Exploring 15 Unexpected Household Applications for Hydrogen Peroxide
Exploring 15 Unexpected Household Applications for Hydrogen Peroxide
A bottle of hydrogen peroxide is essentially a necessity for anyone possessing a medicine cabinet. This substance, comprised of hydrogen and oxygen, is most famously recognized as an antiseptic used for preventing infections in minor wounds and lesions like burns, cuts, and scrapes. Beyond its medical uses, hydrogen peroxide boasts numerous household applications that extend beyond your standard first aid kit. Various cleaning methods incorporate this simple solution into everyday chores.
When diluted to 3 to 5 percent strength, hydrogen peroxide becomes an incredibly versatile and eco-friendly cleaning solution, capable of tackling a wide range of cleaning tasks, asserts Ken Faherty, the founder of Be Green Carpet Cleaning. This environmentally conscious cleaning agent, when used correctly, even matches the cleaning and disinfecting power of bleach without the hazardous side effects.
Our team of cleaning professionals was eager to share their favorite ways to leverage hydrogen peroxide to handle typical cleaning jobs, from bathrooms to backyards.
- Marla Mock, head of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company
- Ken Faherty, founder of Be Green Carpet Cleaning
- Leah Howell, cleaning and floor expert at Bona
01of 15## Eliminating Carpet Stains
Specialist carpet cleaning products are not always necessary for achieving immaculate and stain-free carpeting. In fact, Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, recommends a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to effectively remove carpet stains.
“By combining one cup of baking soda with two cups of hydrogen peroxide, and applying the mixture to the stain, you can achieve remarkable results,” advises Mock. Allow it to sit for thirty minutes, then rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
02of 15## Revitalizing Baking Sheets
Old and worn baking sheets may have suffered from grease stains or burn marks, but instead of discarding them, consider reviving them with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
“Simply cover the inside of the pan with baking soda and saturate the surface with hydrogen peroxide,” suggests Mock. “Permit the treatment to take effect overnight, then quickly scrape off the paste and wash it with hot soap water.” Once rinsed, the baking sheets will appear as good as new.
03of 15## Cleaning Grout
Equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can create a powerful cleansing agent to brighten dirty grout on tile floors, countertops, and shower walls, asserts Mock. By directly applying the mixture to your grout lines and scrubbing with a toothbrush in a circular motion, you can promote a clean, fresh appearance while also proactively preventing future discoloration.
“Hydrogen peroxide’s oxidizing properties make it a potent defense against bacteria, mold, and mildew with its foaming action,” explains Leah Howell, a cleaning and floor care expert at Bona.
04of 15## Cleansing Stovetops
Polishing your stovetop to a dazzling shine is simpler than you might think. By mixing a little hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to create a paste, you can achieve a gleaming finish. Apply the mixture to the stovetop and scrub with the rough side of a sponge.
05of 15## Eradicating Blood Stains
Blood stains can be difficult to remove, but hydrogen peroxide excels at this task. “Apply 3 percent hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain, allow it to foam, and then wash it as usual with cold water,” advises Mock.
06of 15## Disinfecting Shower Walls
The continual moisture of daily showers creates an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. Employing hydrogen peroxide can effectively neutralize hard-to-removing build-up. “Spray it onto affected areas, allow it to sit, and then eliminate stubborn mold and mildew with gentle scrubbing,” suggests Mock.
07of 15## Sanitizing Surfaces
Hydrogen peroxide's oxidizing properties can disinfect a wide range of surfaces within your home. To disinfect frequently touched areas like countertops, cutting boards, light switches, and doorknobs, simply apply 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, let it sit for five to ten minutes, and wipe it clean.
You can also utilize it to safely sanitize food-contact surfaces, bypassing the need for harsh chemicals, according to Faherty. Spray it on areas like refrigerator shelves, the kitchen sink, and garbage disposal.
08of 15## Enhancing Glass and Mirror Surfaces
A hydrogen peroxide solution (3 percent to 5 percent strength) delivers the same glass and mirror cleaning results as your usual cleaning agent, without leaving behind annoying streaks.
09of 15## Restoring Bathtubs
Bathtubs often appear dull and unclean with time but hydrogen peroxide can breathe new life into your tub. “Hydrogen peroxide's oxidizing properties can effectively remove stains and discoloration from hard surfaces, such as your bathtub,” shares Mock.
Simply spray hydrogen peroxide onto the stained areas, then permit it to sit for five minutes. Follow this by thoroughly scrubbing with a sponge or cloth, and then rinsing.
10of 15## Cleaning Laundry and Fabric
Carrying out laundry and fabric care with hydrogen peroxide can help maintain the cleanliness and brightness of clothing. When combined with chlorine bleach at a ratio of one part hydrogen peroxide to four parts bleach, the resulting solution can be employed to whiten and brighten various fabrics. Additionally, adding 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the wash cycle can also augment the cleanliness of delicate fabrics.
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Hydrogen peroxide isn't typically the first cleaning product that pops into mind when you're dealing with stained laundry or fabrics, but it can prove to be quite useful. Apply it directly to fabrics before laundering to eliminate protein-based stains, like wine or grass, or enhance the brightness of your whites by adding 1/2 cup to your laundry cycle, says Faherty.
If your towels or clothes start to develop an unpleasant funky smell, add a cup to your washer to help eradicate the odor from the machine.
Eliminating Mattress Stains
Mattress stains can be a real pain to address, but hydrogen peroxide can make the job a whole lot easier. According to Mock, mixing 3 tablespoons of baking soda with around eight generous dashes of hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of dish soap is all it takes to get rid of stains on your mattress.
Apply the mixture to any stains and let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp towel and blot dry until no more liquid is absorbed. Allow it to air dry. If any smells still linger, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the affected area to neutralize the odor. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up.
Rejuvenating Patio Furniture
Outdoor furniture can really take a beating from the elements. Before you bring out your patio furniture for the season, spray it down with hydrogen peroxide to give it a much-needed pick-me-up. It will clean and eliminate mold and mildew, helping to extend your furniture's lifespan.
Cleaning Children's Toys
Kids' toys can get dirty and germy in a flash. A 3 to 5 percent hydrogen peroxide solution can help to keep toys clean and safe for playtime. Simply spray them down, wipe, and rinse to guarantee a residue-free clean, advises Faherty.
Disinfecting Earrings
Disinfecting earrings between uses can help prevent infections in piercings. According to Mock, "fill a small container halfway with hydrogen peroxide, soak your earrings for 20 minutes or overnight, then scrub with a small jewelry brush," and then rinse them in warm water and dry them on a clean cloth for a sparkling result.
Cleaning Up Garden Tools
Even though you use them for digging in the dirt, garden tools need to be cleaned between uses to help prevent the spread of plant diseases. Hydrogen peroxide can handle this task with ease. Simply soak or spray your garden tools with hydrogen peroxide, then rinse them thoroughly.
- To maintain the cleanliness and brightness of clothes, consider adding 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide to your laundry cycle, as suggested by Ken Faherty.
- For a natural and eco-friendly way to disinfect children's toys, fill a spray bottle with a 3 to 5 percent hydrogen peroxide solution and spray the toys, then wipe and rinse them to guarantee a residue-free clean, advises Faherty.