OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover with Odor Blasters

A surfactant-rich laundry booster powered by oxygen bleach to lift stains and brighten fabrics, though it contains added fragrance and synthetic dyes.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This formula is exceptionally strong for a laundry booster. The core engine relies on Sodium carbonate peroxide (oxygen bleach) and Sodium carbonate (washing soda), a proven combination for whitening and breaking down organic stains. Unlike basic boosters, this formula also includes a robust surfactant system (Alcohol ethoxylates) to target grease and oil, along with Acrylic acid homopolymer to act as an anti-redeposition agent, preventing dirt from settling back onto clothes.

Safety Rating: 2.9

While free of chlorine bleach, the product contains Fragrances, which are a common source of skin irritation and allergens, and often hide undisclosed chemicals. Ethoxylated alcohols are effective cleaners but can be toxic to aquatic life and may contain trace manufacturing impurities like 1,4-dioxane. Sodium carbonate peroxide is safe for the environment (breaking down into water, oxygen, and soda ash) but is a severe eye irritant in its concentrated powder form.

Final Rating: 3.8

This is a high-performance product that will likely outperform simple oxygen bleaches due to the addition of surfactants and polymers. However, the inclusion of Fragrance and synthetic ethoxylates prevents it from achieving a top safety score, as these ingredients pose potential health and environmental concerns compared to simpler, mineral-based alternatives.

Verdict

This laundry booster is formulated with a robust combination of cleaning agents designed to tackle difficult laundry challenges. At its core, the inclusion of Sodium Carbonate Peroxide—commonly known as oxygen bleach—is a highly effective choice. When dissolved in water, it releases oxygen bubbles that help break down organic stains like wine, grass, and blood without the fabric-damaging properties of chlorine bleach. This action is supported by Sodium Carbonate, or washing soda, which acts as a water softener and alkalinity booster, creating an optimal pH environment for the detergents to function.

The formula distinguishes itself from simple oxygen bleaches by including a complex blend of ethoxylated alcohols (C12-15, C10-16, and C12-16). These are non-ionic surfactants that excel at emulsifying grease and oil, suggesting this product is capable of handling mixed soil types found in everyday laundry better than a single-ingredient booster might. To ensure that the lifted dirt does not settle back onto the clothes during the wash cycle, the manufacturer has included Acrylic acid homopolymer, a dispersant that effectively suspends soil in the wash water.

However, consumers should be aware of the “inactive” or aesthetic ingredients. The presence of Sodium Chloride (table salt) generally serves as a filler or thickening agent in powder formulations; while it is harmless, it dilutes the concentration of the active cleaning ingredients. Furthermore, the inclusion of Fragrances and C.I. Pigment Blue 15:1 signals that this product prioritizes sensory appeal—making the laundry smell fresh and the product look attractive—over hypoallergenic purity. These additives are the most common culprits for skin irritation and contact dermatitis.

From an environmental standpoint, while the oxygen bleach component is biodegradable, the reliance on synthetic polymers and ethoxylated ingredients makes it less eco-friendly than simpler mineral-based cleaners. In summary, this is a potent booster for dingy whites and heavily soiled garments, but those with sensitive skin or those seeking a strictly concentrated chemical-free cleaner might find it too laden with unnecessary perfumes and fillers.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Cleaning Builders & Bleach / 清洁助剂和漂白剂

🧪 Sodium carbonate / 碳酸钠

Purpose: Alkalinity builder and water softener that improves cleaning efficiency.

Concerns: Can cause serious eye irritation and skin irritation upon direct contact.

Notes: Commonly known as washing soda.

🧪 Sodium carbonate peroxide / 过氧碳酸钠

Purpose: Oxygen bleach that releases hydrogen peroxide to remove stains and brighten fabrics.

Concerns: Strong oxidizer; harmful if swallowed and causes serious eye damage.

Notes: Acts as a solid form of hydrogen peroxide.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 C12-15 alcohols ethoxylated / C12-15 醇聚氧乙烯醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant used to break down grease and oil.

Concerns: Toxic to aquatic life; potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane (though usually controlled).

Notes: Excellent emulsifying properties.

🧪 C10-16 alcohol ethoxylate / C10-16 醇聚氧乙烯醚

Purpose: Cleaning agent that aids in wetting fabrics and lifting soil.

Concerns: Can be toxic to aquatic organisms.

Notes: A versatile non-ionic surfactant.

🧪 C12-16 alcohols ethoxylated 7EO / C12-16 醇聚氧乙烯醚 (7EO)

Purpose: Detergent agent specifically tailored for soil removal.

Concerns: Aquatic toxicity.

Notes: The ‘7EO’ indicates the molar ratio of ethylene oxide, affecting solubility and cleaning power.

📁 Functional Additives & Aesthetics / 功能助剂和感官调节剂

🧪 Acrylic acid homopolymer / 丙烯酸均聚物

Purpose: Dispersant and anti-redeposition agent to prevent dirt from settling back on clothes.

Concerns: Generally low toxicity, though environmental biodegradability varies.

Notes: Helps keep white fabrics white.

🧪 Sodium chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Filler or processing aid used to bulk up the product or control viscosity/flow.

Concerns: None in this context.

Notes: Common table salt.

🧪 Fragrances / 香精

Purpose: Provides a pleasant scent to the laundry.

Concerns: May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Notes: Proprietary blend of aromatic compounds.

🧪 C.I. Pigment Blue 15:1 / C.I. 颜料蓝 15:1

Purpose: Colorant often used as a bluing agent to make fabrics appear whiter.

Concerns: Generally safe for use in wash-off products.

Notes: A stable blue pigment.