Oxygen bleach is the common term for sodium percarbonate, a compound of natural soda crystals and hydrogen peroxide.
Oxygen bleach powder is considered environmentally friendly, as the only by-product is soda ash – a non-toxic substance.
Once oxygen bleach comes in contact with water, a chemical reaction occurs and the substance releases oxygen.
Oxygen bleach is often used in stain removal, as the oxygen bubbles help to break down dirt, odours and germs.
Why is OXYGEN BLEACH a better choice?
Both bleaches work by oxidising stains and microbes, allowing them to be broken up and lifted away from fabrics and surfaces. Both have excellent whitening and stain-removal power on white fabrics and have anti-microbial qualities that make them good for disinfecting laundry and surfaces. However, they are different in certain way. Let’s see the comparison between OXYGEN BLEACH & CHLORINE BLEACH:
OXYGEN BLEACH
Natural formula – environmentally friendly.
No smell.
Less harsh on fabrics.
More gentle on skin.
Colour-safe.
Safe to use on most fabrics (except for a few very delicate ones including silk and wool).
Effectiveness is more stable.
Safe to mix with water.
Can be added to other detergents to enhance the cleaning powers.
Friendly to environment.
Can also be used on a variety of materials from plastic to wood. It’s often employed in household tasks – for example, for sanitising tools, or cleaning bins and pet litter trays.
CHLORINE BLEACH
Highly corrosive and toxic.
Has a hash smell.
Harsh on fabric - damaging to fabrics.
Harmful to skin.
May cause discolouration.
Only safe on high-tensile fabric.
Effectiveness may be decreasing when stored over time.
When mixed with water, the organic mater in water may produce chloroform gas.
It cannot be used with other cleaners such as ammonia, as contact can released dangerous toxic chlorine gas.
Negatively impacts the environment.
CANNOT be used on plastic and wood due to its highly corrosive nature.