A budget-friendly cleaning breakthrough from AEON’s DAISO store is winning over Hong Kong households, promising to dissolve tough tea and coffee residues while eliminating foul smells from kitchen drains—all for just HK$12 per packet.
The product, officially called DAISO Sodium Percarbonate Cleaning Powder but widely nicknamed “magic powder,” has become a viral sensation among home-cleaning enthusiasts in Hong Kong. Marketed under the Japanese retailer’s own brand and sold exclusively at AEON’s HK$12 shops, the powder leverages oxygen-based bleaching technology to tackle grime without abrasive scrubbing. Simply sprinkle, add hot water, and let chemistry do the work.
What Is This So-Called Magic Powder?
Despite the playful nickname, the cleaning agent is scientifically straightforward: sodium percarbonate, an oxygen-based bleach commonly found in laundry detergents and stain removers. Unlike baking soda, which offers mild abrasion, sodium percarbonate releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water, breaking down organic stains and killing bacteria on contact.
“It’s a tried-and-true active ingredient that many commercial cleaners already use,” says a DAISO Japan spokesperson in a promotional video. “The difference is we offer it at a fraction of the cost, in a concentrated powder form.”
Four Simple Steps for a Sparkling Home
Users report that the cleaning process requires minimal effort. Here’s how to apply it effectively:
- Step 1: Sprinkle one scoop of powder directly onto the stained or odorous surface.
- Step 2: Pour hot water (between 40°C and 60°C) over the powder until fully submerged.
- Step 3: Let the solution sit for 10 to 30 minutes, allowing the chemical reaction to lift dirt.
- Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with plain water.
The method works equally well on ceramic mugs stained by daily tea or coffee, bathroom drains emitting sulfur-like smells, toilet bowls with ring stains, and washing machine drums plagued by mildew. Before-and-after demonstrations shared by DAISO on Instagram show brown residues peeling away instantly upon contact with hot water and powder.
Real-World Results Win Over Skeptics
Social media users across Hong Kong have praised the product’s cost-effectiveness. “I used to buy specialized cleaners for every different problem—this one powder handles everything,” wrote a user on Threads. Another commented on Facebook, “It actually removed coffee stains I’d given up on. For $12, it’s a steal.”
Compared to branded stain removers that often cost HK$50 or more per bottle, the DAISO powder delivers comparable results at a fraction of the price. However, experts caution that sodium percarbonate should never be mixed with acidic cleaners such as vinegar or bleach, as the combination can produce toxic chlorine gas.
Broader Implications for Sustainable Cleaning
The rising popularity of this single-ingredient cleaner reflects a broader consumer shift toward simpler, multi-purpose cleaning solutions. Environmental advocates note that a concentrated powder reduces plastic packaging waste compared to pre-mixed liquid sprays and requires less energy to transport.
For now, the magic powder is available at DAISO outlets across Hong Kong, Japan, and Macau. As word spreads, more households may discover that effective grime removal doesn’t require expensive gadgets or harsh chemicals—just basic chemistry, a packet of powder, and hot water.
For further reading, explore our guide to eco-friendly cleaning alternatives or the science behind oxygen-based bleaches.