Chances are you may already have a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide in your home. Then again, even those who have some familiarity with this volatile chemical may not be aware of a ton of other uses it has. While it’s an affordable product, it’s a very versatile substance with disinfecting, oxidizing, and bleaching properties and serves a host of other purposes that may surprise you.
What is Hydrogen Peroxide, and is it Safe to Use?
Hydrogen Peroxide is a chemical compound consisting of hydrogen and oxygen similar to water, and is considered the purest peroxide. It’s also known for its formula H2O2 – two hydrogen and two oxygen atoms per molecule – in its purest form and is as clear as water (H2O). Since the early 20th century, hydrogen peroxide has been utilized in various applications beyond its initial use. It interacts with the enzyme catalase, commonly found in many types of cells, including those in blood, tissues, and bacteria.
When exposed to certain conditions, hydrogen peroxide initiates a natural oxidation process. This process is effective in various contexts, although it is not advised for certain uses. Additionally, it’s important to handle hydrogen peroxide with care, as it has specific properties that need to be considered.
Despite its potency, the FDA still approved it but only when diluted in water based on its rated use. For example, for household use, the solution should contain only 3% H202 and 97% water. There’s 6-10% for bleaching, up to 35% for food-grade products, and 90% for industrial use. Most products you’ll come across in stores are the 3% variety mentioned here unless explained otherwise. It’s volatile and not persistent, which in layman’s terms means it’s a reactive compound that doesn’t have a long shelf life.
Constant exposure to light and heat will eventually cause the compound to break down chemically. It’s for that reason you see it contained inside dark or opaque bottles. It’s also best to store it somewhere cool and dark. It doesn’t become more harmful, but only much less effective after a limited period, usually lasting around six months. That’s why always check the expiry date whenever you plan on using it.
Despite all its benefits, you still need great care and caution when using it even in its diluted form. Here is a comprehensive list of typical hydrogen peroxide applications and how to use it properly.
Outdoor Applications of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide as a Soil Oxygenator
When hydrogen peroxide breaks down in the soil, it releases oxygen, creating a healthier environment for roots to thrive, resulting in stronger and more vigorous plants.
Root Rot Prevention
By applying hydrogen peroxide solutions to your plants’ roots, you can prevent and treat root rot, a common fungal issue that can lead to wilting and plant death.
Seed Germination Enhancement
Soaking seeds in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution can improve germination rates by eliminating harmful pathogens and softening seed coatings.
Fungus Gnat Control
A hydrogen peroxide and water mixture effectively targets fungus gnat larvae in the soil, helping to eradicate these pests and protect your plants.
Pest-Repellent Sprays
Create homemade pest repellent sprays by combining hydrogen peroxide with other natural ingredients to deter common garden pests like aphids and mites.
Plant Disease Management
Hydrogen peroxide can help control a range of plant diseases, including powdery mildew and bacterial infections, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments.
Plant Nutrient Absorption
Hydrogen peroxide increases oxygen in the root zone, facilitating better nutrient absorption, leading to healthier and more productive plants.
Mold and Mildew Eradication
Spray hydrogen peroxide on plant foliage and soil to eliminate mold and mildew, ensuring disease-free plants and improved air circulation.
Algae Control in Water Features
Add hydrogen peroxide to garden ponds or water features to inhibit algae growth and maintain clear water.
Disinfecting Garden Tools
Soak and wipe down garden tools with hydrogen peroxide to prevent the spread of diseases between plants during pruning and maintenance.
Compost Accelerator
Introduce hydrogen peroxide to your compost pile to accelerate decomposition, producing nutrient-rich compost faster.
Garden Cleanup
Use hydrogen peroxide to clean pots, trays, and work surfaces, reducing the risk of contamination and disease transmission.
Cutting and Pruning
Sterilize cutting tools with hydrogen peroxide before taking cuttings or pruning to prevent infections from spreading among plants
Transplant Shock Reduction
Treat roots with hydrogen peroxide before transplanting to minimize stress and improve the chances of successful transplantation.
Weed Control
Experiment with hydrogen peroxide-based weed control solutions as a more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical herbicides.
Dormant Plant Protection
Apply hydrogen peroxide sprays on dormant plants to keep them healthy and protect them from pests and diseases during the winter.
Gardening Hydroponics
Maintain oxygen levels in hydroponic systems by using hydrogen peroxide, preventing root rot and ensuring healthy growth.
Fish Tank Maintenance
Keep aquaponic systems clean and safe for fish and plants by using hydrogen peroxide to control algae and pathogens.
Plant Propagation
Improve success rates in plant propagation by using hydrogen peroxide to sterilize tools and encourage strong root development.
Herbicide Neutralization
Neutralize herbicides in the soil using hydrogen peroxide to protect desirable plants from potential harm.
Mulch Revitalization
Revive mulch by applying hydrogen peroxide to eliminate mold and mildew, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Outdoor Furniture Cleaning
Safely remove stains and mold from outdoor furniture cushions and surfaces using hydrogen peroxide, restoring their appearance and cleanliness in your garden.
Uses Hydrogen Peroxide inside the Kitchen
The kitchen is arguably the room where you’ll find the best daily use for hydrogen peroxide. It should find a home among your cleaning items under the sink. It’s a multipurpose cleaner and can disinfect some of the most frequently used items in the kitchen.
Countertop disinfectant
You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect countertops in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or any other room in the house. All you need is another spray bottle filled with it. Spray it on the surface, and spread it evenly with a sponge. It will bubble, and you have to wait at least five minutes as it does its magic. After that, wipe it off clean with the sponge, and that’s it.
However, take caution on natural stone tops like granite or marble. H2O2 is excellent for cleaning and disinfecting them once in a while, but it will eventually erode their protective seals. So it’s not recommended for everyday use on those surfaces.
Dishwasher additive
In the same vein, you can ensure your dishes are germ-free by adding 2-3 ounces of H2O2 to your dishwasher detergent. It will take care of any food-borne and other bacteria. You might as well add some to your handwashing and dish soaps to make them better sanitizers.
Removing caked-on foodstuff
An added benefit of adding H2O2 to your dish soap and dishwater detergent is its ability to remove stubborn food caked on pots or pans. It’s even better if you combine it with baking soda into a paste, then allow it to break down the sticky food for about a couple of minutes. With baking soda being an abrasive material, it would be easier to scrape and scrub the food off afterward.
It can also disinfect your other kitchen utensils in the same manner.
Disinfecting sponges and dishrags
Yet another terrific use for hydrogen peroxide is to disinfect sponges and dishrags. These often neglected items are most prone to bacteria buildup because they’re always wet. Moisture breed germs, and that’s why you’ll see your rags and sponges bubble up when sprayed with H2O2. That means it’s reacting to all the bacteria and killing them. Even better is that it gives you a longer interval between washings and prolongs their use before they’ll need replacing.
Cleaning cutting boards
Chopping meat, chicken, and fish can leave germs on your chopping board if not cleaned thoroughly. Most people only wash it with ordinary dish soap and rinse with water. That’s not enough, so be sure to spray it with hydrogen peroxide for double measure. It will be sure to eliminate all bacteria before they can get into your meals as you’re preparing them.
Refrigerator cleaner
Cleaning the ref should count as one of the most crucial chores in your kitchen. You’ll find a lot of perishable food items that you consume stored inside. Not only do you want it to keep smelling fresh, but also disinfect it from bacteria. After shutting it off, defrosting, start emptying it of its contents. Throw out anything you don’t need, especially rotting or expired food. Proceed to wipe all the surfaces down with H2O2. To keep the freshness longer, leave an open baking soda carton inside.
Cleaning vegetables and fruits and keeping them fresh
The substance is also potent against pathogenic diseases. That’s why it’s always a great idea to clean fruits and vegetables and keep them fresh with hydrogen peroxide. You’ll spray a 50-50 percent mixture of water and 3% over-the-counter H2O2 on your vegetables and fruits. Leave it for a few minutes before rinsing it all off. To make them last longer, let them soak in a bowl filled with cold water mixed with 1/4 cup food-grade H2O2 (6-10%) for at least 20 minutes. Finally, rinse them in the sink and allow them to dry. It will remove chemicals and fertilizer used in growing the veggies and fruits and give them a longer shelf life.
Keeping salads fresh
Keep your spinach, romaine, or other salad greens crisp and nutritious overnight. Again, use one tablespoon of food-grade H2O2 mixed with 1/2 cup of cold water and spray it on your salad greens. Cover and keep them in the ref until they’re ready to serve. The H2O2 will dissipate into water and oxygen the next morning but keep your greens fresh and tasty.
Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide in the Bathroom
Grout whitener
Dirty grout always makes a tile surface look horrid no matter how beautiful the tiles are. It’s like yellow stained teeth on an otherwise lovely face. Fortunately, there are solutions to restore grout to its original glory. For moderate staining, spraying H2O2 on grout and letting it sit for several hours before you return to it. Scrub the grout down with some soapy water and a toothbrush, and your grout should look brand new.
You can also use a paste with one part peroxide and two baking soda for more stubborn stains. Add a tablespoon of dish soap added for good measure.
Tile cleaner
Like their grout, tiles can also accumulate soap scum, stains, mold, and mildew. Applying peroxide will kill everything on the tile surface and even brighten it. Hydrogen peroxide is more effective when combined with baking soda to form a paste. Apply it directly on all the tile surfaces. Cover them with plastic sheets before you leave and let them stand overnight.
The following morning, rinse the tiles with water and wipe them clean. Observe as they begin sparkling like new.
Toilet bowl cleaner
Pour ½ cup hydrogen peroxide on all the inner surfaces of your toilet bowl. Leave it to sit for about half an hour before you come back. Then scrub the bowl thoroughly with a toilet brush and flush it down. Afterward, be sure to pour more peroxide on your brush to sanitize it. You don’t need to buy a separate toilet bowl cleanser.
Glass cleaner
If you want to remove blemishes on your mirror or hard water, mold, mildew, and soap scum on your shower’s glass enclosure, hydrogen peroxide does a fine job. For mirrors, it will not leave streaks that you see when applying over-the-counter cleaners. Just ensure the surfaces are dry and wipe them down with H2O2 on a folded paper towel. To supercharge the peroxide, make a paste with it and baking soda and wipe all over the glass enclosure. Not only will H2O2 help remove stubborn stains, but it will also rid glass surfaces of bacteria.
Washing shower curtains
Just as glass enclosures can quickly accumulate soap scum and mildew, so can shower curtains. Use peroxide to wash them by hand. Some can be machine-washed, which is more convenient. Add peroxide just like you would with your white linen.
Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide in the Laundry Room
Alternative to bleach in the laundry
Hydrogen peroxide is a potent alternative to using more expensive commercial bleach products to restore your white garments. It will be terrific for bleaching your whites that are starting to yellow. Soak them for at least 30 minutes to get the desired clean and fresh whiter look. However, always separate them and keep them away from the colored garments you don’t want to be ruined by the bleach.
Bleaching your white linen
Same as your white clothing, you can also bleach white tablecloths, bed sheets, pillowcases, and curtains. It can be a go-to bleaching agent for all your white linen. Just throw everything white in the washing machine and add the H202 mixture. Some washers have an automatic bleach dispenser, but you can pour about 1/2 cup of peroxide directly into the drum.
Removing stubborn stains from your clothes
Hydrogen peroxide is also an excellent remover of organic protein and plant-based stains. It can break down stains from blood, sweat, fruit, vegetable, mildew, transferred dyes, etc. As mentioned earlier, it’s excellent for bleaching light-colored and white fabrics but can ruin dark-colored cloth. You can test an obscure part under a dark piece of clothing with a cotton bud dipped in H2O2 to see if the color transfers on the cotton. If it doesn’t, then you can try removing the stain on it. Otherwise, it isn’t advisable to use it on those clothes.
Clothing deodorizer
Some clothing retains an unpleasant smell even after you give it a thorough washing. You can use white vinegar mixed with H2O2 on bright clothing to rid it of the funny smell. Again, you can’t use this technique on your dark garments unless you’re sure they won’t bleed out their color.
Other Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide around your House
Besides its various medical uses, hydrogen peroxide is a great all-purpose and non-toxic cleaner for disinfecting surfaces inside your house. It can help sanitize all your living spaces and help protect your household from getting sick. It also reduces the tediousness of having multiple products to handle cleaning tasks in different rooms.
Cleaning your carpets and rugs
You can also use hydrogen peroxide to remove tough stains on your carpets and rugs. However, it’s crucial to remember that it acts as a bleaching agent. The 3% household-grade should be enough, and never use potency higher than 6%. You should consider the color of your carpet first. If it’s a light one and you want to restore it close to its original brightness, then using H2O2 is okay. However, if it has dark material, it will lighten the color. For that reason, I can’t advise using this method on darker colors. It will have uneven bleached splotches if you only concentrate on cleaning the stains unless you soak everything with the mixture. You’ll still end up with a bleached carpet or rug.
Mold Killer
Hydrogen peroxide is terrific to have handy in a spray bottle. Whenever you see mold anywhere in your home, just spray the stuff directly on affected areas. You can leave it for at least ten minutes before scrubbing all the mold and stains and wiping it with a clean cloth.
Cleaning dehumidifiers or humidifiers
Humidifiers or dehumidifiers tend to collect more than suspended dust and dirt particles in the air. They can also catch airborne bacteria. If left unattended for a while, the liquids begin to darken and develop ideal conditions for germs to breed.
They’ll become more of a health hazard than a benefit when this happens. That’s why you must sanitize these machines with peroxide every once in a while to ensure that you continue to breathe clean oxygen.
Disinfecting and Cleaning your children’s toys
Kids, especially the younger ones, tend to bite and leave spit on some of their toys. Sometimes, even your pets get in on the action. They leave them lying around the floor or carpet accumulating dust and dirt. Soaking your kids’ toys in a sink with water mixed with hydrogen peroxide is an excellent method of disinfecting them.
Or you could wipe the bigger or electronic ones. While you’re at it, you can also disinfect their play areas. Since H2O2 dissipates when exposed to light and dries, it’s a safe compound to sanitize your children’s playthings.
Cleaning and disinfecting the kids’ lunch boxes
Another of your kids’ items that can get infected with food-borne bacteria is their lunch boxes. They can get quite gross with everyday use. A terrific way to wash and disinfect them after washing is spraying with peroxide. Let it kill the germs for about 3-4 minutes before rinsing the lunch box and wiping it dry. It will ensure your kids don’t get sick from eating out of lunch boxes at school.
Disinfecting coolers
Because coolers’ insides are always moist or wet, they can breed germs, especially if they hold foodstuff like meat. After every use, you can spray the cooler lining with H2O2 and wait for a while before you start rinsing it and wiping it dry. Keeping it sanitized is one way to ensure the food you store inside it doesn’t get contaminated with harmful bacteria.
Killing mites
Mites come in different sizes and varieties. You can find infestations on your plants, pets, and even in areas inside your home, such as your bed. They can be a severe nuisance at times.
That’s why you should spray them with hydrogen peroxide wherever you see evidence of their existence in your household. Once you see the peroxide bubbling, you’ll know it’s doing a number on those mites’ cell tissues and destroying them.
Miscellaneous Hydrogen Peroxide Uses
Listed below are more uses of hydrogen peroxide around your home that you can try.
Disinfecting reusable bags
Reusable bags are a welcome development in grocery shopping and are great for the environment. However, they can get filthy from constant use and contaminate some of the food you’re buying. It’s best to spray them inside out with hydrogen peroxide to ensure they’re fabric is clear of germs. It will also eliminate any foul odor from rotting food materials left sticking on the bags.
Boosting plant growth
Hydrogen peroxide is also a naturally occurring substance in rainwater. It comes from rainwater passing through the ozone layer, where water molecules get an additional oxygen atom and turn into H2O2. They help boost plants’ health and growth by ridding seeds of any fungal spores that might inhibit their development.
For those who have a green thumb, you can simulate this natural phenomenon on your plants by substituting rainwater with commercial H2O2. The ideal solution is one part peroxide for 32 parts of water. The ratio happens to be close to the 3% household-grade and can help you quickly grow healthier plants.
Treating minor animal wounds
Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a first-aid to treat your pet wounds, including fish. Although, small fishes are likely to perish if you try it on them. As you can imagine, it’s an excruciating procedure that not only kills bacteria but also living cell tissue. That’s why you must dab the exposed wound carefully without stressing out the fish too much. You must work as quickly as you can to put it back in the water, or it could die from the procedure.
Inducing vomiting so you can save a pet’s life
Another way you can help your pets with hydrogen peroxide is to use to induce vomiting. It’s more of a last-ditch emergency procedure in a situation where your pet has swallowed something toxic or poisonous. It could work for smaller mammals like cats, dogs, pigs, ferrets, etc. It won’t work for horses, rodents, birds, rabbits, cows, or other ruminant animals.
Veterinarians consider it the safest way to induce vomiting in dogs. Nevertheless, if you don’t know what you’re doing, it could do more harm than good. The thing to realize is it isn’t a safe procedure. It isn’t even recommended for cats because it may damage their esophagus and cause complications in their stomachs. Sadly, these animals don’t have the same gag reflex as humans. Sometimes, we merely stick a finger in our throat to vomit out the harmful substance. That won’t work with animals.
If you feel there’s enough time to take it to the vet, that would be the best decision you can make. However, if there’s no other viable option to induce vomiting during an emergency, you’re left with little choice but H2O2. You may have to risk it to try to save your pet’s life. If you’re willing to try, first memorize your pet’s weight. You’ll need a milliliter of H2O2 for every pound it has. You can use a syringe to splash the peroxide on the back of its mouth.
Eliminating algae inside an aquarium
Are you experiencing an algae invasion in your aquarium? No worries, as applying hydrogen peroxide will stop it in its tracks. As it oxidizes the algae cells, it kills it. The process also releases additional oxygen in the water. After a day, there would be no trace of the peroxide that has all dissipated into water. However, it’s better to exercise great caution. Only apply the right amount of H2O2 relative to your tank’s size and the type of algae you’re dealing with here.
The peroxide is sure to kill the most common algae that infest tanks, provided you know how much of it to use. You’ll need a dose of 25-35ml of 3% household grade H2O2 per 50 liters of water for the green variety. If it’s blue-green algae, you only need 8-155ml per 50 liters. For a 250-liter tank infested with the blue-green type, you’ll need 8mlx5 (since 250/50=5) or at least 40ml. For green algae on the same-sized tank, the dose is 25×5 or at least 125ml.
However, remember that this method can potentially kill other plants and animals that live in your aquarium. So never go beyond the recommended maximum doses that will harm the marine life you have in there.
Provides oxygen in a plastic bag when transporting fish
You can buy small tablets of diluted hydrogen peroxide that start oxidizing and release oxygen once dropped in water. It makes them ideal for putting in a plastic bag containing water with fish that you’re transporting to another location. The oxidation happens within the tablet and not in the surrounding water, making it very safe for the fish inside the bag. The chemical reaction advances at a controlled rate until the tablet fizzles out.
You can add more tablets as needed. However, it’s ill-advised to try this technique using H2O2 liquids.
A big hydrogen peroxide no-no
Remember that this compound works through oxidation. It’s a volatile chemical reaction where oxygen gets released but from the substance broken down by the process. So I can’t stress enough how it dissolves exposed living tissue, including animal, plant, and human cells. Because it can damage human tissue, it’s not safe for people to ingest it. It only works well as a topical remedy and in limited quantities. Nonetheless, there are those so-called alternative health “specialists” or “practitioners” that advocate using hydrogen peroxide in remedies for all sorts of ailments.
No matter how many people swear by its effectiveness. You’ll only end up damaging your body even more.
Final Thoughts
As you can see from this comprehensive list, it has a ton of useful applications. Sometimes, it’s just as effective or even more than comparable yet expensive commercial products with a specific use. We’ve covered many things H2O2 is useful in, such as gardening, household chores, sanitization routines, etc. There are probably a lot more not discussed here.
However, some risks and limitations come with it, and it’s only practical and safe to use when diluted with water. Combining it with other reactive substances used in the household like chlorine bleach, ammonia, or even vinegar isn’t safe. When mixed in a closed container, harmful gasses can form.
The bottom line is: There’s no doubt hydrogen peroxide is an incredibly useful and versatile compound, but only if you know how to use it safely.