If you've got stained fabric on your hands (especially something old, yellowed, or just kinda gross-looking) you're probably trying to figure out what cleaner is gonna save it.

Two popular solutions people often compare are Retro Clean and OxiClean.

Both promise to revive and refresh your laundry, but they’re built for different jobs.

In this post, we’ll compare Retro Clean vs OxiClean so you know exactly which one to grab depending on what you're cleaning.

#1 Main Active Ingredient

Let’s kick things off with what’s actually in these cleaners.

Both Retro Clean and OxiClean rely on sodium percarbonate aka oxygen bleach.

When mixed with water, it releases hydrogen peroxide and helps lift stains without the harshness of chlorine bleach. So they’re both solid, non-chlorine options that won’t wreck your clothes like old-school bleach can.

That said, Retro Clean keeps it super simple. No added fragrances, no extra stuff. It’s just a gentle blend designed specifically for delicate and vintage items.

OxiClean, on the other hand, packs in a bunch of extras like detergent boosters, surfactants, sometimes fragrances, and even enzymes (depending on the version). So it’s definitely stronger.

Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Old People Smell In House

#2 Cleaning Power

OxiClean has better cleaning power than Retro Clean.

If you’ve got everyday messes like food, sweat, mud, or greasy kid clothes, OxiClean can power through like a champ. It’s great for tossing into a regular load of laundry, or using as a stain pre-treater.

Retro Clean isn’t built for those same daily battles. But that’s okay, because it’s made for something different. It’s awesome for things like smoke stains, yellowing from age, or those weird brown spots you see on old pillowcases from grandma’s attic.

If your goal is to restore fabric, not just clean it, Retro Clean has the edge.

So it’s not that one is better, it’s just that they shine in different places.

#3 Fabric Use And Safety

This is a big one, especially if you’re cleaning anything fragile or meaningful.

Retro Clean is made for heirloom fabrics - delicate quilts, lace, embroidery, baby clothes from the 50s, stuff like that. It’s super gentle and doesn’t contain harsh additives.

It won’t strip color (as long as it’s used properly), and it’s safe for things that are literally irreplaceable.

OxiClean, while generally safe, can be a bit harsh for delicate or antique items, especially if you’re not careful with soaking time or water temperature.

It’s totally fine for jeans, sheets, and play clothes, but maybe not the best idea for that 100-year-old table runner.

So if it’s vintage, fragile, or sentimental, Retro Clean is the safer bet.

Some housekeepers even keep both products on hand, depending on the fabric they’re restoring.

#4 Whitening

If you’re looking to brighten up whites, both products do the job, but in different ways.

OxiClean does a solid job of whitening clothes that are just dingy from everyday life. Think gym socks, undershirts, or towels that don’t look quite as fresh as they used to.

It’ll definitely make them look cleaner.

Retro Clean, though, is a star when it comes to removing yellowing and age stains. It can make vintage whites look brand new again, especially if they've been in storage for years.

If you’ve got old doilies, baby dresses, or lace curtains, Retro Clean can give them a whole second life.

#5 Cost

OxiClean is cheaper than Retro Clean.

OxiClean is easy to find, comes in bulk sizes, and is pretty affordable per use. You can grab it at any big-box store or even the grocery store.

You get a lot for your money, and it works across tons of cleaning tasks.

Retro Clean is more of a specialty item. It comes in smaller bags (usually 8 or 16 ounces), and it’s a little pricier per use. But that makes sense - it’s not a general-use cleaner. It’s more like a specialty tool in your laundry toolkit.

So if you’re restoring a few special items, Retro Clean is worth the splurge. But if you're cleaning big loads or doing regular laundry every week, OxiClean gives you more bang for your buck.

#6 Smell

This might seem minor, but if you’re sensitive to fragrance or just hate strong smells it’s worth noting.

Retro Clean is fragrance-free and super mild. You’ll barely notice a scent, which is great if you’re cleaning vintage fabric that already smells like history.

OxiClean can vary depending on the version. Some are fragrance-free, but many of the common ones have a noticeable fresh-laundry scent. It’s not overpowering, but it’s definitely there.

If you want to clean without the smell? Retro Clean wins.

#7 Ease Of Use

Both are pretty easy to use, but there’s a small difference in how much time you need.

Retro Clean works best when you let things soak - sometimes for 24 hours or more.

It’s a slow process, but it’s also kind of satisfying if you enjoy a good “before and after.” You’ll need a basin, some hot water, and a little patience.

Or you can just always hire a good maid service that will take care of all that.

OxiClean gives you more options. You can soak things, but you can also just toss it in your wash as a booster, use the spray version for stains, or even scrub it into carpet or upholstery.

So for convenience and variety, OxiClean is easier.

Should I Get OxiClean Or Retro Clean?

If you're just doing everyday laundry, OxiClean is a no-brainer. It’s affordable, powerful, and easy to use. It’ll tackle most of what life throws at your clothes.

But if you’ve got something special like vintage linens, a family quilt, or a baby dress from the 1940s, Retro Clean is the way to go.

It’s gentle, it works wonders on age-related stains, and it helps preserve fabric instead of stripping it.

You can honestly keep both in your laundry arsenal. Use OxiClean for the everyday messes, and save Retro Clean for those times when you want to bring something old and beautiful back to life.

Bottom Line

The main difference between Retro Clean and OxiClean is that Retro Clean is better for restoring vintage fabrics, removing yellowing, and safely brightening delicate materials.

OxiClean, on the other hand, is cheaper, better at removing stains, boosting everyday laundry, and handling tough messes, but it can be too harsh for antique or fragile items.

Retro Clean Vs OxiClean (What Should I Get?)