Hydrogen Peroxide - Cleaning, Sanitizing Wonder

Over the years, we have offered many great cleaning tips that use hydrogen peroxide. Ever wonder why it’s such a great cleaning agent? Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) is a mild acid, but it is a very strong oxidizing agent which means that as it combines with other molecules, it gives off oxygen. Because of this, Hydrogen Peroxide can be used very successfully as an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-mold cleaning agent. It also is very good at bleaching surfaces.

Hydrogen Peroxide is safe to use around the house and is non-toxic, especially in the low concentrations that we recommend using. It is also fairly inexpensive, and easy to obtain at almost any grocery or drug store. It can also be bought in bulk at restaurant supply stores.

When you clean with Hydrogen Peroxide, you get an added bonus. It sanitizes your sponges every time you use it. No need to worry about spreading nasty stuff around!

Practical uses of hydrogen peroxide:

• Spray on and wipe down wooden cutting boards to disinfect
• Use to sanitize bathrooms and kitchens, just a splash on a sponge will do
• Can be used to clean toilets, and is septic system safe
• Can be diluted into a spray to clean vegetables and fruits
• Can be used in your washer instead of bleach, just treat it as if it were bleach
• You can even bleach your hair with a highly diluted mix of H₂O₂ and water!

Some of our classic cleaning tips using Hydrogen Peroxide are:

• Removing Blood From Carpet and Microfiber
• Disinfecting Your Phones
• Organic Stains on Granite Counters
• Get Your Vinyl Strap Patio Furniture Looking Like New
• Make Your Caulk Look Like New
• Removing Stains From Enamel Bathtubs
• Safely Sanitize Countertops
• Removing Grass Stains from Clothing
• Homemade Odor Remover

Make Your Caulk Look Like New

New caulking will make your bathroom look fresh and new. I really like the look of new caulk, but it is a real chore to remove the old caulk and replace with new. If your caulking is starting to look old and worn, try wiping it down with hydrogen peroxide and a paper towel. Fold the paper towel in half twice, wet one of the corners with hydrogen peroxide and use your finger to work the wet paper towel corner along the caulk. I do this once a month as part of my monthly bathroom super clean, and enjoy the clean white caulk.

Easily Clean Your Shower

To avoid bathtub rings, don't use oily bath products. But if you do continue to get them, make sure you install a water softener if you live in a hard-water area. Always rinse the tub immediately after bathing (don't forget to squeegy the walls). If a ring does form, wipe it off with undiluted ammonia (wear rubber gloves) or a wet sponge generously sprinkled with baking soda. Rinse clean and wipe dry. For a more stubborn stain, scour with automatic dishwashing detergent or rub with a cloth dipped in vinegar. To clean stains from caulking around your tub or shower, use rubbing alcohol. It also shines chrome and glass. Liquid chlorine bleach (1/4 cup to one gallon of water) will also clean caulk.