Say goodbye to expensive cleaners—hydrogen peroxide, the cheap and natural trick that’s all the rage for disinfecting, removing stains, and even saving your plants

The amount of cleaning products we can find in the aisles of supermarkets is infinite. However, many people opt for a cleaning method with fewer toxins, but that retains the disinfecting properties. This is the case with hydrogen peroxide, which we commonly know as bleach. Although its use is safe, there are occasions when precautions should be taken, such as not mixing it with bleach or vinegar, and it should be tested before using it on any surface, as it can damage certain materials.

There are many uses for it, such as cleaning mattresses, bathrooms, polishing metal pieces, removing rust, disinfecting cutting boards, and even protecting the roots of our plants, thanks to the extra atom in H2O2. It is also effective at removing stains from the granite surfaces of kitchens, as well as from marble. Garden furniture can also benefit from its use, and it is also very effective in eliminating bacteria present in humidifiers. The uses of hydrogen peroxide are endless, but remember to use it with caution to avoid poisoning or deterioration of materials.

Hydrogen peroxide

Commonly known as hydrogen peroxide, H2O2 is that liquid that was used on us when we were little to clean our wounds. It is a chemical compound capable of disinfecting and bleaching, in addition to having antioxidant properties that destroy microorganisms and help clean wounds. It is very common to see it among the list of ingredients in cleaning products, cosmetics, contact lenses, teeth whitening, and wound disinfection. It is a safe compound for use as long as certain precautions are understood. Among all its advantages, its low cost compared to cleaning products available in supermarkets stands out, which is why its multiple uses are becoming increasingly popular.

What should I keep in mind when using hydrogen peroxide?

There are certain basic issues that must be kept in mind when using hydrogen peroxide.

What can be done:

• Use a concentration of 3%.
• Store it in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
• Rinse the area well after use.
• Ensure that the work area is ventilated and wear gloves to avoid irritation.

What must not be done:

• Mix it with bleach, as the reaction produces a toxic gas.
• Mix it with vinegar, as this leads to a corrosive acid.
• Ingest it.
• Use it without testing the surface first, as it may damage certain materials.

Variety of uses of hydrogen peroxide at home

Uses vary from cleaning to disinfecting mattresses, plants, furniture, preserving plants, and so on. Let’s look at examples of its use and you’ll see how many benefits you can achieve with just one product:

1. De-gunk tile and grout.
2. Freshen up your mattress.
3. Clean the bathtub without commercial chemicals.
4. Refinish metal hardware.
5. Get rid of rust.
6. Sanitize your cutting boards.
7. Banish toilet bowl germs.
8. Help protect your plants from root rot.
9. Reduce pests on houseplants.
10. Wipe away water marks on granite.
11. Remove stains from marble.
12. Get rid of skunk stink.
13. Freshen up lawn furniture.
14. Polish your mirrors.
15. Rid a humidifier of bacteria.
16. Brighten dingy whites.
17. Clean kids’ germy toys.
18. Disinfect stinky sponges.
19. Prevent algae growth in the pool.
20. Disinfect garden pots and tools.
21. Soak seeds to help them sprout.
22. Wash produce.
23. Clean the dishwasher.

All of these uses are perfectly safe as long as you remember the basic instructions for using hydrogen peroxide, such as not mixing it with certain products, working with gloves and in ventilated areas, and being careful not to damage surfaces and materials. If you are looking for a product that can disinfect, bleach, eliminate fungi, germs, and bacteria, what are you waiting for to try hydrogen peroxide?

What do you think of this new hygiene method that is becoming more and more present in European homes?