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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.
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