A clean space is a happy and safe space, especially given the world’s current condition. What role does hydrogen peroxide play in keeping your home or commercial space clean?
First, we will go over what hyrogen peroxide is, how to use it safely and where you can use it around the home.
What is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound that is created by combining two hydorgen molecules with two oxygen molecules (H2O2). It’s a clear liquid that comes in various potencies – the most common being the 3% version that is sold in drug stores.
You may wonder why you always find it in a dark brown bottle. Hydrogen peroxide is unstable and decomposes in light, so the dark brown bottle is there to protect it.
You will know if it has lost its effectiveness if it does not fizz when it comes into contact with metal. If that is the case, it is time for a new bottle.
Be Safe!
Hydrogen peroxide is no longer recommended for use on cuts as it slows healing times. It is also incredibly unsafe to ingest and can be harmful to your eyes and skin (especially the higher grade potencies).
Even though you probably dug it out of your medicine cabinet does not mean it is safe. It is recommended that you use gloves when cleaning, even if it is only the 3% kind.
Hydrogen peroxide does not play well with others – do not mix it with vinegar. This creates peracetic acid, which is corrosive and can damage your eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs!
5 Uses Around the House
1. Removing Stains
For grass, wine, chocolate and armpit stains, create a mixture of two parts hydrogen peroxide and one part dish soap. Apply it to the stain and rinse with cold water, repeating until the stain is removed.
Hydrogen peroxide is also effective at getting blood stains out, especially if treated immediately. Apply full strength hydrogen peroxide to the stain and let it sit until the fizzing stops, dab with a clean cloth and repeat until the stain is gone.
2. In Your Laundry
Add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your load of white laundry to brighten it up instead of bleach. Or if you have musty smelling towels, you can add a cup into that load as well.
For either use, let it sit for at least 15 minutes to let it soak before you start the washer. This only applies to WHITE clothing and not coloured clothing.
3. In the Bathroom
If you have mold in your bathroom, spray full strength hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. It will not remove mold stains though, so you may have a deeper cleaning to do afterwards.
Get your shower grouts clean again by either spraying hydrogen peroxide on them or by creating a paste with baking soda. Leave it for 30 minutes and rinse away!
4. In Your Kitchen
Your wood cutting boards should be regularly sprayed with hydrogen peroxide. This will eliminate any fungus or bacteria that may be lurking in the crevices.
You can also use it to clean your fruits and veggies! Add 1/4 of a cup to a sink of cold water and let them soak.
5. To Sanitize Your Personal Use Items
Combine one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water to disinfect your beauty or personal use items. This includes your toothbrush, make-up brushes, shaving brushes and loofahs.