40+ Ways To Use The Cleaning Power Of Hydrogen Peroxide

You might know hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as just a brown bottle sitting in the medicine cabinet. Although it’s mostly known to be used as a disinfectant and bleach, if you ask your mom, she’ll tell you it’s good for much more than that. Although it has recently been suggested to avoid using hydrogen peroxide on open wounds, there are dozens of other helpful uses for that versatile clear liquid. It has come a long way from its early days as an antiseptic, and is now used even for aesthetic purposes. But there are several exciting hydrogen peroxide hacks that you might be aware of yet. Fret not! This article will explore some of these interesting hydrogen peroxide hacks you should know.

1. Bid a bye to acne

Acne is a nightmare, and we’ve all been through it. But our “friend” with cleansing and anti-bacterial properties can make it better. Just mix two parts of water and one part of hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the affected areas with a cotton ball.

Doing this won’t necessarily prevent acne, but it will help reduce swelling and redness and speed up the healing process. And, as a bonus, it’ll cleanse your face, too! Don’t rely on this too much, as it also kills off the good bacteria.

2. Try a DIY deodorant

Deodorants are full of chemicals that can be harmful to your health. If you want to avoid these chemicals, try making your own deodorant with hydrogen peroxide. This DIY deodorant works just as well as any commercial deodorant and is far safer.

All you need is some coconut oil, baking soda, and H₂O₂. Properly mix all these ingredients and then apply it to your underarms. No more worrying about smelly armpits! This DIY deodorant is great for those who have sensitive skin.

3. It can be a sanitizer for your toothbrush

Bathrooms aren’t just home to bacteria in your toilet, but on your toothbrush as well. It’s constantly exposed to bacteria, which is why you need to sanitize it regularly. Using hydrogen peroxide will disinfect your brush and keep it clean, germ-free, and healthier to use.

Just soak your toothbrush in a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes. You can rinse it off between brushing with water and let it air dry. This hack will help to keep your toothbrush clean and bacteria-free.

4. Sterilize your makeup brushes

Makeup brushes are another breeding ground for bacteria. Failure to regularly clean them can cause breakouts and other skin problems. So, what do you do? Well, you can wash your brushes with soap and water, but hydrogen peroxide will further sterilize and clean them.

Just soak your makeup brushes in a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes. Rinse the brushes off with water and let them air dry. This simple hack will help keep your makeup brushes clean and ready for your next night out.

5. Hydrogen peroxide for a detoxing bath

If you’re feeling stressed out, take a relaxing bath using this recipe. Fill your tub as normal, but add 1/2 – 1 cup of H₂O₂. It will help relax your muscles and ease tension, and you can add Epsom salt for an even more relaxing experience.

This hack is especially useful if you have sore muscles. It’ll also help ease the itchiness and discomfort. So, if you need to take a break from a crazy busy life, just take a hydrogen peroxide bath and relax. But it’s suggested to do this only once a month.

6. Keep the toothache at bay

Toothache is something that none of us want to deal with. But if you have one, hydrogen peroxide can help to relieve the pain. A combination of water and H₂O₂ will help numb the pain. Just rinse or swish your mouth with this mixture.

But note that this hack is a temporary measure and not a cure. It can help relieve the pain and discomfort only for a short period of time. If this problem persists, visit the dentist. Home remedies are no substitute for professional medical attention.

7. Use it as a natural teeth whitener

White teeth are something that everyone desires, but achieving that perfect smile can be difficult and costly. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on teeth whitening products when you can use hydrogen peroxide to get the same results.

Hydrogen peroxide is a great, safe way to “bleach” away any stains on your teeth. Just add a little bit of hydrogen peroxide to your toothbrush and brush your teeth as usual. You’ll see results in your pearly white smile after a few uses.

8. Combat cold and flu symptoms

This is for the weather-sensitive people out there! It’s not a cure for the cold or flu once you’ve caught it, but you can use hydrogen peroxide to reduce the chance of getting it or the severity of the cold.

A study suggests that the cold virus enters the body through the ear canal. So focus there! Pour a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, and it’ll kill the bacteria and viruses there. It will not completely wear down the cold but will help reduce the symptoms.

9. An effective alternative to laundry bleach

Hydrogen peroxide is your best bet if you’re looking for a safer alternative to laundry bleach. It can effectively remove stains and kill bacteria without damaging your clothes. Traditional bleach can be corrosive, which can ruin your clothes, which is the exact opposite of what should happen in a washing machine.

To use it, simply add one cup of hydrogen peroxide to your laundry along with your regular detergent. Hydrogen peroxide will have a gentler and safer bleaching effect, removing stains and disinfecting your clothes. Add it to your next load and your machine will do the work for you.

10. Use it to whiten your nails

If you want to achieve salon-worthy nails at home, try hydrogen peroxide. It can help whiten your nails and make them look healthier. Rub your nails with hydrogen peroxide-soaked cotton ball. You’ll see a difference in their whiteness after a few uses.

It’s quite effective due to the bleaching effect it reflects on teeth and fabrics. The solution will give similar results as you would get from a salon. But note that this hack can be harsh on your nails and should be used sparingly.

11. Make a DIY toothpaste

If you don’t want to use commercial toothpaste, try something natural! There are many recipes online for DIY toothpaste, but you should consider using one with hydrogen peroxide. Homemade toothpaste is just as effective as any store-bought product and is much cheaper and fun to make.

All you need is baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, coconut oil, and a little bit of water. Mix all the ingredients and use the paste to brush your teeth. For a refreshing taste, add a few drops of essential oil — we recommend peppermint.

12. Make an effective disinfectant for countertops

Hydrogen peroxide is a brilliant disinfectant; give it a try for cleaner countertops. Mix one part of hydrogen peroxide solution and three parts of water, and you’ll have an effective cleaning solution. Spray it on your countertops and leave it for a couple of minutes before wiping it off.

You’ll notice that your countertops will be shining like never before! This is an excellent way to naturally disinfect your countertops without harsh chemicals. For a simple process, this is quite an effective cleaning hack. Plus, it’s much cheaper than buying commercial disinfectants.

13. Use it to fight bad breath

We all have to deal with bad breath in the morning; it’s natural and totally normal. Unfortunately, brushing isn’t always enough to rid your mouth of the odor-causing bacteria. But you can use hydrogen peroxide to eliminate the germs causing bad breath.

Gargling a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide will give you fresh breath. Do this daily, and you’ll notice a significant difference in your breath and oral health. Just make sure you pick up food-grade H₂O₂ for this bathroom hack.

14. Combat Yeast infection

Yeast infection is a common issue that women have to deal with. If you’re suffering from a yeast infection, try using hydrogen peroxide to get relief. Take 1/4 – 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide and the same amount of baking powder, then mix them in a warm water bath.

Let them dissolve properly, sit in for about 40 minutes, and then pat dry with a towel. This hack will help kill the yeast infection and relieve the symptoms. Note that this isn’t a permanent fix, and you should seek medical attention if the infection persists.

15. Use it to clean ear wax

Ear wax can cause many discomforts and be difficult to remove. But hydrogen peroxide can help to clean ear wax easily. It’s a simple trick; all you need to do is tilt your head to the side and drop a few drops in your ear.

Keep your head tilted for a while, and you’ll notice it bubbling. This may cause a little bit of itching, but that’s the sign that it’s working! After a few minutes, tip your head in the opposite direction and let the hydrogen peroxide and earwax drain out.

16. A useful antidote for foot fungus

Many people don’t know about this superpower of hydrogen peroxide. It can help get rid of foot fungus. Soak your feet in a basin filled with hydrogen peroxide and water for 30 minutes, or apply equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water to your feet.

This will help kill the fungus and bacteria, and you’ll see a difference in the texture of your feet. They will be softer and smoother, and you will notice a quick calmness in the crazy itching and see the fungus go away with time.

17. Clean the fridge mess

Over time, your fridge can become a hotbed for mold and mildew. It’s gross, but more importantly, it can be a danger to your health hazard if ignored. So, it’s essential to clean it regularly. Well, an ideal way to do this is using hydrogen peroxide.

The insides of the fridge can be sprayed with hydrogen peroxide and water solution. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe it all up, and you’re done. Getting rid of mold and food stains is difficult, but this will assist in making deep cleaning easier and more effective.

18. Use it to cover your hair roots

This excellent hack is for people who dye their hair at home. If you’re in between hair colorings and your roots are starting to show, try some hydrogen peroxide! Just apply it to your roots with a cotton ball, which will help cover them up.

This is a quick and inexpensive way to cover your roots. Do this hack before you go to bed, and wash your hair as usual in the morning. You should only do this occasionally because it can dry out your hair if done too often.

19. Dissolve caked-on food like magic

Soaking doesn’t always do the trick when it comes to removing caked-on food. But hydrogen peroxide can take care of it. It’s quite simple. First, make a baking soda and H₂O₂ paste. Then spread it onto the old and/or caked-on food.

Leave it for a few minutes, then scrub it off with a brush. This will loosen the food so that you can easily remove it. The hack can help you remove persistent food stains that won’t budge with simple soaking.

20. Make a DIY sun-in spray

This one is for all the naturalists out there! If you’re looking for a way to lighten your hair without using harsh chemicals, try this hydrogen peroxide hack. Take 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of H₂O₂ and mix them in 1/2 cup of water.

This will give you a DIY sun-in spray that you can use to lighten your hair. Just spray it on your hair and leave it to sit for half an hour before rinsing it out. It’s easy to make, inexpensive, and much better than giving yourself highlights.

21. A home remedy for your ear infections

Ear infections are the worst and just plain unbearable, but you can resort to hydrogen peroxide for a little relief. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and keep it in your ear, or pour a few drops in your ear.

Let it sit there and do the work, and after a few minutes, drain it out and rinse your ear with water. You will notice a difference in the pain, and it will eventually go away. Do not try this hack if you have a punctured eardrum.

22. Put your calluses to ease

This is another brilliant hydrogen peroxide hack many people don’t know about. It goes without saying that the calluses on your feet and fingers are unappealing and sometimes painful. But you can use hydrogen peroxide to soften them and ease the pain!

The best way for this is to soak them in a solution of warm water and hydrogen peroxide for about 30 minutes. This will help break down the dead skin cells, making your calluses softer and easier to get rid of.

23. Whiten the tile grout

Over time, the tile grout in your bathroom or kitchen becomes discolored and causes a dent in the overall look of your home. On top of that, it’s hard to clean, and sometimes it seems like nothing you do makes a difference, but hydrogen peroxide can!

To whiten your tile grout, make a paste by mixing H₂O₂ and baking soda. Spread the paste onto the grout and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub it with an old toothbrush. You’ll forget what your floor looks like when it’s dirty.

24. Thoroughly clean your washing machine

Your washing machine needs washing, too! After cleaning your clothes, your machine doesn’t clean itself and gets dirty over time. This can lead to bad smells, and your clothes won’t come out as clean either. To avoid this, you should clean your washing machine with hydrogen peroxide.

Add a cup of H₂O₂ to your machine and run it on the hottest cycle. This will cleanse your machine and get rid of any bad smells. Plus, with a bacteria-free machine, it’ll clean your clothes better! Why doesn’t want that?

25. Keep your mirror clean and reflections clear

Tired of looking at a dirty mirror every day? Hydrogen peroxide is a great alternative to window cleaner, and it will leave your mirror sparkling clean. Simply spray H₂O₂ on the mirror and wipe it off with a clean cloth.

This will leave your mirror streak-free and looking like new. It’s much cheaper than buying commercial window cleaner. And it’s more environmentally friendly, too! The best part of this hack is you don’t have to mix it with anything, unlike some hacks on the list.

26. Disinfect your toilet bowl naturally

This is one of the most brilliant hydrogen peroxide hacks. If you want to naturally clean and disinfect your toilet bowl, all you need is some hydrogen peroxide. Pour a cup of hydrogen peroxide solution into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes to an hour.

After that, brush the bowl thoroughly; you’ll see how easily the dirt and grime come off. Then flush the toilet, and you’re done! Now you have a clean, shining, and disinfected toilet bowl. Plus, you didn’t have to use any harsh chemicals!

27. Keep your kid’s toys clean

Kids’ toys can get pretty grimy and full of germs. If you’re not cleaning them regularly, your kids might get sick. So, it’s crucial to disinfect their toys regularly. It’s not just the toys; their play areas, door knobs, and other surfaces should also be disinfected occasionally.

Soak a cloth in H₂O₂. Wipe all the surfaces with it, and you’re good to go. This will help kill any germs or bacteria present on these surfaces. Don’t take any chances with your kid’s health, and keep their toys and play area clean.

28. Disinfect your toilet brushes

Your toilet brush is one of the dirtiest things in your bathroom. It’s always in contact with germs and bacteria, so it’s essential to disinfect it regularly. Take a bowl or pot-shaped container to properly sit the brushes and let them soak in the hydrogen peroxide solution for some time.

You can also disinfect your toilet brush by spraying it with hydrogen peroxide and letting it sit for a few minutes. This will kill any bacteria and germs that are on the brush. Plus, it will help remove any dirt and grime when you rinse it.

29. Help your plants stay healthy

You might not be aware, but hydrogen peroxide can also help your plants stay healthy. It can improve the growth of roots and also kill any harmful bacteria or fungi present in the soil. Let’s show you how this can be made possible.

Moreover, spraying diluted hydrogen peroxide helps plants combat athlete’s foot-like fungal infections. Take a spray bottle, and fill it with 1 pint of water and 4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide solution. If you notice such an infection, use this spray, and you can use it regularly.

30. Restore the shine of your tiles

Tiles can lose their shine over time, and that’s because of the build-up of dirt and grime. But you can easily restore their former glory with hydrogen peroxide. For this, you’ll need to make a paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

Thoroughly scrub the paste on the tiles, cover it with plastic wrap, and leave it overnight. Rinse it off with clean water, and you’ll see how shiny and new your tiles look! This hack will take some of your time, but the results are worth it.

31. Clean your kitten’s litter box

The kitten’s litter box is a rent-free home of bacteria, bad odor, and disease-causing parasites. You don’t want to keep that up in your home or your kitten to get sick. So, clean the litter box regularly. And hydrogen peroxide can help you do that properly.

Throw out the litter and pour a decent amount of hydrogen peroxide into the empty box. The high oxygen concentration will kill all the bacteria, bad odor, and parasites in the box. Rinse the box with clean water, and it will be good as new.

32. Give an oomph to the seeds

Another high practical implication of hydrogen peroxide is that it can support healthy sprouts of seeds. The increased oxygen concentration present in hydrogen peroxide can help the seeds germinate faster. This hack can come in handy if you’re looking to start a garden.

To do this, you just need to soak the seeds in the hydrogen peroxide solution for about 20 minutes before planting them. Doing so softens the seed’s outer coating and boosts the germination process. This will help the seeds grow into healthy plants.

33. It can keep your salads fresh for longer

If the green plants you kept look wilted, don’t throw them out just yet. Grab some food-grade H₂O₂ and try out this hack. Make a spray with 1/2 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of H₂O₂ and use it on the wilted plants.

Doing so will help them perk up and look fresh for a few more days. This is an incredible way to extend the life of your greens and save money in the process. Also, it will keep them clean and free from any possible bacteria.

34. Thoroughly clean your dishwasher

Over time, your dishwasher can become clogged with food particles and grease. This can affect its performance and even lead to unpleasant odors. You don’t need to buy some expensive cleaning solution to clean your dishwasher. All you need is hydrogen peroxide!

Pour a cup of H₂O₂ into the dishwasher and run it on an empty cycle. This will clean all the gunk that’s clogging up your dishwasher. Add baking soda to the mixture for more power, and use essential oil to make it smell nice.

35. A disinfectant for your sponges

Yes, they are sitting on soaps all day, but that doesn’t mean they are clean. They might be a home to bacteria, and you definitely don’t want to use them for cleaning your home. But worry not because hydrogen peroxide is here to save the day!

To clean your sponges, simply soak them in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water for a few minutes. Rinse them properly with clean water and let them air dry. This will kill all the bacteria and also extend their lives.

36. Clean and maintain your humidifier

If you live in a dry climate or suffer from allergies, you might be using a humidifier at home. Unfortunately, these devices can get a buildup of mildew and mold pretty quickly. If not cleaned regularly, they can cause some serious health issues.

To keep them clean and healthy to use, it’s essential to disinfect them regularly. It’s best to use hydrogen peroxide as it can kill mold and mildew effectively. To maintain its efficacy, run a cycle of hydrogen peroxide every once in a while.

37. Clean your cutting board

Your cutting board is always in contact with food, which means it’s a breeding ground for bacteria. And sometimes the good old soap and water aren’t enough to kill all the bacteria. So, what’s the solution? Hydrogen peroxide, of course!

To clean your cutting board, simply spray it with hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the board with a brush and rinse it off with clean water. Do this after every use, and you won’t need to worry about bacteria again.

38. Get rid of mold spores

If you have a problem with mold spores, hydrogen peroxide is the answer. They are popular for their mold-killing properties, so all you need to do is spray the affected area with hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for a few minutes.

After that, scrub the area with a brush to remove the mold spores and rinse it off with clean water. It’s an efficient and effective method for removing mold spores for good. And given how simple this process is, there’s no reason not to do it.

39. Sanitize your lunch boxes

You and your kids are likely carrying germs in your containers to school or work. That’s because sometimes simple cleaning with water and soap is not enough. For full-proof protection against germs, you need to disinfect them using hydrogen peroxide.

If you regularly spray-clean or soak them in hydrogen peroxide, it will kill any bacteria or germs in the lunch box. It’s also a good cleaner for water bottles. Just make sure to rinse it off with water before using them.

40. Get rid of t-shirt pit stains

Pit stains are the bane of every t-shirt lover’s existence. These sweat stains are stubborn and can be hard to remove. But for hydrogen peroxide, they are no match. Simply soak the stained area in a mixture of one part of dishwashing soap with two parts of hydrogen peroxide.

Leave it to soak for about 30 minutes to let the solution do its job. Then, rinse it with water, run it through the washing machine, and voila! The pit stains will disappear, and your t-shirts will look like the day you bought them.

41. Clean your produce

You might think the produce you buy from the store is clean, but that’s not always the case. Store-bought fruits and vegetables can be covered in pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Don’t take any chances, and use hydrogen peroxide to clean them.

All you need to do is soak the fruits and veggies in a mixture of cold water and hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes. This will remove any pesticide residue or other harmful chemicals. After that, rinse the produce with clean water and enjoy your healthy meal.

42. Defeat the pond algae

Ponds covered in algae are an eyesore. But more than that, they can be dangerous for the fish and other aquatic creatures living in them. If you’re struggling with pond algae, utilize some hydrogen peroxide. Here’s what you need to do…

As per the thumb rule, use 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide for every 90 gallons of water. This will create an oxygen-rich environment that will eventually kill the algae. Do this once a week, and you’ll see a significant reduction in algae growth in your pond.

43. Refresh your musty towels

Towels can quickly become musty and full of bacteria if not washed properly. This is because they are constantly in contact with your skin and hair, which can transfer oils and sweat. You should keep them clean if you don’t want skin infections.

If your regular laundry fails to hit the mark, resort to hydrogen peroxide. For this hack, you will need 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup H₂O₂. Add them to your wash and leave the towels to soak for about 15 minutes before washing, and it’s done.

44. Disinfect your reusable bags

It’s a marvelous initiative if you are using reusable bags to help the environment, and we commend you for that. But it’s also essential to keep those bags clean since they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. And it can lead to some serious health issues.

To keep up their cleanliness and freshness, spray them with hydrogen peroxide between uses. You can also wash them using hydrogen peroxide along with the laundry. This will disinfect the bags, keep them clean, and make them safe for you to use.