The Many Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide

Remember when we were younger and we got a bad cut, mom would always get the hydrogen peroxide out and we would scream! Well, she used it because it worked! Hydrogen peroxide can be picked up very inexpensively (about $1.50 to $2.00 per 16 oz, depending on where you buy it). I look for it in the health section of my discount grocery and can find it there for $.50 to $.99. Anyway, it's time you looked at this versatile solution for more than burning the critters out of cuts. Here's some more uses for ordinary hydrogen peroxide (3%):

1. Remove mold and mildew from the shower (or any other surface). Spritz it on your shower walls instead of using commercial cleaners or bleach. Let it sit, come back later and wipe off. Not only does it remove the yuckies, but it doesn't produce other toxic and long lasting by-products. It simply breaks down to water and oxygen, certainly earth-friendly! Use it when getting the lawn furniture out this spring that somehow got a case of the molds!

2. Clean your countertops - bathroom and kitchen. Same idea, the hydrogen peroxide will kill the bacteria on these household surfaces. (Keep a spray bottle of solution of 1:1 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water - spritz and wipe as part of your routine clean-up) Don't forget the microwave!

3. Clean your floors. Mix it into your bucket of water and soap, or in your carpet cleaner to super clean your floors and rugs. It also helps deodorize them. While you're cleaning your kitchen floor, don't forget to wipe out your garbage can with the mixture, we all know how stinky THAT can be!

4. Remove skunk smell. Mix in a bucket with equal portions of dish soap and water, add a little baking soda and give Spot a scrub. Works like a charm! While you're at it, use it with your pets regular shampoo and get all smells out of their fur.

5. Clean fruit and vegetables. Fill your sink with a mixture of water, hydrogen peroxide and a little salt. Let your produce sit and clean itself!

6. Spray on cutting boards after use. No need to wipe off, just let dry. Can you say clean?

7. Cleans the cracks and crevices that we can't get to. Think faucets, spigots, drains, etc. Spray full strength and watch it "fizz" the germs away.

8. Make your own stain pretreater by mixing one part laundry detergent, one part hydrogen peroxide, and one part water in a spray bottle. Spray stains and rub material together or scrub with a soft brush if needed. Remember though that hydrogen peroxide has bleaching qualities, that's why it's diluted like this.

9. Soak toothbrushes in hydrogen peroxide after use. Keeps them clean till next time and gets rid of the bacteria. (Same goes for dentures) While you're at the sink, use it as a moutwash or gargle. You may want to dilute it a bit because it does taste a little odd, plus it foams!

10. Cleans cuts - yep, still the best way to clean out a cut (especially those skateboard wipeouts that include all sorts of dirt and unknown objects).

11. Dump into the toilet bowl. Once a week or so, add some to the toilet bowl overnight to inhibit growth of bacteria and mold.

12. Gardening - you can either spritz it on the leaves, or add it to your watering can. Great for any kind of plants. It releases oxygen, which our plants certainly need!

13. Take care of kitty smell. Clean out the litter box with hydrogen peroxide and the smell will wipe away!

14. Humidifiers & steamers: Use 1 pint of hydrogen peroxide to a gallon of water. This helps keep them clean too.

That's what I have for now. If you have anything to add...please feel free. And get out and grab some of this wonder product: