Hydrogen peroxide in fabric bleaching – a practical guide for the company

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an effective, oxygen-based bleaching and stain-removing agent. It breaks down into water and oxygen, which is why it is seen as more environmentally friendly than chlorine bleaches. Below you will find the most important tips: safety, dilutions, and methods of use in washing machines, for soaking, and for spot stain removal.

    Hydrogen peroxide 35% is available at ole.pl – a concentrate for professional use that must be diluted before use.

Why H₂O₂ for whitening and stain removal?

• Effective on organic stains: coffee, tea, wine, blood, sweat, fruits.
• Chlorine-free: lower risk of yellowing, odors, and fiber damage.
• More environmentally friendly: breakdown products are water and oxygen (when used correctly).
• Good compatibility with detergents: an "oxygen booster" for powders and liquids.

Note: Wool, silk, and fabrics dyed with unstable dyes may react poorly to H₂O₂. Always perform a test on an inconspicuous area.

Safety (especially at 35%)

• PPE: goggles, nitrile gloves, apron; good ventilation.
• Pouring rule: always add H₂O₂ to water, never the other way around.
• Storage: airtight HDPE, upright, cool, away from sunlight and children.
• Do not mix with: chlorine, ammonia, vinegar, strong acids/bases, copper, and iron.
• Surfaces: avoid wood, leather, and certain metals; rinse spills with water.
• Label: label working solutions with concentration and date.

What concentrations work in practice?

For laundry work, 1.5–6% solutions are most commonly used, with 3% being the standard for stain removal and whitening of whites. In the wash bath (water in the drum), the final concentration is lower – and that is sufficient.

Quick dilutions from 35% (for 1 l of solution)

Note: prepare only as much as you will use in 1–2 weeks (H₂O₂ breaks down).

How to use

1) Washing machine – full laundry (whites/cotton)

• Dosage: add 100–200 ml of 3% solution to the detergent drawer (main wash section) along with powder/liquid.
• Temperature: best at 40–60°C. Lower temperatures work, but slower; above 60°C the decomposition rate increases (which can be beneficial for heavy soiling).
• Do not mix: with chlorine bleach. Regular detergent – Yes.

2) Soaking before washing

• Solution: 1.5–3% in warm water.
• Time: 30–60 min (for stubborn stains up to 2–3 h).
• After soaking, wash as usual.

3) Spot stain removal

• Solution: 3% (for delicate fabrics 1–1.5%).
• Application: soak the stain, wait 5–10 min, gently rub with fingers/soft-bristled brush.
• Rinse and wash normally. If necessary – repeat.

Example scenarios

• Blood: first cold water, then 1.5–3% H₂O₂ locally; do not use hot water on fresh stains (it sets the protein).
• Coffee/ tea/ wine: spray 3%, leave for 10–15 min, rinse; for whites, washing at 40–60°C will help.
• Yellowing of whites: washing with 150–200 ml of 3% usually restores freshness after a few cycles.
• Diapers, onesies, towels: soaking 1.5–3% + washing at 60°C has deodorizing and brightening effects.
• Curtains: short soaking 1.5–3% and gentle program – brightens and refreshes.

Temperature, pH, activators

• Temperature: 40–60 °C is the optimal range.
• pH: a slightly alkaline environment with detergent promotes fat removal, but at very high pH, H₂O₂ breaks down faster – so do not overdo it with soda/alkalis.
• Activators: some detergents contain activators (e.g., TAED), which make "oxygen" bleaching effective even at 30–40°C. H₂O₂ complements them well.

Common mistakes

• Too high concentration on delicate fabrics → possible weakening of fibers or discoloration.

• Mixing with chlorine or vinegar → risk of dangerous reactions and odors.

• Application on color without testing → some dyes are unstable to oxidation.

• Contact with metals (copper, iron) → accelerated, violent degradation of the solution.

Quick FAQ

Can I pour 35% directly into the washing machine?
No. 35% is a concentrate – always dilute to working concentrations.

Is H₂O₂ safe for septic systems?
In reasonable doses and after breakdown – yes; the products are water and oxygen.

Can it replace soda ash or sodium percarbonate?
These are different agents. H₂O₂ complements detergents and percarbonate well (the latter releases H₂O₂ in water). You can use it, but do not add excessive amounts of bases.

Is it suitable for colors?
Cautiously. On permanent colors – usually yes (after testing). On unstable dyes, it may lighten.

Summary and recommendation

H₂O₂ is a versatile, effective oxygen bleach for whites and many stains. The key is to handle the 35% concentrate safely, dilute correctly (1.5–3% for everyday use, up to 6% for tough stains), and choose the right temperature and time.

Need an economical solution for a professional laundry? At ole.pl you will find hydrogen peroxide 35% to prepare working solutions tailored to your needs.