Sodium percarbonate for washing and cleaning: Eco-friendly bleaching, disinfection, and stain removal
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Time to read 9 min
Sodium percarbonate (PUER) is a white crystalline powder that has a wide range of uses in the household due to its bleaching and disinfecting properties. In warm water, it releases hydrogen peroxide ( active oxygen) , which oxidizes and removes stains. We most commonly encounter sodium percarbonate as an important ingredient in laundry detergents, stain removers, and all-purpose cleaners. It is also used for disinfecting and cleaning surfaces.
The history of percarbonate dates back to the early 20th century when it began to be used as a safer alternative to chlorine bleaches. Sodium percarbonate helps whiten white laundry and effectively breaks down colored stains of organic origin (such as from blood, coffee, wine, grass, sweat), making it an ideal helper for laundry.It is effective only at higher temperatures (from 50 °C) , and when combined with TAED , it works even at 30–40 °C .
It breaks down into sodium, oxygen, and water when used, leaving no permanent toxic residues and is considered an eco-friendly bleach. Sodium percarbonate is gentler on fabrics than chlorine and can usually be used on colored clothing without fading the colors. It is especially popular for washing baby diapers and towels, where both whitening and disinfecting of laundry without chlorine is desired.
Store sodium percarbonate in closed containers in a dry and cool place, out of reach of children.Due to its oxidizing properties, avoid storing it near easily flammable materials (like paper, textiles, wood). Prepare the percarbonate solution and warm water in an open container and always fresh.
Don't mix percarbonate with other cleaning agents, especially not with acids or chlorine products, as this may release dangerous gases. Use it separately or according to recommended recipes (for example, together with TAED ). It is also possible to use it with EcoHaus laundry sheets .
Be mindful of safety when using it, as sodium percarbonate is an irritant for people. The powder can irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughing if inhaled, and it causes redness upon contact with skin. Use protective gloves when working with percarbonate and avoid contact of the powder with your eyes. If it gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately with plenty of water.
TIP Whitening and disinfecting laundry
Washing and whitening laundry is the most common use of percarbonate, which is added to the detergent to enhance washing effectiveness .
Just sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate into the washing machine's dispenser and add your laundry detergent. Try EcoHaus laundry sheets instead of your usual powder or gel. Keep in mind that sodium percarbonate fully activates at temperatures above 50 °C, so set your washing machine to the appropriate program. You'll see that your laundry will come out beautifully white.
TIP Whitening and disinfecting laundry
Washing and whitening laundry is the most common use of sodium percarbonate, which is added to laundry detergent to enhance washing effectiveness .
Just sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate into the washing machine's dispenser and add your laundry detergent.Try EcoHaus laundry sheets instead of your usual powder or liquid detergent. Keep in mind that sodium percarbonate fully activates at temperatures above 50 °C, so set your washing machine to the appropriate program. You'll see that your laundry will come out beautifully white.
TIP Sock washing
If you have heavily soiled laundry or a stain, soak it in hot water with percarbonate for a longer time before washing. The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate for4 liters of warm water .
A piece of laundry that often suffers from ingrained dirt is socks.Soak them in the prepared solution, after soaking move them to the washing machine and wash at 60 °C together with EcoHaus laundry sheet . This combination really works great.
TIP How to wash sneakers and clean shoelaces
Dirty shoelaces are no problem when you have sodium percarbonate. Soak them in a solution of percarbonate and warm water. In the meantime, mix baking soda with dish soap and use the resulting mixture with a sponge to clean the sneakers. Then put them in a laundry bag , place in the washing machine and add laundry sheet .
TIP Washing Socks
If your laundry is heavily soiled or has stains, soak it in hot water with percarbonate for a longer time before washing. The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate in4 liters of warm water .
Socks are a piece of laundry that often suffers from ingrained dirt. Soak them in the prepared solution, after soaking transfer them to the washing machine and wash at 60 °C together with EcoHaus laundry sheet . This combination works really great.
TIP How to wash sneakers and clean shoelaces
Dirty shoelaces are no problem when you have sodium percarbonate. Soak them in a solution of percarbonate and warm water. In the meantime, mix baking soda with dish soap and use the resulting mixture with a sponge to clean your sneakers. Then put them in a washing bag , toss them in the washing machine, and add washing paper .
TIP Stain removal from cleaning rags
Before washing dirty rags, first place them in a bucket, sprinkle with sodium percarbonate, and pour hot water over them. Just 1 to 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate for4 liters of water is enough. This process will remove dirt that the washing machine can't handle. Then just wash the rags in the washing machine and they'll be as good as new. What happens if you overdo it with the percarbonate, you'll see in the video.
TIP How to clean mattresses
Mattresses surely give you a headache because they get stained with sweat over time.This mixture is a breeze to handle. Mix sodium percarbonate, hot water, and half a laundry sheet . Pour the mixture over the stain, cover it with a towel, and run an iron over it, which helps the mixture penetrate deeper into the fabric and effectively remove the stain.
TIP Sodium percarbonate in the kitchen
Prepare a cleaning solution for disinfecting and removing dried food residues from kitchen counters and work surfaces. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of percarbonate in1 liter of warm water and apply it to the surface with a sponge or cloth. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes and then wipe it off. Finally, rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water to ensure no cleaning product residue remains.
To clean and degrease burnt cookware , soak the pot or baking dish in the sink with hot water, add1 tablespoon of percarbonate, and let it soak. For removing limescale from kettles, it's better to use citric acid , but you can clean dirty plastic bottlesperfectly with percarbonate.
TIP Bathroom cleaning
Sodium percarbonate is a great helper for cleaning toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and tiles. It helps remove dirt, limescale, and bacteria. Mix 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate with 1 liter of warm water and use the solution to wipe down surfaces.
For deeper cleaning and effective mold removal from joints, hydrogen peroxide is a better choice due to its ability to penetrate deeper into porous materials.
TIP Clogs
Got a clogged drain? Pour 1.5 liters of hot water down the drain, add 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate, and pour hot water again. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. The percarbonate will break down the dirt, and your drain will be as good as new.
TIP Stain removal from cleaning rags
Before washing dirty rags, first place them in a bucket, sprinkle with sodium percarbonate, and pour hot water over them.Just 1 to 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate in 4 liters of water . This process will remove dirt that your washing machine can't handle. Then just wash the rags in the washing machine and they'll be like new again. What happensif you overdo it with the percarbonate, you'll see in the video.
TIP How to clean mattresses
Mattresses surely give you a headache because they get stained with sweat over time. This mixture will handle it easily. Mix sodium percarbonate, hot water, and half a laundry sheet . Pour the mixture on the stain, cover it with a towel, and run an iron over it, which will help the mixture penetrate deeper into the fabric and effectively remove the stain.
TIP Sodium percarbonate in the kitchen
Prepare a cleaning solution for disinfecting and removing dried food residues from kitchen counters and work surfaces. Mix 2 tablespoons of percarbonate in 1 liter of warm water and apply it to the surface with a sponge or cloth. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes and then wipe it off. Finally, rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water to ensure no cleaning product residue is left.
To clean and degrease burnt cookware , soak the pot or baking dish in the sink with hot water, add 1 tablespoon of percarbonate and let it soak. For removing limescale from kettles, citric acid is a better choice, but you can easily clean dirty plastic bottles with percarbonate.
TIP Bathroom cleaning
Sodium percarbonate is a great helper for cleaning toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and tiles. It helps remove dirt, limescale, and bacteria. Mix 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate with 1 liter of warm water and use the solution to wipe down surfaces.
For deeper cleaning and effective mold removal from grout, hydrogen peroxide is a better choice due to its ability to penetrate deeper into porous materials.
TIP Drains
Got a clogged drain? Pour 1.5 liters of hot water down the drain, add 2 tablespoons of sodium percarbonate, and pour hot water again. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. The percarbonate will break down the dirt, and your drain will be as good as new.
Risks of using sodium percarbonate: What materials can it damage?
Percarbonate is not suitable for all materials. Silk and wool can be damaged by its action, as it disrupts their natural structure. Wool fibers can weaken, leading to brittleness, while silk loses its natural shine and softness.
Another risk group includes natural stones (such as marble and limestone ).Sodium percarbonate has an alkaline pH that can disrupt their surface. Similarly,polished wood and furniture can lose their original appearance and become dull after repeated exposure to percarbonate.
Some metal surfaces, especially aluminum, copper, brass, and galvanized materials , may oxidize and change color when in contact with percarbonate. Avoid cleaning aluminum cookware or decorations with a strong percarbonate solution, as oxidation can cause the surface to darken or even turn black.
If you're unsure whether using sodium percarbonate is appropriate, it's always best to test its effect on a small area first.
Gentle power for your home
Sodium percarbonate is an eco-friendly cleaning agent. Its advantage is that it is biodegradable, as it breaks down into environmentally harmless substances – water, oxygen, and soda – after use. Unlike chlorine bleaches, it doesn't leave toxic compounds in wastewater.
It may be less known than baking soda , but its effects on stain removal and laundry whitening are great. You can also rely on it for cleaning the kitchen and bathroom.
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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 anyone can afford it.
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