Have you discovered our Illuminate Oxygen + Mineral Powder? Its key ingredient – Sodium Percarbonate – is a powerhouse cleaning agent that’s gained popularity for its eco-friendly nature, incredible cleaning properties, and impressive stain-fighting abilities.
What is Sodium Percarbonate?
Sodium percarbonate may sound like a mouthful, but its concept is straightforward. Essentially, it’s a compound made up of sodium carbonate (also known as soda ash or washing soda) and hydrogen peroxide. When dissolved in water, it releases hydrogen peroxide, a potent oxidizing agent that attacks stains, dirt, and grime. This post focuses on the cleaning properties of sodium percarbonate itself. Illuminate combines it with additional mineral ingredients, including soda ash and baking soda, to support overall cleaning performance.
Why Sodium Percarbonate is a Great Cleaning Agent
- Eco-Friendly: Unlike many conventional cleaners laden with harsh chemicals, sodium percarbonate is environmentally friendly. It breaks down into harmless byproducts – oxygen, water, and soda ash – making it a chlorine-free choice for many cleaning tasks.
- Powerful Stain Remover: Sodium percarbonate is a master at tackling stubborn stains. Its oxygenating action helps to lift and break down organic stains, including those from coffee, wine, blood, and mildew staining.
- Color-Safe Bleaching: Unlike chlorine bleach, sodium percarbonate is generally safe for most colorfast fabrics when used as directed. It helps brighten whites and lift stains without the harsh fading associated with chlorine bleach. Always spot-test fabrics in an inconspicuous area.
- Versatile Cleaning Agent: From laundry to household surfaces, sodium percarbonate is a versatile cleaner. It can be used in various forms – as a laundry booster, stain remover, sink/tub cleaner, and even as a mold and mildew stain remover.
You can see why sodium percarbonate was an easy choice when it came to using it as a star ingredient in our Illuminate Oxygen + Mineral Powder.
Ways to Clean with Humble Suds Illuminate Oxygen + Mineral Powder
- Laundry Booster: Add 1–2 TBSP of Illuminate to your laundry detergent to boost its cleaning power. It helps brighten whites, lift stains, and freshen fabrics without the need for harsh chemicals.
- Stain Spot Treatment: For targeted stains, dissolve about 1 TBSP of Illuminate in a small amount of warm water to activate its oxygen-cleaning power. Apply the solution directly to the stain or, for thicker spot treatment, mix a small amount of the solution with Humble Suds Scour Cleaning Paste and apply to the area. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse or launder.
- Stain Removal via Soaking: Use approximately 1–2 TBSP of Illuminate per gallon of warm water, adjusting for stain severity. Soak for 30–60 minutes before washing. Spot-test first.
- Surface Cleaner: For a 16 oz spray bottle, dissolve ½ TBSP (1½ tsp) of Illuminate in warm water in a measuring cup, then transfer to a spray bottle. Use on water-safe surfaces like tile, grout, and sinks. Allow to sit briefly before wiping clean and rinsing thoroughly. Because oxygen-based cleaners release their cleaning power shortly after mixing, mix only what you need and discard any remaining solution after use. This allows released oxygen to dissipate rather than being trapped in a sealed bottle.
- Mold and Mildew Remover: Using the same oxygen-powered cleaning solution, spray onto mold- or mildew-affected areas on water-safe surfaces like tile, grout, shower walls, and caulk. Allow the solution to sit briefly to help lift surface mildew and staining, then scrub and rinse thoroughly. For persistent mold issues, addressing ongoing moisture is key. For deeper grout or caulk discoloration, spray the solution onto Humble Suds Scour Cleaning Paste and gently work it into the area before scrubbing and rinsing.
- Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner: Dissolve 1 tsp of Illuminate per cup of warm water to create an oxygen-powered cleaning solution. Blot (do not scrub) onto stains on colorfast carpets or upholstery using a clean cloth. Allow to sit for a few minutes, then blot again with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat as needed and allow to air dry. Always spot-test first.
Sodium percarbonate is a game-changer in the world of cleaning, offering a potent yet eco-friendly alternative to conventional cleaners. Whether you’re battling tough stains in your laundry or tackling grime on household surfaces, sodium percarbonate is your go-to cleaning companion. With its versatility and cleaning prowess, it’s time to harness the power of sodium percarbonate and achieve a cleaner, greener home.
Put These Methods Into Practice
Want to make cleaning even easier? Many of the methods above work best when Illuminate is used alongside a few complementary tools designed to work together.
Bright + Shiny Home Bundle
Illuminate pairs especially well with our Scour Cleaning Paste, Scrub Cloths, All-Purpose Cleaner, and Laundry Soap for tackling laundry, grout, surfaces, and everyday messes. We’ve bundled these essentials together to make building an effective cleaning system simple.
→ Shop the Bright + Shiny Home Bundle
The Humble Bundle
New to Humble Suds or looking for a full-home starter set? The Humble Bundle brings together everyday essentials like Illuminate, All-Purpose Cleaner, Scour Cleaning Paste, and Laundry Soap, along with a few other customer favorites, to make non-toxic cleaning simple from the start.
→ Explore The Humble Bundle
Laundry Essentials Starter Set
If you’re mainly focused on laundry care, our Laundry Essentials Starter Set pairs Illuminate with our go-to laundry staples.
→ Shop the Laundry Essentials Starter Set
Frequently Asked Questions About Sodium Percarbonate
What is sodium percarbonate?
Is sodium percarbonate the same as oxygen bleach?
Is sodium percarbonate safe for colored fabrics?
Does sodium percarbonate disinfect or kill germs?
Can sodium percarbonate be used on hard surfaces?
Is sodium percarbonate effective against mold and mildew?
How is Humble Suds Illuminate different from pure sodium percarbonate?
Does sodium percarbonate work in cold water?
