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Sodium Percarbonate
Sodium percarbonate is a great killer of bacteria, fungi, viruses and mildew, therefore can be used as a very effective exterior Algae removal agent and moss killer. Sodium percarbonate is also an effective indoors product and is used as a house deodoriser, floor cleaner and carpet spot cleaner.
Sodium Percarbonate is becoming the new multi-use home and garden cleaner. There are many conversations about using less plastic packaging. This is one product that covers a multitude of uses in the house and garden.
It is an excellent colour and fabric laundry stain remover. Since there is no environmental impact, this product has got to be at the top of your online shopping list.
What exactly is Sodium Percarbonate?
Sodium percarbonate is also known as Oxygen Bleach or Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate. It is a micro bead or free flowing powder which is made up of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide.
It might have a long name which may seem unfriendly but it is simply a make up of compounds which, when dissolved in water break down to oxygen, water and sodium carbonate (soda ash). Soda ash is also known as washing soda. Originally extracted from the ashes of plants, soda ash can be synthetically produced and used in the making of glass and as domestic water softeners.
Hydrogen Peroxide is a great antiseptic and disinfectant and is seen as an environmentally friendly alternative to chlorine bleaches. Historically hydrogen peroxide was used to disinfect wounds (but is not used in developed countries now) as it’s known to reduce the healing process. Hydrogen peroxide is used as an ingredient in whitening toothpaste.
Although it is best known as a bleaching agent, sodium percarbonate is not chlorine bleach. The two work very differently. It is all to do with the molecules and electrons and how their structure is changed.
If a chlorine bleach was used in the laundry then all the clothes would come out various shades of white and the material would be considerably weaker. When using an oxygen bleach the stain is removed but the clothes fibres remain intact.
Why does sodium percarbonate work so well on moss and algae?
Oxygen bleaches, such as sodium percarbonate, work at breaking down single celled organisms such as moss roots and algae structures. This makes it a very effective moss killer and algae remover/killer. It breaks down moss spores which moss uses to reproduce, reducing the chance of the moss regrowing in the future.
Other benefits and uses for sodium percarbonate.
There are many uses for this super Eco-friendly product in and around the home.
- Pre-soaker to heavily stained laundry.
- De-stainer of coffee and teacups.
- General cleaning of kitchen surfaces and utensils.
- Bathrooms.
- Sterilising of bottles and other utensils such as hairdresser’s tools.
- Carpet and fabric cleaning and stain removal.
- Tile, grout and general floor cleaning.
- Sterilisation of pet areas and bedding.
- Deck cleaning.
- Moss killing.
- Killing algae in water features. Read more about it Here.
How To Use Sodium Percarbonate
Deck Cleaning
Dissolve 50g of sodium percarbonate in 1 litre of water and apply with a sprayer or watering can. Alternatively, damp down the deck with water and sprinkle the granules on the deck. leave for 20 mins, rinse off.
Moss Killing
Wearing gloves, broadcast by hand approximately 50g over 1sqm. Alternatively, dissolve 50g of sodium percarbonate in 1 litre of water and apply with a sprayer.
General Cleaning
For cleaning of surfaces, floors and fridges etc. Dissolve 40g in 1 litre of warm water.
Carpet Stain Remover
Dissolve 30g of s.p. in 1 litre of water and apply with a cloth.
Laundry
30g/60g/120g of sodium percarbonate, from light to heavily soiled items respectively, with your usual chosen brand of washing powder or liquid.
For yellowed materials like curtains or sheets or sweaty sportswear and deodorising. Dissolve 60g in 5 litres of warm water overnight.
