TAED (tetraacetylethylendiamine) is a white powder found in laundry detergents as an bleach activator . This means that it is not a bleach by itself, but effectively activates hydrogen peroxide, creating an effective bleaching agent with strong oxidizing and disinfecting properties (kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi).
It can enhance oxygen-based bleaches, which is why it is used together with sodium percarbonate. It participates in a chemical reaction with hydrogen peroxide, which is released from sodium percarbonate during washing. Thanks to TAED, you can achieve bleaching effects already at 30–40 °C , while sodium percarbonate alone requires temperatures of 50 °C and above.
TAEDandsodium percarbonate have been used in household cleaning and laundry products since the 1970s.A typical example is laundry detergents that contain oxygen bleach ( percarbonate) and an activator (TAED ) for effective whitening of laundry and stain removal.
Dishwasher powders and tablets also often contain a combination of percarbonate and TAED. This way, they tackle stains from tea, coffee, or wine while also disinfecting the dishes.
TAED is easily biodegradableand during wastewater treatment, it almost completely breaks down. In nature (for example, in surface waters), it has a relatively short half-life (on the order of days) and shows low toxicity to aquatic organisms.
Tips for safe use
From a human health perspective, TAED is considered non-toxic and non-irritating.However, it's a good idea to use protective gloves and goggles when working with the percarbonate mixture.
Sodium percarbonate should not be used on sensitive materials(wool, silk, and leather) and should not be mixed with chlorine bleaches, as this could lead to undesirable chemical reactions. We covered the uses and risks of percarbonate in the last article .
TIP Bleaching and washing laundry
If you wash at lower temperatures (30–40 °C) , TAED activates sodium percarbonate and supports bleaching and disinfection. Add 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate and half a teaspoon of TAED to the detergent compartment. Place EcoHaus laundry sheet in the drum and select the washing program.
In the program with higher temperatures (60 °C and above), percarbonate activates even without TAED, but its presence still improves washing efficiency.
TIP Removing stubborn stains
To remove stains (wine, blood, grass), make a paste from 1 tablespoon of sodium percarbonate, half a teaspoon of TAED, and a little water. Apply the mixture to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then wash it in the machine with laundry paper .
TIP Cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces
TAED with sodium percarbonate can be used to clean countertops, tiles, and grout between tiles. Just prepare a solution:
2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate
1 teaspoon of TAED
1 liter of warm water
Let the solution sit for 10–15 minutes and then rinse with clean water.
Safe duo: TAED and sodium percarbonate
If you're looking for an effective and eco-friendly way to whiten laundry and clean your home, the combination of TAED and sodium percarbonate is a great choice.Both break down into easily degradable substances, making them significantly better for the environment compared to the previously widely used chlorine bleaches. The use of TAED in laundry and cleaning products poses no risk to human health and the environment.
TAEDcontributes to the whitening and hygienic cleaning of laundry and surfaces. Thanks to TAED, effective whitening and stain removal can be achieved at lower temperatures, which saves energy needed for heating water and is gentler on the washed textiles.
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Petra Doubková and the whole EcoHaus team
We are a Czech brand created mainly by women and moms with heart.At EcoHaus, it's not just about selling. Our mission is to transform everyday household care into a meaningful ritual – without chemicals, without waste, and without compromising health. We believe in prevention, which is why we help prevent skin issues through proper care and simple changes in daily life. We teach that eco-friendly cleaning is not a luxury for the chosen few. It's accessible, simple, and beautiful – and everyone can afford it.
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