Hydrogen peroxide, or H2O2, is one of the most common household disinfectants around, and its possible uses are vast. While most people know that this handy household product is good for sanitizing cuts, this magical solution also has countless powerful oxidizing properties that can be used for everything from whitening to styling.
We’ve found people online using it clean their stovetops, their tile grout, their food and even their teeth. In fact, there seem to be endless uses for this stuff!
Get ready to have your mind blown with these 13 super easy ways to incorporate hydrogen peroxide in all areas of your life.
1. Get Rid Of Bad Breath
Sometimes, a good brushing isn’t enough to get rid of bad breath. The trick? Gargle hydrogen peroxide diluted with water once a week to kill the unhealthy organisms in your mouth that may be causing bad breath. Don’t use it any more often than that, though, as you don’t want the chemical to also kill the good bacteria that’s living in your mouth.
2. Change Your Hair Color
Gradually lighten your hair color by mixing equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution into your hair, comb through with a brush and wait for it to dry. Do this daily and you’ll have lighter hair in no time.
3. Tackle An Ear Infection
Did you know you can use hydrogen peroxide drops to deal with your ear infection? It can help to clear out the infection and can even help clear away earwax.
4. Clean Your Fruits And Veggies
Need to clean the bacteria off of your produce? The Dallas Morning News recommends creating an even mix of water and hydrogen peroxide to use when washing your produce by hand. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
5. Whiten Your Teeth
In addition to using hydrogen peroxide as an effective mouthwash, you can also turn it into a toothpaste by mixing it with baking soda. Peroxide acts as a bleaching agent, so you’ll notice whiter teeth immediately if you apply it to your toothbrush. In fact, you’ll already find hydrogen peroxide as a main ingredient in whitening toothpastes by major brands including Colgate and Arm & Hammer.
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6. Wash Your Toilet Bowl
You can disinfect your toilet bowl without expensive cleaners by pouring in a half cup of hydrogen peroxide. Let it stand for twenty minutes and then scrub out the bowl with a toilet brush and flush.
7. Scrub Off Caked-On Food
To get rid of food that’s stuck to your kitchenware, combine the reliable pair of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide so they form a paste. Then, rub that onto the dirty pots and pans that are giving you a hard time. Let it sit and you should easily be able to scrub the food away with warm water. The baking soda acts as an abrasive while the peroxide helps to break down the food particles.
8. Sanitize Your Cutting Board
Hydrogen peroxide can removes stains and bacteria from cutting boards. To sanitize, pour the solution directly onto the board, whether it’s made of wood or plastic. Proceed to scrub with a clean sponge and let it sit until it starts to fizz. Rinse and you’re good to move on to the next recipe.
9. Clean Kids’ Toys
Kids’ toys harbor plenty of germs. To avoid spreading them, wipe down unsanitary toys and play areas with hydrogen peroxide, a safe cleaning agent that will keep everyone healthy and happy.
10. Pamper Your Feet
Mix together a one-to-one ratio of hydrogen peroxide and water in a bowl and soak your feet. You’ll come away with soft calluses, diminished foot fungus and cleaner feet.
11. Remove Carpet Stains
Hydrogen peroxide can take care of even the most awful stains on your carpet. Once you’ve blotted the problem area, spray some hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes (or longer for tougher stains). Proceed to rub and wipe with a clean cloth. You’ll want to test this on a hidden section of your flooring first, as hydrogen peroxide can sometimes leave its own stain behind, especially on darker carpets.
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12. Help Your Plants Grow
Did you know that H2O2 is naturally occurring in rainwater? Sometimes, rainfall picks up extra oxygen from the atmosphere, which then converts it into hydrogen peroxide. This combination helps promote the growth of plants. Try soaking your plant seeds in hydrogen peroxide to simulate rainwater. Use 1 ounce of peroxide for every two cups of water and soak overnight.
13. Disinfect Reusable Grocery Bags
If you’re shopping with reusable bags to help the environment, great job! Just make sure you spray some hydrogen peroxide on the fabric every now and then to disinfect it and get rid of food odors. This is especially helpful for the bags where you put your produce or meats.
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This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
