How to Use Oxygen Bleach (OxiClean) on Stains

4 steps

Step by step

1. 1

   Test the fabric first

   Test on an inconspicuous area of colorfast fabric before treating the whole item. If the color changes, do not use the all-fabric bleach on that item. OxiClean says it is safe on colorfast fabrics only.

2. 2

   Dissolve it in water

   Fill the scoop to line 2 to 4 per gallon of water and let it dissolve before adding the item. Use warm to hot water, follow the care label, and never use boiling water. For a cold wash, dissolve it first in warm to hot water.

3. 3

   Soak or spray the stain

   For a soak, submerge the item and leave it for 1 to 6 hours, depending on the stain. For a spray pretreat with MaxForce, spray until saturated and wait 5 to 10 minutes. On color-sensitive fabrics, do not let the spray stand longer than 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Wash as normal

   Add the solution with the detergent before the clothes go in, then wash as normal. If a protein stain remains, Texas A&M says the item can soak for 1 or 2 days. Check the item before drying and repeat the treatment if the stain is still visible.

What oxygen bleach is good for

Oxygen bleach is used on tannin stains such as coffee and tea. OxiClean MaxForce spray can be applied to the stain, or the Versatile Stain Remover can soak the item for 1 to 6 hours before washing.

It is also used on protein stains like egg, ketchup, grass, blood, baby formula and dairy, where Texas A&M pairs a detergent and non-chlorine bleach in an enzyme presoak. Heavy deodorant and sweat stains respond to it, and OxiClean says it removes sweat and odor stains. For mud and dirt, a presoak with detergent granules for at least 30 minutes comes before the wash.

Where it is unsafe

Oxygen bleach should never go on wool, wool blends, silk, silk blends, leather or fabrics labeled dry-clean only. The label says it is safe on colorfast fabrics only, so test an inconspicuous area first.

On color-sensitive fabrics, do not let the spray stand longer than 5 minutes. It is not designed for stains on painted surfaces or jewelry, and OxiClean answers no for coffeemakers. For upholstery, use it only on water-washable carpet and upholstery, and do not apply it directly to upholstery stains.

Common myths about oxygen bleach

A common belief is that chlorine-free means safe on every fabric, but the label excludes wool, silk, leather and dry-clean-only fabrics. Another is that the hotter the water the better, yet warm to hot water works best and the maker warns not to use boiling water.

Some people assume oxygen bleach is as strong as chlorine bleach. UKY says chlorine bleach is more effective, though oxygen bleach is less damaging to colors and fabrics. Finally, OxiClean does not fix dye bleeding from the wash, since the maker says Versatile Stain Remover is not designed to remove dye transfer stains.

What never to mix it with

Never mix oxygen bleach with chlorine bleach. OxiClean says it should not be mixed with chlorine bleach or household chemicals, and UGA notes that chlorine bleach stops the bleaching and stain removal action of sodium perborate bleach.

The maker allows it only in the wash with regular laundry detergent. The safety data sheet lists strong acids, strong bases and strong oxidizers as incompatible materials, so do not combine it with any of them. Use one product at a time and rinse in between.

Storing a mixed solution safely

Keep a mixed solution in an open or loosely covered container. OxiClean warns that if sealed, pressure will build and the container may rupture, causing injury.

Hard surface solutions should be used within 6 hours, and carpet solutions should not be left to dry on the fabric. For carpet, blot, repeat and rinse once the solution has stood.

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