What Is Hydrogen Peroxide Good For?
Found in a brown bottle, hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic liquid that in the past was typically used to treat cuts or other skin wounds, and kill germs. However, peroxide is often used in non-medical situations, including for cleaning, disinfecting and stain removal.
What is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is essentially water (H₂O) with an extra oxygen molecule. This additional oxygen molecule gives hydrogen peroxide its powerful oxidizing properties, which enable it to kill germs and bleach porous surfaces like fabrics.
For everyday household use, medical-grade hydrogen peroxide—which is 3% peroxide and 97% water—is strong enough and widely available.
A more concentrated version, known as food-grade hydrogen peroxide, can have strengths up to 35%. Despite its name, "food-grade" peroxide is not intended for general cleaning or disinfecting and can be hazardous if inhaled or if it comes into contact with the skin. This high concentration is mainly used in the food industry for specific processing and bleaching tasks, but it is unnecessary for most household purposes.
When Not to Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is useful for cleaning various surfaces in your home, from the kitchen to the bathroom. However, it should not be used on wounds or acne.
Don’t Use Hydrogen Peroxide on Wounds
While hydrogen peroxide was once a go-to for cleaning cuts and scrapes, it's no longer recommended for wound care. Studies show that hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin and slow down healing, doing more harm than good. Instead, simply wash a wound with soap and clean water, then dry it with a towel. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage. For larger wounds, heavy bleeding, or debris in the wound, seek medical attention.
Don’t Use Hydrogen Peroxide on Acne
Though hydrogen peroxide kills germs, it’s not the same as benzoyl peroxide, which is commonly used to treat acne. Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin, potentially worsening acne, and its germ-killing effects don’t last long since it dissolves in water. On the other hand, benzoyl peroxide forms a layer on the skin, allowing it to penetrate pores and fight bacteria over time. Stick to products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for acne. If persistent breakouts continue, consult a doctor.
Ways to Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a versatile household cleaner and disinfectant. Here’s how you can use it effectively:
Disinfecting with Hydrogen Peroxide
Move hydrogen peroxide from your medicine cabinet to your cleaning supplies—it's a powerful alternative to bleach, minus the strong chlorine smell. When using peroxide, make sure you're in a well-ventilated space and wear gloves, as inhaling it or prolonged skin contact can cause irritation.
To disinfect, first clean visible dirt or grime with soap and water. Then spray surfaces with a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water. Let it sit for at least five minutes. Rinse surfaces that come into contact with food, like cutting boards, but let other surfaces air dry.
Hydrogen peroxide is effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses and works well for disinfecting:
- Bathtubs, sinks, and showers
- Counters
- Cutting boards
- Doorknobs
- Garbage cans
- Mirrors
- Refrigerators
- Toilets
- Toys
It's especially useful when you're out of disinfecting wipes or bleach. However, be cautious not to spill it on clothing or furniture, as it can bleach fabric and other materials.
Wash Produce
Hydrogen peroxide offers a simple, affordable, and effective way to clean fruits and vegetables, removing germs and pesticides. Fill a large bowl or clean sink with water and add a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide. Wash the produce in the mixture, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry. Bonus: this method can also extend the shelf life of your produce.
Note: Don’t use household disinfecting sprays or wipes for cleaning food, as they contain chemicals unsafe for consumption.
Remove Household Stains
Hydrogen peroxide’s bleaching power makes it an excellent stain remover for light-colored items. However, avoid using it on colored fabrics, and always test in an inconspicuous area first. Here are a few ways to use hydrogen peroxide for stain removal:
- Whiten Carpets: For white or off-white carpets, spray peroxide directly onto stains and gently rub with a clean cloth.
- Remove Clothing Stains: Soak white or off-white clothing in a bucket of water mixed with 1 cup of peroxide for 30 minutes. You can also add it to the bleach compartment of your washing machine. Caution: Avoid using it on colored fabrics or vintage clothing.
- Brighten Tile Grout: Spray peroxide directly onto tile grout, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub with a stiff brush. Repeat if needed.
- Clean Ceramic Cookware: Sprinkle baking soda on pots and pans, spray with hydrogen peroxide, let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry for a bright shine.
How to Store Hydrogen Peroxide Safely and Properly
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical that can cause serious harm if ingested. To keep it safe, store it in a locked cabinet out of the reach of children and pets.
Always check the expiration date before use, as hydrogen peroxide breaks down over time, losing its effectiveness. Once it no longer foams when applied, it has essentially turned into water. To maintain its potency, store hydrogen peroxide in its original brown bottle or transfer it to a dark spray bottle to protect it from light exposure. If it stops foaming, it’s time to dispose of it by pouring it down the sink and replacing it with a fresh bottle.
