Silver and Gold Magazine Spring 2016 | Page 20

silvergoldmagazine.ca HOUSE + HOME THE BEST CLEANER The many (and inexpensive) uses for Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen, and there are several grades of it – not all safe for home use. Please, learn the difference before using it: Household peroxide is sold in brown bottles at drugstores and supermarkets. It contains 3% hydrogen peroxide. This is the only one to be used for any household cleaning purpose. Hair bleach is about 6% to 10% hydrogen peroxide. “Food grade” hydrogen peroxide is about 35%, and despite its name, should NEVER be ingested. Higher concentrations (up to 90%) are also available, but used only for industrial purposes. Sanitize Toothbrushes Keep toothbrushes naturally clean with hydrogen peroxide. Just soak toothbrush heads with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide to kill germs and bacteria. Try this once per week. Laundry Stain Remover Next time you have to tackle a laundry stain, try using 3% hydrogen peroxide. Gently dab the solution onto the stain and let sit for no longer than 3 minutes (hydrogen peroxide can bleach fabric if left on the stained surface too long), then thoroughly rinse, and rinse well! Whiten Laundry Give up bleach for good and opt for hydrogen peroxide to get clothes naturally white. Add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to a load of laundry and let soak for 20-30 minutes and wash as normal. Not meant for coloured items! Mold and Mildew Cleaner If you have a tough mold or mildew stain, or growth in window sills and bathrooms, simply spray the 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide directly on. Works great to combat mold and mildew on grout, tiles, bath tubs, shower stalls and more. Let solution soak for at least 30 minutes and rinse. Carpet Cleaner Got a tough carpet stain? Spray a little hydrogen peroxide on the  stain and let sit for no longer than 3 minutes (hydrogen peroxide can bleach carpet if left on the stained surface too long), then wash out well with a cloth. Test on an inconspicuous spot first. Disinfect Kitchen Sponges and Sinks Kitchen sponges and sinks can easily contain more germs than bathroom toilets. Yuck! Keep those sponges and kitchen sinks clean with hydrogen peroxide. Clean out sink of any dishes or dirt. Plug the sink and fill with very warm water and add 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Add kitchen sponges and let sit in sink for about 20-30 minutes. This will help to sanitize both the sponges and the sink and naturally kill bacteria. Sanitize Cutting Boards Keep your cutting boards clean with hydrogen peroxide. Just spray cutting board surfaces and let sit for 5 minutes. Rinse well with hot water, and then use dish soap to wash off clean. Disinfect Refrigerator Funky smelling fridge? First, empty out all the food and drinks. Then, spray diluted hydrogen peroxide and let sit for a couple of minutes. It will help to sanitize while neutralizing odors. Wipe down with a clean cloth and place food back inside. NOT for first aid use! Despite what mom told you, hydrogen peroxide should be avoided completely when cleansing any cut or scrape on the skin. It may cleanse the affected area, but it also rips apart any good cells that help the body heal, stripping the protective fatty tissue under the skin and causing scarring. Best to use water and a gentle soapy cleanser, or aloe vera gel. 20 Connect with us on Facebook!