household cleaning. What makes this product stand out from the crowd is its non-toxic ingredients which are not bad for the environment.
Traditional chlorine bleach eats away at your clothes’ fabric because it contains such strong chemicals. In contrast, OxiClean primarily contains two kinds of chemicals called sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide.
What are the jobs of these two chemicals? Well first, the hydrogen peroxide will be activated once it comes into contact with hot water. By reacting with hot water, the hydrogen peroxide releases a spare oxygen molecule which changes the molecular configuration of the stain.
In this way, the hydrogen peroxide will lift stain such as stains from spilled wine, oil or coffee. In other cases, the hydrogen peroxide may even only cause the color of the stain to fade instead of removing the stain from the fabric itself.
The bicarbonate’s job is to negatively charge with the fabric, which removes the static electricity from it. It is the static electricity in fabrics which causes particles from dirt or stains to stick to the fabric.
What are the different OxiClean products available?
There are several products of OxiClean available today. They also come in liquid form or in powdered form.
Here are some of the OxiClean brands which you can try out.
- Baby Stain Soaker: This cleaning agent is amazing to soak stains from spills from baby formula or a diaper situation. In addition, it does not consist of any kind of chemical or scent which could be harmful to a baby.
- Laundry Stain Remover: This is great for soaking stubborn stains as a pre-treatment process before you throw your clothes in the washing machine.
- White Revive: If you are looking to bring back the freshness and brightness in your white clothes, then this product is definitely a must-try for you. It works to whiten fabrics by using ingredients like Tinopal CBS.
- MaxForce Spray: Considered one of the best products of OxiClean, this spray will remove almost any stain imaginable. Although a little costlier than most stain removers available, it will be worth your money in the long run.
How do you use OxiClean in the washer?
The method for using OxiClean depends on the type of washing machine you own.
For this article, I am going to share some general tips for using OxiClean:
1. OxiClean should be used with hot water.
2. If you have purchased the powdered form, then you need to make sure that the OxiClean has dissolved well with the water.
3. If you have chosen to use OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover which is available in a powdered form, then you need to mix it with your regular laundry detergent for optimum results.
4. The powdered form of OxiClean has a scoop available with it and this scoop makes up for two tablespoons. Generally, you should add one scoop to your wash.
5. If you are washing clothes with massive and heavy stains, then I would suggest you add a soak to your wash.
6. Do not use OxiClean on clothes which are dry-clean only.
7. Top Load Washer
- Select a high temperature for water.
- Pour one scoop of OxiClean mixed and dissolved with two cups of hot water into your machine’s bleach dispenser. You can pour this solution directly into the basin of your machine if your machine does not come with a bleach dispenser.
- Start your wash cycle using regular laundry detergent.
8. Front Load Washer
- For using OxiClean in front load washers, you have two options. You can mix the powdered form of OxiClean with your regular laundry detergent. Then you can use this detergent mix in your laundry as you would usually do for your wash cycles.
- The second option is only possible if your machine has an external dispenser. You can add one scoop of OxiClean with two cups of hot water and wait for the powder to dissolve well. Next, pour this solution into the external chute.
9. With Detergent
- Start the wash cycle in your machine with hot water.
- Use half of the laundry detergent from the amount you usually use.
- Add one scoop of the powdered form of OxiClean to the basin of your machine. Do this during the hot water is still filling up.
- Fill your machine with your laundry.
- Run the entire wash cycle.
10. Delicates
- Pour cool water into a pail and fill it up.
- Add one scoop of OxiClean powder to the water. You can add two scoops as well if you think it is reasonable enough for the amount of water. Swirl your hand around in the water to agitate it and dissolve the water.
- Plunge your delicate garments into the water and wash them in this solution.
- Rinse these garments in your sink by holding them under cool, running water.
- Do not twist or wring your clothes. Instead, just hang them outside or lay them flat on clean towels.
11. Colored Clothing
You can wash your colored clothes using OxiClean by simply following the steps I have discussed for top-load washers and front-load washers. However, there are some tips that you should keep note of.
For instance, when washing colored garments using OxiClean, do make sure to use cold water rather than hot water. The cold water preserves your clothes’ color and brightness.
Moreover, remember to test this cleaning agent on your colored garments in an inconspicuous area, before you give them for a wash. You can mix one teaspoon of OxiClean powder with hot water and stir it well to dissolve it. Smear this solution in an inconspicuous part of your garment. Let the fabric soak in it for at least five minutes and then rinse the application away. Now check to see if the solution had caused the color to fade or stain. If not, then it is safe for you to use OxiClean on your colored outfits.
Closing Thoughts
So there you have it. How you can use OxiClean in your laundry. OxiClean is a trusted cleaning agent for laundry and if you know the correct processes to use it, then you will achieve the best results. I hope my article was able to help you. Best of luck!
