A study done by the NCBI found that purses are covered in almost 95.2% bacterial contamination. And this bacteria only grows further leading to disastrous consequences.
According to recent research carried out, handbags tend to carry more bacteria than toilets. Hence, the cleaning and disinfecting of hand bags is more than crucial.
But the matter can be resolved pretty quickly if the right tools are used and one of them is the famous Hydrogen Peroxide.
Keep reading to find out how this oxidizing agent helps you keep clean bags.
Why Periodically Cleaning Bags Is Important
Caring for a bag is similar to caring for your skin. And this fact is no exaggeration.
Handbags go with us everywhere, from that work meeting to a dinner out with friends, it’s one of your constant partners.
Bags also get stains, cuts, and scrapes, and besides all of this, they accumulate bacteria on them. This is one of the scariest facts when it comes to owning handbags. Therefore, their proper and frequent cleaning is a must.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Bags
Hydrogen peroxide has been stated to be an excellent cleaning agent. And that case is not only limited to your living room tiles.
The cleaning agent does wonders for your bags too.
#1 Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Schoolbags
School bags are not a cheap commodity for many. Therefore, they can’t be purchased every new school/college term.
Almost all of the individuals out there are well-known to the fact that schoolbags can be washed. And that too with hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide due to its various cleaning properties, makes it easier to get rid of stains, dirt, and other undesirable nuisances.
The reason why hydrogen peroxide is such an effective tool for cleaning is because it not only clears off the stubborn banana stains on your child’s schoolbags, it also gets rid of the underlying impurities. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.
What You Need
- You’ll need 3% hydrogen peroxide, a cleaning brush, a cleaning pot, warm water etc.
Step-by-Step Procedure
In order to make sure no stain or germ is left behind, follow the instructions given below:
- To initialize the process, first empty out the bag. Moreover, if the books that are being taken out also have dirt, make sure to clean them with a cloth before putting them back into the schoolbag.
- Get the hydrogen peroxide solution ready by mixing the 3% concentration with water. Mix both of the elements properly.
- Grab a cleaning brush, dip it in the mixture and apply it on the bag.
- Carefully apply the mixture on areas that have stains and let it sit out for almost 30 mins. This time is subjective to the size of your bag and the stubbornness of stains on it.
- Once the time is up, rinse the bag under lukewarm water as it makes it easier to make the schoolbag mixture free.
Precautions to Bear in Mind
When dealing with hydrogen peroxide, it should be noted that the whole cleaning process shouldn’t be carried out in the open.
It would be much better if all the cleaning is done in an area that doesn’t receive any direct sunlight as hydrogen peroxide tends to act out in front of the sun.
Moreover, make sure you thoroughly clean the schoolbag after the 30 mins are up. If any trace of hydrogen peroxide is left behind, it can cause problems. Not necessarily deadly ones as diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide is not harmful, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
#2 Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Suitcases
Suitcases travel with us from one place to another. They carry the most baggage, metaphorically and materialistically speaking.
Hence, they deserve to be cleaned and disinfected every once in a while.
Especially since the coronavirus outbreak, the safety and cleaning of luggages has become a priority for everyone, the health officials as well as the individuals.
The importance of properly disinfecting your luggage can also be comprehended by realizing that a suitcase will touch tiles, pass through security processes, and even restrooms.
There are two types of luggages, hard and soft, and both of them can be cleaned with the help of hydrogen peroxide.
What You Need
- Spray bottle, 3% hydrogen peroxide, warm water and a cleaning brush.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Following steps should be followed for a thorough cleaning of a suitcase:
- Firstly, empty out all the components of the suitcase and make sure every compartment is emptied out.
- Mix together hydrogen peroxide and water to create a mixture and add it in a spray bottle.
- Next, spray the mixture on the outside surface of the luggage.
- In case of pesky stains, and marks, take the cleaning brush and scrub the stains with all your might.
- Besides brushing the stained area, it’s also effective to dab the stains with hydrogen peroxide and let it sit overnight.
- Once the night is over, wash the suitcases with soapy warm water and let it out for drying in the sun.
Precautions to Bear in Mind
Suitcases are made out of different materials and some of the cheap luggages out there might not be able to hand simple warm water besides the strong oxidizing agent.
Make sure the luggage is cleaned in the skin rather than under the sun and it should be kept overnight within a sheltered place. Once it has been cleaned with warm water, and the hydrogen peroxide mixture washed away, it can be then placed under the sun.
It’s important to remember that an over the counter hydrogen peroxide concentration should be used which in most cases is 3%.
If you want to go an extra mile, there’s no harm in wearing rubber gloves while applying the hydrogen peroxide mixture so that it doesn’t harm your skin in one way or another.
#3 Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Handbags
Handbags are necessary for doing life the right way. Removing the stains from a handbag or even simply cleaning it to remove germs is best done with the application of hydrogen peroxide.
Moreover, even though hydrogen peroxide is applicable for various types of handbags, the method that is going to be chosen should be adaptable with the handbag type.
Handbags types can be divided into leather, manmade or cloth materials. And all of these handbags will have to be cleaned differently, with precise care and attention to detail.
What You Need
- To carry out the process, you’ll need hydrogen peroxide, soft cloth, spoon, and a spray bottle.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Follow the instructions mentioned below for an effective cleaning:
- Make sure no sticky element is left behind in your hand bag like an uncapped lipstick or a wet wipe. When left behind, these could create further mess and make the cleaning process more difficult.
- Whatever the material of your bag, one can never go wrong with a hydrogen peroxide mixture.
- Mix equal part water and equal part hydrogen peroxide to get the desired mixture.
- Grab a clean soft cloth, dip it in the mixture and carefully dab the whole bag with this mixture.
- The dabbing process can take some time as it should be carried out with precision.
- Before carrying out the process, it’s recommended to test out the mixture on a small area of the bag to make sure there are no side effects.
- After 30-45 mins, grab a clean cloth, sink it in warm water, and clean off the mixture with this cloth.
- Repeat the action until satisfied.
Precautions to Bear in Mind
As mentioned above, before initializing a full on process, make sure you test the mixture on a small area.
Furthermore, the cloth that’s being used to dab the mixture and the one that’s used to clean it off should be itself free from any impurities.
Make sure to never use disinfecting wipes or Clorox alongside hydrogen peroxide. If you do so, the bag’s quality can be affected in a bad way. It should be noted that the cloth kept aside for cleaning should be a soft one and not made out of a harsh fabric.
Many people make the mistake of placing their leather handbags within the washer. Don’t make such an amateur mistake as it can strip the bag off its shine and good qualities.
#4 Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Disinfect Old Bags
Worn out bags that have been there for you through the thick and thin deserve all the love. And you can show this love via disinfectant. Yes, you read that right.
One of the primary reasons why bags tend to lose their charm over time, and fail to perform their basic functionalities is because they’re simply covered in bacteria and germs that make them seem old.
Hydrogen peroxide comes to the rescue by being the perfect solution for your decaying bag. When used in a small concentration, hydrogen peroxide works wonders for the old bag of yours.
What You Need
- Lukewarm water, a bowl, hydrogen peroxide, and sponge.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Disinfect the bag by following the instructions written below:
- Mix a tablespoon or two of hydrogen peroxide with water and let it mix for a while.
- If the bag is of a significant size then you can adjust the hydrogen peroxide tablespoons accordingly.
- Next, empty out the bag completely, take a sponge that’s not harsh in nature and soak it in the mixture.
- Take the sponge out of the mixture and scrub the bag lightly with it.
- Keep doing so until there’s a glint of shine on the bag. That’s your green light for using the warm water.
- Run the bag under warm water to wash away the oxidizing agent.
Precautions to Bear in Mind
Hydrogen peroxide can cause side effects when it comes to human skin. Therefore, during the application process, don’t forget to wear some gloves.
Furthermore, if some splashing is expected during the process then wear protective wear so that the chemical doesn’t come in contact with your eyes.
As mentioned above, hydrogen peroxide should be mixed and applied in a place that’s far away from sunshine as the chemical is sensitive to it. Furthermore, don’t try any other cleaning elements like vinegar alongside hydrogen peroxide as it can backfire horrendously. Such an act creates peracetic acid, which is extremely dangerous for the eyes, lungs, nose, and throat.
#5 Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Bleach White Bags
We all have a bag that is now covered in grime and taken over a vicious yellow color, unappealing to the eyes.
White handbag owners know the significance of this purchase. A white bag is an accessory that works with every outfit and puts together the whole look.
It’s a sad case when this white bag is turned into something ugly due to its constant rigorous use and no care.
However, don’t worry, hydrogen peroxide is there for your rescue. Due to its bleaching properties, hydrogen peroxide is the perfect option to bleach and clean a white bag.
What You Need
- You’ll need hydrogen peroxide, water, a bowl, rag, and a tub.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Accurately follow the instructions given below for a successful cleaning process.
- Create a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to dilute the agent.
- Grab the rag and dampen it with the hydrogen peroxide mixture.
- Take the soaked rag and rub it over the dirty areas that have grime and stains.
- Rub vigorously so that all the excessive oil is taken out and the bag is free of any impurities.
- Make sure to keep dampening the rag as it can dry out pretty quickly, especially if the bag is extremely dirty and filled with excessive oils.
- Let the hydrogen peroxide sit on the bag for at least 30 mins.
- Once the 30 mins are up, make sure to clean off the bag with a clean cloth or a shoe brush, whatever suits you.
Precautions to Bear in Mind
It should be noted that a bag should be cleaned vigorously, with constant effort, not rigorously. Too much pressure can actually tear away your white bag.
Furthermore, the bleaching process is overall safe. However, to be on the safer side, make sure to wear covering clothes that don’t expose sensitive parts of your skin/body.
Why Is Hydrogen Peroxide Ideal to Clean Bags?
Hydrogen peroxide is a compound that does it all. The characteristics it holds is nothing less than exemplary. Hence, it’s fit for almost every activity out there, including cleaning your bags. Take a look at why this is the case.
1. Doesn’t Damage the Material
Hydrogen peroxide has been stated to be safe by a number of legitimate websites out there. And there’s no reason why it wouldn’t be. If it can be used in a washing machine, it is also perfect for products that need to be cleaned by their hands.
Hydrogen peroxide does anything but damage your clothes. Unlike other detergents like those that have chlorine bleach in them and tend to be far more dangerous for clothes, hydrogen peroxide when used in a small concentration like the 3% one isn’t dangerous for the fabric.
2. Potent Antimicrobial Properties
What makes hydrogen peroxide a better cleaning agent than others in the market is its antimicrobial properties. What this means is that hydrogen peroxide with the help of such properties is able to reduce, eradicate, and prevent bacterial infection that can be brought forward by a handbag.
Furthermore, these properties are both polar and nonpolar which forces the bacteria to dissolve more quickly. Such a process removes the pathogens that can harm the user of a dirty bag.
Hydrogen peroxide is able to produce destructive radicals that attack and take over membrane lipids and other membranes present in bacteria. Needless to say, hydrogen peroxide is extremely efficient at its job.
3. Convenience and Ease of Use
The word convenient and hydrogen peroxide fit together perfectly. This is because hydrogen peroxide is an all in one, it’s a bleaching agent, an oxidizing agent, has antimicrobial properties, will whiten your bags for you, get rid of the excessive oil, eradicate the minute stains.
Furthermore, over the counter hydrogen peroxide which is available throughout every convenience store out there, can be easily bought without any restrictions or the requirement for a license whatsoever.
The agent when compared to the various benefits it brings to the table isn’t expensive at all and can be afforded by almost everyone.
For dilution, all one needs is water and that’s it. No fancy ingredients and no waiting around. It’s a simple, clear process.
How Often Should You Clean Your Bags?
The answer to this question depends upon a variety of factors.
First of all you need to take into consideration the color of your bag. If it’s a white one, it’ll probably be covered in stains far more quickly than a black one. Hence, a white bag should be cleaned twice or once a month for good measure.
Bags that have dense colors are good to go even when washed after two months.
Furthermore, if the bags that you own are dragged everywhere with you including the restroom, chances of them being covered in bacteria are high. Therefore, they should be cleaned monthly or semi-monthly.
What Hydrogen Peroxide Concentration is Ideal to Clean Bags?
Hydrogen peroxide comes in different concentrations that include the general 3%, 6-10%, 35%, 50%, and 70%.
70% is the strongest and most dangerous concentration found in the market and it’s not sold directly to customers and only to professionals.
For the purpose of cleaning, whether it’s your kitchen countertops or hand bags, the only desirable and safe concentration is 3%. Therefore, when mixed with water, 3% over the counter hydrogen peroxide should be used.
The Take-Home Point
Take immediate action before it’s too late. For how long will you keep sending your children with schoolbags that are filled with contaminated bacteria?
It’s time you ensure the safety of your loved ones and yourselves by purchasing hydrogen peroxide. It’s time you say goodbye to the bacteria!
