Retro Clean and OxiClean are two big boys when we talk about stain-removal, each having earned a loyal customer base thanks to their stain-busting prowess.
Both deliver a powerful punch when it comes to removing an array of unforgiving stains, but they do have their own unique merits and shortfalls.
In this article, we pit Retro Clean against OxiClean.
We’ll examine how they stack up in removing various types of stains, their ingredients and their footprint on our planet.
What Is: Retro Clean vs Oxiclean?
Retro Clean is your gentle, yet potent ally for breathing life back into all washable VINTAGE fabrics.
Imagine your laces, linens, quilts, table clothes and more gaining reprieve from brown and yellow aging stains — that’s what retro clean promises!
It stands tall against a variety of stain adversaries such as water damage, mildew and even blood – no coffee or tea stain stands a chance.
To use it, first wash the fabric, then immerse it in a warm bath of Retro Clean solution for several hours (upto 48) or overnight if the stain is particularly stubborn.
At the end of the day; you’ll be rewarded with renewed color and vitality in every thread.
Now let’s turn our attention to OxiClean.
With its extensive portfolio including the Versatile Stain Remover, it wears many hats – from laundry additive to spot stain remover and an all-around household cleaner.
What makes OxiClean work so well?
The secret lies in sodium percarbonate (OXI) which elegantly transforms into hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water.
This process aids in banishing stains not only from various everyday fabrics but also surfaces such as grout, tiles, wood and more.
Incorporate OxiClean into your washing routine by either adding it to your regular detergent or pre-soaking stained items for remarkable results.
What Does It Contain: Retro Clean vs Oxiclean
Retro Clean and OxiClean are designed with unique formulas to banish stubborn stains, but what exactly goes on behind their labels?
At the heart of Retro Clean is sodium perborate, a gentle cleaning agent also found in teeth whiteners.
Laden with antiseptic and disinfectant properties, sodium perborate acts as a milder bleach compared to its sibling, sodium hypochlorite or common chlorine bleach.
As such, it poses less threat to dyes and textiles.
Moreover, Retro Clean incorporates sodium carbonate for regulating pH levels and softening water combined with sodium sulfate which acts as an influential filler and stabilizer.
On the flip side, OxiClean contains sodium percarbonate – a potent combo of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide.
The magic begins once dissolved in water as it breaks down into hydrogen peroxide, giving your stains an oxidized eviction notice.
In addition to sodium carbonate directed at pH level control and water softening, OxiClean also contains surfactants – microscopic cleaning agents that lift off dirt and grease with finesse.
It also includes a polymer which prevents soil from reattaching to fabric after being lifted away.
Which Is More Eco-Friendly: Retro Clean vs Oxiclean
Retro Clean and OxiClean, both bend over backward to ensure that their products don’t pack a punch to our environment or personal health.
They shine in the segment by avoiding harsh or caustic chemicals.
However, their respective footprints do vary based on usage and subsequent disposal.
Retro Clean proudly wears its badge of being eco-safe and biodegradable on its “sleeve”.
Its composition includes sodium perborate, a softer bleaching agent relative to chlorine bleach.
But before we give it a clean chit, sodium perborate could potentially pose adverse effects on aquatic life if released unchecked into water bodies.
So, while it’s friendly, moderation is key when using Retro Clean along with following package instructions for proper disposal.
On the other hand, OxiClean touts similar eco-friendly and degradation-friendly credentials.
It houses sodium percarbonate that simply decomposes into natural soda, oxygen and water upon use. As per the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover ‘Free’ proudly sports a B rating indicating low concerns for human health and environmental impact.
But not all products from the OxiClean stable wear this green badge equally well; some contain ingredients less favourable to our ecosystem such as fragrances, dyes or optical brighteners.
Thus, when choosing an Oxiclean product, scrutinizing labels for unwanted additives becomes equally important.
Which Is Gentler On The Skin?
When it comes to gentle cleaning agents, both Retro Clean and OxiClean have a significantly lighter touch on the skin compared to traditional chlorine bleach.
That’s because they lack the harsh, caustic chemicals that can lead to skin irritation and burns.
However, it doesn’t mean they’re entirely void of potential risks or side effects, especially when misused or overused.
Let’s talk about Retro Clean first.
It’s composed of sodium perborate, a mild compound often found in products such as teeth whiteners.
While it’s generally safe for most people, sodium perborate can still trigger skin irritation, dryness, redness or even allergic reactions in some individuals – particularly those with sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions.
That’s why you should always wear gloves when handling Retro Clean and avoid extended skin contact.
Next up is OxiClean.
Its main ingredient is sodium percarbonate which transforms into hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate upon dissolving in water.
Similar to Retro Clean, these components can cause symptoms like skin irritation, dryness, itching or allergic reactions particularly among those with sensitive skin conditions.
Therefore, similar precautions are warranted: make sure to wear gloves when handling OxiClean and steer clear of contact with your eyes and mouth.
So, which one is gentler on the skin? Both cleaning agents have their potential drawbacks if mishandled.
Henceforth, regardless of whether you choose Retro Clean or OxiClean – wearing protective gloves and avoiding unnecessary skin contact will keep you safe.
Which Is Better For Stain Removal?
Whether it’s an accidental coffee spill, a stubborn ink splash or the dreaded mildew attack on your favorite attire, the question is, which stain remover should you reach for? Retro Clean or OxiClean?
Let’s begin with Retro Clean.
This product is specifically targeted for removing yellow and brown age stains from vintage or cherished old materials, including quilts, linens, laces and clothing. But in the Retro clean website, they also mention that so long as a fabric can be washed using a mild soap, then it can be soaked in a retro clean solution. So it can be used just like oxiclean — in modern laundry.
As for how effective it is, not only does it effortlessly remove aged stains like water damage, mildew, coffee, tea and even blood; it also works miracles in restoring your fabric’s original color and brightness. It really does. You just need to follow the manufacturers instructions!
However, there is an apparent downside.
Retro Clean demands patience as soaking the fabric in a solution of Retro Clean and warm water for several hours – sometimes overnight – is required to achieve the best results.
Also worth noting is its strong fume that some may find irritating to their eyes or nostrils.
On the other hand, we have OxiClean – a versatile contender in the realm of stain-removal detergents.
Its versatility shines in its ability to be utilized on various fabrics and surfaces such as carpets, upholstery grout, tiles and even wood.
What’s more? It has an added advantage of boosting cleaning power when combined with your regular detergent.
However, while OxiClean might appear as superman among detergents due to its versatility and stain-fighting abilities; it is not always our first choice when dealing with age stains on vintage or even modern fabrics – Retro Clean holds this crown.
Furthermore, OxiClean may also contain ingredients like fragrances, dyes or optical brighteners that are less eco-friendly than those found in Retro Clean.
So which should you choose?
If you have really really old stains especially on vintage fabrics that oxiclean doesn’t remove, try Retro Clean on them and you wont be disappointed.
For regular stain removal, oxiclean should suffice. Although Retro Clean would still work!
