Hydrogen Peroxide is one of those multipurpose household items that most people don’t think twice about.
It has many great uses and a range of applications in and around our homes, from cleaning the refrigerator to reviving the carpets or cleaning the furniture — you'll be surprised at how much you can use H2O2 liquid around the house.
So in this guide, we will share with you a list of over 26 different ways of using hydrogen peroxide for everyday home cleaning…
What is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide or H2O2 is a liquid that has the chemical formula H2O2. It consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to oxygen–oxygen single bond, stabilized by a peroxide bond.
H2O2 is a safe, natural, and colorless liquid. It is easy to use, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly too.
It plays a significant role in our lives because of its oxidizing properties, making H2O2 a very effective anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial disinfectant agent.
What is Food-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used and found in different forms, often comes mixed with harmful chemicals such as phenol, acetanilide, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and sodium stannate.
These chemicals are added to H2O2 to increase its shelf life, which further increases the profits of the shopkeepers. These chemicals are hazardous for the environment, us humans, and our pets. These chemicals can also lead to health issues such as cancer & various other illnesses.
When we use the term food-grade hydrogen peroxide, it simply means that the hydrogen peroxide solution does not contain such harmful chemicals. So, food-grade hydrogen peroxide does not come with toxins, chemicals, or toxic stabilizers.
The FDA approves food-grade H2O2 for use in food handling and processing by professionals and consumers alike; it is a safe and natural way to disinfect kitchens, bathrooms, and any other hard or non-porous surfaces.
Note: Food-grade H2O2 mostly comes in 35 percent (35%) solution, which means it has 35% H2O2 and 65% water.
What Does Hydrogen Peroxide Do?
Hydrogen Peroxide is a chemical commonly used as a disinfectant, cleansing agent, oxidizing agent, as a great bacterial antiseptic and antifungal agent.
It’s a multi-use product that can be used for household and medical purposes like cleaning cuts and infections, whitening clothes, or as a mouthwash for your dogs!
When used for medical purposes, it works by a chemical reaction that breaks the hydrogen peroxide down into oxygen (O2) and water (H2O), which allows the oxygen to pass into the wound and heal it.
H2O2 delivers oxygen to the body’s cells, and that is why it has many uses in health, healing, and hygiene. It's also used as alternative medicine that can cure various medical conditions and problems.
Now let’s see some of the excellent benefits and uses that hydrogen peroxide has in our homes…
Hydrogen Peroxide Uses In your Kitchen
1. Cleaning Your Refrigerator
To one’s surprise, our refrigerator not only acts as a home to our food, but it can also have many bacteria and viruses — which results in food-borne illnesses.
So it’s important to keep refrigerators clean, for which you can use hydrogen peroxide solution.
To clean your refrigerator, take a spray bottle and add 3% hydrogen peroxide to it. Then, simply spray it on the insides of your refrigerator and then wipe it off using plain water. Don’t forget to dry it with a clean cloth.
Note: Please be careful while using H2O2 solution inside your refrigerator.
2. Extend the Life of Kitchen Sponges
For those of us that don't use a dishwasher, our kitchen sponges are the unsung heroes of kitchen cleanliness. They let us rid our plates and pans of all manner of leftover food, grease, and smells. Unfortunately, the sponges themselves don't stay clean forever and they typically lose their color the longer they're used.
If you're as concerned for the environment as we are, you may want to get as much use out of your sponge as possible. Thankfully, hydrogen peroxide is ready for the rescue.
Take equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water then let the sponge soak in. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes before rinsing. This should get rid of the bacteria and grease built-up inside your sponge which gives it its funky smell.
3. Clean Cutting Boards
We use the cutting boards in the kitchen to chop fresh vegetables to make our meals.
But when we use the wooden cutting boards regularly, they can get tiny cuts on their surface. These cuts can allow bacteria to grow. So to ensure that you chop your veggies on a hygienic cutting board, take vinegar and spray it on the board. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and then wipe it off.
Next, take 3% H2O2 and pour it all over the board. Let it sit for the next 10 minutes, and then sprinkle salt over it. Now, use a lemon to rub on the wooden cuts. Doing this will ensure that you get a clean surface.
Once you’re done scrubbing, let the mixture sit on the board for another 10-15 minutes. Lastly, wipe everything off using a damp cloth and then let it dry.
4. Get Rid of Marks Present on Granite
Since granite can resist stains, it’s commonly used for kitchen countertops. But while it can prevent stains, its surface can get ugly discolorations and watermarks — which are not easy to clean.
For that, you can use a tiny amount of H2O2 to get rid of these marks in one go.
To clean your granite countertops, take a bowl and add ½ cup baking soda to it. To this, add in 3-4 drops of H2O2 (3%) and mix them well to form a thick paste. Apply this paste on the watermarks and let it sit for 10 minutes, and then wipe it off.
5. Remove Bacteria and Chemicals from Vegetables
Most farm crops today are exposed to chemicals. While these chemicals keep pests and diseases away, you may have second thoughts about consuming them along with your produce.
There's also the matter of the bacteria-rich soil that farm produce comes from. Not to mention the germs each piece of produce encounters before being finally packaged and delivered to your local grocery store.
How do you ensure your vegetables and fruits are free from chemicals and bacteria? Just spray them with some 3% hydrogen peroxide and wait 5 minutes before rinsing. You can also soak them for 20-30 minutes in your sink filled with cold water and ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide.
6. Get Rid of Mold, Mildew, and Fungi from Kitchen Surfaces
Germs love to live and breed on your kitchen counters, which is unfortunate since that's also where you often place your food. This can lead to various food-borne diseases if left unchecked.
You can disinfect your kitchen counters simply by spraying hydrogen peroxide onto them and waiting 5 to 10 minutes before wiping clean.
While you can also do this same procedure to disinfect other home surfaces, you may want to try the H²O² spray on a tiny area first to see how it reacts to the surface. This is to make sure that you don't accidentally discolor your home surface in your quest to eliminate some germs.
In your Bathroom
One of the most important parts of having a clean bathroom is to eliminate all germs and bacteria. To effectively accomplish this goal, you only have to use one cleanser — hydrogen peroxide.
1. Whiten Grout
If you have a white tile bathroom, you know how difficult it is to keep the grout white. So here’s an easy tip to whiten the grout in your bathroom using an H2O2 solution.
Take hydrogen peroxide & baking soda in the ratio of 1:3. Use this paste to scrub the grout using a bristle brush. Once done, let the paste dwell for about 5-10 minutes and then wipe it using a damp cloth.
2. Clean Your Toilet
To clean the toilet, take 1 cup H2O2 and splash it all over the toilet bowl. Let it sit for a minimum of 15 minutes, and then use a brush to scrub it off.
When used on the toilet bowl and allowed to sit for a couple of minutes, H2O2 will clean out the grime that has been bothering you for ages.
3. Dirty Mirrors? H2O2 to the Rescue
It can be a challenging task to clean the mirrors. To get clean & shiny mirrors, take hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and spray it all over the mirror. Then, wipe it off with a clean muslin cloth.
4. Soap Scum
Soap scum can be very pesky. To get rid of soap scum, make a pasty mixture of baking soda & H2O2 in the ratio of 2:1. Use this paste to scrub & rinse the soap scum with a brush.
5. Bring the Bathtub Shine On!
Grime & mold often make their way into our bathtubs, and hydrogen peroxide can get rid of them.
To get that shine back in your bathtub, make a 2:3 paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Use this paste to clean the tub by covering the tub with it & then letting it sit for 20-30 minutes.
Once done, rinse it off. Following this, make a solution of water & vinegar by taking them in equal parts & then allow it to dissolve the residue present in your tub.
In your Garden
Ever wonder what you can use Hydrogen Peroxide to clean up in the garden? Here are some quick uses of Hydrogen Peroxide for the plants in your garden.
1. To Get Rid of Mildew
Getting rid of soil mildew (white mold) in the garden can be a nightmare as it stops the plants from getting nourishment and further impacts their growth.
To get rid of mildew, take one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, add it to ½ cup of water and then spray on plants covered with mildew. This h2O2 spray will eliminate mildew and allow your plants to grow properly.
2. Give Your Plants A Boost
Spraying hydrogen peroxide on your plants can give them an extra boost as the 2nd molecule of oxygen in H2O2 nourishes the plants & keeps them away from fungus, algae, and other unwanted elements.
To do so, take a tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide and mix it with a cup of water. Then, spray this solution on your plants once every week for the best results.
3. Repels Pesky Insects
There are many sapsuckers out there, and the holes made by them in the trees can be the cause of fungi and bacteria. So spraying H2O2 in a minimal amount can keep these pesky insects at bay and hence allow your plants to grow without any hindrance.
4. Treatment of Bacterial & Fungal Infections
Plant infections are a major issue globally, with many plants dying due to fungus we see every year.
Many diseases have always affected the plant kingdom, but there are now more issues than ever before, including chemicals and pests, which means plants need protection from these things.
H2O2, aka Hydrogen Peroxide, is a powerhouse when it comes to treating plant infections. You can spray some H2O2 solution mixed with water on the plants to eliminate harmful bacteria and other fungal & bacterial infections that may impact your plant’s growth.
5. Save Plants from Root Rot
If you have some house plants, you should probably check for root rot. This often happens if you over-water your plants' roots and will prevent them from properly absorbing nutrients from the soil. If your plant's roots look brown and slimy, they probably have root rot.
To get rid of root rot, wait until the soil around your plant is completely dry. Once it is, mix 1 ounce of hydrogen peroxide with 1-quart water then pour it onto the soil around your plant. Let the topsoil (first 2 inches of soil) around your plant dry completely before repeating this process.
For your Furniture
1. Give the Furniture that New Look
Hydrogen peroxide is a highly effective, non-toxic cleaner that you can use on your furniture in your home or office to remove tough stains and odors.
To do so, take a big sprayer and add 1 gallon of water to it. Then, take a tiny amount of dish soap and one-fourth cup of 3% H2O2 and add them to the water. Next, add one scoop of borax to this liquid solution.
You can spray this solution on your metal furniture and let it sit for around 10 minutes & then scrub it using a soft-bristled brush or a sponge and rinse it off with water.
2. Deep-clean Your Bed
Your mattress might be the dirtiest item in your home. Because mattresses are not cleaned as often as other things in our homes, they build up dust mites and can become dangerous for your health.
Here’s how to deep clean a mattress using Hydrogen Peroxide to kill mites and germs that may cause allergies and other illnesses.
First, use a vacuum cleaner to absorb dust, mites, and dirt that sticks to your mattress over a long period of use.
Then to remove stains, take the solution of 3% H2O2 and use a brush to put it on the spots. Then, leave it for 5 minutes so that the chemical can eliminate the stains. Once done, let the mattress dry before putting it back in its place.
For your Pets
It’s no secret that pets can create messes when they aren’t taken care of. While keeping up with your pet’s hygiene, you may have a pet product spill, or your pet simply has an accident.
Cleaning these products with just water isn’t always a safe option for animal-created messes. Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent solution to these tears and spills.
1. To Clean Pet Litters
You can clean your pet litter using hydrogen peroxide (3%) as it will oxidize and clean it properly. You can also use this mixture to get rid of bird droppings and sanitize all the other pet accessories.
2. Stimulate Vomiting
If your dog has any food poisoning or toxins building up in their body, you can use hydrogen peroxide to help them ease the irritation.
However, a precise dose will have to be used to treat your dog, and hence, you should consult a veterinarian before trying anything out.
3. Getting Rid of The Skunk Smell
If you have skunks in your backyard, then you know the pain one has to go through to get that smell out of your pet in case the skunk releases it on them.
To de-skunk your pet, mix baking soda with dish soap and hydrogen peroxide and use this solution to clean your dog.
Hydrogen Peroxide Do’s & Don'ts
Hydrogen peroxide has many everyday uses; however, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when using this liquid...
Do’s
1. Cleaning Beauty Tools
We use our eyelash curlers, scissors, and tweezers daily, and these tools get in touch with bacteria present on our skin. Wiping them using H2O2 or dipping them in the solution of H2O2 will sanitize them properly & ensure that you use clean tools at all times.
2. Give your Toilet a Deep Cleanse
Hydrogen peroxide makes for an incredible alternative to bleach, and you can use this chemical compound to deep clean your bathroom. Our bathroom is home to several living organisms such as spores, yeast, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
Cleaning with a solution of hydrogen peroxide & water can kill bacteria, and other microorganisms often found in our bathrooms.
3. Getting Rid of Yellow Armpit Stains
Have you got yellow armpit stains on your shirts or tees from deodorant that just don’t go away? No matter what detergent we use to wash them, they act very stubborn & it becomes almost impossible to get them out.
This is where hydrogen peroxide comes into play. Mixing hydrogen peroxide with your detergent & soaking your white clothes in this solution for about 1 hour can get rid of those stains. Be sure to rinse the clothes with cold water after cleaning.
4. Clean Your Produce
Mix hydrogen peroxide and water to create a diluted solution. Then, use this solution to wash your fruits and vegetables to ensure that all the bacteria get killed.
For vegetables with hard skin, you can dip them in the solution and leave them for around 30 minutes. Once done, rinse them properly. Hydrogen peroxide will ensure that your vegetables & fruits last longer in your refrigerator.
Don'ts
1. Don’t Clean Your Cuts
Hydrogen peroxide has been used to clean cuts for ages now, but experts have informed us that we should avoid using hydrogen peroxide on wounds. This is because while hydrogen peroxide can kill bacteria, it can also damage healthy cells.
2. Consumption of Hydrogen Peroxide
You should not be drinking or consuming hydrogen peroxide in any form; it can prove to be very dangerous for our health. Consumption of hydrogen peroxide can lead to burns in your stomach and cause internal damage to other body parts.
3. On Acne
It is a big no for using hydrogen peroxide to get rid of acne. Hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation on your skin, and it can actually make it more problematic for you to eliminate acne. Instead of using hydrogen peroxide for acne, you should look for products that come with salicylic acid or benzoyl acid, as they get rid of acne and prevent future breakouts.
4. White Teeth!
All the teeth whitening products that are available in the market contain hydrogen peroxide. However, you need to ensure that you don’t go overboard with these whiteners, as they can affect your teeth & make your gums weak.
Hydrogen Peroxide Safety Tips
H2O2 is a powerful oxidizing agent, so one needs to be careful while using it as it can cause fire or even explode. So let’s go over some safety tips you should follow while handling hydrogen peroxide…
- Hydrogen peroxide can burn your skin, so you need to ensure that you use the appropriately diluted form of H2O2, or else you might end up harming yourself.
- Don’t keep it anywhere near children, as this chemical compound can be hazardous if someone swallows it or inhales it.
- You need to ensure that H2O2 doesn’t decompose, as uncontrolled decomposition can rapidly increase the liquid temperature.
- Avoid hydrogen peroxide contact with certain materials such as Bronze, Brass, Copper, Graphite, Lead, Zinc, Titanium, and Iron, among others.
- When working with hydrogen peroxide, always wear protective gear like gloves and goggles.
- When H2O2 comes in contact with fuel, it can cause a fire. Hence, you need to ensure that you store it safely.
- If you inhale hydrogen peroxide, allow yourself to breathe fresh air immediately. If you are unable to breathe correctly, immediately consult a doctor.
- If your skin comes in contact with H2O2, then pour water on your skin and use an emollient to cover the area. If the injury is severe, call a doctor immediately.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer used for everyday cleaning, commercial products, as a medicine, and to treat various household and cosmetic problems.
It comes in various compositions & the one commonly used in our households is 3% and food grade 35% hydrogen peroxide.
We at Pure offer professional-grade 35% hydrogen peroxide that you can order directly from our online store. The 35% H2O2 is available in multiple sizes: quart, gallon, 2.5 gallons, 5 gallons, and 55 gallons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the formula of hydrogen peroxide?
The chemical formula of hydrogen peroxide is H2O2, meaning it has 2 molecules of hydrogen and 2 molecules of Oxygen.
What are the common uses of hydrogen peroxide?
In many cases, hydrogen peroxide is a necessary medicinal ingredient that is used to treat wounds. Home uses for hydrogen peroxide include using it as an antiseptic, as well as a cleaning aid. It is also used to remove hair dye.
What can you clean with hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide works like a charm when it comes to cleaning things we think are impossible to clean. Imagine having a pile of stained white clothes. You can use hydrogen peroxide to make them white again. It also makes for an excellent disinfectant and has various uses in your home and garden.
What should you not use hydrogen peroxide for?
You should not use hydrogen peroxide on deep cuts, and you should never use it without wearing protective equipment. You should also not consume hydrogen peroxide, and don’t ever mix it with bleach or vinegar. Last but not least, you should not use hydrogen peroxide if it does not fizz, as that is an indication that it is expired.
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