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Posted By: Meredith O'Connor
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Posted On: 2/18/2026
Oxygen bleach typically comes in powder form, and how you use it depends on what you’re using it for—in the washing machine, as a pre-soak, or around the house.
In the wash: For HE washers, add 1 scoop (0.5 oz) of oxygen bleach. For standard washers, add 2 scoops (1 oz) of oxygen bleach after you’ve loaded your laundry. For extra-large or heavily soiled loads, add 1 additional ounce.
As a pre-soak: Mix 2 scoops (1 oz) of oxygen bleach per gallon of hot water in a large sink, bucket, or your tub. Soak stained garments for up to 24 hours, then wash with a gentle, non-toxic laundry detergent.
Around the house: Mix 4 scoops (2 oz) of oxygen bleach per gallon of hot water, and add the solution to a spray bottle or use a cleaning cloth to dip in the solution and use on stained areas. Or, sprinkle oxygen bleach directly onto stained surfaces, let it sit, then scrub with a wetted toothbrush, scrubber, or cleaning cloth.
Once you start using oxygen bleach around your home, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. That’s because this powerful bleach alternative not only brightens whites, it tackles stains and buildup in practically every room. Here's a room-by-room breakdown of how to use oxygen bleach.
Removing yellow pillow stains: If your pillows have turned from crisp white to a not-so-lovely shade of yellow, oxygen bleach can bring them back. Fill your bathtub or a large basin with hot water, dissolve 2–3 scoops of oxygen bleach, and let your pillows soak for a few hours (or overnight for really stubborn stains). Then toss them in the wash and dry as usual. You'll be amazed at the difference.
Pretreating organic stains (wine, coffee, berries, grass): Life happens—and when it does, oxygen bleach has your back. Mix a small paste of oxygen bleach and water, apply it directly to the stain, and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before washing. The oxygen molecules go to work breaking down the organic compounds in the stain, so it lifts out instead of setting in.
Brightening dingy whites: Whites that have gone gray or dull over time just need a good oxygen bleach soak to get back to their original brightness. Add a scoop to your regular wash cycle, or do a dedicated soak in hot water with 2 scoops per gallon. Unlike chlorine bleach, it won't weaken fibers or leave behind that harsh chemical smell.
Boosting colors: This is where oxygen bleach really sets itself apart from traditional bleach. Because it's color-safe, you can add it to your colored loads to lift dinginess and bring back vibrancy without the risk of fading or discoloration.
Cleaning backsplash and floor grout: Kitchen grout is notorious for collecting grease, food splatters, and general grime. Mix an oxygen bleach paste (a few scoops with just enough water to form a thick consistency), apply it to the grout lines, and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Then scrub with an old toothbrush and wipe clean. The difference will be night and day.
Removing coffee and tea stains from mugs: You know those stubborn brown rings inside your favorite mug? Fill the mug with hot water, add a scoop of oxygen bleach, and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. The stains will practically dissolve on their own. Give it a quick rinse, and your mug will look brand new.
Treating stains on countertops: Whether it's a coffee ring, a berry stain, or a turmeric disaster, oxygen bleach can help lift stains from most countertop surfaces. Make a paste or spray solution, apply it to the stain, and let it work for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping away. (Just skip it on natural stone surfaces that aren't sealed—stick to sealed or laminate countertops.)
Brightening stained reusable water bottles and tumblers: Reusable bottles and tumblers can develop funky buildup and staining over time, especially if you use them for coffee or smoothies. Fill them with hot water and a scoop of oxygen bleach, let them soak for a couple of hours, and rinse well. They'll come out looking (and smelling) fresh.
Removing mildew stains from shower curtains and liners: Instead of tossing a mildewy shower curtain and buying a new one, try soaking it in a bathtub filled with warm water and a few scoops of oxygen bleach. Let it soak for an hour or so, give it a light scrub and rinse, and hang it back up. The mildew stains will be gone—and you just saved yourself a trip to the store.
Cleaning toothbrush holders and soap dishes: These little bathroom accessories collect gunk faster than you'd think. Drop them in a basin of warm water with a scoop of oxygen bleach and let them soak for 30 minutes. A quick scrub and rinse afterwards, and they're good as new.
Brightening a stained bathtub or porcelain sink: Over time, bathtubs and porcelain sinks can develop a dingy film or discoloration. Sprinkle oxygen bleach directly onto the damp surface, let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, scrub and rinse, and enjoy a sparkling clean tub or sink.
Cleaning tile grout: Bathroom grout takes a beating from moisture, soap scum, and mildew. Apply an oxygen bleach paste to the grout lines, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, scrub with a brush, and then rinse the area clean. This is one of those tasks that feels incredibly satisfying when you see how much of a difference it makes.
Brightening a stained concrete patio or walkway: Concrete patios and walkways can pick up dirt, algae, and general outdoor grime over time. Dissolve oxygen bleach in a bucket of hot water (about 4 scoops per gallon), pour or spray it onto the surface, and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse with your garden hose. It's a safer, fume-free alternative to pressure-washing with harsh chemicals.
Refreshing outdoor patio furniture covers: Patio furniture covers and cushion covers can get musty, stained, and mildew-y after sitting outside through the seasons. Soak them in a basin or tub with warm water and a few scoops of oxygen bleach for a couple of hours, then toss them in the wash. They'll look and smell so much better.
Removing stains from side tables and other surfaces: Outdoor side tables, planters, and other surfaces often end up littered with water rings, pollen stains, and dirt. Wipe them down with an oxygen bleach solution (2 scoops per gallon of warm water) using a cloth or sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse. Easy as that.
Removing carpet stains (pet accidents, wine spills, juice): Carpet stains can feel like the end of the world, but oxygen bleach makes them manageable. Mix a paste of oxygen bleach and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Blot with a damp cloth and repeat if needed to remove all residue. It works on pet accidents, red wine, juice, and most organic stains without bleaching out the color of your carpet.
Freshening up a stained mattress: Between sweat, spills, and general life, mattresses can develop stains over time. Make an oxygen bleach paste, gently apply it to the stained area, and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Wipe it away with a damp cloth to remove all residue and let the mattress air dry completely before remaking the bed. It's a simple way to extend the life of your mattress without calling in the professionals.
Cleaning kids' toys: If you've ever squeezed a rubber duck and seen something questionable come out… you know how gross kids' bath toys can get. Soak bath toys and other plastic toys in a basin of warm water with a scoop of oxygen bleach for an hour. Rinse thoroughly after soaking. Oxygen bleach helps kill mildew growing inside and removes surface grime—so your kids can keep playing without you cringing.
Oxygen bleach is incredibly versatile, but there are a few materials it doesn't play well with. Avoid using it on wood (it can cause discoloration or damage to the finish), silk (the fibers are too delicate), and leather and suede (it can dry them out and cause irreversible damage).
When in doubt, always do a quick spot test on an inconspicuous area first. And if the care label says "no bleach," that typically refers to chlorine bleach—but it's still smart to test oxygen bleach on delicate items before going all in.
The case for switching to oxygen bleach is pretty straightforward. Traditional chlorine bleach is effective, sure—but has a long list of downsides. Bleach releases toxic fumes that can trigger asthma and respiratory issues, it weakens fabric fibers over time, making your clothes wear out faster, it’s harsh on surfaces, and when it goes down the drain, it's not exactly doing the environment any favors.
Oxygen bleach gets the job done without the collateral damage. It's gentle on fabrics, so your clothes and linens last longer, and it’s color-safe, which means no more separating whites from darks out of fear. Oxygen bleach is also non-toxic, so you're not breathing in harsh fumes or worrying about skin irritation while you clean. And because it breaks down into oxygen, water, and natural soda ash, it's biodegradable and safe for septic systems.
For families with little ones, pets, or anyone with sensitive skin, oxygen bleach gives you the cleaning power—and the peace of mind—you deserve.
If you're ready to make the switch, Truly Free Home OxyBoost is a great place to start. OxyBoost is our non-toxic, chlorine-free oxygen bleach made with just two simple, powerful ingredients: sodium carbonate and sodium percarbonate. That's it.
Our formula is designed to work in both hot and cold water and is compatible with all washing machines, including HE. Use OxyBoost as a laundry booster to brighten whites and colors, as a pre-soak for tough stains, or mix it into a cleaning solution for tackling grout, countertops, bathtubs, and more.
OxyBoost is also safe for sensitive skin, babies, pregnancy, and pets—so you can feel good about using it in every room of your home. Plus, it comes in eco-friendly refill packets to help reduce plastic waste, because we believe keeping your home clean shouldn't mean creating more waste in the process.
