Hydrogen peroxide is more than just a chemical solution for cleaning and disinfecting wounds. This non-toxic solution has many amazing uses at home, too. If you think you can only rely on expensive cleaning products, then these 6 hydrogen peroxide cleaning hacks will change your mind.
6 Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaning Hacks
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective cleaner and antiseptic without any harmful ingredients. It will save you from any allergic reactions you would otherwise get from most commercial cleaning products. In addition, hydrogen peroxide is way cheaper than store-bought cleaners.
Clean and Restore Coins
First, let’s be clear that there are two points of view regarding coin cleaning. Some collectors agree that you should not clean coins and leave them be. Others, however, say that coins should get their dose of cleaning every once in a while.
Regardless of which point is correct, when the time comes, you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean and restore old coins. However, you should follow the proper concentration of hydrogen peroxide since not all coins consist of the same material.
Make Baking Pans Look New
Not many of us know an easy and effective way to get rid of stains on baking pans and sheets. However, you can try using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to remove stubborn stains on your aluminum baking utensils.
First, note that this method is best for bare aluminum baking sheets, because it may involve serious scrubbing which could damage pans with non-stick coating.
To clean a baking pan with hydrogen peroxide, simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the stained surface of the baking sheet. Transfer hydrogen peroxide to a spray bottle and wet the baking soda with several pumps. Leave it for two hours before scrubbing the grime. You may need to repeat the process for serious stains and buildup.
Remove Carpet Stains
One way to make an old house look like new again is by keeping the carpets clean if you are not going to replace them entirely.
Hydrogen peroxide acts as a bleach although it is milder than commercially made bleach and products with bleaching agents. Be careful, though: it can still stain colored fabric if it is not diluted properly. Do not use pure hydrogen peroxide on fabric to avoid permanent discoloration.
To clean the carpet, dilute one part of hydrogen peroxide with one part of water. Add a couple of drops of lemon oil essence. Then, transfer to a spray bottle and spray on the stained area. Wait for two minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or brush. Wipe it clean with a dry cloth after.
Remember to do a fabric test before using hydrogen peroxide on an exposed part of the carpet before you proceed to the actual cleaning.
Make Glass Furniture Crystal-Clear
Don’t be lured by those expensive glass cleaners at the grocery aisles. They’re overpriced and may also contain ammonia which is corrosive and, therefore, dangerous to your health. It can immediately cause burning of the nose and throat when inhaled. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia can also cause serious respiratory problems.
So why risk your health when you can simply use hydrogen peroxide to clean glass furniture and windows at home? It will be as simple as transferring pure hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and spritz it directly on the glass surface. Clean as you would normally do with a store-bought cleaner.
Clean and Disinfect Toilets
You can also combine hydrogen peroxide with other non-toxic home remedies to make a toilet bowl cleaner.
The lemon oil essence in this mixture is to create a mild citrusy scent and at the same time to improve the antibacterial properties. Combine the following ingredients to make a homemade toilet cleaner with hydrogen peroxide:
- ½ part hydrogen peroxide
- ½ part castile soap
- 1 part water
- 1 part baking soda
- 5-7 drops lemon oil essence
After combining all the ingredients together, simply transfer the mixture to an old toilet cleaner container and use it as normal.
Disinfect Your Toothbrush
Sadly, your toothbrush is not as clean and safe as you think. It’s home to many types of bacteria including Staph bacteria and E. coli. While it’s recommended to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, you can’t just sit and wait to do nothing until then.
Use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect your toothbrush and kill the germs and bacteria that thrive there. To clean, simply soak your toothbrush in pure hydrogen peroxide and wait for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing.
Conclusion
Hydrogen peroxide is a gentle antiseptic which does not contain any preservatives and harsh chemicals. This makes it safe to use as a cleaning agent on almost any type of material at home. Still, remember to use the correct concentration on a specific material when cleaning with hydrogen peroxide.