Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most commonly used household items. For the longest time, in my home hydrogen peroxide had only two purposes. One was to disinfect cuts, and the other was to whiten teeth.
It wasn’t until recently that I learned that hydrogen peroxide can actually be used for a multitude of household purposes.
Turns out, this nontoxic chemical can be used for cleaning toilet bowls, disinfecting countertops and sponges, bleaching your hair, and more.
Read on to discover 7 hydrogen peroxide uses that will make your life easier and save you some money in the process.
As you read this article, keep in mind that these hacks use the 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. This is the standard solution that can be found at any drugstore.
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7 Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide
1. Bleach Hair
Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a bleaching agent to lighten your hair. To lighten your hair with hydrogen peroxide, in a spray bottle combine a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water and spray your hair with the solution, being sure to comb through. Allow the solution to sit on your hair for 15 minutes, and wash out.
As a reminder, always perform a strand test before lightening your hair.
2. Whiten Teeth
Creating a teeth whitening past of 2 parts hydrogen peroxide and 1 part baking soda is a simple and affordable way to whiten your teeth at home.
3. Whiten Grout
Combine 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup peroxide to form a paste that can be used to clean and whiten grout. Allow the paste to sit for 5-10 minute before scrubbing with a toothbrush.
4. Clean Toilet Bowl
Pour 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide in your toilet bowl and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Scrub your toilet as usual.
5. Clean Sponges
Soak your sponges in a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and warm water. Allow your sponges to soak in the solution for 20 minutes to disinfect them.
6. Clean Fruits and Vegetables
Hydrogen peroxide provides a non-toxic way to remove dirt and pesticides from your fruits and veggies. Fill your sink with cold water and add 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide. After cleaning your fruits and vegetables, rinse them thoroughly with cold water.
7. Clean Toys
Hydrogen peroxide is a safe way to clean kids toys and play areas. Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and spray toys, door knobs, and other play areas.