Hydrogen peroxide is available at most drugstores, pharmacies, and department stores. Stored in opaque jars, it is found in almost all medicine cabinets and first aid kits. But it is more than a solution to clean wounds. It is also versatile and quite safe to use.
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound with molecules containing two hydrogen atoms bonded to two oxygen atoms. Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes common compounds in organic life, thus disinfecting surfaces. Breaks down proteins by breaking down and releasing free radicals of water and oxygen. When water and oxygen are released, a bubbly foam is formed.
The transparent liquid is available in different concentrations, depending on its intended use. Three percent solutions are most commonly used as household cleaners, but there are also six or ten percent solutions for bleaching hair, 35 percent solutions for food grade cleaners, and 90 percent solutions for industrial use.
In addition to being antifungal and antibacterial, hydrogen peroxide is not toxic or irritating to the lungs. Plus, it's versatile, so you can get a lot out of just one bottle.
Be aware though: Hydrogen peroxide loses its potency when exposed to air or sunlight. Unlike many homemade cleaners, which can be made ahead of time, hydrogen peroxide solutions generally cannot be made ahead of time.
Also, do not mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. The combination of the two forms peracetic acid, which can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. In severe cases, peracetic acid can even cause permanent lung damage.
Here's what you need to know about cleaning with hydrogen peroxide and how to do it.
Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide in the kitchen
Spray hydrogen peroxide directly into the dishwasher, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe to sanitize this appliance. you can create oneSweet Smelling Dishwasher "Bomb"with hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and essential oil. Mix the materials into a chalk paste and form round balls with an ice cream scoop. Let them dry overnight. Then place a bomb in the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Mix white vinegar and dishwashing liquid in a glass or ceramic bowl and place on the top shelf. Run a hot cycle for a sparkling, fresh dishwasher.
You can also use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect your refrigerator. After scrubbing up any food scraps and debris, spray the inside of the fridge with hydrogen peroxide to kill any remaining bacteria. Leave it for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
If your favorite skillet or roasting pan is covered in grilling grease, scrub it with a paste made from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Let it sit for a while, then use an abrasive sponge and warm water to remove the stains.
Cutting boards and sponges are some of the dirtiest items in the kitchen. You canReuse old cutting boardsmispongesBut until then, make sure they're as hygienic as possible by cleaning them with hydrogen peroxide. Put hydrogen peroxide in an opaque spray bottle (remember, exposure to light will reduce its effectiveness) and spray onto cut surfaces. Let it act for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse with water. Soak the sponges in a half-and-half mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a shallow bowl for ten minutes. Then rinse the sponge well.
Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide in the bathroom
Hydrogen peroxide is great for removing mold, mildew, and mystery scabs from surfaces throughout your home. Fill an opaque spray bottle and rock your bathroom fixtures, floors, and walls. It is especially useful for moldy shower curtains. After the solution has had a chance to bubble and settle, scrub away any remaining mold or mildew with a cloth or sponge.
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to clean the toilet bowl. Pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl, let it sit for 20 minutes, then flush.
Spray hydrogen peroxide on mirrors or glass surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth or crumpled up newspaper for a streak- and mildew-free shine.
Hydrogen peroxide is excellent for bleaching and bleaching stained tiles and dirty grout. Combine a half cup of hydrogen peroxide with a gallon of hot water, then hit the town on the floor. Because it's so soft, it's safe for any type of soiling and doesn't require rinsing. For the grout, pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the tile or make a paste with baking soda and scrub.
Although your toothbrush should be replaced every three months, in the meantime, kill nasty germs on your toothbrush by dipping it in peroxide. A 2011 study published in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry found that it is moremore effective than rinsingtoothbrush with water. Hydrogen peroxide also works for retainers and mouth guards.
Every time you use tweezers, manicure or pedicure tools, and eyelash curlers, you come into contact with dirt and bacteria on your body. A dip or rub with a bit of hydrogen peroxide will clean the tools and prevent infection.
Clean the marble with hydrogen peroxide
Marble is one of the most difficult surfaces to clean. Unsealed marble is prone to staining (even water can stain it). Treat stains as soon as you notice them: make a paste of flour and hydrogen peroxide and apply directly to the soiled surface. Cover the area with plastic wrap to prevent the paste from drying out and leave it overnight. Wipe the paste off with a damp cloth in the morning and the stain should be gone or at least much lighter. Repeat if necessary.
Even sealed marble is best cleaned with hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia (use sparingly; too much will damage the surface).
A word of warning, though: Hydrogen peroxide can bleach darker marbles, so save this handy trick for light-colored finishes only.
Wash clothes with hydrogen peroxide
Believe it or not, commercial detergents with "oxy" in their name usually refer to the presence of hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a pre-treatment for stains: just soak the stain in hydrogen peroxide for a while before washing it off.
This is especially useful for blood (I see all yourbackyard chicken processorsout there). Apply undiluted hydrogen peroxide directly to a bloodstain as soon as possible and let it sit until it stops bubbling. Then blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove it. Repeat the process until the stain is gone and wash the garment as usual.
You can also remove embarrassing brown and yellow underarm stains from your favorite T-shirts with a solution of 1 part dish soap and 2 parts hydrogen peroxide, then apply to the stain for about an hour. Wash in cold water, then dry and wear. Note: You may also need to scrub a stubborn stain with baking soda. 🇧🇷If your jersey is beyond repair, here are some ways to give it new life.)
As a greener alternative to bleach, you can also add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to a regular batch of white clothes to boost their lightness. However, do not use hydrogen peroxide on colored clothing, as it does not set the color.
If your towels smell a little musty, add a cup of hydrogen peroxide, let them soak for an hour, and run them through the washer as usual to remove the smell (but keep this).cut clothesfor light colored towels if you avoid unsightly discoloration). This also works for smelly sports gear or field clothing.
Cleaning toys and play areas for children and pets.
Hydrogen peroxide is a safe cleaning agent for children or people with respiratory problems because it does not irritate the lungs. Fill an opaque spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and spray on toys, toy boxes, doorknobs, and anything else your kids touch regularly to keep germs at bay. You can also soak a cloth in hydrogen peroxide and clean these surfaces.
Kids' lunch boxes are another often-overlooked area that could benefit from a hydrogen peroxide clean. Spray lunch boxes with hydrogen peroxide at the end of the week. Leave to act for a few minutes before rinsing and cleaning with clean water.
If you want to clean your pet's thick chew toys without poisoning them, use half a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide and soak the toys. Remove when liquid stops bubbling, rinse well with water, and allow to dry.
Hydrogen peroxide is also effective in controlling fungus in aquariums. It will not harm your fish, but use it sparingly for this purpose as it can toxicly increase oxygen levels in the aquarium.
reusable bags
reusable bags– even those lined with plastic – should be scrubbed regularly with soap and hot water and then air dried. If you don't have time for a deep clean, quickly spray the interior with hydrogen peroxide to kill harmful bacteria before heading out on your next shopping trip or farmer's market.
Clean humidifiers and dehumidifiers with hydrogen peroxide
Dehumidifiers and humidifiers are breeding grounds for mold due to the moisture and heat they accumulate or generate. Keep them clean by wiping them down monthly with a solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide.
What you need to know about hydrogen peroxide cleaning in general is that hydrogen peroxide can be a great tool for you if you are looking for a safer and less expensive way to clean your home.
Do you have experience cleaning with hydrogen peroxide? Let us know in the comments below.
FAQs
Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning? ›
According to the CDC , hydrogen peroxide is effective at removing microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores, making it a good choice for cleaning your bathroom.
What surfaces does hydrogen peroxide damage? ›If you're cleaning with 3% hydrogen peroxide, use caution on some surfaces — such as countertops made of marble or granite — as its slight acidity can break down the finish of these surfaces over time. It can also cause discoloration, so test it out on a small spot of a colored surface before using it on a larger area.
What strength hydrogen peroxide is best for cleaning? ›Hydrogen peroxide is sold in a variety of strengths – from 3% through to 12%. For cleaning, the weakest strength – the 3% strength – is more than enough for all of your natural cleaning and disinfecting needs.
Do you need to rinse after cleaning with hydrogen peroxide? ›Because it's so mild, it's safe for any floor type, and there's no need to rinse. For grout, either pour the hydrogen peroxide straight onto the tile or make a paste with baking soda and scrub away.
What cleans better vinegar or hydrogen peroxide? ›Vinegar and peroxide work well in tandem because they both kill germs but in different ways. They make a good one-two punch because vinegar is good at killing some germs and hydrogen peroxide is better at killing others.
Can I mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide for cleaning? ›Hydrogen peroxide + vinegar
While these two chemicals can be used in succession as a cleaning duo, do not mix them together. “Combining these two creates peracetic acid or corrosive acid, an irritant that, in high concentrations, can harm the skin, eyes, throat, nose, and lungs,” says Bock.
Q: Is hydrogen peroxide safe for grout? A: yes, hydrogen peroxide is a natural neutral cleaner that is safe to use on grout.
How do you clean a toilet with hydrogen peroxide? ›Removing stains from the toilet bowl
Those unsightly stains on the inside of your toilet bowl can be removed with hydrogen peroxide, while it works to kill germs and bacteria, too. Pour half a cup into the bowl and scrub with a toilet brush. Let it sit for 20 minutes before flushing the stains away.
Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid at room temperature with a bitter taste. Small amounts of gaseous hydrogen peroxide occur naturally in the air. Hydrogen peroxide is unstable, decomposing readily to oxygen and water with release of heat.
What are 4 common uses for hydrogen peroxide? ›- Cleaning Cuts. 1/10. Pour it on a wound and watch the serious bubble action! ...
- Earwax. 2/10. Your doctor can tell for sure if your ear's clogged with it. ...
- Swollen Gums. 3/10. ...
- Canker Sores. 4/10. ...
- Whiten Teeth. 5/10. ...
- Hair Dye. 6/10. ...
- Acne. 7/10. ...
- Disinfectant. 8/10.
Do doctors offices clean with peroxide? ›
Hydrogen peroxide is an inexpensive, effective disinfectant and sanitizing agent in healthcare settings.
Is hydrogen peroxide better than Clorox? ›We recommend using hydrogen peroxide because it is a safer, more environment-friendly alternative to bleach products. It's a biodegradable material made of water and oxygen that completely decomposes.
Do I need to dilute hydrogen peroxide for cleaning? ›This product is a surface cleaner and disinfectant. It is available as a 7.5% accelerated hydrogen peroxide concentrate that must be diluted with water to a concentration of 0.05% for use.
What can you mix with hydrogen peroxide for cleaning? ›While hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean many things, it's best to mix it only with water. Combining the solution with ammonia, chlorine bleach, or vinegar in a closed container can cause unsafe gasses to form.
Can I soak my toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide? ›Some studies have found that soaking your toothbrush in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or antibacterial mouthwash can help kill any bacteria that may be on it. To make and use this solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of peroxide in 1 cup of water. Swish the bristles of your toothbrush in the solution or soak for 15 minutes.
Should I brush before or after using hydrogen peroxide? ›One way to use hydrogen peroxide is as a mouthwash before you brush your teeth. Make sure you are using a 1.5% or 3% solution to avoid side effects. The most common concentration of hydrogen peroxide at the drugstore is a 3% solution.
Can you mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and vinegar? ›If these chemicals are kept in a sealed container for a long time, it can cause a small explosion because the carbon dioxide will try to escape. So, while you can use baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and bleach on their own for cleaning purposes, we recommend that you avoid mixing them with vinegar.
Can you mix hydrogen peroxide and Dawn dish soap? ›Add one part Dawn dish detergent (you can substitute an eco friendly, plant based dishwashing liquid if you wish) to two parts hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. I usually use ½ cup detergent and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide for my small spray bottles. Shake the bottle to mix well, and mix before each use.
What cleans better rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide? ›The bottom line. Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide both kill most bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In general, rubbing alcohol is better at killing germs on your hands, as it's gentler on your skin than hydrogen peroxide.
What is the ratio of hydrogen peroxide to water for cleaning? ›Peroxide All-Purpose Cleaning Recipe
Mix 1 cup of peroxide and 2 cups of distilled water in a spray bottle. Add 10 drops of lemon essential oil or 2 teaspoon of lemon juice. Give it a little shake to mix. Clean as usual.
Can I mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for cleaning? ›
Is mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda safe? Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are completely safe and are even recommended for cleaning and whitening your teeth. The combination can also conquer some of your toughest cleaning jobs including baked-on grease, dingy grout, laundry stains, and hard water buildup.
What happens if you mix apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide? ›Hydrogen Peroxide + Vinegar
Combining them creates peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Hydrogen peroxide is also a good way to kill mold. You can apply it directly to moldy tile grout and let it sit, then scrub and rinse. If you're in the mood for a science experiment, first apply the baking soda paste described above to the black mold. Then, pour hydrogen peroxide on the paste.
Does hydrogen peroxide eat grout? ›Hydrogen peroxide is safe to use on grout, as it is a neutral cleaner that won't eat away at the grout like vinegar can. Mixed with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide forms oxygenated bleach, and that chemical reaction safely cleans the surface.
How long should hydrogen peroxide sit on grout? ›To clean your grout, combine one-part 3% hydrogen peroxide and one-part water into a spray bottle. Spray your grout generously and let the solution sit for about 1 hour, to allow time to work. Rinse the area with water and wipe clean with a microfibre cloth.
Why pour hydrogen peroxide down the drain at night? ›Hydrogen peroxide dissolves organic matter to loosen and flush away debris such as skin cells. It also disinfects the drain as it works by reducing germs inside your pipes and making your sinks smell fresh and clean.
What do hospitals use to clean bathrooms? ›Currently, there are five main EPA-registered chemicals that hospitals use for disinfectants: Quaternary Ammonium, Hypochlorite, Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide, Phenolics, and Peracetic Acid.
Does hydrogen peroxide hurt plumbing? ›Unlike chemical drain cleaners, hydrogen peroxide won't destroy your pipes and drains. It is safe for regular use so you can do a hydrogen peroxide flush once every few weeks to keep your drains and pipes in good shape.
How long does it take hydrogen peroxide to dissipate? ›The average degradation half-life for hydrogen peroxide in the atmosphere (from different atmospheric conditions) is 24 hours.
How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to neutralize? ›Be sure to leave your contacts in the solution for at least 6 hours to allow the neutralizing process to finish.
What are the hazards of hydrogen peroxide? ›
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. Hydrogen peroxide is used in many industries.
Is it good to soak your feet in hydrogen peroxide? ›Soaking smelly feet
Luckily, they are no match for hydrogen peroxide. Prepare a foot soak with one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts warm water and let your aching feet relax. The same treatment will help protect against spreading athlete's foot fungus and even soften calluses and corns.
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic used on the skin to prevent infection of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It may also be used as a mouth rinse to help remove mucus or to relieve minor mouth irritation (such as due to canker/cold sores, gingivitis).
Why do doctors use hydrogen peroxide? ›"When you have an open wound, you don't have that normal skin barrier there protecting you anymore," explains Dr. Yaakovian. "This exposed area of tissue then becomes vulnerable to infection." To help prevent this, people often douse a cut with hydrogen peroxide before applying ointment and bandage.
What precautions should be taken when working with hydrogen peroxide? ›Hydrogen Peroxide Safety, Handling & First Aid
When handling moderate-to-high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in the workplace, ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are accessible, and use splash goggles, gloves, and an approved vapor respirator.
And for good reason — hydrogen peroxide is versatile and extremely cost-effective because of its ability to do the job of multiple cleaners. It's strong oxidizing properties make it a powerful disinfectant and cleaning solution. And when used correctly, it can kill multiple germs, toxins, and bacteria.
Is hydrogen peroxide good for teeth? ›Can Hydrogen Peroxide Be Bad for Your Teeth? Many dentists do not recommend regular use of hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash or rinse. Regular use can cause irritation of the gums and can be too harsh for those with crowns, fillings, and dental implants.
What is the disadvantage of hydrogen peroxide in cleaning? ›The main disadvantage is the small disinfecting and oxidising ability of hydrogen peroxide at active concentrations (tens of milligrams per litre), which are required for swimming pool disinfection. Another problem is the quick decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in water and the presence of oxygen radicals.
Do hospitals use bleach or peroxide? ›disinfectants have been shown to be effective against a wide range of viruses. Because bleach does not kill viruses, it is not frequently used as a hospital disinfectant. Because hydrogen peroxide degrades into water and oxygen when exposed to light, it is the most commonly used disinfectant in hospitals.
What does vinegar and hydrogen peroxide make? ›Mixing hydrogen peroxide with vinegar creates peracetic acid, a corrosive acid that can harm the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. While it's okay to use the two in succession on a surface, don't ever mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar in the same bottle.
What happens if you dont dilute hydrogen peroxide? ›
If you swallow undiluted hydrogen peroxide, you will likely experience damage to your internal organs. It can also lead to internal bleeding. If you swallow diluted peroxide, you may experience some mild stomach pains.
Can you combine peroxide and vinegar? ›Hydrogen peroxide + vinegar
While these two chemicals can be used in succession as a cleaning duo, do not mix them together. “Combining these two creates peracetic acid or corrosive acid, an irritant that, in high concentrations, can harm the skin, eyes, throat, nose, and lungs,” says Bock.
- Incompatible materials: Zinc, powdered metals, iron, copper, nickel, brass, iron and iron salts. / ...
- Ignition on contact with furfuryl alcohol; powdered metals (e.g., magnesium; iron); wood.
Hydrogen peroxide can be derivatised to form compounds capable of acting as a source of active oxygen by reacting with many compounds such as borates, pyrophosphates, carbonates, sulphates, silicates and organic compounds such as carboxylates and amides.
Is it safe to mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide? ›Hydrogen oxide (separately, a great cleaning agent and antiseptic), if mixed with vinegar, creates peracetic acid, as vinegar contains acetic acid. This combination of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide is potentially toxic and corrosive, which can break down or damage the surface it is applied to.
What would cause hydrogen peroxide to explode? ›Another source of hydrogen peroxide explosions is the sealing of the material in strong containers. Under such conditions, even gradual decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water + 1/2 oxygen can cause large pressures to build up in the containers, which may then burst explosively.
What happens when hydrogen peroxide is mixed with dish soap? ›“When you add peroxide to dish soap, it breaks down into oxygen and water. The soapy water then traps that oxygen, creating bubbles, making your dish soap extra foamy.”
Can bacteria become resistant to hydrogen peroxide? ›Several studies (Journal of Bacteriology14, Applied and Environmental Microbiology15 and Journal of Hospital Infection16) have shown that biofilm is resistant to hydrogen peroxide.
What happens when you mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? ›By reacting together, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda produce carbon dioxide and chemicals which are excellent in removing bleaches. And thus, they make a fantastic couple together!
Will hydrogen peroxide get rid of mold? ›Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Kill Mold
Hydrogen peroxide kills mold effectively on materials such as clothing, floors, bathroom fixtures, walls and items such as kitchen appliances. Pour 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Spray the moldy surface completely to saturate the area with hydrogen peroxide.
What happens if you mix hydrogen peroxide with water? ›
It reacts very quickly, disintegrating into hydrogen and water without leaving any by-products. This process increases the amount of oxygen in water.