Has Oxi-Clean changed its formula?

[Big Leegr]

I noticed recently that Oxi-Clean has a skull and cross bones warning on it. I seem to think that when it first came out, it was touted as nontoxic, biodegradable and enviro-friendly.

Itâ€â„¢s now listed as containing "sodium carbonate, alcohols C12-16, ethoxylated. âہ“



I had done a bit of research on it a few years back, and found that it (then) was basically sodium percarbonate (50-60%). (Itâ€â„¢s commonly known as solid hydrogen peroxide.) It breaks down to water, oxygen and sodium carbonate (soda ash or washing soda) and is considered an environmentally safe bleaching agent.



Most âہ“oxygen bleachesâ€Â� or âہ“oxygen stain removersâ€Â� that are marketed like Oxi-Clean are basically sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate, with fillers (often salts), surfactants/detergents-similar to what Oxi-Clean was.



I also remember from a while back, that there were companies selling oxygen bleaches that were 80-90% sodium percarbonate/carbonate all the way down to 2-10%, with the higher percarbonate concentrations being more effective.



I was wondering if anyone who uses Oxi-Clean regularly has noticed any difference in cleaning ability, harshness on the skin/carpets, etc. between the 2 versions . (or between âہ“knockoffs" for that matter). It seems to me that theyâ€â„¢ve used the âہ“byproductâ€Â� (carbonate) and gotten rid of the main oxygen releaser (percarbonate).



Itâ€â„¢s kind of disconcerting to think that something that started off as an alternative to âہ“nasty chemicalsâ€Â� seems to be heading in that very direction.



Anyone have any insight that may ease my worries? Are they unfounded? :nixweiss

 

[stilez]

I bought like a 10lb tub a while ago. I'm just about at the end of my supply.



Interesting point. When I go for a refill I will report if I notice any changes.

 

[ALAN81]

I don't know if it changed its formula but I must tell you I use it a lot and it works real well

 

[tom p.]

I did see a brand-new formulation in the grocery store last week that carried the "HE" designation. It was in liquid form...had not seen that prior.

 

[jbradshaw]

Hi all - first post although I've used the super advice on this forum for nearly four months and have had spectacular results with a variety of techniques on numerous vehicles ('92 Toyota Camry; '97 Honda Accord;'95, '01 & '02 Ford Explorers)



Re: OxiClean's formulation, this is a direct quote from their websites FAQ section:



"What happened to the original OxiClean powder Formula?"



"To improve the stain fighting power of OxiClean, we introduced OxiClean with blue crystals. New OxiClean gets out more tough stains such as grease and grass better. You can still order OxiClean Original on-line at www.greatcleaners.com. If you have sensitive skin, we also recommend OxiClean Free, which is 100% fragrance, chlorine, detergent and dye free."



The amazing power of the various web search engines...

 

[Big Leegr]

That's nice, but it doesn't say anything about the health risks of the new version. On the web site, it has a link to the MSDS's, and they ALL say 50-60% sodium percarbonate, 30-50% sodium carbonate. Nothing about the alcohols, C12-16, ethoxylated, nothing about the blue crystals. I would think that if a product lists something as a warning on its package, it should also be listed on their MSDS.



Maybe Canadian Oxiclean is different than in the US? Does anyone in the US have the new jar/pail/tub to verify?



A little off topic, but I noticed on their website that they also sell a spray car polish!

 

[dcampen]

Nothing about the alcohols, C12-16, ethoxylated, nothing about the blue crystals.

The "alcohols, C12-16, ethoxylated" are just some nonionic surfactant ("dishwashing soap" to oversimplify) nothing even remotely toxic. The blue crystals - who knows, maybe a blueing agent ( a blue dye that makes yellowed cloth look white).

 

[ssarcevic]

The "hE" designation stands for high efficiency. Detergents with the "he" logo on it are intended to be used in the new front loader washing machines. These machines use less water than traditional top loader machines therefore they need a soap that doesn't sud as much and rinses easier.