12 Household Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the simplest type of peroxide, is a colorless liquid that is about 40% denser than water. It has traditionally been used as an antiseptic and as an oxidizing agent. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen upon exposure to heat or to certain substances. Consumer packaging is traditionally a brown bottle designed to keep light out and prevent decomposition.
Given its disinfecting and oxidizing ability, hydrogen peroxide is a very useful household cleaner and sanitizer. Here are 12 household uses for hydrogen peroxide that you may not have been aware of:
- Fruit & Vegetable Wash: In addition to removing dirt and residue, hydrogen peroxide can kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. Add ¼ cup to ½ cup of 3 percent peroxide solution to a large bowl, bucket, or sink full of cool water and soak your produce for a few seconds. Remove and rinse produce under cold running water for several seconds to rinse away the peroxide.
- Toothpaste: Hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda makes an effective toothpaste that not only kills bacteria and helps with early stages of gingivitis, but also acts as a whitening agent and brightens teeth.
- Dishwashing Booster: Add 3 ounces of hydrogen peroxide to give your dish detergent a boost and kill germs and bacteria.
- Appliance Cleaner: Hydrogen peroxide is a great non-toxic cleaner for places that store food or dishes and silverware. Apply to appliances such as your refrigerator and dishwasher, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe clean. hydrogen peroxide works well on mold.
- Sponge Sanitizer: Soak your sponges in a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water for 10 minutes. Rinse sponges thoroughly to remove peroxide and residue.
- Toothbrush Sanitizer: Hydrogen peroxide is an effective alternative to mouthwash for soaking your toothbrush to keep it clean. Discard the cleaning solution when your brush is done soaking.
- Food Stain Dissolver: The same hydrogen peroxide & baking soda combination that works as a toothpaste is also effective at removing baked-on grease from pots and pans. Rub the paste on dirty pans, let it sit for a few minutes, and remove with a sponge and warm water. Baked-on stains will lift right off.
- Kitchen Cleaner & Sanitizer: In addition to pots and pans, you can clean your cutting board and countertop with hydrogen peroxide. Scrub and rinse clean.
- Stain Remover – Green Bleach Alternative: To whiten and brighten clothes, hydrogen peroxide can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to bleach. Add one cup of hydrogen peroxide to a washer load of laundry.
- Plant Doctor – Spray Fungicide: Adding a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to your water spray bottle can help to kill fungus on houseplants.
- Towel Treatment: To get rid of musty odors, add ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide and ½ cup of vinegar to washing machine, and let towels soak for at least 15 minutes before proceeding with the wash cycle.
- Glass Cleaner: Spray hydrogen peroxide as you would Windex or other brand name glass cleaners for streak-free windows and mirrors.
Hydrogen Peroxide degrades quickly when exposed to heat and sunlight and should be kept in the original brown bottle until ready for use. Do not mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar, as the resulting reaction will form peracetic acid, a potentially dangerous skin, eye, and respiratory irritant.
Independent Chemical offers hydrogen peroxide (CAS 7724-84-1) and thousands of other products for a wide range of markets. Contact us today for a quote.