14 Ways to Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide

Do you have that bottle of hydrogen peroxide in the back of your medicine cabinet?

Well, hydrogen peroxide has many uses around the house, besides taking care of scrapes and cuts. This inexpensive and easy-to-find product can help you clean your home!

Before you get started, be mindful that when you clean with hydrogen peroxide, make sure that the product is 3% hydrogen peroxide, as higher concentrations are not considered safe for household use. Also, here are some things to avoid when using it.

Now, read on for 14 ways to use this marvel around your home.

1. Clean and disinfect cutting boards

Cutting boards can be breeding grounds for bacteria. To clean and disinfect them, wipe them down with a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water.

2. Whiten grout

Have you noticed that your tile grout is starting to look a little discolored? To brighten it up, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to form a paste. Apply the paste to the grout, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush or scrub brush. Rinse with hot water when you’re done.

Alternatively, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle and spray onto the grout and scrub clean.

3. Clean carpets

Spilled red wine on your white carpet? No problem! Just mix ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide with a small amount of liquid detergent on the stain and blot with a clean cloth until the stain lifts. You’ll likely repeat the process a few times for tough stains. 

When the stain is gone, spray the area with cold water mixed with liquid detergent and blot with a different cloth.

Now given that hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties, you’ll need to test it on a small area of your carpet first to make sure that a bleach stain does not develop. You can remove a bleach stain by adding water and blotting with a clean cloth until the stain disappears.

4. Freshen up trash cans

No one likes a smelly garbage can—especially if you’re entertaining guests! To keep your cans smelling fresh, add ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide to ½ gallon (2.2 liters) of water and wipe down the inside and outside of the cans. Let them air dry (or dry with a clean towel) before adding new garbage bags.

5. Pre-treat laundry stains

Got a tough stain on your shirt? Apply some hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain and leave for about 10 minutes before washing as usual. The hydrogen peroxide will help lift the stain so that it comes out in the wash.  Apply the hydrogen peroxide soon after noticing the stain, for maximum benefit.

6. Clear clogged drains

Baking soda is great for keeping drains clear, but adding hydrogen peroxide will give your drain clearing efforts an extra boost.  This easy process is outlined by Mr. Rooter.

7. Sanitize sponges

Sponges are great at cleaning up messes, but they can also be breeding ground for bacteria if they’re not properly sanitized between uses. To clean yours, soak them in undiluted hydrogen peroxide for 5 minutes, then rinse well and air dry completely before using again.

8. Sanitize makeup brushes

There’s a fair amount of bacteria that can collect on your makeup brushes. A great way to clean with hydrogen peroxide is to add small amounts of hydrogen peroxide and mild shampoo to a bowl of warm water. Put your makeup brushes in this mixture for approximately 10 minutes, and then rinse your brushes off with cool water.

9. Whiten ceramic cookware

It’s not unusual for your ceramic cookware to lose color after multiple uses. Well, you can whiten your discolored cookware by using hydrogen peroxide, as it has bleaching properties.  Pour the right amount of hydrogen peroxide into your cookware to cover the bottom. Leave it for about 30 to 40 minutes. Then rinse and dry your cookware.

10. Freshen up your dishwasher

Run a cycle with a cup of hydrogen peroxide instead of dish soap to freshen up your dishwasher and remove any lingering smells.

11. Disinfect your doorknobs

Keep bacteria and viruses at bay by spraying doorknobs with full-strength hydrogen peroxide, letting them air dry, then wiping them down with a clean cloth.

12. Clean up pet accidents

If your furry friend has had an accident, getting rid of the evidence is easy when you’ve got some hydrogen peroxide on hand.  First, use a damp cloth to wipe up the mess. Then mix 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide with 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent in a spray bottle. Spray the stained area and leave it for 1 to 2 minutes to do its work. Use a sponge or scrub brush to clean the area. Then spray with water and wipe with a clean cloth.

13. Sanitize plastic containers

Soak plastic containers and lids in hydrogen peroxide Soak them in warm soapy water mixed with 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes, then rinse well.

14. Kill mold

Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide & water in a glass spray bottle before spritzing moldy areas liberally. Let sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing vigorously with a brush. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.

Remember to protect yourself by wearing gloves and a mask, when cleaning mold.

Recap

Ready to see the power of hydrogen peroxide for yourself?

Well, it’s time to take out that bottle of hydrogen peroxide that’s been hiding in your cabinet and put it to use.

Once you start using this miracle cleaner, you won’t be able to stop! Not only is hydrogen peroxide safe and inexpensive, but it also has tremendous benefits for your home.

Give it a try today and see just how powerful this humble ingredient can be.