We all know what hydrogen peroxide is, as it is present in most homes, but the many uses of hydrogen peroxide are less well known. As an inorganic chemical, it is made up of 2 atoms each of hydrogen and oxygen. It is a strong oxidizing agent, which is what makes it such a widely used disinfectant.
A 3% solution is commonly used against various kinds of germs, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, on skin and on surfaces. It can be used for many things in our homes. Use only the 3% solution sold for household use, never swallow it, and keep it away from your eyes and out of the reach of children.
Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide
Here are 24 uses of hydrogen peroxide you may not know:
1. Foot Soak for Fungal Problems
Fungal infections usually occur in humid areas, like the spaces between our toes. They can cause skin peeling and a bad odor. A traditional home approach is to mix hydrogen peroxide and water in a 50/50 ratio and soak the feet in it before going to bed. Also, make sure to always keep the feet dry, because moisture lets the fungus come back. If the problem persists, see your doctor or pharmacist.
2. Bath
Some people also prepare a bath with hydrogen peroxide. They add a liter of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a warm water bath and lie in it for up to 30 minutes. Rinse off afterward, and skip this if you have sensitive or broken skin.
3. Disinfecting Wounds
Hydrogen peroxide has long been used for disinfecting small wounds on the skin, like minor cuts and scrapes, before they are dressed. A 3 percent solution of the compound is used for this purpose.
The antiseptic forms foam when it comes in contact with an enzyme known as catalase. This enzyme comes from damaged cells (mostly blood cells) and from some bacteria, which is why the solution bubbles on a fresh wound. Deep, large, or infected wounds should always be looked at by a medical professional.
4. Softening Ear Wax
Ear wax, or cerumen, can gradually build up in the external ear canal. This can block the passage of sound to the eardrum. Often a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution are enough to soften the wax, but sometimes a doctor needs to rinse the ear with water to get the plug out.
When you apply some drops of hydrogen peroxide into your ear canal, you will hear a crackling sound. This happens as the cerumen softens. Do not use it if you have ear pain, an ear infection, or a damaged eardrum.
People have been using hydrogen peroxide for many other non-conventional purposes, like:
- Enema;
- Teeth whitening;
- Cleansing contact lenses;
- Hair lightening.
Personal Care Applications
5. Toothpaste
Using 3% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, you can prepare a simple homemade tooth-cleaning paste.
6. Toothbrush
Dip your toothbrush in 3% hydrogen peroxide before brushing. Soaking the brush in the solution from time to time helps keep it clean.
7. Mouthwash
You may not know that hydrogen peroxide can also be used as an affordable mouthwash. Take a capful of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ideally diluted with the same amount of water, swish it around your mouth for a short time, and then spit it out. Never swallow it. Many people use it to keep the mouth fresh and the teeth looking whiter. You can mix in a dash of liquid chlorophyll for flavor.
8. Tooth Whitener
Many people also use 3% hydrogen peroxide as a low-cost way to brighten their teeth at home. Results vary, and frequent use can irritate the gums, so ask your dentist what is suitable for you.
9. For Yeast Problems
Some people use hydrogen peroxide as a home approach for recurring yeast problems. They mix 2 cupfuls of the 3% solution into warm distilled water and use it 1-2 times per week. Because the skin in this area is delicate, talk to your doctor first, especially if the problem keeps coming back.
10. Toothache
Hydrogen peroxide is not a painkiller. However, it has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which is why some people rinse with it when a tooth is bothering them.
If you have a bad toothache and cannot reach your dentist right away, a common home approach is to put 1 capful of 3% hydrogen peroxide in your mouth, hold it for a short time, and spit it out. Some people repeat this a few times and add a daily rinse with coconut oil. This may bring temporary relief, but it does not replace dental treatment, so see your dentist as soon as you can.
11. Enema or Colonic
Some alternative health sources describe using a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide in five gallons of warm water for a colonic, or 1 tbsp of 3% hydrogen peroxide in one quart of warm distilled water for an enema. Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the bowel, so this is not something to try on your own. Speak with your doctor first.
12. Contact Lenses
CIBA Vision’s Clear Care no-rub solution is used for cleansing contact lenses, and hydrogen peroxide is the main compound in it. It works as a disinfectant. Hydrogen peroxide can break down the proteins that build up on the lens, which helps keep sensitive eyes more comfortable. Use only products made for lenses and follow their instructions exactly. Plain hydrogen peroxide must never go directly into the eyes.
13. Lightening Hair
Hydrogen peroxide is a strong bleaching agent and is used for lightening hair. Dilute the 3% hydrogen peroxide in water in a 50:50 ratio and spray it on wet hair after taking a shower. Comb the hair through. If you have dirty blonde or light brown hair, you will get natural-looking highlights. The change is not extreme, and it takes place at a gradual pace.
Sanitation, Cleaning & Disinfecting
14. Household & Kitchen Surfaces
You can also use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning counters and table tops. It reduces germs and leaves a fresh smell. Simply put a small amount on the dishrag and wipe. You may also spray hydrogen peroxide on the counter.
Take a spray bottle, fill it with a 50-50 mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, and clean your bathroom with it. It is gentler on a septic system than commonly used disinfectants like bleach.
You could also spray or pour hydrogen peroxide on wooden cutting boards after rinsing them. You can use vinegar afterward to help reduce various microbes, including salmonella.
Keep a spray bottle containing 3% hydrogen peroxide (straight) for cleaning the inside of the refrigerator. It can also be used for cleaning your child’s school lunch boxes.
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used for cleaning mirrors and glass without any smearing. Also use it for disinfecting the floors, toilets, and counters in the bathroom.
How to Use:
It is recommended to use 2 spray bottles rather than mixing the solutions in one container. Add straight hydrogen peroxide to the first and straight vinegar to the second. Whenever you clean a surface, spray the first and then the second. Used one after the other, they form a very effective sanitizer (but only for a short duration). Then rinse the surface. You can use this method for kitchen surfaces and for washing fruit and vegetables.
15. Dishwasher
You can also freshen the dishwasher by adding 2 ounces of 3% hydrogen peroxide to your standard washing formula.
16. Humidifier & Steamer
To keep a humidifier or steamer clean, some people add a mixture of a pint of 3% hydrogen peroxide and a gallon of water. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your device first.
17. Laundry & Stain Removal
You can remove stains from spills using 3% hydrogen peroxide. It has also been used for removing 2-day-old blood stains. When you pour a tiny amount of hydrogen peroxide on a blood stain, the blood bubbles up due to a reaction with the enzyme catalase. Wipe away the extra liquid using a paper towel or cloth, and the stain will lift.
Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the clothing before warm water has a chance to ‘set’ the blood stain. Then use cold water and a cleanser to wash out the stain treated with hydrogen peroxide.
Note: Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide is capable of bleaching and discoloring different fabrics.
18. Laundry/Washing
You could whiten your white clothes by adding 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide in place of bleach. If the clothing has blood on it, pour the peroxide directly on the spot and leave it for 60 seconds before rubbing and washing with cold water. Repeat if needed.
You will find hydrogen peroxide to be a useful solution for maintaining the whiteness of your clothes. Chlorine bleach tends to wear fabrics out more quickly, and hydrogen peroxide is a gentler alternative.
Preparing Food
19. Veggie Soak
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used as a vegetable soak or wash to help reduce microorganisms and residues. Mix a quarter cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide into a sink filled with cold water.
- Thick-skinned veggies like cucumbers should be soaked for 30 minutes;
- Light-skinned veggies like light lettuce should be soaked for 20 minutes.
Rinse the vegetables well, dry them, and then keep them in the fridge. This helps prolong their freshness.
You can also spray the veggies and fruits with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to save time. Leave them for 2 minutes before rinsing and drying.
20. Preparing Food & Decontamination
Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar, sprayed one after the other, make a practical and cheap disinfecting routine. It can be used instead of bleach for cleaning the areas where you prepare and cook food.
According to studies conducted at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, a mist of hydrogen peroxide followed by a mist of vinegar was found to greatly reduce E. coli, Shigella, and Salmonella microbes, even on highly contaminated surfaces and food.
21. Marinade
Place the meat, poultry, or fish in a casserole and cover it with a diluted solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water in equal parts. Leave it covered in the refrigerator for half an hour, and then rinse thoroughly before cooking.
22. Rinsing Meat
Some people also use diluted hydrogen peroxide for rinsing meat before cooking it. Rinse again with clean water, and always cook meat thoroughly.
23. Leftover Tossed Salad
When you have leftover salad, you can spray it with a solution containing 1 tablespoon of 5% hydrogen peroxide and half a cup of water. Drain it, cover it, and then keep it in the fridge.
24. Sprouting Seeds
Mix 1 oz of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a pint of water. Soak the seeds overnight and rinse them using the same measure of hydrogen peroxide each time.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.