You Misused Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a home sanitizer made from two parts hydrogen and two parts oxygen. The high oxygenation creates a foaming effect when pouring, removing loose bacteria and penetrating deeper into porous surfaces to help cleanse them. When poured onto the skin, all that foam makes us believe that the solution is doing something good for our cuts and bruises, but it kills both the good and bad parts of the skin and can actually prevent wound healing. As we stated earlier , it is best to use soap and water for scratches and cuts. Store hydrogen peroxide with detergents, not in the medicine cabinet. Here are the best ways to use hydrogen peroxide that won’t damage your skin.
Disinfectant (but not hand sanitizer)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), hydrogen peroxide reduces the activity of fungi and bacteria within five minutes of use, making it a powerful sanitizer – but not for your hands.
Disinfect sponges, toothbrushes, and COVID-19 products
After use, soak your toothbrush for 3-5 minutes in a glass of hydrogen peroxide to kill any germs or viruses. This cleaning method is especially recommended during periods when you might get sick. Disinfect the sponges by mixing equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide in a shallow bowl. Place the sponge in a bowl to soak for ten minutes, then rinse. You can also do this using undiluted hydrogen peroxide – just remember to rinse the sponge thoroughly.
The University of North Carolina (UNC) has released a helpful infographic on household items you can use against the COVID-19 virus in your home. Hydrogen peroxide is on the list of disinfectants for soft materials. When mixed with equal parts water, household hydrogen peroxide can be sprayed onto objects to kill COVID-19 and other viruses. UNC mentions that leaving items for 20 minutes before use increases the virus-killing effect.
Clean mold in the bathroom
Antimicrobial agent prevents mold from forming in your bathroom. Use a spray bottle of hydrogen peroxide (straight from the bottle; no dilution required), let sit for 30 minutes, then wipe off. The bacteria are roasting and you can scrub the area to remove any stains that mold may have caused.
Protects indoor plants from fungi and diseases
Plants can grow if they are sprayed with a hydrogen peroxide solution. Add one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to a spray bottle for each cup of water. Spray plants with this solution to stimulate growth and prevent fungal infections. Healthline recommends soaking seeds in hydrogen peroxide to speed up pregnancy when planting.
Deep cleaning
Wash the vegetables
Add a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide to one gallon of water. Soak vegetables in the solution for ten minutes, then rinse well. This will remove dirt, pesticides, and bacteria such as E. coli. When it comes to cleaning organic products, hydrogen is a safer alternative to bleach.
Remove stains from dishes
Pots and pans tend to build up over time, forming a black, sticky film. Cover the pot or skillet with a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Leave the skillet on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse. It may take a while, but over time the leftovers will be removed and your pots will look much closer to new ones.
Cleaning and bleaching grout
Spray the solution with undiluted household hydrogen peroxide. Wait 10-20 minutes, then scrub with a coarse sponge or, better yet, an old toothbrush to remove dirt and grime. Repeat as many times as necessary for desired results.
Pet body and health
Common household hydrogen peroxide contains 3% of a chemical compound per bottle. This amount of hydrogen peroxide is usually safe for home and physical use.
Oral hygiene rinse
Control by FDA for food-quality products and Drug Administration approved the use of small amounts of hydrogen peroxide for cleaning of wounds of the mouth, eliminating the possibility of using hydrogen peroxide as an antiseptic mouthwashes. Gargle with a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes to relieve ulcers and freshen breath. Do not swallow – although small amounts are not harmful, ingestion of large amounts can be toxic.
Removing earwax
Hydrogen peroxide acts as a drying agent to remove earwax deposits . Just tilt your head and drip a few drops of hydrogen peroxide from a pipette. Sit for a few minutes while the solution foams inside your ear. Then take a napkin, tilt your head to the other side and wipe off what comes out. Make sure all fluid has been removed from the ear.
Poison control for your dog
The American Veterinary Medical Association conducted a study on the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide inducing vomiting in dogs, finding that 48% of the agents ingested were recovered when dogs were given the chemical to expel them. If your dog has eaten something dangerous, call your veterinarian right away, but if it’s urgent, they may advise you to use hydrogen peroxide to get your dog to vomit what it shouldn’t eat.