How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Cleaning and Disinfecting

Having multiple cleaning products for each surface or room can sometimes make the cleaning process a hassle. Not to mention that each product has its own set of instructions and a particular process to follow. You would be able to clean the house faster if you have one product for everything. Plus, this would be a cost-friendly solution too!

These days, a common household cleaning trend is to use hydrogen peroxide as a cleaner and disinfectant in one.

What is hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a chemical compound that is a combination of water and hydrogen. The store-bought products are clear as water. In its pure form, hydrogen peroxide is a bluish liquid. Hydrogen peroxide has antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and disinfectant activities.

Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is a non-toxic substance. In fact, it is being used throughout the healthcare industry as a disinfection and cleaning agent. Over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide usually contains around 3% of hydrogen peroxide, so they are a bit diluted. However, depending on how you will use it, you might need to dilute it some more.

Products with 3% to 5% hydrogen peroxide will not be easily absorbed in your skin. Still, there could be a chance that it would irritate your mucus membrane.

Also, you should be warned to be careful when mixing hydrogen peroxide with other materials. For instance, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide is a bad mixture because it can create an adverse reaction.

How to use hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect

Before we move forward to the instructions on how you should use hydrogen peroxide, you have to note that it is a bleaching agent that can cause discoloration. If you are using it on a colored surface, it is best to test it out first on a small area before proceeding.

Hard surfaces

To clean and disinfect hard surfaces with hydrogen peroxide, pour it inside a spray bottle. You can then spray it to the hard surfaces on your kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedrooms. When you spray on the surface and notice the solution to bubble, do not worry. This is a natural reaction when it comes to contact with dirt and microbes. Allow it to bubble on the surface for about 5 minutes before wiping it off.

Floors

To clean and disinfect floors, you need to mix equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide in a bucket. Then go about mopping as usual and let the solution dry on the floor.

Countertops

Countertops are made out of different materials, so you have to take caution when using hydrogen peroxide on them. For instance, granite or marble countertops are sensitive, so you can only clean them with hydrogen peroxide once in a while because it may break down the finishing with continual use.

Disinfecting soak

To create a disinfecting soak, you should fill a cup with 3% hydrogen peroxide. You can then use it to soak the items you want to disinfect, such as retainers, toothbrushes, thermometers, manicure tools, and sponges. Soak these items for 10 to 20 minutes. Then, let the items dry.

Fabric cleaner and disinfectant

You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect fabrics – as long as they are white. This is very helpful when dealing with cloth diapers that need disinfecting, deodorizing, and whitening. You can also use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect and brighten your white clothing.

Toilet cleaner

To make a toilet cleaner, use one-half cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and pour it in your toilet bowl. Leave it in the bowl for about 20 minutes before using a toilet brush cleaner to scrub the sides. This will help kill the germs and brighten your toilet’s surface.

Mirror and glass shiner

Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to clean your mirrors and make it shine. The same thing can be done to polish any glass surface. All you have to do is mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Spray the mixture onto the surface then use a paper towel, newspaper, or a lint-free cloth to wipe the solution off.

All-purpose cleaner

If you want to add a great scent and enhance the cleaning power of hydrogen peroxide, you can make your own all-purpose cleaner. All you have to do is mix a cup of hydrogen peroxide with two cups of distilled water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Then add two teaspoons of lemon juice or 10 drops of lemon essential oil. Shake the spray bottle a little to mix it. Now, you have a great all-purpose cleaner that you can use on anything in the house! Not only does the lemon add a fresh scent, but its acidic properties can also break down grim and scum that has gathered on your bathroom tiles, toilet, bathtub, and sink.

Litterbox cleaner and disinfectant

You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect your pet’s litter box. This solution helps eliminate the nasty odor too! First, empty out the litter box then wash it with hot water and soap. After, spray the litter box thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse and dry.

Hydrogen peroxide is strong and effective enough to kill off bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, and mold spores. This makes it a cheap and powerful disinfectant and cleaner. Instead of spending hundreds of money on different cleaning and disinfecting products, why not just invest in an affordable bottle of hydrogen peroxide? You would be surprised how much you save in the long run.

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