Have you ever heard of a household item that can do wonders not just in your kitchen but also for your health? Enter food-grade hydrogen peroxide, a remarkably versatile substance that holds incredible potential. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of food-grade hydrogen peroxide, exploring what it is, its various applications, and why it’s gaining recognition as a valuable addition to both your culinary and wellness arsenal.
What is it?
Hydrogen Peroxide is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid that is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen with extra oxygen molecules. The extra oxygen makes hydrogen peroxide very unstable. It reacts to multiple kinds of catalysts in an attempt to get rid of the additional oxygen and return to the more stable state of plain water.
There are several different dilutions of hydrogen peroxide.
- Pharmaceutical Grade— Most commonly in a 3% solution, this can be purchased at a number of stores and is used as a general household disinfectant. This grade will generally contain stabilizers.
- 6% to 10% Hydrogen Peroxide – Commonly found cosmetic products
- Food Grade— The 35% solution is frequently used for commercial food preparation processes and is applied to some packaging materials. The designation of “food grade” is not related to the percentage concentration but rather to the fact that it does not contain chemical stabilizers and is therefore considered safer to come in contact with food.
- 90% Hydrogen Peroxide- Used by the military as a source of oxygen and can also be used as a propellant for rocket fuel. In fact, the Russian space force has been using hydrogen peroxide in their rocket fuel for decades due to its stability compared to flammable fuels. This concentration requires very specific storage measures and appropriate licenses and permits to obtain.
The 35% mix is referred to as “food grade” because it does not contain certain stabilizers that should not be ingested but are found in other commercially available solutions. These stabilizers are added to increase the length of shelf life and minimize decomposition. Hydrogen peroxide is susceptible to light, heat, and air, all of which cause the solution to decompose even within a closed bottle. The dark brown bottle commonly used for the 3% solution is intended to block out light in particular and should be stored in dark, cool areas.
If stored properly, the breakdown happens very slowly, but higher concentrations can break down enough that the packaging could burst from the pressure of the additional oxygen being released. The 35% solution should be stored in cool, dark places with the lid slightly loosened to allow the excess oxygen to escape.
Food grade hydrogen peroxide is used in the manufacturing process of foodstuffs such as:
- Spraying packaging to help sterilize it, particularly used for foil packaging for fruit juices and milk products
- Processing flour, sugar, and bakery products
- Bleaching instant tea, colored cheeses, and other food products.
Common Uses
There are a few reasons to use the full strength 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide, and the majority of those purchases are made by those who use it for commercial purposes such as food processing and packaging. The more common reason to purchase it is that it comes in a bulk size that can be diluted to make larger and cheaper quantities of the lesser, but more widely useful in a home setting, 3% solution.
The 3% solution can be used for everything from disinfecting to plant growth. Because the food grade solution does not contain chemical stabilizers, it, therefore, leaves no residue beyond plain water.
Below are a few of the more common household uses:
- Sanitizing personal care items
- Spraying fresh vegetable to keep them fresh longer (always be sure to rinse thoroughly)
- Cutting board disinfection
- Countertop disinfection
- Sponge and dishcloth cleaning
- Refrigerator cleaning
- Whitening agent for laundry (color test dark clothing first)
There are a few uses for the full strength 35% food-grade solution as well:
- Pool cleaning as a replacement for chlorine. It is important to note that hydrogen peroxide reacts to chlorine by inactivating it and essentially canceling each other out. If you have already put chlorine into a pool or hot tub, adding hydrogen peroxide will actually increase the chances of algae and mold growth.
- Hot Tubs can be maintained, in lieu of chlorine, with 8 ounces per 500 gallons of water and 2-4 ounces weekly for maintenance.
- Supplement to add to the ground when growing mushrooms
- Farmers are experimenting with increasing crop yields by spraying a diluted mixture of 15 – 16 ounces per 20 gallons of water for each acre
- Water Purification – A solution with low concentration can be used to disinfect water that has been contaminated with pathogens. High concentrations can be used with UV light to decontaminate water that has been polluted with industrial waste. Ongoing research into this field could have enormous implications for purifying large amounts of water.
Researchers are actively investigating whether hydrogen peroxide could be a solution for getting purified water to remote areas of the world. Potable water is necessary for any community to thrive and yet attempts to bring in purifying equipment or chemicals have been extremely cost-prohibitive. Tests are being done to alleviate that cost by turning contaminated water into hydrogen peroxide, then allowing the normal chemical reaction to take place, which would both purify and turn it back into plain water.
Naturally Occurring Hydrogen Peroxide in the Immune System
Hydrogen peroxide is produced continuously inside the human body as part of the immune system response. One class of white blood cells, Granulocytes, produces hydrogen peroxide as a defense against parasites, harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The breakdown process of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals within the body also causes hydrogen peroxide to be created as a byproduct of cell metabolism.
Hydrogen peroxide is always in an unstable state, even internally, and is quick to react with any catalysts it can find. The reaction causes the additional oxygen molecules to detach, which forms “singlet oxygen.” Singlet oxygen is a powerful oxidizing agent that affects the body in two ways.
Anaerobic organisms, which are bacteria that use carbon dioxide for fuel, are susceptible to singlet oxygen that can kill or severely inhibit their growth.
The second impact occurs when it comes into contact with biological waste products and industrial toxins. The singlet oxygen turns them into inert substances by immobilizing them, making the waste products and toxins easier to handle for the kidney and liver. It also doubles the rate of enzymatic metabolism in mitochondria within each cell. By doubling the rate of enzymatic metabolism, the body can cleanse itself of toxins and preserve the energy that is needed for day-to-day functions.
Bacteria and Viruses Eliminated by Hydrogen Peroxide
Extensive research has been done on the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide in eliminating various bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, and its use in purifying water. A few of the more commonly known bacteria that hydrogen peroxide can kill are listed below.
- Escherichia coli (E-Coli) – found in contaminated water or food, particularly raw vegetables and undercooked beef. Hydrogen peroxide aerosolized into a spray used on raw vegetables can eliminate E. coli if present. Using this spray on cutting boards, vegetable drawers, and the interior of refrigerators (be sure to wipe down afterward) can also help prevent E. coli from becoming ingested.
- Staphylococcus aureus (Staph aureus) – found on the skin and in the nose of one in three people. Staph can cause a wide range of infections, minor skin abscesses to life-threatening systemic infections. It is often considered a superbug because it is highly contagious and adaptive, and some strains have become extremely resistant to antibiotics.
These resistant strains are referred to as MRSA and, at one time, were responsible for more deaths than HIV/AIDS in the US. Researchers discovered in the early 2000s that a combination of a blue LED light and a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide can effectively kill 99.9% of the resistant strains of Staph (MRSA). This treatment should only be done by medical professionals.
- Salmonella typhimurium (Salmonella) – present in contaminated food and water, these bacteria affect the intestinal tract. When used on surfaces that may have come in contact with contaminated food and water, such as cutting boards and hands, the 3% solution is effective at killing the Salmonella bacteria.
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) – A highly contagious virus spread through respiratory droplets. Evidence suggests the COVID-19 virus may be viable on surfaces for hours on some surfaces and days on others. Disinfecting surfaces on a consistent basis, especially after having come in contact with unknown persons, is a best practice measure for the prevention of spreading the virus.
It is much more likely to be spread through the inhalation of respiratory droplets of an infected person. Some people are asymptomatic, with no noticeable symptoms, and may therefore not be as careful as possible to prevent spreading the virus. The airborne particles may land on surfaces that are then touched by others.
When cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that may have COVID-19 virus particles on them, be sure to wear single-use gloves. Clean dirty surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting. Avoid mixing cleaning products. Choose one and use it consistently.
Hydrogen peroxide has been approved by the CDC as an effective disinfectant for eliminating the COVID-19 virus on surfaces. It should be mixed into a diluted solution or spray, and the surface should then be wiped down with preferably disposable paper products rather than cloths that will need to then be laundered.
It is not recommended for disinfecting hands and skin on a regular basis as it causes dryness and irritation if frequently applied to the skin. If your hands need to be disinfected quickly and regular hand sanitizer or soap and water are not available, then the occasional use of hydrogen peroxide is appropriate.
When laundering items that may have come in contact, hydrogen peroxide can be added but be sure to test colorfastness first, particularly with dark colors.
- Oral Streptococci (Strep Throat) – Sore throats are often caused by infections, and Streptococcus is a particularly virulent and painful condition that can develop in your throat. Hydrogen peroxide at a 1.7% solution is effective against it when used as a gargle for about 10 minutes: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and equal parts water. Do not swallow.
Side Effects
Hydrogen peroxide of any mix is still a chemical, and as such, comes with safety warnings and precautions that should be taken into consideration when planning to use it for anything that may have it come into contact with living organisms.
Humans and animals can both have adverse reactions to hydrogen peroxide. It should always be kept out of the reach of children and pets and in clearly labeled containers. If you intend to mix your own diluted solutions from the stronger 35% solution, use a container that has had all other information removed or covered to prevent confusion as to what it may contain.
Use caution at all times when using any type of hydrogen peroxide. The side effects that can occur from ingestion, inhalation of the vapors, or injection are numerous and can be long-lasting.
Ingestion of the common 3% solution can cause stomach pain, blisters in the throat, and internal burns. Even though hydrogen peroxide is present in many common products such as toothpaste and mouthwash that come into skin contact, they are also intended to be rinsed away.
Some of the injuries that can occur from ingestion or inhalation:
- Mouth or stomach ulcers
- Burns in the mouth and esophagus
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Foaming at the mouth
- Vomiting
- Eye irritation (if hydrogen peroxide gets into your eyes, you should immediately rinse them off)
- Unintentionally bleached hair or skin
- Blisters in the mouth and throat
Injecting hydrogen peroxide should not be done as a home remedy. Intravenous injections, in particular, should always be performed by a health care professional. Potential side effects from injecting hydrogen peroxide include:
- Inflammation of the blood vessels at the injection site
- Oxygen bubbles injected into the bloodstream can lead to an embolism and can get in through improperly removing oxygen within the syringe. Embolisms are extremely dangerous and can be fatal.
- Kidney failure
- Deterioration and destruction of red blood cells
Dilution chart
If you purchase 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide with the intention of diluting it to use for household cleaning, disinfecting, and the like, then several online conversion calculators are available to give you the amounts in ounces to dilute 35% down to 3%.
Below are a few of the most common amounts you may want to make:
| 35% in Oz. | Water in Oz. | 35% in Cups | Water in Cups | |
| 20 oz. Bottle | 2 | 18 | ¼ cup | 2 ¼ cup |
| 1 Cup | 1 | 7 | 2 Tbsps. | 14 Tbsps. |
| 1 Liter Bottle | 3 | 31 | 6 Tbsps. | 3 ¾ cup |
| 1 Gallon | 11 | 117 | 1 1/14 cup | 14 ¾ cup |
Online Suppliers and Local Places to Buy
Online
A number of online retailers supply 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide, including well know companies such as:
Amazon – Amazon has removed references to ingesting food grade hydrogen peroxide internally. They have also implemented a new policy forbidding vendors from marketing hydrogen peroxide in concentrations higher than 12 percent.
Walmart – Walmart sells the 35% solution online, but what is actually shipped has been diluted to 7.99% to avoid shipping restrictions.
Shipping Regulations
Online suppliers have some difficulty in shipping and will often offer lesser concentrations rather than try to ship anything over a 20% solution. Higher concentration requires the hydrogen peroxide to be shipped as a hazardous material, which can greatly increase the costs and security measures involved.
Regardless of the intent, food-grade, or pool treatment, it is entirely dependent on the percentage as to whether it will be shipped as hazardous.
Health Supplement Suppliers
Businesses that focus primarily on selling health supplements are both online and have physical locations. While 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide is frequently sold at many of these locations, the shipping requirements for online sales still require it to be listed as a hazardous material.
Therefore, many will list the items as food grade, but they will have been diluted down to 3%. However, they can still be listed as food grade because the distinction comes not from the percentage solution but from the lack of stabilizing chemicals.
Brick and Mortar Locations
Walgreens
CVS
Lowe’s Home Improvement
Kroger Grocery
Also, many health and nutritional supplement locations carry food grade hydrogen peroxide.
Security Issues
There are no specific restrictions on the sale of hydrogen peroxide, up to 40% dilution, though large enough quantities of it without a proper business license can cause some scrutiny as it is considered a volatile chemical. Sale of the highest 90% concentration is restricted and requires permits, appropriate licenses, and the correct storage facilities.
The Department of Homeland Security considers highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide to be a “chemical of interest” as it can be used in conjunction with other materials to build explosive devices. Federal DOT law lists 35% hydrogen peroxide as extremely volatile, which can swell and burst during transit. Solutions over 8% must be insured and pay a Hazmat Chemical Transport Fee, have a Hazardous Liquid label, be packed in absorbent material, and requires a signature on delivery. If any of those things are missing when making an online purchase of a solution above 8% dilution, you may want to find a different supplier as they are illegally shipping the product.
Safety Facts
Diluted hydrogen peroxide products containing 3% – 5% hydrogen peroxide are safe to come in contact with unbroken skin but should also be rinsed away as soon as possible. Breathing in the vapors is not recommended and should not be allowed near the eyes. Ingestion of any type of hydrogen peroxide can result in internal blisters, difficulty breathing, damage to the esophagus and stomach, and should be avoided at all times.
Battelle Memorial Institute, a nonprofit scientific research company, has developed a technology, approved by the FDA, to use a concentrated vapor in specialized equipment to sterilize used N95 respirators and other personal protective equipment that has come in contact with the COVID-19 virus.
Hydrogen peroxide is active against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, and the common 3% hydrogen peroxide is a stable and effective disinfectant. It has been used in concentrations from 3% – 6% for disinfecting ventilators, fabrics, and endoscopes and is included on the EPA’s list of antimicrobials active for use against COVID-19.
In low concentrations, hydrogen peroxide can be used as a mouth rinse to help remove mold and mildew stains from dishwashers, disinfect counters and cutting boards, and wash vegetables by removing bacteria from them. Higher concentrations that contain 20% or more can be hazardous if not handled and stored properly and are usually found in manufacturing plants where bleaching textiles and paper takes place.
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
According to the CDC website:
“Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) is a colorless liquid with a slightly sharp odor. Hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, skin, and throat. Workers may be harmed from exposure to hydrogen peroxide. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.”
The CDC regards high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to be a hazardous material, and anyone who works with or uses even diluted solutions should closely follow all safety measures and protocols recommended.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA has provided approval for a variety of products that contain hydrogen peroxide, containing the 3% solution up to 40% solutions. The majority of these products involve sanitizing or disinfecting. Some hair treatment products and dental products that contain hydrogen peroxide have also been approved.
American Chemistry Council
A fact sheet provided by the American Chemistry Council contains some of the most frequently asked questions about storage and treatment as a hazardous material, including:
“Is it regulated as a toxic chemical?
Hydrogen peroxide is categorized as a hazardous material that is regulated by the federal government both onsite and during transportation. In fact, it is also regulated under the new DHS chemical facility security regulations.”