To keep your house clean, you’ve probably got a plethora of products, one for each type of surface or area. Each bottle is also bound to contain harmful ingredients that aren’t safe for you or the environment.
Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaning is a gentler solution that can make the tedious task of sanitizing faster and safer. Since you only need this single chemical to clean everything, it’s also more economical. We take an in-depth look into this excellent cleanser and how it can help you keep your home sparkling naturally.
What Is Peroxide?
Hydrogen Peroxide is a useful chemical and oxidizing agent. For many years people have been using as a cleaner, and for health benefits as the liquid produces free radicals that may destroy pathogens and prevent infection.
It’s become popular in commercial cleaning in recent times as it’s a versatile and cost-effective scrubbing agent. If used correctly, it can eliminate germs, toxins, and multiple bacteria, making it a perfect choice for keeping health facilities clean.
Peroxide is a Very Versatile Cleaner
Besides Peroxide being a powerful disinfectant and cleaner, it’s also a strong degreaser, removes streaks off mirrors, and can sterilize surfaces. A mixture of Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner and water is the safest way to clean offices, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Peroxide ensures cleanliness but without the toxic ingredients found in many modern cleaning products. The cleanser combats fungus, mold, and mildew, with a deodorizing benefit.
Some of the surfaces you can clean with peroxide include:
- Appliances
- Countertops
- Floors
- Walls
- Mirrors
- Carpets
- Glass
How to Safety Use as a Cleaner
One of the reasons why many people use Peroxide is because it’s non-toxic. Not only is it safe for humans, but it’s also eco-friendly. What this means is that you can use it to clean delicate items such as your kid’s clothes, as well as the dog’s bed.
Even though the actual chemical is safe, there are certain things that you shouldn’t add to it. For example, don’t mix peroxide with white vinegar or bleach. This combination creates an adverse reaction and isn’t recommended safe for use. However, you can clean an area with white vinegar first and then follow up with the chemical for a strong germ-fighting duo.
Household Cleaning Tips Using Peroxide
There are so many different uses for peroxide, and the benefits and features of this multipurpose chemical are endless. We’ve put together some of the top tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the cleaning power of this magic liquid.
Removing Stains with a Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner
- Make a spot remover to eliminate stubborn stains such as chocolate, wine, grass, and sweat marks. Mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one-part dishwashing liquid. Apply this mixture to the area with a soft brush. Leave it for a while and then rinse under cold water. If the marks are still prevalent, apply more of the mixture and scrub the item gently until you can’t see the stain anymore. Wash the clothes as you usually would.
- The same formula can be used to remove carpet and upholstery spots. Peroxide is a mild bleach, so try it out on a small inconspicuous area before applying to the entire carpet or furniture piece.
- Blood is another tricky blemish to remove off clothing. To get rid of the stain, apply the chemical full-strength directly onto the affected area. The sooner you treat the material, the better the results. There will be some slight fizzing, and when that stops, dab the stain with a fresh cloth to lift it. Repeat the procedure until the item is clean and then wash it as usual.
- Another version of a stain remover requires a mixture of equal parts of hydrogen peroxide, Dawn and baking soda. Rub it on the dirt and agitate with a dish brush to clean the area.
A Clean Bleach Substitute
Hydrogen peroxide can be used in the place of bleach. To whiten and brighten fabrics, add a cup to your whitewash load. It’s gentler on your clothes than chlorine bleach.
We recommend that you allow laundry to soak for about 20 minutes before starting the washing machine to get the best results. Since it’s also anti-fungal, it removes the musty smell from bath towels and bedding.
Cleaning Your Bathroom
- No one enjoys cleaning out toilets, but with peroxide, the process is faster and more effective. Pour half a cup of the chemical into the bowl to disinfect and sanitize it. Then leave it to work for 30 minutes and follow up with your toilet brush. It will get rid of all bacteria in your loo and leave it sparkling clean.
- If you have mold in the bathroom, treat it using full-strength Hydrogen Peroxide. Use a rag to apply it or spray it on and let stand for half an hour. You can then clean the area as usual. Something to remember is that the mixture will kill mold, but it won’t remove the stains. It will require some extra deep cleaning to get right.
- Grout between the tiles isn’t only unsightly, but it can also get covered in mildew. A quick way to whiten grout is by using a mixture of baking soda and peroxide. Spread it on the tiles and let it work for five minutes. Wipe away with a wet cloth to see the fantastic results.
Clean, Sanitize and Disinfect Your Kitchen Safely
- Germs are always lurking in the kitchen, especially on surfaces such as cutting boards. Use hydrogen peroxide to wipe down your tools periodically, which will eliminate bacteria that may be lurking in the crevices. To further extend the life of your wooden cutting accessories, apply a coat of mineral oil after you’ve disinfected it.
- You can also use peroxide directly on surfaces such as countertops, light switches, sinks, doorknobs, and any other area which could carry germs. Use a spray bottle to give the spaces a quick squirt, and don’t worry about wiping the liquid off. Just leave the area to dry and let the chemical do its work. Don’t forget to sanitize your dishwasher and refrigerator since the detergent is safe to use around food.
- To clean musty sponges, soak them in a 50/50 mix of peroxide and warm water in a shallow dish. Leave them for about ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly afterward.
- If you have baked-on crud on any of your pots and pans, a combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will do the trick to get them clean. Mix up a paste of the two ingredients then rub onto the dirty vessel. Let stand for a while, and use a scrubbing sponge along with warm water to lift those stains with ease.
- If you need to clean your oven, this chemical is the perfect active ingredient to make a powerful cleaner. Combine peroxide, baking soda, dish soap, vinegar, and lemon. It cleans well while also giving the appliance a fresh citrus scent.
Stay Healthy and Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide isn’t only beneficial for cleaning household objects. It also has many benefits for our bodies to keep them clean and healthy.
Sanitize Your Beauty Tools
Whenever you use any of your beauty tools, they come into contact with body oils and bacteria. Items such as tweezers, eyelash curlers, and manicure or pedicure instruments need to be sanitized regularly. You can dip these into a bowl of peroxide or rub them down using a cloth. It will be enough to kill germs and prevent infections.
Toothbrushes and Mouth guard Cleaner
You should disinfect any items that go into your mouth often. Clean your toothbrush, retainer, and mouth guard by soaking them weekly for a short period. Make sure to rinse each one out with plain water before using it again.
Keep Your Shoes Clean
Hydrogen peroxide can effectively eliminate odors in shoes by targeting the bacteria that produce unpleasant smells. To use it, simply dampen a cloth or paper towel with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (usually a 3% solution works well), and thoroughly wipe the inside of the shoes. This helps disinfect the shoe interior, neutralize odor-causing bacteria, and leave your footwear smelling fresh.
Breathe Better
Humidifiers are a perfect breeding bonanza for molds due to the high moisture levels and heat generated. Keep your equipment clean by running a solution of 50% water to peroxide, at least once a month.
Destroy the Dust mites
The tiny critters thrive on the small bits of skin which we shed within our homes. These are particularly prevalent in the bedroom, where the mattress is a haven for the dust mites. Spray your bed with hydrogen peroxide to kill the creatures. Give the bedding time to dry completely before placing clean sheets and blankets.
Disinfecting Wounds on Animals
Hydrogen peroxide can be used on animals to help clean and disinfect minor wounds. To use it safely, first dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water to create a weak solution (usually a 3% concentration). Then, gently apply the solution to the wound using a clean cloth or cotton ball. This can help remove debris and reduce the risk of infection in superficial wounds, but always consult a veterinarian for guidance on treating more serious injuries.
Final Thoughts
Hydrogen Peroxide is one of the miracle chemicals that are readily available and affordable. It’s beneficial as a powerful cleaning agent with antibacterial and germ-killing properties used in many homes.
The chemical is gentle enough to be utilized around children and pets, but it’s a strong oxidizer that can remove stubborn stains. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that peroxide is found in homes worldwide.