We all know that traditional bleach is bad for us and bad for the environment. A 2017 study found that using disinfectants once a week could increase risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by as much as 32%. Harmful to aquatic life, bleach contaminates waterways too – with some studies suggesting that persistent by-products of bleach contribute to water pollution and, unsurprisingly, enter the food chain.
And that’s why this natural bleach alternative, percarbonate of soda, is finding its way into cleaning cupboards everywhere.
Natural Bleach, also known as oxygen bleach or percarbonate of soda, is a safe and non-toxic, biodegradable alternative to harsh chlorine bleach. When dissolved in water it releases oxygen which acts as a powerful stain remover, deodoriser and disinfectant.
Green or eco bleach as it’s sometimes known, breaks down harmlessly to oxygen, water and sodium carbonate. This miracle product brightens both whites and coloured fabrics and prevents them from yellowing. It’s great at removing organic stains like tea and coffee, fruit juice, food sauces, grass stains, pet stains, blood and red wine. Natural Bleach is also a great alternative to chlorine bleach in the bathroom. Dissolve in warm water to safely clean and disinfect the loo and clean drains. Also, use to easily and safely clean and bleach sinks, baths and general household cleaning.
How to use natural ‘green’ bleach:
We continue to find new uses for our new favourite natural cleaning product, but our top uses for natural bleach so far are:
- Soaking whites/cloths/reusable pads and teabags: add a scoop to a bowl (or sink) and pour on boiling water. Note: depending on how much bleach you use and the size of your bowl, we recommend doing this in the sink as it might fizz over!
- Brightening colours and whitening whites (without bleaching them)
- Cleaning toilets and sink drains
- Scrubbing outside furniture and covers
- Getting rid of the toughest, burnt-on stains from pans
- Cleaning ovens and greasy extractor fan hoods
Using natural bleach as a stain remover:
Use 2-4 tablespoons in a bowl of warm water as a pre-soak to remove stains. As a stain-removal booster, add 2 tablespoon (or 4 tablespoons for tougher stains) to the laundry powder in your washing machine dispenser drawer to brighten whites and eliminate odours.
Using natural bleach as a general cleaner and disinfectant:
To make the solution: Add 4 tablespoons in 1 litre of boiling water. Brilliant to clean ovens, bins and toilets. For wood: brush with the solution, wait for 10 to 15 minutes then brush again and rinse well. For stone: Apply solution and rinse well particularly on limestone, marble slabs, etc.
Using natural bleach to unblock and clean sink drains:
Pour 2-3 tablespoons in the hole of your sink, add boiling water on top. Wait a few minutes and rinse.
Ingredients:
Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate > 90% made with soda crystals added to hydrogen peroxide. These components are resulting from natural raw materials (salt, water, chalk).
Storage:
Your natural bleach will arrive in a paper bag. Transfer to a lidded container and store in a cool, dry place. Keep out of reach of children.
Natural eco bleach is available instore and online in 500g, 1kg and 2kg paper bags.
