11 Amazing Uses For Hydrogen Peroxide

 

Hydrogen peroxide is lurking in many of our first aid kits… and that’s a shame. We all apply it on cuts and scrapes as an antiseptic, but actually it does more harm than good! Before I did some research on this topic I, like many others, thought that the foaming action signifies the killing of bacteria. 

The foaming comes from an enzyme called catalase found in blood and cells. When it comes in contact with hydrogen peroxide it turns it into water and oxygen. So the bubbles you see is actually pure oxygen created by catalase and not a bacteria killing process.

Mayo Clinic Researchers agree that hydrogen peroxides can damage the delicate tissue and even impede the wound healing process. So although hydrogen peroxide possess strong antiseptic properties and can kill bacteria, it mustn’t be applied on wounds. Clean water is a far better option to clean cuts and scrapes.
As you can see, no use for hydrogen peroxide in your first aid kit. So let us all take it out and put it to a better use. The strength you use at home should be a 3% grade.

1. Alternative to Bleach to Whiten Clothes

Hydrogen peroxide can act like bleach, which makes it a perfect alternative to keep your clothes white. Clothes tend to wear out faster when using bleach, hydrogen peroxide won’t do that and doesn’t leave the bad odor bleach does. Just add one cup of hydrogen peroxide into a washer load of whites. Don’t pour it directly on your  clothes as it can fade the color just like bleach does.

2. Blood and Red Wine Stain Remover

Not only will hydrogen peroxide whiten your clothes, it is one of the best solutions to remove blood and red wine stains from your clothes or carpet if used fairly soon. But watch out, hydrogen peroxide can bleach out the fabric, so dab it on an invisible test spot first to see what happens. Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on the spot, let it set and bubble for 1-2 minutes, rub and rinse with cold water and soap before throwing them in the washing machine. Repeat if necessary. Do not use warm water, this will ‘set‘ the stain permanently.

3. Keep Your Kitchen Germ and Stain-Free

Hydrogen peroxide can be used for many application in your kitchen to lift stains and kill germs.
• Deep floor cleaner, especially useful for grout.
• Table top cleaner
• Disinfect the inside of your fridge
• Clean windows with no smearing
Just add the 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Spray on the target surface and wipe off, just as a normal household cleaner. If you want to sanitize, leave the hydrogen peroxide for a longer period before rinsing it off. If you don’t like to clean the floor with cold hydrogen peroxide water from your spray, add 1 cup of 35% hydrogen peroxide in 1 gallon of hot water to make a 3% dilution for the same result. But keep in mind to only use as much as you’ll use at one time. Hydrogen peroxide is stored in a brown bottle, because light breaks it down. You can also find here how to make sanitizing natural household cleaner using essential oils. You can also create effective cleaning products using essential oils, and you can find all the information in my book Magical Aromatherapy.

4. Fights Mold and Mildew in Your Bathroom

Very effective against mold and mildew. Same as for the kitchen cleaner, add 3% hydrogen peroxide to a spraying bottle and apply directly to the problem areas. Let set for a few minutes to kill the germs and wipe them up for a clean and fresh smelling bathroom.

5. Pesticides Removal For Fruit and Veggies

To remove bacteria and pesticides from your fruit or veggies, add ¼ cup 3% hydrogen peroxide to a full sink and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse each piece with cold tap water and dry. If you don’t have the time to wait, spray your fruit or veggies with a 3% solution, let stand for a few minutes, rinse and dry. Make sure to use food-grade peroxide.

6. Remove Ear Wax Build-up

Suffering from a painful or irritating wax build-up? Use an eye dropper to put 2 drops into the ear to soften the earwax. Let it set for a minute or so and then use a syringe and carefully flush out with warm water and dry your ear. Click here to learn how to make healing oil to treat ear infection.

7. Homemade Tooth Whitener

Peroxide is a natural oxidizer which kills mouth bacteria and helps you to whiten your teeth. You can use a 3% solution as a mouth wash (you can always add a dash of liquid chlorophyll for a better and fresher taste) or make your own tooth paste. Combine ¼ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with ½ cup baking soda and store in a darkened container. Use as normal tooth paste. Make sure to not swallow any peroxide. After the rinse, make sure to rinse out your mouth with water. Click here to find 13 natural methods for teeth whitening.

8. Kill Finger and Toenail Fungus

Soak toes or fingers in a 50/50 solution of 3% peroxide and water every day and fungus will be history in no time. You can always add some Epsom salts to enhance the effect. Read here my article about natural cure for toenail fungus.

9. Nasal Spray

Make a 50/50 solution of 3% food grade peroxide and distilled water. Rest your head back and spray or drop the mixture into the nose when struggling with blocked sinuses. Wait for a moment and blow your nose.

10. Hair Lightening

Hydrogen peroxide is not only used to bleach or clothing, it can be used to lighten your hair as well. Again dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with water (50/50) and spray it on wet hair and comb it through to lighten your hair gradually and without the use of harsh chemicals. You can read here my article how to make natural hair dye products.

11. Improved Root System of Plants

Hydrogen peroxides adds more oxygen to the soil, which allows plants to take up more nutrients and water to boost the plant’s growth and encourages the development of a healthy and strong root system. It also kills harmful bacteria and fungus presented in the soil. Just mix 2 teaspoons of 35% food grade peroxide in 1 gallon of water to water your plants. Or use a 3% solution to spray your plants.