What Is Oxygen Bleach? A Gentle, Powerful Alternative to Chlorine Bleach

Hey everybody, it’s Patric—how are ya?

Today we’re talking about a laundry miracle that’s been around for ages, but still gets confused with the bad stuff: oxygen bleach.

I get asked this question all the time in the store, on YouTube, and in DMs:
“What is oxygen bleach—and is it safe?”

The answer? It’s incredibly safe—and honestly, I can’t live without it.

 

What Is Oxygen Bleach?

Oxygen bleach, also known as oxygenated bleach, is a non-toxic, fragrance-free alternative to chlorine bleach. It's made from sodium percarbonate, which sounds complicated but is really just a combination of soda ash and hydrogen peroxide in powdered form.

When you add warm water, it activates and releases oxygen. That oxygen breaks down stains, removes odors, and brightens fabrics—without damaging the fibers, fading colors, or releasing toxic fumes. It’s color-safe, biodegradable, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Shop Oxygen Bleach

 

Why Use Oxygen Bleach for Clothes?

We used to call it Oxy Bleach in the store (and honestly, I still do). It’s a go-to in my laundry room for:

– Brightening dull whites
– Removing pit stains from shirts
– Freshening towels, bedding, and workout gear
– De-stinking vintage fabrics and thrift finds

And yes, oxygen bleach for clothes is safe for colors too—as long as you’re not using it on silk or wool.

🚫 Why I Don’t Use Chlorine Bleach (And Why You Probably Shouldn’t Either)

Okay. Let’s talk about chlorine bleach—and why I never recommend it for clothes.

I was reminded of this just recently, actually. I was doing laundry in a hotel (because of course I was), and I met a woman who had accidentally ruined a souvenir T-shirt with bleach. She’d packed a travel-size bottle—yes, apparently they make that—and thought she was doing the right thing to brighten her family’s whites. But all it did was leave bleach spots and disappointment.

Watch: Why NOT to Use Chlorine Bleach

Here’s what most people don’t realize:

White fabric is dyed—just like every other color.

That bright, crisp white we all love? It’s called optic white, and it’s created by adding a blue optical brightener to natural white fabric. Natural white, on its own, is actually a soft off-white or ecru—not that brilliant hotel-sheet white everyone’s after.

And what does chlorine bleach do?

It strips the dye. Yes, even the white dye.

Just like it would fade your black jeans or your red T-shirt, bleach fades the blue optical brightener in your white fabrics. The first time, you might not notice. The second time, maybe. But by the third or fourth wash, your crisp whites will start to look dingy, yellowed, or just…off.

That’s not dirt. That’s the dye fading.

So, when people say “bleach makes my whites yellow,”? That’s exactly what’s happening. They’re seeing the optical brightener get bleached out—leaving behind the warm undertone of untreated cotton.

So, What Should You Use Instead?

– For smelly towels or sweaty shirts: use oxygen bleach.
– For grimy whites: add some baking soda to your wash to boost cleaning power.
– For specific stains: spot-treat them! You wouldn’t bleach a red dress because of one little stain—don’t bleach a white one either.

Treat your whites like you treat any other color. Because honey, they are.

That’s why I swear by oxygen bleach. It lifts stains, brightens whites, and deodorizes—without stripping color, damaging fabric, or leaving behind harsh chemical smells. It’s what I use in my own laundry room, what I recommend in the store, and what I demo on my show.

✨ Comparison: Oxygen Bleach vs. Chlorine Bleach

Use this as a quick-reference guide—and maybe screenshot it for later.

 

🛍️ The Oxygen Bleach I Use (and Why It’s Different)

Now, a lot of people sell oxygen bleach—but most don’t sell it like we do.

The Oxygen Bleach we carry at The Laundry Evangelist—also known as Oxy Bleach—is 100% sodium percarbonate. That’s it. No fillers. No fragrance. No fluff. Just pure, powerful, oxygenated clean. And that’s exactly what makes it one of my all-time favorite items.

If you’ve seen me use it on my show (The Laundry Guy on Discovery+), read about it in Laundry Love, or watched me demo it on Facebook or YouTube—you already know: I love this stuff.

It’s the best oxygenated bleach for clothes I’ve ever used. But don’t stop at laundry—this is the same product I use to clean counters, tile, grout, carpets, even burnt pans and brick fireplaces. Truly, oxygen bleach does it all.

Here’s what you need to know about the one I sell:

• Ingredients: 100% Sodium Percarbonate
  
• Size: 1 lb bag (16oz)
• Use: Laundry + Whole Home Cleaning
  
• Recommended Dose:
  – 1 tablespoon per full load of laundry (in addition to soap)
  – 1 tablespoon per quart of warm water for household cleaning
  
• Scent: Fragrance-free
  
• Safe For: Colors, sensitive skin, and septic systems
  
  

Because it’s so popular, this item may be backordered up to 2 weeks—but we’ll ship your other items separately if needed. That way, you’re not left waiting.

Want more ideas?

 Check out my full post on 10 Ways to Use Oxygen Bleach →

FAQ: Oxygen Bleach Edition

Q: Can I use oxygen bleach on colored clothes?

 A: Yes! It’s color-safe and won’t strip dye like chlorine bleach. Just avoid using it on silk or wool.

Q: Is it safe for septic systems?

A: Absolutely. It breaks down, releasing oxygen and sodium carbonate, making it very safe.

Q: Will it bleach my clothes?

A: Not in the way chlorine bleach does. It lifts stains and brightens, but it doesn’t bleach the color out of your clothes. So your blues stay blue, and your brights stay bright.

Q: How is this different from the Oxy Bleach you used to sell?

A: It’s the same product! We just call it oxygen bleach now—still 100% sodium percarbonate, and still the one I use at home.

Final Thoughts

So if you’ve ever wondered, what is oxygen bleach, now you know: it’s my favorite way to clean just about everything, from your laundry basket to your stovetop. It’s natural, it’s effective, and it’s way gentler than that harsh chlorine bleach you’ve probably got hiding in the back of your cabinet.

Ready to give it a go? I’ve got a jar waiting for you—come see me at the shop or find it online.

—Patric
The Laundry Evangelist 🪩

Shop Oxygen Bleach