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Unlock the Power of Hydrogen Peroxide: 21 Surprising Uses for a Cleaner Home

Hydrogen peroxide, a staple in many medicine cabinets, is often overlooked as a versatile cleaning agent. This powerful disinfectant and bleaching agent can be used to tackle a multitude of tasks around the house, making it a valuable addition to your cleaning arsenal.

Hydrogen Peroxide in the Bathroom

• All-Purpose Surface Cleaner: Spray hydrogen peroxide directly on surfaces, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wipe clean to eliminate germs and bacteria.
• Deep Clean Toilets: Pour 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl, followed by 1 cup baking soda. Let it sit for 15 minutes, scrub, and flush for a sparkling clean toilet.
• Make Mirrors and Shower Doors Sparkle: Mix 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Spritz on glass surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth or paper towel.
• Scrub Away Soap Scum: Combine 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide to create a powerful soap scum remover.
• Give New Life to Old Porcelain: Use a sponge to scrub stained areas with baking soda, followed by a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to brighten up white porcelain toilets and sinks.

Hydrogen Peroxide in the Kitchen

• Disinfect Kitchen Counters: Spray hydrogen peroxide on kitchen counters, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wipe clean to eliminate germs.
• De-Gunk Pots and Pans: Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste that can tackle tough food residue.
• Clean Your Cutting Boards: Soak cutting boards in hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes, then rinse to eliminate bacteria and germs.
• Wash Fruits and Vegetables: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water in a spray bottle. Spritz on produce, rinse, and dry to remove dirt and bacteria.
• Help Fruits and Vegetables Last Longer: Soak hard-skinned fruits and vegetables in hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry to extend their shelf life.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Laundry

• Get Rid of Stains: Mix 1 teaspoon dish soap with 1 cup hydrogen peroxide to create a powerful stain remover.
• Brighten Your Whites: Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and washing soda, then add to your washing machine to brighten up your whites.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Beauty

• Clean Makeup Brushes: Soak makeup brushes in a cup of soapy water plus a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes, then rinse and let dry.

More Hydrogen Peroxide Uses

• Clean a Litter Box: Spray hydrogen peroxide on the litter box, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse to eliminate germs and odors.
• Help a Sick Pup: Use hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in dogs, but only under the guidance of a veterinarian.
• Sanitize Doorknobs: Spray hydrogen peroxide on doorknobs, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe clean to eliminate germs.
• Clean Remote Controls: Pour hydrogen peroxide onto a cloth and wipe down remote controls, taking care to get into crevices.
• Disinfect Needles, Tweezers, or Nail Clippers: Soak the item in room temperature hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry.

Important Safety Precautions

• Always use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, the diluted form found in drugstores.
• Wear gloves when using hydrogen peroxide to protect your skin.
• Use it in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhaling fumes.
• Avoid mixing hydrogen peroxide with other chemicals unless you’ve done thorough research.
• Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

By following these simple safety precautions and exploring the many uses of hydrogen peroxide, you can unlock its full potential as a versatile cleaning agent and disinfectant.