You can utilize it in a million different ways, and its effectiveness won’t wither. The uses of hydrogen peroxide will take you by surprise, and turn you into a fan in no time!
Did you know?
Hydrogen peroxide is naturally produced in our bodies to help us combat infections.
What we have here is a substance that cleans, bleaches, removes stains, disinfects, sanitizes, freshens, and is perfect for use anywhere, anytime. Furthermore, it doesn’t cost a lot, is available everywhere, and is very environment-friendly. Let’s get to understanding it better.
What is Hydrogen Peroxide?
- Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a compound; a simple peroxide, with an oxygen-oxygen single bond.
- It is known to possess antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
- This clear liquid has a water-like consistency, with a pH of 6.2 for a 100% concentrate. So, it can be categorized as a weak acid.
- It is found naturally in rainwater and snow, due to the presence of atmospheric ozone. It is also formed in flowing water, owing to continuous aeration.
- Apart from being used for cleaning and disinfecting, it has numerous medicinal and cosmetic uses too.
*Important Note:
For household purposes, a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is ideal, which is easily available at drugstores. If you are using food grade hydrogen peroxide, remember that it is extremely concentrated. Ensure that the solution is diluted in water before use. It may cause severe skin injuries in its undiluted form. Handle it with utmost caution.
Household Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide
Using hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant is easy. Spray it on surfaces like kitchen countertops and wipe with a clean rag. You may even use it to disinfect your chopping board.
Hydrogen peroxide can be an ideal skunk odor remover, when mixed with baking soda and soap. Mix these three ingredients and soak the clothes in it. Wash them as usual, and find them odor-free.
Mix an ounce of hydrogen peroxide chemical with a quart of water and use it on plants. Apart from boosting the level of oxygen in the soil, this mixture is also said to prevent root rot.
Dilute a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in ¼ cup of water. Spray it on leftover salads, and refrigerate to keep them fresh for long.
Get rid of germs and pesticides from your veggies and fruits by soaking them in a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Rinse with cold water before use.
Hydrogen peroxide acts as a stain remover, especially for blood and wine stains. All you have to do is to dab a small amount on the stains and let it sit for a while. After that, rinse the stains with water and soap.
Make use of its bleaching properties by soaking white garments in an H2O2solution diluted with water. Rinse the garments as usual.
Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda, for added efficiency to clean kitchen or bathroom tiles, floors, and windows. It can also be used for getting rid of mold and mildew.
Therapeutic Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a mouthwash to whiten teeth. You have to dilute the chemical with water and use it as a rinse. Ensure that you do not swallow the liquid, while rinsing.
3% hydrogen peroxide can be applied to clear up skin and mouth infections, insect bites, pimples, etc. However, it is not advisable to use this chemical on open wounds.
Rinsing with a diluted solution of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide is said to be helpful in numbing the gums and relieving tooth pain.
Some people use the diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to bring relief to chronic sinusitis, by putting a few drops of the same into the ear and nose. Even inhaling vapors of this solution is said to be useful.
Apart from sinusitis, this method is claimed to be good for curing common cold and flu. Gargling with diluted hydrogen peroxide is said to work wonders in getting rid of sore throat.
Hydrogen peroxide is also useful in removing earwax deposits. When a solution of 2-3 drops of hydrogen peroxide, mixed with olive oil or almond oil is poured in the ear, it loosens up the wax deposits and cleans up the ear canal.
Dip your feet in a tub of warm water. Add 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to it. This will help you get rid of foot fungus.
It’s not for nothing that hydrogen peroxide is the only chemical to be frequently pinned on Pinterest. It is really a wonder chemical, that gets most of your cleaning jobs done, within a fraction of the cost. Just make sure to use it carefully, with all the precautionary measures in place.