Any negative long-term effects using Oxiclean?

[roger]

We've been using Oxiclean powder for a little while now and really like the results.

Just out of curiosity, can the stuff be be harmful to clothing or the washing machine in the long run?

PS...we know not to use it on wool

 

[danemodsandy]

Roger:

I can say from personal experience that it at least doubles the life of white articles as opposed to the use of liquid chlorine bleach. At least.

That is not to say that oxy powder does not have an effect over time, but it's far gentler than LCB.

 

[whirlaway]

Whitens Nicely

Ive been putting it in my machine,since it came out.I really like it clothes feel and look cleaner,I use it on all clothes at different strengths,also no effect on the 58 year old frogeye.Seems mils to my hands too. Bobby

 

[launderess]

OxiClean is about 50% or more sodium carbonate

aka: washing soda which is a very caustic substance if used in excess in laundry. When you consider powdered detergents already contain sodium carbonate you are just adding more that really is not necessary. Excess and or high pH levels caused by over use and or excess salts can and will eventually eat away at cotton and linen fibers.

Oxygen bleaches both sodium percarbonate and perborate are more gentle than LCB but aggressive and or over use can harm certain textiles. Oxygen bleaches become more aggressive at higher temperatures so frequent hot or boil washing isn't a good idea either for fine or better items.

If you have a health food store in your are Ecover sells small boxes of pure sodium percarbonate, or you can order from bulk supply houses like Chemistrystore.com.

Dosage wise you really only need about one or two ounces of sodium percarbonate for even the toughest loads. Maybe a bit more if things are badly stained but still you would be using less than that Oxiclean stuff and have the advantage of 100% bleaching power instead of fillers.