Last Updated on June 3, 2024 by Annie Baldwin
OxiClean has become a popular cleaning product in many households.
With its claims of being an eco-friendly and natural cleaner, many wonder if it actually lives up to being safe for the environment.
Digging into the details of its ingredients and certifications can help reveal the truth.
Is Oxiclean Environmentally Safe?
OxiClean is considered an environmentally safe cleaning product.
It does not contain harsh chemicals and breaks down into oxygen and water.
The company has ensured it is safe for people, pets, and the environment.
OxiClean is biodegradable, phosphate-free, and certified by eco-friendly organizations.
Key Points
- OxiClean breaks down into oxygen and water rather than harsh chemicals
- It is biodegradable, phosphate-free, and certified eco-friendly
- Safer for people, pets, and the environment than bleach or other cleaners
Our Opinion
Based on the research, we believe OxiClean is an excellent environmentally safe cleaning option.
It effectively cleans without relying on dangerous chemicals that can harm people or the planet.
We highly recommend OxiClean as an eco-friendly cleaning solution.
Is Oxiclean Biodegradable?
The main active ingredient in OxiClean is sodium percarbonate, an oxygen-based bleaching agent. When dissolved in water, it breaks down into safe and natural components – sodium, carbonate, oxygen, and water. This makes OxiClean biodegradable and safe for septic systems.
Here are some key reasons OxiClean is considered environmentally friendly:
- Biodegradable – Breaks down into harmless products
- Phosphate-free – Won’t pollute waterways
- Certified by EcoLogo and Green Seal – Third party verified as eco-friendly
- Chlorine-free – Much safer than traditional bleach cleaners
- Plant-based ingredients – Derived from natural sources
The biodegradable formula of OxiClean is a major perk over other cleaners like bleach that contain harsh chemicals. It works using the power of oxygen to lift stains, without dangerous fumes or residues. This makes it a top choice for an effective eco-friendly cleaner.
So while no product is perfect, OxiClean does make an effort to formulate their products to be safe for people and gentle on the environment. For many consumers, this strikes the right balance between cleaning power and environmental responsibility.
Are Oxiclean Ingredients Eco-Friendly?
When examining the ingredients in OxiClean, most of them check out as being relatively earth-friendly and safe:
- Sodium percarbonate – The main cleaning agent. Breaks down into oxygen, sodium, carbonate, and water.
- Sodium carbonate – Also known as washing soda. Derived from natural soda ash.
- Sodium silicate – A mineral-based ingredient used as a stabilizer.
- Sodium polyacrylate – A water-absorbing polymer used in small amounts.
- Enzymes – Plant-based ingredients that help break down stains.
The main concerning ingredient is sodium polyacrylate due to potential environmental persistence. However, most experts consider it low risk in the tiny amounts used in OxiClean. No ingredients stand out as highly toxic or dangerous.
It’s also worth noting what’s NOT in OxiClean products:
- No phosphates
- No chlorine compounds
- No formaldehyde
- No dyes or perfumes
When choosing eco-friendly cleaners, it’s important to evaluate the entire formula rather than just one ingredient. Overall, OxiClean does appear to use a reasonable blend of plant-based, mineral-based, and synthetic ingredients to maximize cleaning power while minimizing environmental impact.
Does Oxiclean Have Green Certifications?
OxiClean products have obtained certifications from two major independent eco-labeling programs:
Green Seal – This nonprofit certifies cleaning products that meet standards for reduced toxicity and environmental impact. Specific OxiClean products have achieved Green Seal certification.
EcoLogo – Run by UL, this certification evaluates products against lifecycle environmental criteria. The OxiClean brand has earned the EcoLogo seal of approval.
These certifications provide third-party validation that OxiClean has been rigorously evaluated and meets the criteria for reduced environmental toxicity. The specific requirements vary between programs but generally include:
- Biodegradable ingredients
- Avoidance of carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins
- Limits on VOCs, aquatic toxicity
- Sustainable packaging
- Transparent disclosure of ingredients
Earning green certifications involves a detailed assessment of the product life cycle rather than just marketing claims. The fact that OxiClean has achieved certifications from both Green Seal and EcoLogo indicates a commitment to making their products more eco-friendly.
While no cleaner is perfect, the certifications provide assurance that OxiClean has been independently evaluated and meets standards for environmental responsibility. This level of transparency allows consumers to feel confident they are choosing a greener option.
How Does Oxiclean Impact the Environment?
When choosing cleaning products, many want reassurance they won’t harm the environment. Here’s an overview of OxiClean’s environmental impacts:
The main active ingredient, sodium percarbonate, breaks down into water, oxygen, and soda ash. This means the ingredients themselves are not persistent pollutants.
OxiClean contains no phosphates, which can promote algal blooms and damage water quality. This makes it safer for septic systems and the aquatic environment.
The products avoid ingredients like chlorine bleach that can form harmful byproducts. The oxygen-based formula is designed to work effectively but degrade into harmless components.
OxiClean has obtained certifications from EcoLogo and Green Seal, indicating its products meet rigorous criteria for reduced toxicity and environmental impact.
The company has taken steps to reduce plastic packaging waste through increased use of recyclable materials and concentrated formulas that require less packaging per use.
No cleaning product is perfect, but OxiClean has clearly made efforts to formulate products that work well while minimizing environmental hazards. The certifications, safe ingredients, and focus on sustainability together show that OxiClean aims to be one of the more eco-friendly choices on the market.
Are Oxiclean Cleaners Natural Products?
OxiClean is not 100% natural but does use some plant-based ingredients. Here’s an overview:
The main cleaning agent, sodium percarbonate, is an inorganic synthetic chemical. However, it breaks down into natural soda ash, oxygen, and water.
Some products contain sodium carbonate derived from plant ashes. OxiClean also includes enzymes from plants like soybeans to help break down stains.
The formulas avoid harsh synthetic chemicals found in many conventional cleaners, like chlorine bleach, ammonia, phosphates, or formaldehyde.
While not all-natural, OxiClean has made efforts to incorporate plant-based ingredients and avoid the most toxic synthetic chemicals. This balances effectiveness with reducing environmental and health hazards.
OxiClean markets itself as “nature-inspired” – not natural, but designed to leverage safe ingredients found in nature when possible. This approach delivers cleaning power from both natural sources and safe synthetics.
FAQ
When Should You Not Use Oxiclean?
OxiClean should not be used on wool, silk, leather, or any other delicate fabrics that may discolor. It’s also not recommended for use on aluminum cookware.
Is Oxiclean Safe for Plants?
Yes, OxiClean is generally considered safe for use around plants when diluted properly. It breaks down into oxygen and water so it won’t harm plants. But you’ll want to rinse any residue off plant leaves.
Is Oxyclean Safer Than Bleach?
Yes, OxiClean is much safer for people, pets, and the environment compared to bleach. It doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like bleach does.
Does Oxiclean Have Chemicals?
OxiClean contains sodium percarbonate, which breaks down into natural cleaning agents like hydrogen peroxide and soda ash. It does not contain harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.
Conclusion
OxiClean is considered an environmentally friendly and safe cleaning product. It breaks down into oxygen and water rather than harsh chemicals, making it safer for people, pets, and the environment compared to other cleaners like bleach. Overall, OxiClean is a great eco-friendly option for effective cleaning.
