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What is hydrogen peroxide? -

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound. It’s best known as a topical antiseptic used to disinfect wounds, though it’s no longer recommended in certain scenarios as it can hinder the healing process.

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What is hydrogen peroxide? -

It looks just like water. In fact, its chemical formula, H2O2, indicates that it has just one extra oxygen atom when compared to water (H2O).

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Other uses for hydrogen peroxide -

Hydrogen peroxide is, however, a pretty useful product, with a number of useful applications; including the sanitization of surfaces and objects. Now, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can use it.

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Use it as stain remover -

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful stain remover. And this includes difficult stains, such as grass, blood, wine, and foods.

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Use it to wash produce -

Hydrogen peroxide is great for washing produce such as fruits and vegetables. Mix food-grade hydrogen peroxide with warm water and get rid of all the bad stuff on your produce. Don’t forget to rinse everything thoroughly before consuming.

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Use it to remove mildew -

Mildew forms in places of high humidity, such as bathrooms, and can be a nightmare. But fear not! Grab a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide and apply the liquid directly on the surface, and then just wipe it clean.

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Use it to sanitize your cutting board -

Cutting boards are often used to cut meats, meaning they are in contact with bacteria. To kill all germs, first wipe the board down with vinegar and a paper towel. Then you can do the same, but using hydrogen peroxide instead.

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Use it on your plants -

Yes, the extra oxygen in hydrogen peroxide is actually good for plant roots. Just water it down before watering your plants by mixing one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide per cup of water.

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Use it to clean your toilet -

Not only can hydrogen peroxide be used to clean your toilet bowl, but it will actually leave it looking sparkling clean. Pour a half-cup into it and let it sit for a few hours. Then scrub it with a toilet brush and flush.

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Use it to disinfect kitchen sponges -

Kitchen sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria, but they won’t stand a chance against hydrogen peroxide. It’s best to soak your sponge every day after use.

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Use it to clean all your other cleaning utensils -

In addition to sponges, you can also use hydrogen peroxide to clean your rags, cloths, mops, and any other cleaning utensils.

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Use it to keep your feet healthy -

Soaking your feet in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water can actually help treat foot fungus and kill harmful bacteria. Do so for 15-20 minutes.

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Use it to sanitize countertops -

Countertops see a lot of action, with food prep, dishes—you name it. You can fill up a spray bottle with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and use it to sanitize your countertop.

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Use it to clean your floors -

Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and mop your floor with the mixture. Make sure you test on a small surface first, as hydrogen peroxide can be abrasive on some materials. Do not apply it on wooden floors.

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Use it to clean grout lines -

Bring dark, grimy grout lines back to life with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Use a toothbrush to scrub.

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Use it to sanitize your toothbrush -

Germs and bacteria can stick to toothbrushes, so it’s important that we sanitize them often. A way to do so is by soaking toothbrushes in hydrogen peroxide for about five minutes, and then rinsing them with hot water.

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Use it to sanitize your retainer or mouth guard -

Hydrogen peroxide can also be effectively used for cleaning retainers or mouth guards.

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Use it to make a mouth rinse -

Since we’re on the topic of oral health, why not make your own mouth rinse using hydrogen peroxide? You can mix it with water, and you’ll have a mouthwash in seconds. Just make sure the hydrogen peroxide concentration is no higher than 3%.

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Use it to clean mirrors and windows -

Yes, hydrogen peroxide will leave your windows and mirrors streak-free. Mix it with water in a spray bottle and try it!

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Use it to sanitize nail clippers -

Nail clippers are just one of those objects that don’t get cleaned very often. But submerging them in hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes and then drying them with a paper towel will do the trick.

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Use it to clean an aquarium -

Is your fish tank full of algae? Worry not, as a bit of hydrogen peroxide can work wonders. Plus, in small quantities, it’s generally safe for your pet fish. If you’re concerned about it, relocate the fish temporarily while you treat the aquarium with hydrogen peroxide.

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Use it to brighten up your whites -

Want to avoid bleach? Hydrogen peroxide can work just as well in whitening your clothes. It’s as simple as adding a cup to your wash cycle.

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Use it on your hair -

You can lighten your hair using hydrogen peroxide. The effect can be as dramatic as you wish. For more natural-looking highlights, try spraying a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide onto wet hair.

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Use it to get rid of musty smell on clothes -

Let your clothes soak in water with 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and then wash them as normal. Just make sure they’re not colored fabrics.

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Use it to whiten yellowed nails -

Nails can get more yellow over time, especially if you paint them. You can apply a cotton pad soaked in hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes. Don’t forget to hydrate your cuticles afterwards, as hydrogen peroxide dries up the skin.

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Use it to sanitize reusable shopping bags -

When was the last time you cleaned your reusable shopping bags? Simply spray them with a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide, wipe, and dry them out.

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Use it to whiten your teeth -

There are numerous products on the market that use hydrogen peroxide as a teeth whitening agent. Many are effective and generally safe, but others may not be. It’s always best to talk to your dentist first.

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Use it to clean toys -

When was the last time you sanitized a toy? Yes, kids play with them and they do become full of germs.

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Use it to sanitize the garbage can -

Garbage cans get dirty and stinky, but hydrogen peroxide can help with the germs and odors.

Sources: (Reader's Digest) (Healthline) (One Good Thing by Jillee) (BuzzRX)

See also: Surprising uses for Coca-Cola

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