Miracle Stain Remover with Oxygen Bleach, Bicarbonate of Soda and Castile Soap
Oxygen Bleach, Bicarbonate of Soda and Castile Soap together tackle a wide variety of laundry stains.
Takes 30 minutes to a few hours, plus washing
What you’ll need
- Container or bowl for mixing
- 1 tbsp Oxygen Bleach
- 1 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda
- A few drops Castile Soap
- 250 ml Hot Water
- Funnel
- Trigger Spray Bottle
- Rubber gloves
Method
- Combine 1 tbsp of Oxygen Bleach with 250 ml of hot water (60°C) in a spacious container until fully dissolved. When you combine Oxygen Bleach with water, it bubbles up. So, be sure to use a container that’s big enough to handle this reaction.
- Allow the solution to sit for 1 minute to release gases. Transfer the mixture into a Trigger Spray Bottle using a funnel. If you’re dealing with protein-based stains, let the solution cool before applying onto the stain.
- Sprinkle some Bicarbonate of Soda onto the treated stain and gently work it in, then give it a light scrub. Add a drizzle of Castile Soap on top, then gently scrub again.
- Let the solution sit on the stain for 30 minutes to a few hours.
- Simply put the item in the washing machine and wash on a normal cycle with your usual laundry detergent.
Wide variety of stains
Combining Oxygen Bleach, Bicarbonate of Soda and Castile Soap is the perfect trifecta for stains! While all stains are different (food, grease, dirt), this works for a wide variety of things.
Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda) is brilliant for lifting stains, banishing odours, and more. When combined with Oxygen Bleach, it boosts stain-fighting power, making it even more effective. Castile Soap is fantastic for tackling grease, oil, and food stains, breaking them down and lifting them out of the fabric.
Each ingredient does a different job: Oxygen Bleach lifts coloured stains, Bicarbonate of Soda adds gentle scrubbing and freshens, and Castile Soap lifts grease.
The science: Sodium percarbonate (PubChem, NIH) →
Delicate Fabrics:
While Oxygen Bleach is safe on most fabrics, it should never be used on silk, wool, or any garment that has leather trim or wooden buttons. Try to use a combination of Bicarbonate of Soda and Castile Soap instead.
Oxygen Bleach solutions work their magic for just 4 to 5 hours before they lose their effectiveness. So, it’s best to mix up only what you need and use it right away. Keeping a spray bottle for long-term use isn’t practical because the solution won’t stay potent. If you have some left over after cleaning, don’t let it go to waste: use it to give your toilet a quick disinfecting and freshening up before discarding the rest.
Oxygen Bleach activates when it comes into contact with water and releases oxygen. Therefore, proper dry storage is essential. Store Oxygen Bleach in a labelled airtight container in a cool and dry place, out of reach of kids and pets. Get a container with a tight seal, such as our glass jars to maximise its shelf life, but also to make it easier to scoop out when needed for cleaning.
If you prepared a paste or a spray, never store it in a sealed container. The solution or paste continues to release oxygen and might lead to dangerous pressure buildup.
Store Bicarbonate of Soda and Castile Soap sealed tightly, in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.
Oxygen Bleach is generally a safe product to use, however, there are some safety considerations to make when cleaning with it.
Wear gloves when cleaning with Oxygen Bleach, prolonged contact with the skin can also cause irritation. If breathed in, Oxygen Bleach can upset your respiratory tract, always use it in a well-ventilated room. Be sure to store it out of reach of children and pets, and avoid touching your eyes before washing your hands, as it can also cause eye irritation.
Test it out in an inconspicuous area before committing with a full clean.
Once the Oxygen Bleach has been mixed with hot water, do not leave it in a completely sealed container. If you are using it in a spray bottle, use the chemical immediately and dispose of any solution that remains once you are done. The reaction between the water and Oxygen Bleach continues and could build up a dangerous amount of pressure.
B&M Pro-Tip 1:
If you want to learn more about effective stain removal check out our Stain Removal Blog Post.
B&M Pro-Tip 2:
Act fast, blot don’t rub, and check the stain is gone before tumble drying, as dryer heat sets it for good. Stain removal steps →
Quick questions
Will it fade my colours?
Oxygen Bleach is colour-safe on most fabrics. Patch-test first.
Can I use it on wool?
No. Use just Castile Soap and Bicarbonate of Soda instead.
Try this next: Hand-Wash Detergent →
