Question from Lezlie
Do you have any info on OxiClean Versatile stain remover? I have stopped using bleach in my laundry, but my whites started looking so grey. I started using OxoBrite that I purchased at a health foods store, but the OxiClean sells at Costco for so much less and money is tight right now. Also, is Jet Dry toxic? I am just learning about toxic ingredients and sometimes it is overwhelming trying to find out if something is safe or not.
Thank you so much for your help. I look forward to becoming more and more educated in this very important area of my life.
Lezlie
Debra’s Answer
According to OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover MSDS, OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover contains these hazardous ingredients:
The Jet Dry MSDS says, “This product is not considered hazardous according to the criteria of 29 CFR 1910.1200. It does not contain any substance listed in SARA 313. It is not a DOT hazardous material.”
I know the EWG Skin Deep Database should just be used as a guideline, but most of the OxiClean products have awful ratings in 2020 if anyone is still interested.
The 2016 (most recent they have) version of OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover is rated F with bad marks for cancer concerns and skin reactions and includes colors and fragrance. The “Free” version has an overall rating of B but still some concerning ingredient, though there isn’t much info on the POLYACRYLIC ACID.
Interestingly, the Baby Laundry Soak had a formula change and dropped from an A to a B; wonder if that was when Arm and Hammer took over?
I grew up with Shout but switched to OxiClean because I thought it was safer…but I’ll be looking for a different oxygen bleach now.
For whatever this is worth, I am chemically sensitive. I used oxyclean for many years when it was owned by Orange Glo. I had no reaction to the product at that time. I see this comment was posted in 2009, and I think the product was fine at that time. The product was purchased by Arm and Hammer at some point, and they changed the product. I believe it is now toxic since I can no longer tolerate the product. I CAN tolerate the generic versions such as Oxo-Brite. Maybe they tried to improve the product and added a toxic ingredient?
Oxo-Brite has a good rating on EWG. Looks like just some respiratory and skin irritation issues which you would expect from a powder. May be toxic to aquatic life (unless it breaks down safely I assume) but one I will look into. Thanks for mentioning it 🙂