Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an oxidising agent used as a bleach and disinfectant that breaks down into water and oxygen.
Its action is due to oxidation: it attacks pigments (which is why it bleaches) and components of microorganisms (which is why it disinfects). It breaks down with heat, light, some metals and the enzyme catalase, present in many bacteria and in organic matter; that is why commercial products contain stabilisers and must be kept closed and away from heat. At high concentrations it is corrosive and oxidising.
In laundries it is the basis of liquid oxygen bleaches; powder bleaches usually supply it through sodium percarbonate, which releases hydrogen peroxide when it dissolves. It is also part of peracetic acid mixtures. For a product containing hydrogen peroxide to be sold as a disinfectant, it needs authorisation and a biocide registration number; a bleach is not a disinfectant.
Instaquim products containing hydrogen peroxide, according to their technical data sheets:
- Oximatic (hydrogen peroxide 30 %; pH 2.5; 2-6 g per kg of dry laundry with an automatic peristaltic dosing pump): bleach for automatic washing.
- Oxa Per (hydrogen peroxide 23 % and peracetic acid 5 %; at 1 %, about 15 min; UNE-EN 13697 under clean conditions; registration 17-20/40-05521-HA): disinfectant for food industry facilities, also by recirculation (CIP).
- Q4 (oxygen bleaches < 5 %; pH 4.5; neat on the stain for about 5 min, not exceeding 15 min): stain remover for pigment stains such as coffee, tea, tomato or fruit; not suitable for wool or leather.
- Cobat (with sodium percarbonate; 4-6 g/kg of laundry depending on soiling): active-oxygen powder bleach for laundry washing.