Ever wonder which works better: OxiClean or baking soda?

Both are popular cleaning go-tos, but they’re not exactly the same.

Depending on what you’re cleaning, one might give you better results than the other.

In this post, I’ll compare OxiClean vs baking soda against a number of factors to give you an idea of how these two stack up, so you can decide which one’s right for your needs.

#1 Active Ingredients

OxiClean's main ingredient is something called sodium percarbonate.

Don't worry, I'm not going to give you a chemistry lesson! Basically, when you mix it with water, it breaks down into sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide, and it releases oxygen.

That oxygen is what gives OxiClean its cleaning superpowers.

Now, baking soda is much simpler. It's just sodium bicarbonate. It's a mild alkali that can dissolve dirt and grease in water, and it's slightly abrasive (but not too harsh).

#2 Cleaning Effectiveness

When it comes to getting things clean, OxiClean usually wins, especially for tough stains.

Remember that oxygen we talked about? It helps break down stains from things like food, blood, and grass at a really tiny level. This makes OxiClean awesome for laundry stains and really dirty stuff.

Baking soda might not be as powerful as OxiClean for stains, but it's still really good at getting rid of smells and can make your regular detergent work even better.

Baking soda is great for everyday cleaning, making things smell fresh, and gently scrubbing surfaces without scratching them.

A lot of people like to use baking soda along with their regular detergent to get things extra clean.

#3 Versatility And Application

Both OxiClean and baking soda are pretty flexible, but in different ways.

OxiClean is mainly for laundry, but you can use it for other cleaning jobs around the house too. It's really good for cleaning outdoor furniture, carpets, and other stuff with tough, set-in stains.

You can even use it on colored fabrics without worrying about damage like you might get with regular bleach.

Baking soda, on the other hand, is like the Swiss Army knife of cleaning products. You can use it for so many things.

Besides laundry, it's great for cleaning kitchen counters, making your fridge smell better, getting rid of carpet odors, unclogging drains (when you mix it with vinegar), and even whitening your teeth.

#4 Ease Of Use

Both OxiClean and baking soda are pretty easy to use, but they work a bit differently.

OxiClean usually comes as a powder that you need to mix with water before you use it. You might need to measure it out, and sometimes you have to let it sit on stains for a while to really work its magic.

Some OxiClean products come in little pre-measured packets, which can be handy but might not give you as much control over how much you use.

Baking soda is super simple to use.

You can sprinkle it straight onto surfaces, mix it with water to make a paste, or just toss some in with your laundry.

You don't need to be super precise with measurements. This makes it really easy to experiment with different ways of using it, which is why a lot of people who like to make their own cleaning stuff love baking soda.

#5 Cost

If you're watching your wallet, baking soda is usually the cheaper option.

Baking soda costs like $1-2 per box (usually around 16 ounces) and OxiClean is about $5-8 per bottle.

OxiClean costs more, but a lot of people think it's worth it because it's so good at getting rid of tough stains. But for everyday cleaning, OxiClean might be a bit pricey for some people.

You can buy baking soda in big boxes for a lot cheaper, which makes it great for using all around the house without breaking the bank.

#6 Eco-Friendliness

Both OxiClean and baking soda are better for the environment than a lot of harsh chemical cleaners.

Baking soda is often seen as the more eco-friendly choice because it's a natural substance. It's not toxic, it breaks down easily in the environment, and it's safe for septic systems.

Making baking soda doesn't have a big impact on the environment either.

OxiClean isn't totally natural, but it's still marketed as an environmentally friendly product.

It doesn't have phosphates or chlorine bleach, which can be bad for water and fish. And when OxiClean breaks down, it just turns into water and oxygen, so it doesn't leave behind any nasty stuff.

But it does take more processing to make OxiClean compared to baking soda.

Should I Get Oxiclean Or Baking Soda?

Choosing between OxiClean and baking soda really depends on what you need to clean.

If you're dealing with tough stains, especially on clothes or fabrics, OxiClean is probably your best bet. It's really good at tackling those stubborn marks on laundry, carpets, and other tricky spots.

But if you're looking for something you can use all around the house for everyday cleaning, baking soda might be the way to go. It's gentle, great at getting rid of smells, and you can use it for so many different things.

Baking soda is also cheaper and might be better if you prefer more natural cleaning products.

Can You Mix Baking Soda And Oxiclean?

You technically can mix baking soda and OxiClean, but there's not really any point in doing it.

OxiClean is already pretty strong on its own – it has a pH of about 11 when mixed with water, which is almost as strong as laundry bleach. Baking soda isn't as strong, with a pH of around 8.3.

If you mix them together, you'd actually make the OxiClean less strong.

So it won't make your cleaning any better, and it might even make the OxiClean less effective!

Also Read: Is OxiClean Safe For Newborns?

Wrapping Up

In the end, a lot of households find it useful to have both products on hand.

This way, they're ready to tackle all sorts of cleaning challenges!

OxiClean is the go-to for those tough stains and deep cleaning jobs, especially when it comes to laundry and those occasional big cleaning tasks.

Baking soda, with its versatility, gentle nature, and low cost, is perfect for everyday cleaning, getting rid of smells, and as a base for making your own cleaning mixes.

OxiClean Vs Baking Soda (Compared)