What is hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide has the same chemical buildup as water; only it has an extra oxygen atom. So, while water is known as H2O, hydrogen peroxide is known as H2O2.

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. It also has bleaching properties that can help make your whites brighter without the harsh effects of chlorine.

A bottle of hydrogen peroxide from your local drugstore usually contains a 3% solution. This is strong enough to deal with mild rust and organic stains.

With most products costing less than $5 for 32 ounces, you will be able to save a lot of money compared to what you spend on commercial cleaners that have harsh chemicals.

Things to do with hydrogen peroxide

Now that you know of its potency and benefits, here is a list of things that you can do around the house with hydrogen peroxide:

Remove rust

Some metallic tools and items can rust over as time goes by. You can keep them look brand new again with hydrogen peroxide. Take note that this works best for things that have light to moderate rust. This solution can also be used to get rid of rust stains. Here are the instructions:

Mix equal parts baking soda and tartar in a bowl.
Add drops of hydrogen peroxide slowly until you can form a paste.
Apply the paste onto the rusty object or stain and let it sit for an hour before you wash it off with water.

Give metal items an antique look

Hydrogen peroxide does not only remove rust, but when mixed with the ingredients, it can also speed up the rusting process. This is good if you are fond of antiques.

You can make any iron metal or iron alloy an antique look with hydrogen peroxide, giving your doors or furniture a rusty aged finish.

While doing this procedure, make sure that you do the work in a well-ventilated area. Here are the instructions:

Remove any sand and paint on the metal surface.
Spray white vinegar on the surface and let it sit for five minutes.
Mix four tablespoons of white vinegar, 1 and a half teaspoon of table salt, and two cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide in a bottle. Shake the mixture thoroughly.
Soak the metal surface with the mixture. Rust should start forming right away.

Clean your lawn furniture

Grime and gunk can quickly accumulate on your outdoor furniture. Exposure to the elements can also make them less accommodating. You can bring new life to your lawn furniture with hydrogen peroxide. Here are the instructions.

Mix a gallon of warm water, ¼ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide, one scoop of bora, and a few drops of dishwashing soap.
Pour the mixer into a large sprayer. Spray your lawn furniture with the mixture and let it sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
Use a sponge or a soft nylon sponge to scrub the furniture, then rinse the mixture off.

Remove stains from your mattress

You can freshen up your bed with hydrogen peroxide. You can easily remove organic stains like stains caused by bodily fluids, drinks, and foods. Here are the instructions:

Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a container.
Use a clean and soft toothbrush, dip it into the mixture and gently scrub it into the stain.
Let the mixture rest on the stain for five minutes.
Repeat the process if the stain does not lift off.
Once the stains are gone or faded, use a hairdryer to get rid of excess moisture.

Sanitize your cutting board

Cutting boards, especially those made out of wood, can have small cuts on the surface, which can trap unhealthy bacteria. If you do not clean your cutting board properly, the trapped bacteria can latch on to the next food you cut on the board. You can use hydrogen peroxide to avoid this unsanitary problem. Here are the instructions:

Spray the cutting board with vinegar and let it rest for about 5 minutes before wiping.
Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide all over the cutting board and distribute it evenly on the surface with a clean cloth or sponge. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Sprinkle salt all over the cutting board’s surface and rub it into the wood grain with half a lemon. The lemon helps get rid of any odors. Let it soak for at least 10 minutes or overnight if your wooden cutting board has strong smells.
Wipe the cutting board with a clean, damp cloth and then leave it to air dry.
Buff the wooden cutting board with walnut or almond oil. Make sure you let the oil sit for at least 6 hours before you use the board again.

Get rid of watermarks on granite countertops

Granite is a common countertop material, but it is also sensitive to watermarks. You can use hydrogen peroxide to get rid of these ugly stains. Here are the instructions:

Mix half a cup of baking soda and a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl and form a paste.
Spread the paste over the watermarks and let it sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth.
If you have tougher water stains, place the paste on the stain, cover it tightly with a plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight. Then, wash the paste off the next morning. The stain should be lifted off by then.

Brighten your bathtub and shower

Many commercial tile and tub cleaners contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and artificial fragrances. This can be irritating to the skin and pose a danger to your respiratory health and the environment. You can use a safer and gentler solution with hydrogen peroxide. Here are the instructions:

Using 1/3 hydrogen peroxide and 2/3 baking soda, create a paste.
Apply the paste to your bathtub and shower area, especially in the areas where mold and grime are present.
Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
Do a spritz of equal parts of water and vinegar.
Spray it on the bathtub and the shower area to ensure that all soap scum and residue from the paste will be dissolved.

Remove gunk from grout and tile

You can make a homemade cleaner for grout and tile with hydrogen peroxide! This cleaner is potent enough to lift off stains and molds. Here are the instructions:

Place 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, half a cup of baking soda, and one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent in a container that can be sealed.
Close the lid and shake the container until the ingredients are mixed well.
Wear your protective gloves and apply the cleaner to the tile and grout.
Let the homemade grout and tile cleaner sit for about five minutes.
Rinse the cleaner off with water.

Disinfect your toilet

Hydrogen peroxide can keep your toilet bowl free from germs and other bacteria. The best thing about it is that this cleaner will not harm your water line. Use this cleaner once a week. Here are the instructions:

Pour 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl and leave it there for at least 30 minutes.
Scrub the toilet bowl with a toilet brush, then rinse it by giving the toilet a flush.
Disinfect your toilet brush by pouring a little hydrogen peroxide on its bristles and allowing it to air dry before you place it back on its holder.

Deskunking

Have you had a run-in with a skunk? Their smelly attacks are no fun at all and can cling to you and your clothes for days! You can get rid of the stink with hydrogen peroxide. Take note to clean yourself outside of the home. As much as possible, do not enter your home unless you have been able to get rid of the smell since skunk stink can stick to your furniture and anything you touch. Here are the instructions:

For clothing:

Mix six parts water with one part 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Soak the clothes in the solution for at least an hour or two.
Rinse with cold water thoroughly.
Wash your clothes in the washing machine as you usually would. Make sure that it is in a cold setting.

For you or your pet:

Mix half a cup of baking soda, a quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, and a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent.
Use a clean rag, dip it into the mixture, and rub yourself or your pet with it. Make sure you avoid your eyes and any sensitive areas.
When you think the smell has lessened, rinse yourself or your pet with clean water.

As you can see, hydrogen peroxide is very versatile. The things mentioned in this article are just some of the many things it can do for you and your household. The best thing about it is that it is so affordable you can easily keep a few bottles on stock with no worries.

Reasons to Stock Up on Hydrogen Peroxide