Our Oxi-Shine natural cleaner is a staple for brightening whites, removing stains, and neutralizing odours. It's unscented, gentle enough for sensitive skin, and a versatile cleaner that can be used for so much more than just laundry. We wanted to share a few of our favourite ways to incorporate it into our cleaning rituals, and some lesser known household uses.

How it works

Oxi-Shine is made with only 2 ingredients: sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate. Sodium percarbonate is a common active ingredient in laundry soaps and stain removers. When combined with hot water, it releases hydrogen peroxide, which helps to oxidize stains, and soda ash, that helps to break down grime. 

Sodium carbonate is also known as soda ash, and it is a key ingredient for breaking down grease, grime and oils due to its highly alkaline pH. 

Together, these two ingredients work wonders for disinfecting, breaking down grease and grime, neutralizing odours, and keeping colours and whites looking bright and fresh. Due to the strong oxidizing properties of the sodium percarbonate, we would not recommend using Oxi-Shine on delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, linen, or leather. 

How we like to use it

Laundry pre-soak:

The easiest and most common way to use Oxi-Shine is to pre-soak any garments, towels, sheets or rags that might need a little extra boost. Mix 1/4 cup of Oxi-Shine with hot water and let it soak for at least 1 hour before throwing it into the wash. For minimal soils, add 1-2 tbsp into your load with your laundry detergent. 

Stain remover: 

You can use Oxi-Shine to spot-treat stains on garments, upholstery, and carpets. Mix 1bsp with 1 cup of warm water and apply directly to the stained area. Make a more concentrated paste for tougher stains. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing or tossing into the wash.

For tubs, toilets, and tiles

Oxi-Shine works wonders on soap scum and bathroom grime. Mix 2 tbsp with 1 cup of warm water, apply to the surfaces you are wanting to treat, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse. You can also make a paste to remove staining and mildew from grout in between bathroom tiles and tiled floors.

Shower liners

For shower liners that are not machine-washable, you can use Oxi-Shine to remove mildew and staining from it by soaking it in your bathtub or basin. Add 1/4 cup to your tub or basin of hot water, let soak for an hour and rinse.

Sneakers

Freshen up some old sneakers to make them good as new. Make a paste using Oxi-Shine and warm water, and with a toothbrush or scrubby loofah, work the paste into the outer sole. You can also soak athletic sneakers using the pre-soak method to neutralize odours. Let them fully dry out in the sun for best results.

Dishes

Fill your sink with warm water and 2 tbsp of Oxi-Shine to remove coffee and food stains from mugs, stainless steel thermoses, pots and pans, and plastic containers. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes and then wash them as normal.

Sinks & drains

Great for smelly sinks and drains! Add 2 tbsp into your drain and rinse it down with a kettle of boiling water to break down grease and buildup that cause odours and attract pesky fruit flies. 

Patio furniture

After spending the winter locked away on covered patios, in the garage or in your shed, patio furniture is exposed to dirt, moisture and mildew. Mix 1/2 a cup of Oxi-Shine in 4L of warm water and use a soft bristled brush to gently scrub away stains and discolouration. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before hosing it off and leaving it out to dry. 

Trash cans and compost bins

Probably the smelliest place in every home, our trash cans and compost bins harbour bacteria, dirt, grime, and smells. Mix 1/2 a cup of Oxi-Shine with 4L of warm water, soak the bin for about 15 minutes and scrub away any stains. Rinse thoroughly and leave out to dry.

Final thoughts

There are so many ways to use our Oxi-Shine, and this is just a few of our staff's tried and true! If you're looking for a natural bleach alternative, or just something to give your clothes an extra boost, this is your new go-to. 

For more of our spring cleaning essentials, shop our collection!