How to Use Sodium Percarbonate for Effective Cleaning Solutions

Sodium percarbonate is a powerful eco-friendly cleaning agent that’s rapidly becoming a go-to solution in UK households and industries alike. Known for its oxygen-releasing action when mixed with water, sodium percarbonate serves as an effective stain remover, deodoriser, and general-purpose cleaner. This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about using sodium percarbonate for cleaning — from the science behind it, to practical usage examples, safety tips, and FAQs. Whether you’re tackling laundry, outdoor furniture, or bathroom grime, this guide will show you how to make the most of sodium percarbonate.

What is Sodium Percarbonate?

Sodium percarbonate is a white, crystalline, water-soluble compound made by combining sodium carbonate (washing soda) and hydrogen peroxide. Chemically, it's often written as 2Na2CO3·3H2O2. When dissolved in water, it breaks down into sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide — both well-known cleaning agents.

• Chemical formula: Na2CO3·1.5H2O2
• Appearance: White granular powder
• Also known as: Solid hydrogen peroxide, oxygen bleach

Why It’s Eco-Friendly

• Breaks down into non-toxic substances (water, oxygen, and soda ash)
• Biodegradable and safe for septic systems
• No chlorine, phosphates, or synthetic fragrances

You can buy sodium percarbonate UK online for household or industrial use through reputable suppliers like HD Chemicals Ltd.

How Sodium Percarbonate Works as a Cleaner

When dissolved in water, sodium percarbonate releases hydrogen peroxide, which acts as a natural oxidising agent. This process lifts stains, breaks down organic matter, kills bacteria and removes odours.

Oxidation Reaction:

Na2CO3 · 1.5H2O2 + H2O → Na2CO3 + H2O + O2
  

This bubbling reaction is what makes it so effective — it deep cleans surfaces without harmful residues.

Common Household Uses of Sodium Percarbonate

Here are the top ways to use sodium percarbonate in the home, complete with measurements in grams and litres for UK households:

1. Laundry Whitening and Stain Removal

• Use: To boost detergent and remove stains
• Dosage: 30–60g per wash
• How to Use: Add directly to the drum with your laundry. Use warm water (30–60°C) for best results.

Example: For a heavily soiled load (7kg washer), use 60g of sodium percarbonate and wash at 50°C.

2. Soaking Clothes

• Use: Remove tough stains (blood, wine, grass)
• Dosage: 60g per 4L of warm water
• How to Use: Soak garments for 2–6 hours. Rinse and launder normally.

Example: To soak 3 shirts, mix 60g of sodium percarbonate in 4L of 40°C water in a basin.

3. Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

• Use: Remove pet stains and odours
• Dosage: 30g per litre of warm water
• How to Use: Dissolve and apply with spray bottle. Let sit 10 minutes, blot with clean towel.

Example: For a 2m² carpet area, mix 90g in 3L of water.

4. Bathroom Cleaning (Tiles, Grout, Mould)

• Use: Brighten grout and remove mildew
• Dosage: 50g per litre of hot water
• How to Use: Apply with sponge or spray bottle, leave 15 minutes, scrub and rinse.

Example: For a medium-sized shower (5m²), use 250g in 5L of water.

5. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

• Use: Deodorise and remove limescale
• Dosage: 50g directly into bowl
• How to Use: Let sit 30 minutes to overnight, scrub and flush.

6. Dishwasher Cleaning

• Use: Clean internal parts and deodorise
• Dosage: 30–50g per cycle
• How to Use: Run empty cycle with sodium percarbonate in detergent tray.

7. Decking, Patios, and Outdoor Furniture

• Use: Clean wood, plastic, and stone
• Dosage: 50–100g per litre of hot water
• How to Use: Scrub or spray on surface, wait 15 minutes, rinse thoroughly.

Example: For a 10m² deck, dissolve 500g in 10L of hot water.

Safety Tips When Using Sodium Percarbonate

• Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling
• Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture
• Do not mix with acids or ammonia
• Keep out of reach of children
• Use only in well-ventilated areas

Where to Buy Sodium Percarbonate UK Online

For high-quality sodium percarbonate in various quantities (from 500g to 25kg), HD Chemicals Ltd is your trusted UK chemical supplier. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, cleaner, or business, you’ll find reliable, lab-tested chemicals ready for delivery across the UK.

Search terms to find the best options:

• Where to buy sodium percarbonate UK online
• Buy sodium percarbonate for cleaning UK
• Eco oxygen bleach UK supplier

Real-World Usage Table

10 FAQs About Sodium Percarbonate

1. Is sodium percarbonate the same as baking soda?
   No. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, while sodium percarbonate contains hydrogen peroxide and is much stronger.
2. Is sodium percarbonate safe for septic tanks?
   Yes, it breaks down into water, oxygen, and soda ash — all safe for septic systems.
3. Can I use sodium percarbonate on coloured clothes?
   Use caution; test on a small area first. It may lighten some dyes.
4. How do I store sodium percarbonate?
   Keep it in an airtight container in a dry, cool place.
5. Can I use it in a cold wash?
   It works best in warm water (above 30°C), though some effect is seen in cold water.
6. Is it safe for pets?
   Once rinsed and dried, surfaces cleaned with it are safe. Keep pets away during application.
7. How long does it take to work?
   5–30 minutes depending on surface and dilution.
8. Is sodium percarbonate bleach?
   It’s a form of oxygen bleach, not chlorine bleach.
9. Can I mix it with vinegar?
   No, mixing with acids can release unwanted gases.
10. Does it expire?
    It can lose potency if exposed to moisture. Shelf life is 1–2 years in proper storage.

For more chemical guides and supplies, visit HD Chemicals - UK Chemical Supplier.