How OxiClean Works Over Time
Old roof grease is very difficult to remove without damaging the roof membrane. A method that has popular with Greasers is applying Commercial Oxiclean to the old roof grease after a service, and allowing it to sit and penetrate the grease over time. Make sure to wet the grease first if it isn't already wet from the cleaning to activate the Oxiclean.
OxiClean’s primary active ingredient is sodium percarbonate, which is a dry, powdered form of hydrogen peroxide bonded with sodium carbonate (washing soda). When exposed to moisture, sodium percarbonate begins to decompose and release:
- Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂): A powerful oxidizer that breaks molecular bonds in organic matter like grease, fats, and oils.
- Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃): A mild alkaline cleaner that helps saponify (turn into soap-like compounds) the fatty acids in grease, softening their structure.
What Happens Over Months:
- Gradual Reactivation: Every time it rains or moisture builds up from dew, small amounts of the OxiClean will activate, releasing oxygen and creating a bubbling action that continues to break down and lift the grease molecules from the surface.
- Oxidation: The hydrogen peroxide slowly disrupts the double bonds in the grease’s fatty acid chains, causing them to fragment and become water-soluble over time.
- Surface Softening: The sodium carbonate keeps the pH high, which helps break the grease’s chemical bonds and softens its structure. After months, even thick, baked-on grease will become brittle, faded, and much easier to remove with minimal effort.
The Ingredients In Oxiclean And What Each One Does
Sodium Carbonate
This ingredient raises the pH, which helps break the grease down through saponification—basically turning the fats into a soap-like substance. Over time, even without scrubbing, the grease begins to soften and lose its grip on the roof surface.
Sodium Percarbonate
When it gets wet from rain or morning dew, it breaks down and releases hydrogen peroxide, which reacts with the grease through oxidation. This chemical reaction breaks apart the structure of the grease, lightening its color and weakening it chemically. Every time it rains, the process restarts, continuing to eat away at the buildup.
Ethoxylated Alcohol (C12–C16)
This is a surfactant—basically a detergent—that helps lift and loosen the broken-down grease from the surface. It allows water to seep under the grease layer and helps emulsify it so it can be rinsed off more easily later
Sodium Polycarboxylate
This chemical stops the grease particles and minerals from re-bonding to the roof after they’re broken down. It also keeps everything suspended in water when it rains, making sure the debris doesn’t stick again.
Sodium Metasilicate
This compound is a strong alkali that penetrates and breaks up grease. It also protects the surface underneath by neutralizing acidic residues and stabilizing the mixture as it works.
End Result After a Few Months:
When you return on the next service:
- The grease will be noticeably faded, cracked, or flaky.
- It will lift much more easily, often needing just a rinse or a quick pass with a plastic scraper.
- The roof membrane stays safe—no harsh solvents, no high-pressure damage, and no metal scraping needed.