When it comes to tackling tough stains, OxiClean and Clorox 2 are two of the most popular stain fighting products on the market. But which one should you choose for your laundry needs?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare and contrast OxiClean and Clorox 2 to help you decide which is best for removing stains from your clothes, carpets and upholstery.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | OxiClean | Clorox 2 |
| Active Ingredient | Sodium percarbonate (oxygen-based) | Sodium hypochlorite bleach |
| Ideal Water Temperature | All temps | Cold only |
| Types of Stains | Variety | Organic-based |
| Whitening Ability | Brightens fabrics | Bleaches stains |
| Safety | Chlorine-free, eco-friendly | Can irritate skin/fabrics |
| Use Frequency | Regular maintenance | Occasional deep cleaning |
Key Takeaways:
- OxiClean uses oxygen power to lift stains safely in all water temps while Clorox 2 uses bleach for tough organic stains in cold water.
- OxiClean is gentler, making it better for regular use on colors, while Clorox 2 is stronger for periodic deep cleaning of whites.
- For best results, pretreat set-in stains with Clorox 2 before washing with OxiClean to combine both staining fighting powers.
- Follow care labels and proper usage tips to get the most out of each product and avoid damaging clothes.
- Consider stain type, laundry needs, safety, and cost when deciding between OxiClean and Clorox 2.
Overview of OxiClean
OxiClean is an oxygen-based stain remover that uses the natural cleaning power of oxygen to lift stains and whitening fabrics. It was introduced in 1997 by Church & Dwight, the maker of Arm & Hammer baking soda.
Here are some key facts about OxiClean:
- Active ingredient is sodium percarbonate, which releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water
- Chlorine-free and bleach-free formula
- Can be used in both hot and cold water cycles
- Available as powder, liquid, gel sticks, spray and laundry detergent booster
- Markets itself as an eco-friendly product
The main benefit of OxiClean is that it helps break down tough stains through oxidation reactions.
The oxygen-based formula works to lift stains rather than just surface cleaning. It’s effective on food and drink stains, blood, grass, grease, wine and more. Many users also praise its ability to whiten fabrics and get rid of dingy looking clothes.
Overview of Clorox 2
Clorox 2 is a line of chlorine-based stain removers made by The Clorox Company, known for its bleach products. It uses chlorine bleach to penetrate, lift and remove stains.
Here are some key details about Clorox 2:
- Active ingredients are sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and sodium carbonate
- Available as liquid or powder concentrates
- Has to be activated by water before use
- Can only be used in cold water cycles -Removes organic stains like food, drinks, grass and makeup
- Whitens fabrics by chemically bleaching stains
The main advantage of Clorox 2 is that the chlorine bleach is very effective at breaking down and removing organic-based stains. It’s especially useful for tackling set-in stains on white clothes. The formula lifts stains rather than just surface cleaning.
Key Differences Between OxiClean And Clorox 2
Now that we’ve covered the basics of both products, let’s compare some of the main differences between OxiClean and Clorox 2:
Active Ingredients
- OxiClean uses sodium percarbonate which releases oxygen-based hydrogen peroxide
- Clorox 2 uses sodium hypochlorite bleach and sodium carbonate
Ideal Water Temperature
- OxiClean can be used in all water temperatures
- Clorox 2 must be used in cold water only
Type of Stains Removed
- OxiClean works on a wide variety of stains
- Clorox 2 specialized in organic-based stains
Whitening Power
- OxiClean can brighten dingy clothes and prevent graying
- Clorox 2 excels at whitening fabrics by bleaching stains
Safety
- OxiClean is chlorine-free and considered environmentally safe
- Clorox 2 can irritate skin and fade some fabrics if misused
Use Frequency
- OxiClean can be used regularly for maintenance
- Clorox 2 should only be used for occasional deep cleaning
As you can see, there are some clear distinctions between these two popular stain fighters. OxiClean offers a more versatile and gentle formula, while Clorox 2 provides targeted stain removal through the power of bleach.
Pros and Cons of OxiClean And Clorox 2
To better evaluate OxiClean and Clorox 2, let’s take a detailed look at the pros and cons of each product:
OxiClean Pros
- Uses oxygen power to lift many types of stains
- Can be used in all water temperatures
- Whitens fabrics and prevents graying
- Contains no chlorine bleach or harsh chemicals
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable formula
- Can be used regularly for maintenance
- Available in many forms (powder, liquid, sticks, spray)
OxiClean Cons
- Not as effective at removing set-in organic stains
- Higher cost per load than chlorine bleach
- Requires presoaking for best results
- May cause color fading if overused
- Can leave powder residue on dark fabrics
Clorox 2 Pros
- Bleaching action removes organic stains very effectively
- Lower cost per load than OxiClean
- Convenient liquid or powder formulas
- Only needs water activated to work
- Specialized for occasional deep cleaning
Clorox 2 Cons
- Only works in cold water cycles
- Not safe for some fabrics and colors
- Can irritate skin and eyes if misused
- Not eco-friendly due to harsh chemicals
- May damage fabrics and accelerate fading over time
- Not suitable for regular or maintenance use
As you can see, both products have their advantages and limitations. OxiClean is the safer choice for regular use, while Clorox 2 offers targeted stain fighting at a low cost.
Also Read: Differences Between Purex 2 And Clorox 2 Laundry Brighteners.
Which Should You Choose?
So which stain remover is better for you – OxiClean or Clorox 2? Here are some tips on when to use each product:
Choose OxiClean If You Want:
- An all-purpose stain remover safe for regular use
- To brighten dingy clothes and prevent graying
- An eco-friendly formula without harsh chemicals
- To clean a wide variety of stains in all water temps
Choose Clorox 2 If You Need:
- Maximum stain removal for set-in organic stains
- To occasionally deep clean whites and colorfasts
- A low cost per load stain fighter
- A convenient liquid or powder formula
Overall, OxiClean is the safer choice for regular laundry loads where you need to lift everyday stains and keep clothes looking vibrant. Clorox 2 is ideal for periodic deep cleaning if OxiClean alone can’t tackle set-in stains.
For best results, you can pre-treat heavily stained areas with Clorox 2 before washing with OxiClean. This combines the staining fighting superpowers of both products!
Tips for Using OxiClean and Clorox 2
To get the most out of OxiClean and Clorox 2, follow these handy tips:
For OxiClean:
- Check garment labels and test for colorfastness
- Avoid overuse on silk, wool, or easily faded fabrics
- Dissolve powder thoroughly before adding clothes
- Pre-treat stains and allow time to activate before washing
- Add powder or liquid to drum before clothes when possible
- Use warm or hot water cycles for best stain removal
- Air dry when possible to prevent set-in stains
For Clorox 2:
- Always check care labels before using
- Only use in cold water wash cycles
- Never pour directly on fabrics
- Mix liquid or powder with water before adding clothes
- Soak heavily stained items before washing
- Rinse thoroughly and avoid overuse
- Add a color-safe bleach after washing if needed
Following proper usage instructions is key to getting the most out of these products and avoiding damage to your garments.
OxiClean and Clorox 2 Alternatives
If you’re looking for something other than OxiClean and Clorox 2, here are a few alternative stain removing products:
- Hydrogen peroxide – chemical stain lifter that releases oxygen
- Borax – natural mineral used as a laundry booster
- Baking soda – alkaline base that helps remove stains
- White vinegar – acidic solution that cuts through grease and grime
- Liquid laundry detergents – many contain stain fighting enzymes
- Natural stain removers – made from plant-based ingredients
You can also make DIY stain removers using ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda. However, these may not have the same level of effectiveness as commercial options.
Also Read: Alternatives To Reshoevn8r Laundry Detergent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main difference is that Clorox 2 contains chlorine bleach, while OxiClean uses an oxygen-based formula. Clorox 2 needs to be activated by water before use and can only be used in cold water. OxiClean works in all temperatures and doesn’t require activation.
Yes, you can use OxiClean and Clorox 2 together. To tackle set-in stains, pre-treat with Clorox 2 before washing with OxiClean. Make sure to follow proper usage directions for both products.
For a versatile, all-purpose stain remover, OxiClean is one of the best options out there. However, Clorox 2 is more effective at removing organic stains like food and drinks. It really depends on the types of stains you’re trying to tackle. Some people also prefer homemade stain removers with natural ingredients.
Clorox 2 can make a big difference when trying to remove set-in organic stains, especially on white fabrics. Its bleaching action is very effective at lifting tough stains that other products may not fully remove. But it should be used occasionally, not daily.
The Bottom Line
When comparing OxiClean and Clorox 2 stain removers, OxiClean is the gentler, safer choice for regular use while Clorox 2 offers targeted stain fighting power.
To get the best results, look at the types of stains you need to remove and the laundry situations when choosing between these two products or exploring other alternatives. With the right stain remover, you can keep your clothes looking like new.
