Sofia Martinez
There are several methods to whiten plastic, including using bleach, baking soda, peroxide, white vinegar, and lemon juice. One method involves using Oxi Clean powder, which is a form of hydrogen peroxide, and placing the plastic in a container with a mixture of water and Oxi Clean powder. The mixture will foam and fizz and should be left in the sun for 6-8 hours. The UV rays from the sun react with the Oxi Clean and hydrogen peroxide, removing the bromine atoms that cause the plastic to turn yellow. However, it is important to note that using higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or excessive amounts of Oxi Clean can damage plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Pour hydrogen peroxide into a container, add Oxi Clean powder, place the plastic in the container, and leave it in the sun for 6-8 hours. |
| Effectiveness | May not prevent plastic from turning yellow again. |
| Safety | High concentrations of hydrogen peroxide may damage plastic. |
| Alternatives | Bleach, baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. |
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What You'll Learn
Soak plastic in a hydrogen peroxide solution
To whiten plastic with OxiClean, you can soak the plastic in a hydrogen peroxide solution. This method works because the yellowing of plastic is caused by a reaction between UV light and oxygen in the air, which produces a layer of "yellowing" that impedes deeper UV penetration. This layer can be removed by exposing the plastic to hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light, which causes a reaction that cleans off the yellowing.
To soak your plastic in a hydrogen peroxide solution, follow these steps:
- Find a container that is large enough to hold the plastic item(s) you want to whiten.
- Place the plastic item(s) in the container. It doesn't matter if they are unequally yellowed or different colours, just put them all in.
- Pour enough 3% or 6% hydrogen peroxide solution into the container to cover the plastic item(s). If you are using 3%, be prepared to leave the plastic soaking for a longer period of time. You can add a little water if needed, as long as it is still mostly hydrogen peroxide.
- If desired, add some Oxi Clean powder to the solution. This will react with the hydrogen peroxide and UV light to help remove the yellowing. Use about one tablespoon per gallon of liquid, or less if your batch is smaller.
- Place the container in a sunny spot and leave it for about 6-8 hours. The UV light from the sun will react with the hydrogen peroxide and Oxi Clean, causing the plastic to turn white.
- Remove the plastic item(s) from the solution when they look like the yellow is gone. You may need to repeat the process with a fresh batch of solution if your plastic is badly yellowed.
- Wash the plastic item(s) again and allow them to dry.
It is important to note that exposing plastic to hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous, as it can cause uneven blotches, irreversible discolouration, and increased brittleness. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling hydrogen peroxide, and be careful not to get it on your skin or in your eyes. Additionally, using higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or too much Oxi Clean can damage plastics, so it is recommended to use a lower concentration and be patient.
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Add Oxi Clean powder to the solution
To whiten plastic with Oxi Clean, start by filling a container with enough hydrogen peroxide to cover the plastic items. If the items cannot be fully submerged, add a little water. Place the plastic items into the container. Next, add the Oxi Clean powder—about a tablespoon per gallon of liquid, less if your batch is smaller. No mixing is required. The reaction will be rapid, with the solution foaming and fizzing before turning clear.
Place the container in a sunny spot. The UV rays from the sun will react with the Oxi Clean and hydrogen peroxide, removing the bromine atoms that cause the plastic to turn yellow. Leave the plastic in the sun for around 6-8 hours. The solution will continue to make bubbles as long as it is exposed to sunlight.
After this time, the yellowing should be gone. If not, repeat the process with a fresh batch of solution. Wash the plastic items again, then reassemble. To protect against future yellowing, apply a plastic protection product.
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Leave in the sun for 6-8 hours
Once you have prepared a solution of hydrogen peroxide and Oxi Clean powder, place your plastic items in the container. It is important to ensure that the plastic is fully submerged in the solution. If the items cannot be soaked, wet a paper towel with the solution, squeeze out any excess, flatten the paper towel again, and press it against the item. The Oxi Clean and hydrogen peroxide solution should be left for about 6-8 hours in direct sunlight.
The UV rays in the sunlight react with the solution, liberating the bromine atoms from the plastic. The bromine is what causes the plastic to turn yellow. The solution will bubble throughout the entire time it is exposed to sunlight. The duration of exposure to sunlight can vary, with some sources recommending 6-8 hours, while others suggest leaving the plastic to soak until it returns to its original colour.
It is important to note that this process may not be suitable for all types of plastic. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and the solution can damage the plastic. If there is no more bromine to liberate from the plastic, the solution will start to ""liberate" other important chemicals, producing a ghostly-white, almost translucent "bloom" and degrading the structure. Additionally, higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can cause un-reversible discolouration and increase the brittleness of the plastic.
After removing the plastic from the solution, it is important to wash the pieces again. If the yellow colour persists, you may need to repeat the process with a fresh batch of the solution. To protect against future yellowing, you can apply a plastic protection product, such as Armor All or 303 Aerospace Protectant.
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Rinse and dry
Once you have removed the plastic from the solution, it is important to thoroughly rinse off any remaining product residue. Rinse the plastic with clean water until the water runs clear. You can also wash the plastic with a mild detergent and water or a mild soap. If you are rinsing a large item, you can use a wet sponge to wipe down the surface.
After rinsing, the plastic should be dried. You can either allow the plastic to air dry or you can dry it with a towel. Make sure the plastic is completely dry before reassembling any parts or using the item.
If you are using the bleach method, it is important to note that bleach may weaken the plastic over time. To prevent the plastic from turning yellow again, you can paint the plastic pieces with a clear acrylic varnish. However, do not do this if the plastic is a food storage container.
If you are using the hydrogen peroxide method, be aware that higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can damage the plastic. It can cause uneven blotches, irreversible discoloration, and increased brittleness. It is recommended to use a 3% concentration as it is safer for both you and the plastic.
If you are using the Oxi Clean method, be careful if you live in a hot climate as you should avoid melting or deforming your plastics. Additionally, using a high concentration of Oxi Clean can also damage your plastics.
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Repeat if necessary
If your plastic is heavily yellowed, you may need to repeat the whitening process.
If you are using the Oxi Clean and hydrogen peroxide method, repeat the steps outlined above. Mix a fresh batch of solution, ensuring it is still mostly hydrogen peroxide, and place your plastic items in the solution. Add a tablespoon of Oxi Clean powder per gallon of liquid. Leave the plastic to soak in the sun for 6-8 hours.
If you are using the bleach method, repeat the process by mixing a fresh batch of solution, this time with a ratio of 8:1 water to bleach. Submerge your plastic items in the solution and leave them to soak until they are white again.
For more delicate items, such as vintage toys, it is recommended to avoid using bleach as it can make them more brittle.
Additionally, if you are using hydrogen peroxide, be mindful of the concentration. Lower concentrations (such as 3%) are safer for both you and the plastic, although they may require more time to be effective. Higher concentrations can cause damage to the plastic, resulting in uneven blotches, irreversible discolouration, and increased brittleness.
It is also important to note that while these methods can effectively whiten plastic, they do not prevent future yellowing. To protect against discolouration, consider applying a plastic protection product, such as Armor All or 303 Aerospace Protectant.
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Frequently asked questions
Mix a gallon of water with a tablespoon of OxiClean powder. Place your plastic items in the solution and leave them in direct sunlight for 6-8 hours. The UV rays from the sun will react with the OxiClean and liberate the bromine atoms from the plastic, making it white again.
Avoid using high concentrations of OxiClean as it can damage your plastics. If you live in a hot climate, be careful that the solution does not get hot enough to melt or deform your plastic. Do not leave the plastic in the solution for longer than necessary, as prolonged exposure can cause discolouration and make the plastic brittle.
Other methods for whitening plastic include using bleach, baking soda, white vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. For smaller items, you can also use lemon juice.
