The 9 Best Uses for OxiClean

The Best Uses for OxiClean: Your Stain-Fighting Secret Weapon

If you’ve ever faced a stubborn stain and felt like giving up, you’re not alone. From spilled coffee on a white shirt to mystery marks on the carpet, life gets messy — and that’s where a little household hero called OxiClean comes in. It’s been a staple in laundry rooms and cleaning closets for years, and for good reason: it works. But what you might not realize is just how versatile this oxygen-based cleaner really is.

So, whether you’re a long-time fan of the bright blue tub or you’ve only seen it on TV, let’s talk about the best, most surprisingly handy uses for OxiClean. Fair warning: you might start keeping it in every room of your house after this.

What Is OxiClean, Anyway?

Before we dive into the good stuff, a quick refresher. OxiClean is a cleaning product that uses the power of oxygen to lift stains and dirt. Its main active ingredient is sodium percarbonate, which, when mixed with water, breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and soda ash. This bubbly reaction helps to gently loosen grime, lift stains, and brighten fabrics — all without the harshness of bleach.

It’s typically sold in powder form, but you can find liquid versions and pre-mixed sprays too. And while it’s famous for tackling laundry stains, its talents go far beyond your dirty clothes.

Top Uses for OxiClean

1. Laundry Stain Remover (The Classic Move)

Let’s start with the obvious. OxiClean is a lifesaver when it comes to laundry stains. From wine and coffee spills to grass, blood, and makeup smudges, it handles just about anything you throw at it.

How to use it:
Mix a scoop of OxiClean powder with warm water in a basin or bucket, then soak the stained item for a few hours — or overnight for tough stains. Then wash as usual. You can also add a scoop directly to your washing machine along with your detergent for an extra cleaning boost.

2. Brightening Whites Without Bleach

If your white t-shirts or towels have taken on a dingy, grayish tint over time, OxiClean can help bring them back to life. It’s much gentler than bleach and won’t weaken fabrics or cause yellowing.

How to use it:
Add a scoop to your washer along with your regular detergent when washing whites. Or, pre-soak your items in a mix of OxiClean and warm water before laundering.

3. Carpet Stain Cleaner

Got a mystery stain on your living room rug? No need to call in the professionals just yet. OxiClean works wonders on carpet stains, including pet accidents, muddy footprints, and spilled drinks.

How to use it:
Mix a scoop of OxiClean with warm water, then blot the stain with the solution using a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse with a little plain water and blot dry. Just be sure to test a hidden spot on your carpet first to make sure it doesn’t affect the color.

4. Upholstery Freshener

Your couch sees a lot of action — from movie nights to afternoon naps — and it can start to look a little worse for wear. OxiClean can freshen up upholstered furniture, removing stains and odors.

How to use it:
Use the same diluted solution you’d use for carpet stains, and gently blot stains on cushions or fabric chairs. Avoid over-saturating the fabric, and test an inconspicuous area first.

5. Tile and Grout Cleaner

Tile floors and backsplashes can collect dirt and grime, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. OxiClean’s bubbling action can help lift that gunk right out of grout lines.

How to use it:
Make a paste of OxiClean powder and water, apply it to the grout lines, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Scrub with a brush and rinse well. Your tiles will look so much brighter, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

6. Patio Furniture Refresher

Outdoor furniture takes a beating from the elements, and it’s easy for mildew and dirt to build up. Good news: OxiClean can help with that too.

How to use it:
Mix a big bucket of warm water and OxiClean, then use a sponge or soft brush to scrub down your plastic, metal, or mesh patio furniture. Rinse with a hose and let it air dry.

7. Cleaning Garbage Cans

Let’s be honest — garbage cans get gross. A deep clean every now and then keeps odors and germs at bay, and OxiClean makes it an easy job.

How to use it:
Fill the can with warm water, add a scoop of OxiClean, and let it soak for about 30 minutes. Scrub if needed, then rinse it out thoroughly. No more funky smells.

8. Reviving Old Sneakers

White sneakers looking a little too loved? OxiClean can freshen them up and restore their brightness.

How to use it:
Remove the laces and soak the shoes in a solution of warm water and OxiClean for a few hours. Use a soft brush to scrub away dirt, then rinse well and air dry. (And yes, you can toss the laces in too.)

9. Toy Cleaner

If you’ve got kids (or pets), you know how quickly toys can get grimy. OxiClean is non-toxic once rinsed, making it a good option for cleaning hard plastic toys.

How to use it:
Soak toys in a sink or tub filled with warm water and a scoop of OxiClean for 30 minutes. Scrub as needed, rinse thoroughly, and let them dry.

A Few Quick Tips

• Always dissolve the powder fully before applying it to fabrics or surfaces.

• Test a hidden area first if you’re unsure how a material will react.

• Don’t use OxiClean on wool, silk, or leather, as it can damage delicate materials.

• Keep it out of reach of kids and pets — it’s powerful stuff.

OxiClean is one of those products that earns its keep in any household. It’s affordable, versatile, and surprisingly gentle for how effective it is. From everyday laundry mishaps to deep-cleaning projects around the house, it can tackle a long list of messes without breaking a sweat (or your back).

If you haven’t already, grab yourself a tub — or dig the one you forgot you had out from under the sink — and give it a try on one of these uses. Chances are, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.