Sodium Percarbonate (Oxygen Bleach)
Sodium percarbonate is the bleaching agent in stain removers sold as "oxygen bleach" or "active oxygen" and in many powder detergents. In water it releases hydrogen peroxide and soda ash (sodium carbonate); in the end it breaks down into water, oxygen and soda. It is seriously irritating to the eyes and harmful if swallowed; however, compared with chlorine bleaches, its mixing hazards and environmental burden are lower.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
The lower end applies when it is present at low concentrations in detergents; the upper end applies to bleaches sold as pure powder, because of the risk of getting it in the eyes and inhaling the dust.
What is sodium percarbonate and what does it do?
Sodium percarbonate is a solid compound of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide. It is a white, granular powder. When mixed with water, hydrogen peroxide is released and bleaches coloured stains (tea, coffee, fruit, wine) by oxidising their dye molecules. The soda released softens the water and helps dissolve dirt.
It works best in warm and hot water. In many detergents it is used together with "bleach activators" such as TAED so that it is also effective at low temperatures.
Which products contain it?
- Powdered oxygen bleaches and stain removers
- Powder laundry detergents (especially for whites)
- Dishwasher tablets and powders
- Denture-cleaning tablets and some toilet cleaners
Under EU detergent legislation it is listed on the label as "oxygen-based bleaching agents" with a percentage range. It is usually absent from liquid detergents because it breaks down quickly in water.
Is it harmful? The scientific assessment
Under EU CLP classification, sodium percarbonate may intensify fire; it is an oxidiser (H272), is harmful if swallowed (H302) and causes serious eye damage (H318). These warnings apply to the pure powder; getting powder in the eyes in particular is a serious matter. Handling it with wet hands for a long time can cause mild skin irritation.
The substance does not accumulate in the body and is not classified as a carcinogen or endocrine disruptor. Because it breaks down into water, oxygen and soda in the environment, it leaves no persistent pollutant; this gives it an environmental advantage over chlorine bleaches.
Unlike chlorine bleach, it does not release chlorine gas when mixed with acids. Even so, mixing it with bleach or other products is not recommended; unwanted reactions can occur when oxidisers are combined.
Safe use
- Keep the powder away from your face when pouring; if it gets into the eyes, rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Do not leave a solution made with hot water in a closed, tightly lidded container; the oxygen released can build up pressure.
- Store it in a cool, dry place in its original, closed container; moisture reduces the product's effectiveness.
- Check the label before using it on delicate materials such as wool, silk and leather, and on some metal accessories.
- If swallowed, do not induce vomiting; call your local poison control centre (in Türkiye: UZEM, 114).
What to do when you see it on a label
Sodium percarbonate is a good option for those who want to whiten white laundry and remove stubborn stains without chlorine. Compared with bleach, it is odourless and gentler on coloured fabrics (still, test colour fastness on a small area first). For those who want fewer additives, percarbonate-based products offer a genuine stain-removing effect instead of optical brighteners.
Frequently asked questions
Is sodium percarbonate safer than bleach?
They have different risks, but in general, yes: it does not form chlorine gas, it is odourless and it breaks down into harmless substances in the environment. As the powder is seriously irritating to the eyes, it should be used with care.
Can oxygen bleach be used on coloured laundry?
It can be used on most coloured fabrics; however, if you are unsure about colour fastness, test it first in an inconspicuous spot.
Are sodium percarbonate and baking soda the same thing?
No. The baking soda in your kitchen is sodium bicarbonate and does not bleach. Sodium percarbonate, on the other hand, is a bleach that releases hydrogen peroxide in water.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.