If you’ve spent time researching ways to cut costs on cleaning products, you’ve probably come across hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Inexpensive, readily available, and with many uses beyond its primary function as a disinfectant, it’s no surprise that H2O2 is so frequently recommended for cost-conscious consumers.
While there are many applications for this chemical, ranging from home maintenance to industrial processes, there are some uses for hydrogen peroxide that most people are unaware of. Keep reading to discover nine surprising uses for hydrogen peroxide.
1. Clean stains and remove rust
Consider using hydrogen peroxide to effectively remove stubborn stains on clothes, such as rust and coffee stains. Combine a few drops of the cleaning agent with a teaspoon of tartar cream and baking soda to create a paste. Next, apply the resulting paste to the stain, wait for 30 minutes, then thoroughly wash and rinse the clothes as usual.
Hydrogen peroxide is not only great for removing stubborn stains from clothes but also for cleaning silver and other metals. To clean your silver items, pour hydrogen peroxide into a bowl and add a few drops of dish soap. Place your silver items in the solution and let them soak for a few hours. After soaking, wash the silver with regular soap and water to reveal its sparkling shine.
If you don’t have any dish soap or hydrogen peroxide, you can try apple cider vinegar. The two work well together, removing some tough stains and leaving your silver and other metals looking good as new.
2. Get Rid Of laundry odors
Getting rid of odor in your cloth diapers isn’t easy, but hydrogen peroxide can help. To address the problem, add enough water to completely cover the soiled diapers and mix 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide into it. Leave it for about 15 minutes before washing it as usual. The hydrogen peroxide will effectively break down sweat and urine odors, eliminating the musty smell.
This trick also works with towels and other laundry items. Similarly, it is an easy way to remove odors and stains caused by pet urine.
3. Clean Your Toilet
Hydrogen peroxide, according to the CDCTrusted Source, is effective at removing microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores, making it an excellent choice for cleaning your bathroom.
To kill germs and brighten the surface of your toilet, add 1/2 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to your bathroom bowl. For the full effect, leave it in the bowl for 20 minutes.
4. Deodorizer
Because hydrogen peroxide oxidizes (breaks down), it can aid in the faster breakdown of natural odors such as fish or rotten food. It works best when combined with baking soda and placed in areas where odors have accumulated, like refrigerators and dishwashing machines.
5. Dissolves Stuck Pipes
If you have a slow drain, try hydrogen peroxide instead of forcing it open. Pour 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide down the drain and let it sit for an hour. After that, pour several cups of hot water.
The high concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the solution will break down the gunk in the pipe and unclog the drain quickly. It is a good option when you don’t have access to a plumber or power tools.
6. Remove Inks and Markers Stains
Ink and pen stains can be difficult to remove, but hydrogen peroxide comes to the rescue. Mix equal parts 20 percent hydrogen peroxide and water. After that, pour several drops of the solution into a paper towel and blot the ink stain. Blotting the stain with paper towels removes it from your clothes and other surfaces.
Hydrogen peroxide is also effective for removing marker stains from your skin. Simply dab a bit of hydrogen peroxide onto the stain and gently wipe it off with a paper towel.