12 handy and practical uses for hydrogen peroxide everyone should know

Hydrogen peroxide has been around since its discovery in the early 19th century. Originally, it was used to bleach hats but has since become a household item. Seriously, where would we be without it?

Today, however, there are numerous different things that hydrogen peroxide can be used for. It has been proven to kill off fungi, bacteria, mold, yeast, and viruses. However, it shouldn’t be used as a ‘cure’ for illnesses.

Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of 12 (safe) ways that it can be used.

Keep in mind, use food-grade hydrogen peroxide for anything going into your mouth!

1) Heal minor cuts

https://www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/3brzzy/when_you_get_a_papercut_on_the_tip/
Reddit/kalitarios Source: Reddit/kalitarios

You’ll find hydrogen peroxide in first-aid kits for a reason. All you need is a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to clean minor cuts. This should only be used for very minor cuts such as the knick above. Some doctors say that it can complicate the healing time of a wound.

2) Disinfect countertops

https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/30-uses-for-hydrogen-peroxide-youll-want-to-know-about/
One Good Thing Source: One Good Thing

This is how many people use hydrogen peroxide. It’s a great disinfectant. Just mix it with water, let it bubble for a bit, apply, and wipe clean!

3) Soften calluses

https://www.reddit.com/r/peeling/comments/6xj26q/calluses_from_gym/
Reddit/Whistleload69 Source: Reddit/Whistleload69

Calluses can be painful! To soften, soak them in a water and hydrogen peroxide mix. That should get the job done!

4) Clean shower curtain

https://www.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/comments/ae201c/black_spots_on_my_shower_curtain_mold/
Reddit/gryffindorwannabe Source: Reddit/gryffindorwannabe

Shower curtains often get overlooked but it’s important to keep them clean. To get rid of mildew and soap scum, toss your shower curtain into the washer with your detergent of choice. After, add a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the rinse cycle.

5) Sanitize toothbrush

https://www.instagram.com/p/B79xjuJAhOa/
Instagram/@earthfare Source: Instagram/@earthfare

Ideally, perform this once a week to keep your mouth and your toothbrush clean! Just soak your brush in 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide. It’s as simple as that! Now, it’s like an entirely new toothbrush.

6) Clean tiles

https://www.reddit.com/r/CleaningTips/comments/ckdl3n/i_scrubbed_and_waxed_my_shower_tile_now_it_will/
Reddit/PoopDoopTrixie Source: Reddit/PoopDoopTrixie

If you have grim and soap scum on your tiles, hydrogen peroxide can help! To clean, simply mix the peroxide with baking soda to form a paste. Then, scrub it on the tiles, cover it with plastic wrap, let it sit overnight, and rinse clean! What a difference it makes!

7) Clean fridge

https://www.instagram.com/p/BThOrrphTRC/
Instagram/@lil_scampi Source: Instagram/@lil_scampi

The fridge can get pretty filthy if you don’t keep it clean! You might not even see the germs but they’re there. In between deep cleanings, wipe down or spray your fridge with hydrogen peroxide. You’ll feel a sense of cleanliness after doing so.

8) Whiten teeth

https://www.instagram.com/p/B99SJhXAnwZ/
Instagram/@clinicadental_domicristobal Source: Instagram/@clinicadental_domicristobal

Believe it or not but hydrogen peroxide can actually help whiten your teeth! In addition, you can rinse with it to get rid of bad breath. Since the peroxide acts as a bleaching agent, it will do wonders for your teeth.

Remember, use only food-grade hydrogen peroxide for anything taken orally!

9) Clean fruits and veggies

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9h-OXDlk0U/
Instagram/@jauhararaeesa Source: Instagram/@jauhararaeesa

Fruits and vegetables go through a lot of hands before reaching your kitchen. To get them clean, fill your sink with cold water and 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide. When done, rinse again with cold water.

10) Disinfect makeup brushes

https://www.reddit.com/r/MakeupAddiction/comments/1zddbq/my_mom_never_washes_her_makeup_brushes_and_this/
Reddit/oddbally Source: Reddit/oddbally

Unfortunately, not many people regularly clean their makeup brushes but they’re a haven for bacteria. Depending on how often you apply makeup, try to clean them with soap and water at least once a week. To disinfect even further, soak the brushes in a bowl of water with a teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide added to it.

11) Disinfect sponges

https://www.reddit.com/r/ZeroWaste/comments/b0goug/what_is_the_zero_waste_solution_for_this_kitchen/
Reddit/GrowingFoodCommunity Source: Reddit/GrowingFoodCommunity

Just because you apply soap to a sponge, it doesn’t make it clean. Every time you use it, it picks up what it cleans. As a result, that is what gets stuck on your sponge! Disinfect your sponge regularly in hydrogen peroxide. It should extend the life of your sponge. However, it is still important to change your sponges!

12) Keep salads fresh

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsmyVGal_vt/
Instagram/@reasonablygoodlife Source: Instagram/@reasonablygoodlife

Salad tends to wilt pretty quickly. To prevent this, spray them with 1/2 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide.

We hope you found something useful!

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Sources: One Good Thing, Home Hacks

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