Hydrogen peroxide is usually used as a bleaching or cleaning agent.
The chemical formula for hydrogen peroxide is H2O2.
Uses[]
- Clean your counters and tableops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh clean smell.
- After rinsing of your cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonela and other bacteria
- clean mirrors-doesn't streak
- Use to wash vegetables to kill bacteria and neutralize chemicals
- Disinfect your dishwasher/refrigerator
- If you have had water damage, use peroxide to clean because it gets rid of molds
- Toilet bowl cleaner-pour 1/2 cup peroxide into toilet and let it sit for 20 minutes-scrub clean
- Disinfect scrub brushes
- Clean out aquariums
- Sanitize toothbrushes and dentures
- Clean swimming pools and spas-alternative to chlorine
- Diluted in water, a small amount is good for houseplants
It's a mild antibiotic and can be used to clean minor cuts. (It stings. For more severe infections or cuts, see your doctor.)
Hydrogen peroxide is a bleach. It can help get rid of stains on clothes and porcelain, but may also bleach out color. In small amounts it can be used to lighten or brighten hair color.
Cautions[]
Some of the health claims for hydrogen peroxide are probably bogus. It can damage tissue if used at too high a concentration or too frequently. It may be irritating to mucus membranes. And the internal (ingested or intravenous) use, that some suggest, has been tied to a few deaths. [1], [2]
Related[]
- rubbing alcohol
- baking soda
- vinegar
- cotton balls
External links[]
- Snopes.com on the rumor/truth status of various claims for hydrogen peroxide
- The Many Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide by Dr. David G. Williams
- Wikipedia's article on hydrogen peroxide
- HowStuffWorks on Why does hydrogen peroxide foam when you put it on a cut?
<references>
- ↑ Snopes.com on the rumor/truth status of various claims for hydrogen peroxide
- ↑ American Cancer Society on Oxygen Therapy