Hydrogen peroxide has many useful applications and can be used to clean, disinfect, and treat minor cuts and scrapes. In low concentrations between 3-6%, hydrogen peroxide is relatively safe for use in the home. Some of the most common uses for hydrogen peroxide include:
Disinfecting Cuts and Scrapes
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean and disinfect minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. When applied to a wound, hydrogen peroxide bubbles up as it kills bacteria. After cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, be sure to rinse the area with water. Hydrogen peroxide can slow healing if left on a wound, so rinse it off after disinfecting.
Oral Hygiene
Due to its antibacterial properties, hydrogen peroxide makes an excellent addition to an oral care regimen. It can be used as a mouthwash or mixed with water and used as a gargle. Hydrogen peroxide helps kill bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Tooth Whitening
Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in many commercial tooth whitening products. It works by reacting with organic stains and bleaching them away. Hydrogen peroxide can be used alone as a DIY tooth whitener. Simply mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, then swish around the mouth for 1-2 minutes before spitting out. Rinse mouth afterwards.
Stain Removal
Hydrogen peroxide is often used as a laundry booster to whiten and brighten clothes. It’s particularly useful for removing stains from white fabrics. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove stains from countertops, bathtubs, toilets, and other household surfaces.
Cleaning Fruits and Vegetables
A dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide and water can be used to clean dirt, pesticides, and bacteria from fresh fruits and vegetables. Spray or soak produce in the hydrogen peroxide solution, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
Sanitizing Kitchen Surfaces
Hydrogen peroxide is a safer alternative to bleach for sanitizing kitchen sinks, countertops, and other food preparation surfaces. Mix a solution of 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide to 1 cup of water. Spray onto surfaces and let sit briefly before wiping clean with a damp cloth.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
To make a natural toilet bowl cleaner, pour 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl. Let stand for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing and flushing. The hydrogen peroxide will work to break down stains, disinfect, and deodorize the toilet.
Dishwasher Cleaner
Running a hydrogen peroxide cycle helps sanitize and deodorize the dishwasher. Place a cup of hydrogen peroxide in the bottom rack of an empty dishwasher. Run a hot cycle with the hydrogen peroxide alone to clean the interior.
Produce Wash
Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective alternative to commercial produce washes. Fill sink with cold water and add 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide. Soak fruits and vegetables for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Cleaner for Baby Bottles
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to fully sterilize baby bottles between uses. Use hydrogen peroxide in place of water when washing bottles and nipples. Rinse all items fully with hot water afterward.
All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle to make an effective all-purpose cleaner for kitchen messes. Use on countertops, sinks, appliances, tables, and more. Then wipe down with a damp cloth or paper towel.
Bathroom Mold Remover
Hydrogen peroxide is effective at removing mold and mildew from bathroom tile, caulk, shower curtains, and other surfaces. Spray full-strength hydrogen peroxide directly onto moldy areas. Let it bubble and work for at least an hour before rinsing clean.
Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean scuff marks, dirt, and grime from hardwood floors. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and use a microfiber mop to apply the solution to floors. Let stand 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
Tile and Grout Cleaner
For a natural tile and grout cleaner, combine hydrogen peroxide and baking soda into a paste. Use an old toothbrush or cleaning brush to scrub the paste onto dirty grout. Let it sit briefly, then rinse clean with water.
Pet Urine Remover
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove old pet urine stains and odors from carpets, upholstery, and mattresses. Start by blotting up excess urine, then spray the area liberally with hydrogen peroxide. Let soak in for several hours before rinsing and air drying.
Ear Wax Removal
Soften hardened earwax by putting a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in each ear canal. Let bubble for about 10 minutes, then tilt head sideways and drain onto a paper towel. Never insert cotton swabs or other objects into ear canal.
Foot Soak
Sore, tired feet can benefit from a hydrogen peroxide soak. Fill a basin with warm water and add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Soak feet for 20 minutes to soften calluses and fight foot fungus.
Drain Cleaner
For a chemical-free drain cleaner, pour 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide down drain, let stand for 30 minutes, then rinse with hot water. Can also mix with 1 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar for extra foaming action.
Allergy Control
Hydrogen peroxide can help deactivate allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and more. Use hydrogen peroxide to clean floors, upholstery, air filters, and other allergen hotspots.
Pest Control
Hydrogen peroxide can help control household pests like ants and cockroaches. Spray diluted hydrogen peroxide in dark corners, under appliances, and other areas bugs congregate. It kills them on contact.
Wound Care
In addition to cleaning scrapes, hydrogen peroxide also promotes healing. Apply diluted hydrogen peroxide once or twice daily to surgical wounds, infections, and sores. Helps clear pus and dead tissue.
Sinus Rinse
Using diluted hydrogen peroxide as part of sinus rinse can help clear mucus, kill bacteria, and ease allergy symptoms. Mix several ounces of hydrogen peroxide with purified water and use as directed in nasal rinse bottle.
Yeast Infection Relief
Hydrogen peroxide may help provide relief from the itching and burning of yeast infections. Dilute hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of water and apply to the affected areas with a cotton ball once or twice daily.
Cold Sore Treatment
Applying hydrogen peroxide to cold sores a few times a day can help dry them out and promote healing. Dip cotton swab in hydrogen peroxide and apply directly to the cold sore.
Natural Disinfectant
Hydrogen peroxide makes an excellent non-toxic disinfectant. Spray it on surfaces like bathroom fixtures, kitchen counters, floors, toys, pet accessories, and more to kill germs.
Laundry Whitener
Add 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to the washer during the rinse cycle to naturally brighten and whiten clothes. It’s a safer alternative to bleach.
Stain Remover
Pre-treat stubborn stains on clothing and upholstery by spraying hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain. Let bubble for 5-10 minutes before washing as usual.
Soften Calluses
Soaking fingers and toes in diluted hydrogen peroxide can help soften thick, hardened calluses. Works well for softening calluses prior to additional smoothing treatments.
Natural Weed Killer
Hydrogen peroxide works as an effective organic weed killer. Spray full-strength hydrogen peroxide directly onto weeds to kill roots and prevent regrowth.
Fungus Remedy
The antifungal properties of hydrogen peroxide make it useful against stubborn fungal infections like athlete’s foot and nail fungus. Apply several times daily to affected areas.
Clean Toothbrushes
Disinfect toothbrushes by soaking them in hydrogen peroxide for 20-30 minutes in between uses. Rinse well and air dry.
Sanitize Sponges
Kill germs like E. coli hiding in kitchen sponges by soaking sponges in a solution of 2 teaspoons hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup water for 5-10 minutes.
Clean Combs & Brushes
Remove hair, grime, and germs from combs, hairbrushes, and makeup brushes by soaking them in hydrogen peroxide for 10-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Contact Lens Cleaner
Clear away eye gunk and disinfect contact lenses by soaking contacts in hydrogen peroxide for 15-30 minutes before insertion. Rinse thoroughly first.
Deodorize Fridge
Eliminate smells in the refrigerator by placing an open box of baking soda and a bowl of hydrogen peroxide inside. Close fridge door and let sit for several hours.
Conclusion
Hydrogen peroxide is an economical and versatile household product with a variety of cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing uses. In low concentrations between 3-6%, hydrogen peroxide is safe for use around the home and family. It can replace many harsh chemicals for cleaning, whitening, stain removal, wound care, and more. Just be sure to properly dilute hydrogen peroxide before applying it directly to skin or kitchen surfaces.