19 Awesome Uses For Hydrogen Peroxide You Need To Know

1. Soak vegetables and fruit to remove bacteria

We all know a simple rinse under running tap water doesn't do much to actually clean our vegetables. So, swap out the running rinse for a hydrogen peroxide soak. Make your own by adding just 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide to a sink full of cold water.
Insider's Tip: produce that is hyper-absorbent, like mushrooms, shouldn't be submerged in any form of liquid. Rather, use a cloth damp with the hydrogen peroxide and water solution above to gently wipe the dirt away.

via iStock / Patrick Heagney

2. Give your dishwasher (or water) a boost

Adding even two ounces of hydrogen peroxide to your dishwasher detergent provides a super-sanitizing boost--to your dishes and dishwasher alike.

via eHow / Getty Images

3. Disinfect wounds in a pinch

This is probably what you remember hydrogen peroxide most being used for when you were a child. Ouch! Now, notice I put "in a pinch" in the heading above. I did that specifically because evidence has since suggested using hydrogen peroxide is not the best idea for the regular care of wounds. Thus, this method should now only be used in an emergency kit, when no other disinfecting agents--like mild, natural soap--are available.

via Web MD

4. Whiten clothes without bleach

Adding one cup of hydrogen peroxide to your wash is a great way to naturally boost whites, remove stains and clean your machine at the same time.

via Dr. Prem

5. Freshen your breath

You can make your own natural mouthwash by mixing equal portions of hydrogen peroxide and fresh water together. As with any mouthwash, remember never to swallow. Also, keep in mind the taste will be bitter.

via Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash

6. Make a toothpaste solution

Stop buying expensive toothpastes that promise to do what a simple mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can. Check out these recipes for your own hydrogen peroxide-based toothpastes. 

via Instructables / scoochmaroo

7. Treat toenail infections 

Did I forget to mention that hydrogen peroxide is a natural anti-microbial? Use it to treat infections at home with this simple process: soak the infected foot for 20 minutes daily in half a gallon of warm water mixed with half a cup of three percent hydrogen peroxide. 

via Media Bakery / Dylan Ellis

8. DIY Miracle Cleaner 

This cleaner works on everything from upholstery to floor grout. Simply add two parts of hydrogen peroxide to one part of your current liquid soap and apply to the area needing cleaning. For more information, read the full tutorial from Modern Day Moms. 

via Modern Day Moms 

9. Highlight your hair at home

With its mild bleaching effects, hydrogen peroxide can be used to gently lighten hair.
Psst...to be safer than sorry, always test a chunk of hair first.

via Life Daily 

10. Remove toilet bowl rings

Need an effortless way to clean your toilet? Look no further than your medicine cabinet for some hydrogen peroxide. Simply pour half a cup in the bowl, let stand for 20 minutes and wipe clean.

 
via Furnifu

11. Revive your old shower curtain

Okay, so maybe it's been a little too long since you've cleaned your shower curtain. Maybe you're even thinking it's time to start fresh. Before tossing it away, try soaking the mildew or yellow areas in equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. You'll be amazing how easily it wipes clean. 

via This Old House / Matthew Benson

12. Clean and disinfect your humidifier

All it takes is one pint of three percent hydrogen peroxide and a gallon of water run through the machine to completely clean it. Alternatively, you can take each piece apart and clean separately. 

via wikiHow

13. Clean your contact lenses

Completely out of contact lens cleaner? No worries! Hydrogen peroxide works well at breaking down proteins that build up on your lenses during the day. Learn how to do it properly here. 

via Web MD

14. Eliminate foul odors

Need a serious deodorizer?
Mix together the following ingredients, apply, scrub and rinse:
15 ounces of hydrogen peroxide
2 tablespoons of baking soda
2 squirts of liquid dish soap
This mix is even effective enough to treat a skunk-sprayed dog.

via Daily Mail / Incredible Features / Barcroft Media

15. Sanitize children's toys

Simply spray the toys with hydrogen peroxide and properly dry them.

via unclutterer 

16. Wipe mirrors clean

Get a streak-free shine by wiping mirrors with an equal mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. 

via My New Place

17. Help your plants grow better

Many gardeners swear by adding a simple hydrogen peroxide solution to soil to help deliver oxygen to roots. The solution is as follows: 32 parts of water to one part hydrogen peroxide. 

via Behind My Desk

18. DIY anti-fungal garden spray

Make the mixture detailed below to help prevent root rot and fungus formation. This treatment can be used in soil or hydro-gardening methods. 

via WE ARE PREPARED PATRIOTS 

19. Revive old cooking pans

Seriously, hydrogen peroxide can help get you from this to that! Get the full tutorial for this trick here. 

via One Good Thing By Jillee