If you’ve got a stash of hydrogen peroxide lying around, why not put it to good use? This versatile cleaning agent is capable of more than just lightening hair – it can sanitize surfaces, disinfect tools, and even help with deep cleaning tasks. With its ability to tackle a wide range of household chores, it’s little wonder that many of us have our own go-to uses for the stuff.
One simple trick to keep in mind when storing hydrogen peroxide is to transfer it to an opaque bottle or attach a spray top to prevent light from breaking it down. Once you’ve got your supply all set, let’s dive into some effective ways to use hydrogen peroxide around the house. From household hacks to tried-and-true tips, we’ve gathered some surefire methods for keeping your home spotless. And don’t forget to share any of your own favorite uses for hydrogen peroxide in the comments below!
Watch: 21 Brilliant Hydrogen Peroxide Hacks
Clean and Disinfect a Kitchen Sink
When it comes to maintaining a spotless kitchen sink, a simple yet effective approach is to utilize the power of hydrogen peroxide. Begin by thoroughly spraying the entire sink and allowing it to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. This brief timeout enables the solution to penetrate deep into any grime or residue, making subsequent cleaning a breeze. Simply scrub away any remaining impurities, rinse with warm water, and voilà – your kitchen sink is sparkling like new.
For an added layer of protection against germs and bacteria, consider blending equal parts hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol to create a leave-on disinfectant. This potent combination provides a lingering shield against the spread of microorganisms, giving you greater peace of mind as you prepare meals for yourself and your loved ones.
Before embarking on any food preparation, be sure to thoroughly rinse the area with clean water to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for everyone involved.
Disinfect Toothbrushes
To breathe new life into an aging toothbrush, try soaking it in hydrogen peroxide for a rejuvenating treat. We’ve all encountered that trusty toothbrush that’s seen better days but is still serviceable – this simple trick can extend its lifespan. When your toothbrush falls between the extremes of being brand new and utterly worn out, fill a cup with peroxide and place the brush bristle-side down. Allow it to soak for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly to remove any lingering residue.
For more bathroom hacks to keep your space fresh and clean, explore these clever ways to eliminate unpleasant odors.
Use It as a Bleach
Tired of relying on bleach for its cleaning power? Consider swapping it out for hydrogen peroxide in your laundry routine. To use peroxide as a bleach substitute, simply add one cup to your wash cycle to revitalize whites and colors alike. Not only is this alternative safer for you and the environment, but it’s also surprisingly effective – offering comparable results to traditional bleach methods.
Keep the Shower Clean
To maintain a pristine shower, combine ½ cup hydrogen peroxide and ½ cup rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. This DIY solution can be applied after the final shower of the day, ensuring a residue-free surface. Some enthusiasts opt to add dishwashing detergent to their mixture for enhanced results; however, I chose to exclude it as this spray is intended to be a leave-on formula.
The benefits of this hack include reduced soap buildup and an extended period between cleans, making it an excellent addition to your bathroom routine.
Clean the Garbage Can
The kitchen garbage bin can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odors due to its constant exposure to raw kitchen scraps and cooked food leftovers. To tackle this issue, consider using hydrogen peroxide as a solution.
Start by thoroughly spraying the interior and exterior of the garbage can with the peroxide, making sure to cover every inch. Allow it to sit for approximately 15 minutes to allow the solution to penetrate and break down any tough stains or odors.
Once the sitting time has passed, rinse the bin thoroughly with warm water, dry it completely, and then replace it with a new trash bag. This simple process can help keep your kitchen garbage bin clean, hygienic, and free of unpleasant smells. With this trick under your belt, you’ll be ready to tackle even more kitchen cleaning tasks with ease.
Remove Pesticides From Fruits and Vegetables
For an eco-friendly alternative to traditional produce cleaners, consider substituting hydrogen peroxide for your usual washing solution. Simply fill a spray bottle with undiluted peroxide and give your fruits or vegetables a gentle spritz. To further sanitize and remove any lingering impurities, allow the produce to sit in the peroxide solution for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Clean Jewelry
When it comes to cleaning jewelry, it’s essential to approach the task with caution. Before attempting to clean your piece, take a moment to familiarize yourself with its composition, including any stones or hardware materials that may be present. This will help you determine the best method for cleaning without causing any damage. To begin, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and Windex in a bowl, creating a solution that’s gentle yet effective at removing grime and residue from your jewelry.
Allow your piece to soak in this mixture for approximately 15 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly with water. This process can help restore the original shine and clarity of your jewelry, leaving it looking like new.
Restore Old Baking Sheets
Baking sheets can suffer from premature aging due to the accumulation of burnt food, oils, and other substances. To restore their appearance, a multi-step process is necessary. Start by covering the affected areas with baking soda, followed by peroxide, and then another layer of baking soda. Allow the solution to sit and soak for 20 minutes before rinsing off and washing regularly to maintain cleanliness.
Sanitize Makeup Brushes
Is your skin acting up after you take off your makeup at night? The real culprit might be lurking in plain sight – your makeup brushes. Over time, dirt, oil, and product residue can build up on the bristles, causing breakouts and clogged pores. To keep your skin healthy and happy, make it a habit to deep clean your brushes regularly. One simple yet effective technique is to mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide, castile soap, and water in a bowl.
Let your brushes soak for 10 minutes before rinsing them thoroughly with warm water. This process not only removes dirt and debris but also helps prevent the buildup of bacteria that can cause skin issues. By incorporating this simple step into your beauty routine, you’ll be giving your skin a helping hand – and keeping your makeup brushes in top condition to boot.
Clean Mirrors
Achieving a streak-free clean mirror is easier than you think! To get started, combine equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Next, spritz the solution onto the areas of your mirror that need some TLC, then use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any dirt or grime. This simple trick will not only leave your mirror sparkling, but also save you time and effort in the long run.
Sanitize Cutting Boards
When it comes to kitchen utensils, bacteria and foodborne germs can be hiding in plain sight. One of the most common culprits is the cutting board. To keep these surfaces clean, start by spraying any boards you want to disinfect with a solution containing no more than 3% hydrogen peroxide. Allow the boards to soak for at least ten minutes before rinsing and letting them air dry.
This process is especially important if you have white plastic or lighter-colored cutting boards that are prone to staining. In this case, simply spray the board as described, then leave it in direct sunlight for a couple of hours before rinsing and drying.
Remove Stains From Clothing
Before making any changes to your colored fabric, be sure to conduct a small test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure the desired outcome. To create the cleaning solution, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide, Dawn dishwashing detergent, and warm water in a bowl. Apply this solution liberally to the affected area and allow it to soak for 15 minutes. After soaking, use a laundry scrub brush to gently rub the area.
Inspect the spot once you’ve finished cleaning to determine if any remnants of the original marking remain. If the stain is still present, repeat the cleaning process until the desired result is achieved. Once the stain has been successfully removed, rinse out any remaining solution and launder the fabric as usual.
Clean Your Toilet
To create an effective cleaning solution for your toilet, combine hydrogen peroxide (¼ cup) with soap (also ¼ cup), a pinch of baking soda, and warm water (½ cup). Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to give the mixture a pleasant scent. Once you have the solution ready, apply it to the toilet bowl using the toilet brush, making sure to cover all areas evenly. Allow the mixture to sit for a short period before flushing the toilet to rinse away any remaining debris.
Disinfect Fridge
The frequency of fridge cleaning days can be influenced by the types of items I’ve been storing. Fortunately, incorporating hydrogen-based disinfection into my regular routine has helped maintain a consistent schedule. To tackle the task, I start by thoroughly spraying the walls and shelves with a solution similar to a household cleaner. After removing all contents, I allow the surfaces to sit for five minutes before washing them down with plain soap, water, and a dry cloth.
Sanitize Floors
When it comes to maintaining a clean and healthy home environment, particularly with young children or pets around, keeping floors spotless is crucial. One effective way to sanitize your floors without harsh chemicals is by utilizing hydrogen peroxide. Simply sweep and mop the floor as you normally would, then spray the surface with peroxide, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it down with a clean cloth or sponge.
As the solution evaporates, it leaves behind a residue-free surface that’s safe for everyone – including your little ones and furry friends – to enjoy.
Disinfect Washing Machine
Disinfecting your washing machine may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you know where to start. The key is to remove any dirt, hair, or other debris that can cause unpleasant odors or residue over time.
Begin by wiping down the entire machine with a damp towel before running a cycle. This will help loosen and remove any loose particles that could hinder the disinfecting process.
Next, pour 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide into the washing machine drum and select the hottest wash setting. The acid in the hydrogen peroxide will break down and neutralize any lingering bacteria or odors, leaving your machine smelling fresh and clean.
Deodorize Your Shoes
When it comes to keeping your shoes smelling fresh and clean, there’s a simple DIY solution that can make all the difference. The key ingredient? Hydrogen peroxide! By spraying the interior of your shoes with this common household item, you can effectively eliminate odors and disinfect the area. To get started, open up as much of the shoe as possible to expose the interior.
Then, spray the area with hydrogen peroxide until it’s thoroughly saturated – don’t worry too much about waste, as any excess will simply evaporate naturally. Next, let your shoes sit undisturbed for at least a few hours or overnight if you can manage it. This allows the peroxide to work its magic and break down any lingering fungi or bacteria that might be contributing to the smell.
As these microbes are killed off, the odor they were causing will begin to dissipate, leaving your shoes feeling fresh and clean.
Remove Smell from Towels
If you’re tired of using towels that are not only lacking in appearance but also harboring an unpleasant odor, there’s a simple solution. Add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your washing machine during their next cycle along with your regular soap. This will help eliminate any lingering funk and leave them smelling fresh and clean.
When it comes to drying, air is the best way to go. Hang them up in the sunniest spot outside to let them dry naturally.
If that’s not an option, you can still achieve a similar result by using your dryer on its hottest setting.
Clean Burnt Pots, Pans, and Baking Sheets
To tackle burnt spots on pots, pans, or baking sheets, begin by generously sprinkling baking soda evenly over the entire surface. Next, spray peroxide until you achieve a pasty consistency. Make sure to cover all dark spots thoroughly before leaving it overnight. The following day, use a scraper to remove any residue and then clean up with hot soapy water using a scrubber. Rinse and dry once satisfied with the result, and note that the stains should lift more quickly.
Disinfect Reusable Grocery Bags
Reusable grocery bags often fly under the radar when it comes to cleaning, but they can be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. These bags typically carry food from public places and can harbor all sorts of microorganisms. To give your reusable bags a deep clean, start by washing them with soap and water or running them through your washing machine. Once they’re dry, take things to the next level by spraying them down with peroxide.
Make sure to cover all surfaces, including the seams where dirt and debris tend to accumulate. After the peroxide treatment, let the bags air dry in the sun if possible. This will help sanitize your reusable bags and keep them fresh for their next outing.
Remove Coffee Stains from Cups
To conclude our series of cleaning hacks, pour a sufficient amount of undiluted peroxide into each mug after thoroughly cleaning it. Ensure that the stain is completely covered by the peroxide, and once the marks dissolve, proceed to pour the solution into the next stained mug. Once all stains have been removed, rinse each mug thoroughly and dry them to prevent water spots. With this simple yet effective hack, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a sparkling clean home.
If you’re looking for more innovative ways to tackle household messes, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to Magic Eraser hacks.
