What Does Vanish Oxi Action Do (how it works & when to use it)

If you’ve ever watched TV or even videos on you tube, you’ve probably seen adverts for Vanish Oxi Action. In these ads they claim that using their product will remove all manner of stubborn stains. But is this just a case of advertising exaggeration? Or does Vanish Oxi Action really work?

That’s what we aim to find out in this article. If you’re interested in finding out whether this product actually removes stains from clothes first time, keep reading.

What Is Vanish Oxi Action?

Vanish Oxi Action is what’s known as an oxygen bleach. The main ingredient in Vanish Oxi Action is sodium percarbonate which is a compound made from hydrogen peroxide and soda crystals. 

Sodium percarbonate, once mixed with water, releases oxygen bubbles that lift out stains and bad smelling odours from your clothes.

It also contains Tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) which mixes with the sodium percarbonate and creates a product that removes stains at lower temperatures. As well as enzymes that help to break down certain types of stains including food, grass, starch and wine.

Among other active ingredients are anionic and non-ionic surfactants that remove grease and oil based stains. Then there’s zeolites which help to soften the water, sodium carbonate that improves deep cleaning and perfumes to make your laundry smell good.

Sodium percarbonate needs a temperature of 40 C and above to work properly which is why Tetraacetylethylenediamine is included to allow the Vanish formula to remove stains at lower temperatures (even as low as 20 C).

Vanish Oxi Action is safe to use on whites and colours but you should always check the wash care label first.

How Does Oxygen Bleach Differ From Chlorine Bleach?

There are two main types of bleach used in laundry which are chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach. They both can be used in the wash but they need to be used in different ways.

This is because chlorine is highly toxic and was used during WW1 as a chemical weapon. This means that although chlorine bleach is used to make many household cleaning agents and disinfectants it can be harmful to health.

From a laundry point of view, using chlorine bleach in the wash can cause damage to patterned and coloured garments and although it’s often used with white clothes to brighten them, using too much or using chlorine bleach too often can actually turn whites a yellow colour.

Why Use Vanish Oxi Action?

Vanish Oxi Action has been specially formulated to remove stains from clothes and is not as harsh as chlorine bleach. There is also a Vanish Oxi Action for both white and coloured or patterned clothes. 

This means you can get the most cleaning power from the product without causing any damage to the colour of the material. Whites will be brighter and colours won’t fade if you use the correct vanish for the right coloured clothes.

Is It OK To Use Vanish On Black Clothes?

It’s not a good idea to use most bleaching agents on black clothes because they will turn nearly white or they will get orange streaks. The resultant discolouration depends on the fabric the item is made from and the particular dye used to colour it.

However, it’s OK to use Vanish Oxi Action on black clothes without causing them any harm (subject to the instructions on the wash care label). We would recommend using Vanish Oxi Action Multi Power Powder when washing black clothes as it removes stains and smells whilst not affecting the colour of the garments.

What Clothes Can Vanish Oxi Action Be Used On?

Vanish Oxi Action can be used on whites and colours as well as patterned clothes made from cotton and polyester. It will effectively remove stains from these fabrics.

However, do not use it on wool or silk items because the chemicals in Vanish Oxi Action cannot tell the difference between protein stains and the protein present in the makeup of wool and silk.

What Is The Difference Between Vanish Oxi White And Pink?

The main difference is that the Vanish in the pink container is best suited for use on coloured or patterned clothes while the Vanish in the white pot is recommended for use on white clothes only.

Another difference is that the Vanish in the pink tub is good for use as a pre-treatment which is reflected in the measuring scoop that comes supplied with it, which has a rough base for rubbing the Vanish/water solution into stains.

Whereas the Vanish in the white pot isn’t recommended as a pre-treatment which is reflected by the smooth base on the measuring scoop.

How Should Vanish Oxi Action Be Used?

There are 3 ways to use Vanish Oxi Action which are;

1. In The Wash
   Just add 1 scoop to every wash along with your regular detergent.
2. As A Pre-Treatment
   Mix 2 teaspoons of powder with 2 teaspoons of water and stir. After around 30 to 40 seconds, apply to the stain and rub into the stain. Then place the garment in the wash as normal and add a scoop of Vanish along with your regular detergent.
3. As A Soak
   Add 1 scoop to 4 litres of water and stir. Then soak the stained garment(s) for around 4 hours before washing in the normal way.

How To Prevent Clothes From Fading

Over time, clothes begin to fade, but you can help prevent this from happening or at least slow the process down. Just stick to the following;

• Add one scoop of Vanish Oxi Action in with every wash cycle.
• Always follow the wash care label’s instructions.
• Turn clothes inside out before washing.
• Use a gentle wash cycle to reduce agitation and colour loss.
• Separate different colours and always wash like colours togethers.
• Air dry clothes whenever possible because the heat from tumble drying can cause colours to fade.

How To Remove Tea & Coffee Stains Using Vanish Oxi Action

If you get tea or coffee stains on your clothes they can be removed using Vanish Oxi Action. You should use a different Vanish for whites than you should use on coloured fabrics.

• White Clothes
  Add 1 scoop of Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Powder to 4 litres of water and mix well. Soak the white garment(s) for 4 to 6 hours then wash in the washing machine as usual adding another scoop of Vanish in with your regular detergent.
• Coloured Clothes
  Add 1 scoop of Vanish Oxi Action Multi Power Powder to 4 litres of water and mix. Place the coloured garment(s) in the mixture and soak for 1 hour before washing in your washing machine as normal.

How To Remove Fruit Stains Using Vanish Oxi Action

To remove fruit stains from your clothes you should mix 2 teaspoons of Vanish Oxi Action with an equal amount of water. 

After 30 to 40 seconds apply to the stain and rub the paste in. Leave to soak for around 60 minutes then wash in the washing machine adding a scoop of Vanish in with the detergent.

How To Remove Chocolate Stains Using Vanish Oxi Action

To remove chocolate stains from clothes you should start by scraping as much off as possible using a knife or spoon. Then place the item in the washing machine and wash as normal using your regular detergent and 1 scoop of Vanish Oxi Action. 

Remember that Vanish has products suitable for whites and colours. You should always use the correct product for the colour of clothes you are cleaning.

How To Remove Wine Using Vanish Oxi Action

If you accidentally spill some wine on your shirt, you should mix 2 teaspoons of Vanish Oxi Action with an equal amount of water and stir for around 30 to 40 seconds before applying it directly to the stain. Rub the mixture into the stain and allow it to soak for around 30 to 60 minutes.

Then wash in the machine in the usual way adding 1 scoop of Vanish Oxi Action in with your regular detergent. Remember to use either the crystal white for white clothes or the pink multi power powder for coloured clothes.

How To Remove Oil Stains Using Vanish Oxi Action

It’s easy to get oil splattered onto your clothes when you’re busy in the kitchen. To remove oil stains they need to be dealt with as soon as possible. You should dab the stain with a paper towel or tea towel.

Then pre-treat it with Vanish Oxi Action Multi Power Gel by pouring the gel directly onto the stain and gently rubbing it in. Leave it to soak in for around 10 minutes, then wash in the washing machine in the usual way.

How To Remove Ketchup Stains Using Vanish Oxi Action

You should use a knife or spoon to remove as much of the ketchup from the clothes first. Then use a paper towel to soak away as much of the residue as possible taking care not to rub too hard as this will make the stain worse.

Then pre-treat with vanish Oxi Action Multi Power Gel by pouring gel directly onto the stain. Leave to soak for no longer than 10 to 15 minutes. Before washing in the washing machine in the usual way.

How To Remove Egg Stains Using Vanish Oxi Action

To remove egg yolk from your clothes you should mix 2 teaspoons of vanish Oxi Action with an equal amount of water and stir for 30 to 40 seconds.

Then apply to the stain and rub gently and allow to soak for 10 minutes before washing in the machine adding 1 scoop of vanish Oxi Action along with your regular detergent.

How To Remove Cola & Soft Drink Stains Using Vanish Oxi Action

Once cola and soft drink stains have dried onto fabrics they can be difficult to remove. However, using Vanish Oxi Action as a soak will help remove these stubborn stains.

All you need to do is add 1 scoop of Vanish Oxi Action to 4 litres of water and mix well. Then soak whites for up to 6 hours or colours for 1 hour using the appropriate Vanish (crystal white for whites or multi power for colours).

Then wash in the usual way in the washing machine using your regular detergent and 1 scoop of Vanish Oxi Action.

How To Remove Curry Stains Using Vanish Oxi Action

Curry stains can be notoriously difficult to remove with all the different ingredients like tomatoes, oil, turmeric, chillies and other spices. However, using Vanish Oxi Action does the trick every time.

Just mix 2 teaspoons of Vanish Oxi Action with 2 teaspoons of water and mix for around 30 to 40 seconds, then apply this mixture to the stain.

Rub it in properly then wash in the washing machine in the usual way using your regular detergent and 1 scoop of vanish Oxi Action.

Can You Use Vanish To Clean Carpets?

According to the manufacturer, you should not use Vanish Oxi Action on your carpets. They do however, make a carpet cleaner which can be used on carpets throughout your home.

All you do is shake the container well and spray the foam over the carpet. It should be worked in using a clean brush or damp sponge or even a mop.

Leave it to soak in for around 2 hours or until fully dry then vacuum.

Is Vanish Oxi Action Harmful To Your Health?

Vanish Oxi Action is made from chemicals and does carry a health warning. It contains sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate and is;

• Harmful If Swallowed
  If swallowed their advice is to seek medical attention immediately and take the container with you.
• Can Damage Eyes
  If you get any of this product in your eyes, they advise to rinse immediately with plenty of water and get medical advice.
• Can Cause Skin Irritation
  They recommend wearing gloves when handling and if you get any vanish on sensitive skin it should be rinsed immediately with lots of water.

SEE ALSO: What Temperature Is Best To Wash White Clothes At?

Frequently Asked Questions