How to Use Sodium Percarbonate for Cleaning and Laundry

If you’re trying to clean your home without harsh chemicals, sodium percarbonate is one of the most useful ingredients you can have on hand.

It’s often called a natural oxygen bleach, and it works by releasing oxygen when mixed with water. This helps lift stains, break down grime and remove odours without the need for chlorine or synthetic additives.

What is sodium percarbonate?

Sodium percarbonate is a combination of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide. When dissolved in water, it creates a gentle but effective cleaning solution that works across laundry, bathrooms and outdoor areas.

How to use it

Laundry
Add one to two tablespoons to your wash to brighten whites and remove odours. It works especially well on towels, activewear and bedding.

Soaking
For heavily stained items, dissolve in warm water and soak for a few hours before washing.

Bathrooms
Use it to clean grout, tiles and showers. Mix with warm water to activate and create a paste, apply and let it sit before scrubbing lightly.

Outdoor cleaning
Great for mould, decking and outdoor furniture. Apply, leave and rinse.

What not to do

Do not mix with vinegar. This reduces its effectiveness.
Avoid using on delicate fabrics like wool or silk.
Always test on surfaces first.

Why it’s a low tox alternative

Unlike traditional bleach, sodium percarbonate breaks down into oxygen, water and soda ash. No strong fumes, no residue and no unnecessary additives.

If you’re starting your low tox journey, this is one of the easiest swaps to make.

Extra Tips to Get the Most Out of Sodium Percarbonate

Use warm to hot water for best results
Sodium percarbonate activates properly in warm water. Cold water will still work but it will be much slower and less effective, especially for stains and whitening.

Let it sit longer than you think
This is the biggest mistake people make. Give it time to work. For laundry soaks or tough grime, leave it for at least 1 to 2 hours. For heavy stains or mould, longer is often better.

Pre dissolve before using
Instead of sprinkling it directly, dissolve it in warm water first. This helps it activate evenly and prevents residue on fabrics or surfaces.

Use it as a booster not just a cleaner
Add a small amount to your regular laundry or cleaning routine to lift results without needing stronger products.

Pair it with the right ingredients
Use it separately from vinegar, but you can use them in sequence. For example, clean with sodium percarbonate first, rinse, then follow with vinegar to remove residue or mineral build up.

Seal it properly between uses
It reacts with moisture in the air. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain strength and shelf life.

Great for odour removal
It does more than clean. It breaks down odour causing bacteria. Use it on towels, activewear, bins and even cloths that hold smells.

Use for deep cleaning cycles
Run an empty washing machine or dishwasher cycle with sodium percarbonate to clean internal build up.

Test surfaces first
While generally safe, always spot test on delicate or unknown surfaces, especially timber or coloured materials.

Avoid overuse
More is not always better. Using too much can leave residue and doesn’t increase effectiveness.

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