Household uses for hydrogen peroxide

So can hydrogen peroxide be used on anything? It’s safe to use on most nonporous surfaces such as tile or stainless steel, and many people use it to remove stains from upholstery and carpet.

To enhance hydrogen peroxide’s seemingly magical cleaning powers, you can combine it with other inexpensive ingredients such as baking soda or lemon juice to tackle tricky cleaning problems from dirty windows to hard-water buildup.

But beware: Hydrogen peroxide should never be mixed in the same container with vinegar. Combining these two ingredients will create peracetic acid, which can be highly corrosive. You don’t want this.

Messes happen, but here are 10 different ways hydrogen peroxide has you covered.

1. Remove stubborn dirt in the bathroom

From hard-water stains to that grimy ring around your toilet bowl, a paste made of hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar (a type of baking powder) will liberate your bathroom from filth. Toughs stains may require several applications. It’s worth it, though.

2. Bust rust and rust stains

Clean bits of rust off metal, or remove rust stains from hard surfaces. For easy application, pick up hydrogen peroxide sold in a spray bottle and apply a light coat. Afterward, scrub the rusted area with steel wool. If you are concerned about scratches, grab a plastic bristle brush.

3. Combat moldy tile or grout

After cleaning tile or grout with a soapy cleanser, wipe dry and saturate the area with undiluted hydrogen peroxide. Wait 10 minutes before scrubbing. If you prefer a little grit when cleaning, create a cleaning paste by combining equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

4. Zap carpet stains

Next time you spill, leave the club soda in the fridge.

“Whether the stain is fresh or set in, it will not stand a chance against hydrogen peroxide,” said Josh Matteson from LULA Home services based in Kansas City, MO. Be sure to do a test spot before applying hydrogen peroxide to any carpet or fabric.

A small amount can go a long way, so do not oversaturate. It is best to dab a little on and then wait up to 10 minutes before reapplying.

5. Make windows sparkle

Get this arduous chore done right with a recipe for a homemade cleaner by Natalie Jordan, the window cleaning expert at Fantastic Cleaners: Pour three quarters of a cup of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle, and add a few drops of dish soap. (Tip: For boosted cleaning, use a liquid soap that cuts grease.) Fill the rest of the bottle with water and gently shake.

Spray the solution on your windows, letting it soak for several minutes before wiping with a clean microfiber cloth.

“If your windows are heavily soiled, you may need to repeat the cleaning process,” Jordan says.

6. Disinfect kitchenware

Get rid of germs by spraying dirty items like your dishes or cutting board with hydrogen peroxide. A light coat will do the trick. Afterward, wash the items in the sink or dishwasher.

7. Deodorize while disinfecting

Refresh stinky sinks, toilets, or drains with several generous sprays. Afterward, let the solution sit for up to 20 minutes before rinsing.

8. Clean enamel pots

Place your dirty pot on the stove and fill it with a half-inch of hydrogen peroxide and quarter-cup of baking soda. Boil the mixture until it gets foamy, and then turn off the heat. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Once the pot cools, pour the liquid out and scrub.

9. Refresh an old mattress

After vacuuming your mattress, spot clean with this homemade cleaner. Pour equal parts hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, and baking soda in a spray bottle and gently shake. Spray the mixture on any stains, and then gently blot with a clean rag. Wait until the mattress is dry before making your bed.

10. Disinfect dirty kitchen sponges

Wash the sponge with dish soap and rinse thoroughly. Then soak the sponge for 20 minutes in a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and hot water.