20 Household Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide
There are so many household uses for Hydrogen Peroxide it would be silly not to keep this cheap but useful item in your cabinet.
There are a handful of items that we always keep on hand in my house. Hydrogen Peroxide is one of them. There are so many household uses for Hydrogen Peroxide it would be silly not to keep this cheap but useful item in my cabinet. Obviously it is on hand to clean wounds, but did you know these other 20 uses for Hydrogen Peroxide? See just how many things you can use it for in your home.
Remove Pesticides & Dirt from Produce
Wash your vegetables and fruits with hydrogen peroxide to remove dirt and pesticides. Add 1/4 cup of peroxide to a sink of cold water. After washing, rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Simple & Effective Mouthwash
Use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash to freshen your breath. It kills the bacteria that cause halitosis (bad breath). Use a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Added bonus is, it will whiten your teeth too!
DIY Toothpaste
Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste for brushing teeth. It helps with the early stages of gingivitis as it kills bacteria, it also whitens teeth.
Clean Toothbrushes
This is great for cold & flu season. Soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide between uses to keep it clean and prevent the transfer of germs. It is also perfect for cleaning dental appliances like mouth guards, retainers, and more.
Non-Toxic Cleaner
Use peroxide to wipe out your refrigerator and dishwasher. Because it’s non-toxic, it’s great for cleaning places that store food and dishes because it is a disinfectant. It is even safe for kids to use. Add some to your dish soap to help boost its cleaning power.
Remove Stains from Pots & Pans
Remove baked-on stains from pots and pans. Just combine hydrogen peroxide with enough baking soda to make a paste, then rub it onto the dirty pan and let it sit for a while. Come back later with a scrubby sponge and some warm water, and the baked-on stains will lift right off.
Whitten Grout
Whitten tile grout throughout your house! Liberally spray the grout with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit — it may bubble slightly — for a little while, then come back and scrub the grout with an old toothbrush. You may have to repeat the process a few times, but it works!
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Clean the toilet bowl naturally! Pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl, let stand for 20 minutes, then scrub clean with a toilet brush.
Clothing Stain Remover
Remove stains from clothing, curtains, and tablecloths without harsh chemicals! Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a pre-treater for stains. Just soak the stain for a little while in 3% hydrogen peroxide before tossing it into the laundry. You can also add a cup of peroxide to a regular load of whites to boost brightness. (Think Oxi-Clean)
Mopping Solution
Brighten and disinfect your floors. Combine half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with one gallon of hot water and start mopping. It is safe for any floor type, and non-toxic.
Clean Toys
Here is a great household use for hydrogen peroxide! Kids’ toys can be covered in germs. Disinfect kids’ toys and play areas with some hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. It won’t hurt anyone. Just spray and rinse/wipe clean.
Garden Fungicide
Help your garden grow by warding off fungus. Just add a little hydrogen peroxide to your spray bottle the next time you’re spritzing plants to prevent fungus from growing.
Looking for more wonderful things you can do with items you already own? You have to check out the Top Uses for Tea Tree Essential Oil! It is one of the most helpful essential oils you have.
Detox Bath
This is great to keep in the bathroom. Try adding half a bottle of hydrogen peroxide to a warm bath can help detoxify the body. It will also leave you with a clean tub.
Salad Extender
This is a genius idea! Spray a solution of 1/2 cup water and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide on leftover salad, drain, cover and refrigerate. This will prevent wilting and better preserve your salad. Great for when you buy an entire head of lettuce.
Acne Treatment
Dab hydrogen peroxide on pimples or acne to help clear skin. This removes oils and toxins from the skin leaving it clean and beautiful without drying. It has great healing powers.
Remove Ear Wax
Use Hydrogen peroxide to remove ear wax. Use a solution of 3% with olive or almond oil. Add a couple of drops of oil first then the peroxide to your ear. After a few minutes, tilt the head to remove the solution and wax.
Treat Foot Fungus
Peroxide helps with foot fungus. In fact, it kills fungi. Spray a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water on your feet every night and let dry. Or try soaking your feet in a peroxide solution to help soften calluses and corns, and disinfect minor cuts.
De-Must Towels
Take the musty smell out of towels. Use 1/2 cup Peroxide and 1/2 cup vinegar and soak towels for 15 minutes, then wash as normal. It gets rid of the odor and any mold on the towels.
Tooth Whitening
Use peroxide as a mouthwash for a natural tooth whitening effect. It is actually the main ingredient in those expensive teeth whitening strips, just skip the middle man. Swish it around in your mouth like a mouthwash daily to see a difference.
NOTE: Do not swallow any peroxide. When the peroxide rinse is done, be sure to rinse out your mouth with water.
Hair Lightening
Peroxide is a bleaching agent and is used for lightened hair. Dilute 3% Hydrogen peroxide with water 1/2 and 1/2 and spray the solution on your wet hair after a shower. Comb it through. You will not have the peroxide-burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually, not drastically. (Use with caution)
Do you have any great tips with uses? Share in the comments below.
Hydrogen peroxide also takes blood out of fabrics. Poor a small amount on the effected area then soak in cold water. Wash it and the stain will be gone.