If you're tired of trying to keep track of a specialized cleaning product for every type of surface in your home, you'll be happy to learn just many cleaning chores can be taken care of quickly and efficiently with hydrogen peroxide. Using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning is an inexpensive way to clean and sanitize your home while being gentle on the environment.
What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is created in the atmosphere when ultraviolet rays from the sun hit oxygen in the presence of moisture. It is basically the same chemical make up as water but with an extra oxygen atom. Because of this it breaks down quickly and harmlessly into oxygen and water.
Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial and antiviral qualities and is a strong bleach. The most common form is three to six percent hydrogen peroxide solution and this works best in the home as an all purpose cleaner.
Advantage of Cleaning with Hydrogen Peroxide
Besides saving money, there are several advantages when you use hydrogen peroxide to clean your home. One of the most important advantages is the fact that this is a nontoxic substance. It won't hurt the environment, cause pollution, or create six legged frogs, yet it is a strong disinfectant.
- Kills mold
- Kills mildew
Because it disinfects your cleaning tools are disinfected every time you use them. Not only will they smell better they will last longer. No more mildewed mops or cleaning rags to deal with. Another benefit is the versatility of using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning. A number of surfaces can be cleaned with it meaning that you don't have to worry about five different cleaning substances. It can even be used as a fruit and vegetable soak.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Cleaning Various Surfaces
It is important to remember that hydrogen peroxide takes time to disinfect things. You can't just spray it on and wipe it off but must allow it to stand for a few moments to get the best results.
To clean and disinfect your vinyl floors mix a half gallon three percent hydrogen peroxide with half a gallon of water. Mop as usual. There is no need to rinse. You can also pour the three percent solution in a spray bottle and use it for quick cleanups and spot mopping.
Hydrogen peroxide is also good for cleaning walls, glass, doorknobs, countertops, sinks, and other hard surfaces. Use the three percent solution undiluted in a spray bottle and spray it on the surface to be cleaned. Allow it to stand for several minutes and then wipe it off. Some surfaces that can be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide are:
- Shower doors
- Cutting boards
- Garbage pails
- Compost bins
Using Hydrogen Peroxide As a Disinfectant
Besides cleaning, hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect items around your home. Just spray it on, allow the bubbles to subside and repeat. You can also soak things in it to disinfect them. Some items that can be disinfected with hydrogen peroxide are:
- Toilet brushes
- Dish scrubbers
- Cleaning cloths
- Dental retainers
- Loofahs and other bath items
- Items from the sickroom; bedpans, thermometers, etc.
Hydrogen Peroxide in the Laundry
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to whiten and brighten clothes and to remove stains in your laundry. It disinfects laundry as well. Use hydrogen peroxide to:
- Remove blood stains on clothes and carpets. Just pour on the area.
- Add one cup of peroxide to whites in the washing machine to brighten them.
- Add one cup to a load of diapers to disinfect, deodorize, and whiten them.
Just remember that hydrogen peroxide is a bleach. It will leave bleached spots on darker colors as well as causing fading. If you have any doubt test a swatch of the fabric with hydrogen peroxide before using.
Put Hydrogen Peroxide to Work in Your Home
Using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning the various surfaces, materials, and rooms in your home can save you money as well as keep you healthier. By replacing your conventional cleaners with natural ones like hydrogen peroxide you will be helping to keep the environment healthier as well.