🧼 Oxygen Bleach Laundry Powders: Overview and Properties
🔹 Overview
Oxygen bleach laundry powder detergents are advanced formulations that use oxygen-releasing bleaching agents instead of chlorine compounds.
Their active ingredients, such as sodium percarbonate or sodium perborate, release hydrogen peroxide in water, providing powerful stain removal, whitening, and sanitizing effects without damaging colored fabrics.
These detergents are widely used in household and industrial laundry applications, valued for their fabric safety, environmental compatibility, and excellent cleaning efficiency.
⚗️ Chemical Composition
Typical oxygen bleach laundry powder formulations contain:
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Anionic surfactants (LAS, α-olefin sulfonates) for grease and particulate removal
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Nonionic surfactants (alcohol ethoxylates) to enhance stain solubilization
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Oxygen bleach agents: Sodium percarbonate or sodium perborate
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Bleach activator: TAED (Tetraacetylethylenediamine) to boost low-temperature bleaching
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Builders: Sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, zeolite for alkalinity and water softening
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Stabilizers: Magnesium silicate or EDTA to protect the peroxide system
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Enzymes: Protease, amylase, lipase for biological stain breakdown
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Optical brighteners and anti-redeposition agents to maintain whiteness and fabric integrity
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Fragrance and colorants for consumer appeal
⚙️ Physical and Technical Properties
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Appearance: Free-flowing white or off-white granular powder
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Bulk Density: 0.6 – 0.9 g/cm³
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Moisture Content: ≤ 5 %
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pH (1 % solution): 9 – 11 (alkaline)
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Solubility: Completely soluble in water
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Active Oxygen Content: 2 – 5 % (depending on peroxide source)
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Bleaching System: Oxygen-based, chlorine-free
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Foam Level: Medium to low (machine-wash compatible)
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Washing Temperature Range: Effective from 30 °C to 90 °C
🔹 Performance Characteristics
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Provides strong stain removal for organic soils (coffee, tea, wine, fruit, sweat)
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Ensures safe whitening without fiber degradation
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Color-safe and suitable for mixed fabric loads
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Delivers antibacterial and deodorizing action through active oxygen release
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Compatible with enzymes and surfactants for synergistic cleaning power
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Maintains stability during storage when kept dry and sealed
🔹 Applications
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Household detergents for white and colored fabrics
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Industrial and institutional laundry formulations
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Automatic washing powders and pre-wash boosters
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Eco-friendly cleaning systems replacing chlorine bleach
⚠️ Storage and Handling
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Store in a cool, dry, and ventilated area away from moisture and heat sources
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Avoid mixing with reducing agents or acids
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Keep packaging tightly sealed to prevent peroxide decomposition
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Shelf life: Typically 24 months under recommended conditions
💡 Summary
Oxygen bleach laundry powder detergents provide powerful, fabric-safe cleaning using oxygen-based bleaching agents instead of chlorine.
Their optimized blend of surfactants, builders, enzymes, and oxygen activators ensures effective stain removal, brightness, and hygiene while being environmentally safe and suitable for both domestic and industrial use.
