Next time you need to do some cleaning, reach for your bottle of hydrogen peroxide rather than your bleach. It’s safe, it’s super versatile and, the best part, it’s incredibly cheap!

Why is hydrogen peroxide a good cleaning agent?

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a versatile and effective household cleaner due to its strong oxidizing properties which allow it to break down and remove a variety of substances, including dirt, grime, stains, bacteria and viruses.

Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when a residue’s structure is changed thanks to the addition of an extra oxygen atom. The oxidized substance creates free radicals as a result, which are just free-roaming chemicals with high energy that will, in turn, react with other materials and break them up into smaller pieces. Once those materials are broken up into smaller pieces, they are more water soluble and are easier to wash away. 

Hydrogen peroxide also has a mild bleaching effect, making it useful for brightening white clothes and removing stains from fabrics. Unlike chlorine bleach, it is less harsh and doesn't cause color damage. It’s also non-corrosive and doesn't leave behind harmful residues, so it’s safe to use on most hard surfaces. 

Finally, hydrogen peroxide is considered an environmentally friendly cleaner compared to harsh chemicals like bleach, as it breaks down into water and oxygen and leaves no harmful byproducts.

There’s a lot of science behind hydrogen peroxide as a cleaning agent, but it’s always worth stating that using too much of any chemical substance is never good. It’s also important to note that hydrogen peroxide can be irritating to the skin and eyes, so be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using it. Additionally, it's not recommended for use on delicate fabrics or surfaces that are prone to rust or corrosion.

That being said, though, it’s a powerful cleaning product that is handy to have in your home. Plus, it’s just a few dollars to buy at the store!

Here are a few ways you can use hydrogen peroxide in your household, from cleaning to whitening to laundry and more!

Household uses for hydrogen peroxide

Disinfecting surfaces 

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant that can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi by attacking cell walls, DNA and lipids in microscopic organisms. That’s why it’s so good at cleaning blood, by the way, since it breaks down cell walls! 

You can use a hydrogen peroxide solution to disinfect countertops, cutting boards, doorknobs, light switches and other hard surfaces that come in contact with germs and grime often. 

To use it as a disinfectant, simply mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle and spray the surface. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Cleaning blood

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean blood around minor cuts, scrapes and burns. It shouldn’t be used to clean the wound directly, but it can help tidy up around it for sure.

To use hydrogen peroxide to remove blood, pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto a clean cloth and apply it to the affected area. Do not use hydrogen peroxide on deep wounds or burns, as it won’t do any real healing — however, it can certainly clean the surrounding area if you’re worried about stains or scary-looking blood.

Brightening whites

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to brighten white clothes and linens! 

If your sheets, shirts or towels are starting to lose their white gleam, then hydrogen peroxide’s oxidation can help break up those tough-to-reach stains and dirt. All you need to do is add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your wash cycle along with your regular detergent!

Removing stains

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove a variety of tricky stains, including blood, coffee and tea. To use it on a stain, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes, then blot it up with a clean cloth.

Easy peasy!

Deodorizing

You can use hydrogen peroxide to deodorize garbage cans, refrigerators, shoes and other smelly surfaces. To use it as a deodorizer, simply spray the surface with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean. The oxidation should break up the odor molecules and leave it smelling a little nicer! 

Gardening & plants

Hydrogen peroxide has many different uses when it comes to your plants. A simple 3% hydrogen peroxide solution can be used to treat root rot, repel fungus gnats, add oxygen to the soil and kill harmful bacteria. Follow this guide on how to use hydrogen peroxide on your plants, and make sure to avoid spraying the leaves and flowers if you can!

Hydrogen peroxide is an incredibly useful tool to have in the household, along with other pantry staples like white vinegar and baking soda. It costs next to nothing and, of course, is a safer cleaner than many of the store-bought, bleach-based cleaners!

Try it out and see how you like it!

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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/Khaligo