Hydrogen peroxide is a wonderful and safe non-toxic cleaner and disinfectant. The uses of this awfully cheap liquid are more than we can think of all at once. Nonetheless, we have an exciting list of really smart ways to utilize this awesome and sometimes under-utilized but well-known product.
Use As A Good Bleach Alternative
Hydrogen Peroxide will remove a whole lot of stains and is really popular for removing blood stains from fabric, carpets, towels, and so on.
It will get your whites so much whiter that never need to use bleach.
Add one cup of hydrogen peroxide to the bleach compartment of your washer or just pour it into the washer with the water.
Add your regular detergents and it will lift the stains that might cause discoloration.
Cleans Grout
Make your grout look so much cleaner, even if it gets stained by something that might have spilled.
Mix a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts baking soda and a tiny bit of dish soap.
Apply it to the grout with a toothbrush and leave it to stay for thirty minutes.
Then scrub the area with your toothbrush and rinse, then dry ensuring to get all the baking soda residues out.
Clean Your Toilet Bowl
Pour a cup of hydrogen peroxide into your toilet bowl and use the toilet brush to mix it around to get it all over the inside of the bowl.
Leave it for two hours and let it destroy all the bacteria. Return with your toilet brush.
Place a tiny bit of dish soap and scrub the bowl all over.
Give it a flush and there you have a clean and sanitized toilet bowl.
Clean And Disinfect Drains
A lot of bacteria can build up in your drains and can affect you in different ways.
They can cause a great stink to rise up and you cannot really tell sometimes where it is coming from. And it can cause bacteria to spread on other things close to the drain opening.
Pour some hydrogen peroxide down the drains in the house and it will destroy loads of microbes for you.
Whether the shower drain, the kitchen sink drain, or the bathroom sink drains – none of them are exempted. Let them all have it.
Sanitize Dog Bowls
Dogs may be more tolerant of certain bacteria than humans, however, we do have to handle their bowls which are not washed as often as our places…. am I right? So to make the bowl safer for us – as well as them.
Wash the inside and outside of the bowl every now and then with dish soap, wet a piece of cloth with hydrogen peroxide, and wipe down the outside of the bowl.
Remove Armpit Stains
I use hydrogen peroxide mixed with toothpaste to get the stain out of the armpits of the shirt. I mix one pea-size squirt of toothpaste with a cork full of hydrogen peroxide. Mix it up and rub it onto the stain, let it sit for one hour, and then wash as normal. BOOM! The stain is gone.
Remove Pesticides From Fruits And Veggies
We really do not want to eat any pesticides from the farms that come to us on the fruits and vegetables we love. Make a solution of one liter of water and one cup of hydrogen peroxide.
Soak your vegetables and fruits in that solution for five minutes, then rinse them with fresh water and they are now safer to be eaten.
Sanitize Hands Before Sex
Sex can be a joyful occasion, but when dirty hands are involved it could cause a yeast infection. That is not cool.
Let it be a regular practice for all hands to be sanitized before sex, both male and female.
When we think not we touch things like our phones which can carry a lot of different awfully dangerous bacteria that we do not want to be introduced during intercourse.
Just keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide close so whenever that hot moment comes around you can rub a bit on your and your partner’s hands so that deep touching may be safer.
Disinfect Toys
In this case, we are referring to kids’ toys! When it comes to children’s toys, we do not want to use harsh chemicals to clean them!
That is why hydrogen peroxide is the perfect solution for cleaning your children’s toys!
Just spray hydrogen peroxide on your kids’ toys and let them soak for a few minutes. Then wipe clean with a dry cloth. Or toss them in a bowl of one liter of water and half a cup of hydrogen peroxide. The ratio does not have to be exact.
Clean Glass Stovetop- Quick & Easy
It can be frustrating and time-consuming to be scraping away caked-on foodstuff from your glass stovetops.
You may also want to stay from other chemical cleaning solutions.
Not to worry use just 2 tablespoons baking soda, 1/4 cup Dawn dishwashing liquid & 3 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide to make your stovetop sparkle like it’s brand new!
Layer the mixture on the stove, use a scrub brush to work the mixture around the stove, and then let sit for 20 minutes. Finish up by wiping it all away with a damp cloth.
Weaken Stains
Hydrogen peroxide is great for breaking down stains! It can be used on just about any stain you have. However, be careful as it can bleach your fabrics depending on the color and type.
Break down tough stains by spraying them with hydrogen peroxide and then allow them to soak for a few minutes before throwing your clothing into the washer.
If you like you can also use hydrogen peroxide in place of bleach when washing.
Remove Baked On Residue From Pans
If your baking sheet gets a lot of baked-on foods stuff on it and it is difficult to remove it with regular cleaning solutions.
Use hydrogen peroxide to spray onto the pans and then sprinkle some baking soda until a paste is formed.
Let soak for a few minutes and scrub with pleasure with your regular scouring pads. It will be good as new.
Countertops Disinfectant
If some food particles get onto the countertops after dinner, they might even harden a bit. Do not worry at all.
Just drip or spray a little hydrogen peroxide onto the countertops and on the grease and food particles. let it soak for a little.
Then easily wipe away with a damped cloth.
Make Glass Shelves Sparkle
Your refrigerator might have a few accidental spills on the nice glass shelves that were once fully sparkly and transparent.
When spills are not wiped up properly or left to sit for an extended time in a refrigerator, the spills get really dried out and tough. Let this not be a bother.
Just spray on some hydrogen peroxide and let it soak for a short while. Then wipe off.
Disinfect Your Cutting Board
Did you know it is really important to sterilize your cutting board?
First, clean your cutting board by washing it with dish soap and giving it a rinse.
Use hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and spray directly onto the cutting board.
Let it stay for a few minutes to loosen any hidden food and kill the bacteria thereon. Then just wipe clean!
Do this also as a practice before using the cutting board, only that time it’s best to wash off the hydrogen peroxide.
Disinfect Kitchen Sponges
Don’t waste money by buying new kitchen sponges over and over! Instead, disinfect them in hydrogen peroxide.
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide and one part hot water and place your sponges in the mixture for 15 minutes.
Then rinse thoroughly.
Next, to really kill any germs, heat the sponges in the microwave for 1 minute. Wonder which germs can survive after that.
Disinfect Floors
It is no easy task to keep any floor clean, especially if there is high traffic. But this is worth doing.
Mop your floors with a gallon of hot water and a 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide.
This mixture will freshen and clean your floors without any toxic chemicals!
Disinfect Taps
Before we go ahead and use water from our water taps, one good practice is to sanitize the entire thing and the space around it just in case any insects or microorganisms may have contaminated it.
Sterilize Cans Before Opening
When canned goods are shipped from manufacturers by distributors and then to supermarkets and wholesales and retail and then to consumers- they sometimes encounter a lot of mess and get exposed to ridiculous amounts of germs.
Examples: Rat droppings and urine, cockroach droppings, and such the like. Bacteria from these can be deadly.
These products sit on open shelves for long periods of time. Be very careful before cutting!
Sanitize by using a piece of cloth or sponge soaked with hydrogen peroxide to rub onto the entire outer surface, let it sit for three minutes, rinse with water and go ahead and cut it open and enjoy.
Sterilizes Toothbrushes
Hydrogen peroxide is a great way to clean your toothbrush between replacements. Just add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to a drinking glass and place the head of your toothbrush in the glass. Let your toothbrush soak for a few hours and then rinse clean!
Eliminate Mildew
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove mildew from hard surfaces. Put the hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spray directly onto the mildew. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe the mildew away.
Oral Care
Any dentist will tell you that rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide will help to eliminate bacteria and freshen the mouth.
Cleans Wounds
In what ways do you use hydrogen peroxide in your home? Comment below and share!
18 Seriously Brilliant Hydrogen Peroxide Hacks For Your Home
You can use hydrogen peroxide to do so much more in the home. This is just a little tip of the iceberg.
We encourage the use of this product as a safer alternative to harsh chemicals such as bleach.
Tools
- Microfiber cloth
- Toothbrush
- Drinking Glass or Mason Jar
- Scouring Pad
- Cleaning Sponge
Instructions
- Use As A Good Bleach Alternative
- Cleans Grout
- Clean Your Toilet Bowl
- Clean And Disinfect Drains
- Sanitize Dog Bowls
- Remove Armpit Stains
- Remove Pesticides From Fruits And Veggies
- Sanitize Hands Before Sex
- Disinfect Toys
- Clean Glass Stovetop- Quick & Easy
- Weaken Stains
- Remove Baked On Residue From Pans
- Countertops Disinfectant
- Make Glass Shelves Sparkle
- Disinfect Your Cutting Board
- Disinfect Kitchen Sponges
- Disinfect Floors
- Disinfect Taps
- Sterilize Cans Before Opening
- Sterilizes Toothbrushes
- Eliminate Mildew
- Oral Care
- Cleans Wounds
Surprise – Surprise: 
According to the books, these are 20 things we should never do with hydrogen peroxide. I am guilty doing of #11 when cleaning.
Hydrogen peroxide is a common household staple known for its versatile uses as a disinfectant, wound cleaner, and even a teeth-whitening agent. While it has several practical applications, it is essential to understand that hydrogen peroxide can be potentially hazardous if not handled properly. In this article, we will highlight 20 things we should never do with hydrogen peroxide to ensure safety and avoid harmful consequences.
1. Ingesting Hydrogen Peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide is a potent oxidizer that can release oxygen rapidly when it comes into contact with organic matter. Ingesting hydrogen peroxide can cause immediate irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive system. In severe cases, it can lead to internal burns, abdominal pain, and even perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Never use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash or attempt to self-medicate by swallowing it.
2. Using Full Strength on the Skin:
Using undiluted hydrogen peroxide directly on the skin can cause severe chemical burns and irritation. This is especially true for individuals with sensitive skin or open wounds, where hydrogen peroxide can penetrate deeper layers of the skin and cause significant damage.
3. Contact with Eyes:
Hydrogen peroxide is highly reactive and can cause severe eye irritation, leading to pain, redness, and potential damage to the cornea. In the worst-case scenario, it may cause temporary or permanent vision impairment. If hydrogen peroxide accidentally gets into the eyes, flush the eyes with water immediately and seek medical attention.
4. Mixing with Vinegar:
Combining hydrogen peroxide with vinegar can produce peracetic acid, a corrosive substance that can irritate the respiratory system and eyes. The fumes from this mixture can be harmful, causing coughing, shortness of breath, and eye irritation.
5. Using on Deep Wounds:
Using hydrogen peroxide on deep wounds can impede the natural healing process. While hydrogen peroxide can kill some bacteria, it can also damage healthy tissue, slowing down the wound’s healing and increasing the risk of infection.
6. Mixing with Bleach:
Mixing hydrogen peroxide with bleach can create toxic gases like chlorine gas, which is harmful when inhaled. Exposure to these toxic fumes can lead to respiratory problems, eye irritation, and, in extreme cases, chemical pneumonia.
7. Using on Sensitive Fabrics:
Hydrogen peroxide’s strong oxidizing properties can cause color fading or bleach stains on sensitive fabrics like silk, wool, or certain dyes. Always perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area before using hydrogen peroxide on fabrics.
8. Prolonged Exposure on the Skin:
Leaving hydrogen peroxide on the skin for an extended period can lead to skin dryness, irritation, and redness. It’s essential to rinse the affected area thoroughly after use.
9. Storing in Non-Approved Containers:
Hydrogen peroxide should always be stored in its original, well-labeled container. Using non-approved containers may lead to confusion and accidental ingestion or misuse by children or others unaware of its contents.
10. Using Expired Hydrogen Peroxide:
Expired hydrogen peroxide may have lost its effectiveness, potentially leading to inadequate disinfection or wound cleaning. Always check the expiration date before using hydrogen peroxide.
11. Mixing with Baking Soda:
Although some people use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda as a DIY teeth-whitening solution, it’s essential to use this with caution. The abrasive nature of baking soda combined with hydrogen peroxide can damage tooth enamel and irritate the gums.
12. Using on Colored Hair:
Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in hair-bleaching products. However, using it without proper knowledge or professional guidance can lead to uneven bleaching, hair damage, and breakage, particularly on colored or chemically treated hair.
13. Mixing with Ammonia:
Mixing hydrogen peroxide with ammonia can create toxic fumes that are harmful to breathe and can cause irritation to the respiratory system and eyes.
14. Using on Acne:
Although hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties, using it on acne-prone skin can cause excessive dryness, irritation, and peeling. It may worsen acne symptoms, so it’s best to consult a dermatologist for appropriate acne treatments.
15. Not Using Gloves:
When handling concentrated hydrogen peroxide, wearing gloves is essential to protect the skin from irritation, chemical burns, and potential contact dermatitis.
16. Storing in Direct Sunlight:
Hydrogen peroxide can break down more rapidly when exposed to direct sunlight, reducing its effectiveness as a disinfectant or wound cleaner. Always store hydrogen peroxide in a cool, dark place.
17. Using as a Mouthwash:
While hydrogen peroxide is occasionally used as a mouthwash to kill bacteria, it can also harm the delicate balance of oral flora, leading to oral irritation and potential problems with the mouth’s natural defense system.
18. Applying on Open Cuts:
Applying hydrogen peroxide on open cuts or wounds can interfere with the body’s natural clotting process, potentially delaying the wound’s healing and increasing the risk of infection.
19. Mixing with Chemicals Without Proper Knowledge:
Hydrogen peroxide can react with other substances to produce hazardous chemicals. Mixing it with certain chemicals without proper knowledge and understanding of potential reactions can lead to dangerous situations.
20. Not Rinsing Thoroughly:
After using hydrogen peroxide for disinfection or wound cleaning, it’s essential to rinse the area thoroughly with water. Residue from hydrogen peroxide can continue to release oxygen and cause irritation if left on the skin or surfaces.
Conclusion:
Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile and beneficial chemical compound when used correctly and responsibly. Understanding its limitations and potential hazards is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of its various applications. Always follow the recommended guidelines and seek professional advice when uncertain about using hydrogen peroxide for specific purposes. By handling it with care and respect, you can harness the full potential of hydrogen peroxide without risking harm to yourself or others.
