19 Awesome Uses For Hydrogen Peroxide

With apple cider vinegar being the latest focus in the world of natural DIY remedies, it seems that hydrogen peroxide has been all but forgotten. 

This is a sad mistake. Hydrogen peroxide has so many unknown and underappreciated uses around the home that could be saving you money, time and effort. 

Here are a few more things you might not know about hydrogen peroxide:

-It is a natural substance found in all living beings.

-It is a liquid comprised of nothing more than oxygen and water. 

-The oxidation potential of the substance works to treat diseases, fight infection and neutralize germs.

-Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant and the "world's safest sanitizer."

Interested in learning more? Take a look at all the ways hydrogen peroxide can be used in your home today:

1. Soak vegetables and fruit to remove bacteria

Insider's Tip: produce that is hyper-absorbent, like mushrooms, shouldn't be submerged in any form of liquid. Rather, use a cloth damp with the hydrogen peroxide and water solution above to gently wipe the dirt away.

We all know a simple rinse under running tap water doesn't do much to actually clean our vegetables. So, swap out the running rinse for a hydrogen peroxide soak. Make your own by adding just 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide to a sink full of cold water. 

2. Give your dishwasher (or water) a boost

Adding even two ounces of hydrogen peroxide to your dishwasher detergent provides a super-sanitizing boost--to your dishes and dishwasher alike. 

3. Disinfect wounds in a pinch

This is probably what you remember hydrogen peroxide most being used for when you were a child. Ouch! Now, notice I put "in a pinch" in the heading above. I did that specifically because evidence has since suggested using hydrogen peroxide is not the best idea for the regular care of wounds. Thus, this method should now only be used in an emergency kit, when no other disinfecting agents--like mild, natural soap--are available. 

4. Whiten clothes without bleach

Adding one cup of hydrogen peroxide to your wash is a great way to naturally boost whites, remove stains and clean your machine at the same time. 

5. Freshen your breath

You can make your own natural mouthwash by mixing equal portions of hydrogen peroxide and fresh water together. As with any mouthwash, remember never to swallow. Also, keep in mind the taste will be bitter.

6. Make a toothpaste solution

Stop buying expensive toothpastes that promise to do what a simple mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can. Check out these recipes for your own hydrogen peroxide-based toothpastes. 

7. Treat toenail infections 

Did I forget to mention that hydrogen peroxide is a natural anti-microbial? Use it to treat infections at home with this simple process: soak the infected foot for 20 minutes daily in half a gallon of warm water mixed with half a cup of three percent hydrogen peroxide. 

8. DIY Miracle Cleaner 

This cleaner works on everything from upholstery to floor grout. Simply add two parts of hydrogen peroxide to one part of your current liquid soap and apply to the area needing cleaning. For more information, read the full tutorial from Modern Day Moms. 

9. Highlight your hair at home

Psst...to be safer than sorry, always test a chunk of hair first.

With its mild bleaching effects, hydrogen peroxide can be used to gently lighten hair. 

10. Remove toilet bowl rings

Need an effortless way to clean your toilet? Look no further than your medicine cabinet for some hydrogen peroxide. Simply pour half a cup in the bowl, let stand for 20 minutes and wipe clean.

11. Revive your old shower curtain

Okay, so maybe it's been a little too long since you've cleaned your shower curtain. Maybe you're even thinking it's time to start fresh. Before tossing it away, try soaking the mildew or yellow areas in equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. You'll be amazing how easily it wipes clean. 

12. Clean and disinfect your humidifier

All it takes is one pint of three percent hydrogen peroxide and a gallon of water run through the machine to completely clean it. Alternatively, you can take each piece apart and clean separately. 

13. Clean your contact lenses

Completely out of contact lens cleaner? No worries! Hydrogen peroxide works well at breaking down proteins that build up on your lenses during the day. Learn how to do it properly here. 

14. Eliminate foul odors

This mix is even effective enough to treat a skunk-sprayed dog.

2 squirts of liquid dish soap

2 tablespoons of baking soda

15 ounces of hydrogen peroxide

Mix together the following ingredients, apply, scrub and rinse: 

Need a serious deodorizer? 

15. Sanitize children's toys

Simply spray the toys with hydrogen peroxide and properly dry them.

16. Wipe mirrors clean

Get a streak-free shine by wiping mirrors with an equal mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. 

17. Help your plants grow better

Many gardeners swear by adding a simple hydrogen peroxide solution to soil to help deliver oxygen to roots. The solution is as follows: 32 parts of water to one part hydrogen peroxide. 

18. DIY anti-fungal garden spray

Make the mixture detailed below to help prevent root rot and fungus formation. This treatment can be used in soil or hydro-gardening methods. 

19. Revive old cooking pans

Seriously, hydrogen peroxide can help get you from this to that! Get the full tutorial for this trick here.