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Glossary

Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach is a safe cleaning powder used to wash siding and decks. It mixes with water to release tiny oxygen bubbles that lift dirt and mold. Unlike chlorine bleach, it won't harm your plants or fade your paint.

Reviewed by John HomesUpdated July 5, 20263 min read

Origin

This chemical compound is known as sodium percarbonate. It was first developed in the early 1900s as an alternative to harsh chlorine cleaners.

How you'll see it used

  • A power washing contractor might tell you they use an oxygen bleach solution instead of chlorine to safely clean your vinyl siding without killing your foundation shrubs.
  • You might buy a large tub of sodium percarbonate at the hardware store to scrub the gray weather stains off your backyard cedar deck before applying a new coat of sealer.
  • During a spring maintenance weekend, you might mix a scoop of oxygen bleach into a bucket of warm water to scrub green algae off your brick patio.

What Is Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach is a safe cleaning powder known as sodium percarbonate. It was first developed in the early 1900s as a gentle alternative to harsh chlorine cleaners. When you mix this white powder with water, it creates a chemical reaction. This reaction releases millions of tiny oxygen bubbles. These bubbles work hard to lift dirt, mold, and algae off surfaces around your home.

Unlike regular liquid bleach, oxygen bleach doesn't contain chlorine. This makes it safe for the environment. It breaks down into natural elements like water, oxygen, and soda ash. You'll often see it sold in tubs or buckets at hardware stores. It's a dry powder that stays good for years if you keep it sealed and dry.

Why It Matters For Your Home

Keeping the outside of your house clean is a big job. Many homeowners reach for regular household bleach to kill mold on their siding or decks. But chlorine bleach can cause a lot of damage. It can strip the natural color out of wood. It can fade your house paint. Worst of all, the runoff can kill your grass and expensive landscaping plants.

Oxygen bleach solves these problems. It's gentle on materials but tough on grime. It won't bleach the color out of your wood deck or your painted siding. If the soapy water runs off into your flower beds, it won't harm your plants or your soil. This makes it the perfect cleaner when you're working on the Exterior: Siding, Garage & Decks.

Where You'll Use It

You'll find many uses for oxygen bleach outside your house. It's a favorite tool for spring cleaning and routine maintenance.

  • Wood decks and fences: It cleans away gray sun damage, dirt, and mildew without eating the wood fibers.
  • Vinyl and aluminum siding: It easily melts away green algae on the shady side of your house.
  • Concrete and brick: It lifts stains from patios, walkways, and driveways.
  • Outdoor furniture: It safely scrubs mold off plastic, metal, and fabric patio chairs.
  • Roofing: It's a safe way to treat black streaks on shingles without drying them out. If you plan to clean your roof, check out our guide on Roofing first to learn about walking on shingles safely.
Mix the powder with warm water to help it dissolve faster. Let the mixture sit on the dirty surface for 15 to 30 minutes so the bubbles can do the heavy lifting before you scrub.

What It Costs

Oxygen bleach is very affordable and goes a long way. You buy it in a concentrated powder form. You only need to mix a few scoops into a gallon of water.

A small two pound tub usually costs between 10 and 15 dollars. This is enough for small jobs like cleaning patio furniture or a tiny porch. For larger projects like a whole house wash or a big deck, you'll want a larger bucket. A large bucket holding 8 to 10 pounds typically costs between 40 and 60 dollars. Keep in mind that prices range based on the brand and your location.

Hiring a professional power washing company to clean your siding can cost 250 to 600 dollars. Buying a bucket of oxygen bleach and doing it yourself can save you hundreds of dollars. If you're debating whether to hire out the job, reading up on DIY vs. Hiring a Pro can help you decide.

Frequently asked

Can I use oxygen bleach in my pressure washer?

You shouldn't put the powder directly into the soap tank of a pressure washer because it can clog the pump. It's better to mix it in a pump sprayer, apply it to your siding, let it sit, and then rinse it off with the pressure washer.

How long does mixed oxygen bleach last?

Once you mix the powder with water, the oxygen bubbles release quickly and lose their cleaning power after about six hours. You should only mix as much as you plan to use that same day and throw away any leftovers.

Will oxygen bleach remove old paint or stain from my deck?

No, it's a cleaner, not a chemical stripper. It'll remove dirt, mold, and dead wood fibers, but you'll need a dedicated paint stripper to remove old coats of solid stain or paint.

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