18 Surprising Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide in the Home
Did you know that Hydrogen Peroxide works excellent as a stain remover? Some people use it in the garden as a pesticide. When you think about stains and pesticides in the same sentence, no one can blame you for wondering if it’s safe.
So What Exactly Is It?
Like water or H2O, it’s a chemical compound made of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. People also call hydrogen peroxide by its formula H2O2. That “2” at the end is for an extra oxygen atom that sets it apart from water. It gives it more potent oxidation properties. It’s this super oxidation process that makes hydrogen peroxide useful in a lot of practical household applications. For example, it can break down colors, which makes it a terrific bleaching agent.
However, it’s how it reacts to an enzyme called catalase that makes it an excellent cleaner and sterilizer. The enzyme is in most living cells, even in bacteria cells. If peroxide comes in contact with, it oxidizes the bacteria and kills it. The extra oxygen gets released in the process, and hydrogen peroxide turns into harmless water.
Here are 18 surprising household uses for hydrogen peroxide.
Sanitize Manicure and Beauty Accessories
Those pedicure or manicure tools you use on your fingernails and toenails can get filthy. So can the beauty accessories you use on your face. Dipping and rubbing them in a small container filled with H2O2 will clean and sterilize all of them. Be sure you’re wearing rubber gloves if you plan to dip your hand in the solution.
Disinfect Your Toothbrush
Our mouths are one of the dirtiest parts of our bodies. We use our teeth to break down food, and that’s why we have to clean them with our toothbrush. Naturally, the toothbrush and anything we put in there also get dirty. Allowing them to soak in a 3% household-grade peroxide would remove germs and bacteria. Remember, to thoroughly rise after soaking.
Disinfect the Kitchen Sponges
A 1:1 solution of peroxide and water should be enough to disinfect your kitchen sponges and rags. It would kill all the bacteria like salmonella or E.coli that they may be harboring.
Sterilize Cutting Boards
Cutting boards can trap meat and other food substances in all the cuts and scrapes they accumulate. Spritzing them with H2O2 and allowing it to bubble for a while will sterilize them.
Sterilize Your Refrigerator
Add hydrogen peroxide spray to your refrigerator cleaning routine the next time you defrost it. Spray on all inside surfaces, including the door washer, after cleaning. Allow it to work for a good half hour before wiping it all down with a damp cloth.
Brighten Ceramic-Coated Cookware
Make a scrubbing paste out of peroxide mixed with baking soda on a small dish. Scrub the interior ceramic lining with the paste and a brush. Let it sit for a while before you rinse it off.
Disinfect Reusable Grocery Bags
While reusable grocery bags help with the environment, they can get filthy over time. They can do a number on your health by contaminating your foodstuff. Even if you wash them regularly, make sure to give them a good spritzing with peroxide to eliminate any harmful bacteria.
Tile Grout Cleaner
Mildew always makes grout look disgusting even if you have beautiful tiles. H2O2 is a top-notch fungicide. With its potent bleaching properties, it also whitens grout. Mix baking soda with peroxide into a thick paste and start scrubbing the grout using a toothbrush. Let it bubble for about five minutes, then rinse with water to reveal your brand new looking grout. The paste would also work great on any soap scum.
Glass Cleaner
Unlike some commercial glass cleaners, H2O2 doesn’t leave streaks. Spray it on glass and wipe off with a microfiber cloth for best results.
Clothes Whitener
Use some H2O2 instead of chlorine to bleach your yellowed whites. Add a cup to your washer’s drum or bleach dispenser right before you fill it with water and drop in your clothes.
Clothes Stain Remover
Mix about 1/4 cup each of baking soda, water, and peroxide in a small bowl. Using a brush, preferably soft-bristled, begin spreading the solution all over the underarm stains but only in light-colored or white clothes.
Let it sit for about 30 minutes or so before giving it one last scrubbing before washing it as usual.
Sterilize your Humidifier or Dehumidifier
Because they accumulate or contain moisture, both humidifiers and dehumidifiers provide an ideal environment for molds to thrive. Run an equal parts solution of water and peroxide to rid them of any fungi.
Dust Mites Killer
A surefire way to kill mites that feed on dead skin is to fill a wet vacuum with peroxide and vacuum your mattress, pillows, and carpets like usual. Next, you can spray them with the same stuff to kill all the remnants. Allow your mattress time to dry thoroughly before replacing the bedding.
Toy Disinfectant
Your kids’ and also pets’ toys are bound to have saliva and bacteria on them. Spray peroxide and let it disinfect the toys for around five minutes before rinsing with water.
Help your Plants Grow Faster
Hydrogen peroxide naturally occurs in rainwater as it passes through the ozone layer. It helps rid plants of bacteria and fungi and makes them absorb nutrients faster. You can do the same for your indoor plants with one gallon of water mixed with a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide.
Safe Plant Pesticide
Fill a sprayer with a mixture of 1-teaspoon H2O2 per cup of water. Spray it directly on the fungi to kill them. As a preventive measure, spray only the base of the plants next time. Avoid getting it on the leaves in succeeding sprays. You can also sterilize all your containers and garden tools after using them by soaking them in peroxide.
Remove Hard Water Stains
Hydrogen peroxide can be effective in removing hard water stains from glass shower doors, faucets, and other bathroom fixtures. Apply it, let it sit, and then scrub away the stains.
Clean and Disinfect Trash Cans
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting your trash cans is essential to prevent odors and the buildup of bacteria. Spraying a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water in the cans can help eliminate germs and odors.