Hydrogen Peroxide Uses | Helping Hands Cleaning Services in River Forest IL

Hydrogen Peroxide Uses, What You Need to Know 

Housekeeping Tips in River Forest IL: Hydrogen peroxide uses

Where do you store the brown bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your home? If your answer is in your medicine cabinet, remove it there. Never use it again to treat or clean your wounds. Experts found that while it kills the bacteria that might cause wound infection, it also kills the good ones vital for wound healing. But don’t throw it out just yet. Store it with your home cleaning items, the proper place for hydrogen peroxide.

More About Hydrogen Peroxide

It is a pale blue liquid chemical compound in pure form. Readily available hydrogen peroxide concentrations in the market are 3% up to 12%. 3% concentration is enough for cleaning and disinfecting your home. Selling concentrations higher than 12% are illegal.

Hydrogen peroxide’s shelf life is up to six months after opening. It is best to store it in a dark, cool place because it easily reacts and breaks down with heat, air, and light. That is exactly the reason why they are sold in brown bottles. 

Cleaning with Hydrogen Peroxide

You’ll be amazed at how well-rounded hydrogen peroxide is as a cleaning agent, plus it is non-toxic and affordable. Here are some of the many uses of hydrogen peroxide.

Alternative to Bleach

Yes, say goodbye to bleach’s strong and not-so-pleasant smell. You can now clean and disinfect items and surfaces with this odorless and colorless liquid.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Mix a cup of hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups of water and ¼ cup lemon juice. Hydrogen peroxide has more potent power than vinegar. Lemon’s acidity is good at breaking down grime. Use this, and you’ll have clean and disinfected surfaces with a cool citrus scent.

Kitchen Cleaner

Hydrogen peroxide does wonders for your kitchen. 

Sponges

Sponges are always damp and the perfect breeding ground for all the germs you can think of. Use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect your sponges with a ratio of 1:1 water and hydrogen peroxide. This will ensure that you thoroughly clean your dishes instead of rubbing icky germs on them.

Dishes

Speaking of dishes, you can also use hydrogen peroxide to have them deep cleaned. Save on money by boosting your dishwashing liquid’s cleaning power by adding 2 ounces of hydrogen peroxide to it. To lighten stains on discolored ceramic cookware, make a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Spread on the stains, and let it sit for a while before rinsing with water.

Cutting Boards

Keep your cutting boards safe every time you use them. A spray with hydrogen peroxide kills trapped bacteria on the cuts and scratches. Rinse with water afterward, and you have clean boards ready for use.

Refrigerator

Because hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic, it is better for cleaning your refrigerator than chemical cleaning solutions. Dab some hydrogen peroxide on a clean sponge, rag, or paper towel to clean shelves and the inside walls of your refrigerator.

Reusable Grocery Bags

Avoiding single-use plastics and using reusable bags for your groceries can help save money and the earth. To make them safe for reuse, wash them properly and regularly. If you are in a rush and don’t have clean bags to use, spray the insides with hydrogen peroxide for a quick cleaning and bacteria-killing action.

Countertops

Can you also use hydrogen peroxide to clean your countertops? Yes, but use it with caution. Try it first on a small discrete surface to check if it will cause any discoloration or surface dulling. If it does, try using a different cleaning and disinfecting solution instead.

Bathroom Bestie

Hydrogen peroxide has fungicide properties that can effectively kill mold and mildew. Put some of it in a spray bottle, spray on affected surfaces, then wipe dry. Keep a spray bottle in your shower for a quick cleaning every bath or shower. Works on cleaning mirrors, too.

For toilets, pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide and leave it for 30 minutes before scrubbing. Flush, and you’re done with cleaning and sanitizing your toilet.

Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste to clean and whiten tile grouts from mold and mildew. Let it stay for 5 minutes before washing it with water.

Disinfecting Personal Items

Reusable items like loofahs, sponges, makeup brushes, toothbrushes, eyelash curlers, tweezers, etc., can be cleaned and disinfected with a quick hydrogen peroxide soak. Make sure to rinse them with water before use.

Laundry Hacks

You can try some of these techniques for your laundry. 

No need to endure the smell of bleach on your precious white clothes. A cup of hydrogen peroxide to your washer before adding your clothes and water will help whiten your clothes. It can also remove sweat, food, grass, and even blood stains.

Underarm Stains

For underarm stains, a 1:1:1 ratio of water, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda will do the trick. Apply the mixture on the stain with a small toothbrush and leave for 30 minutes. Give it a final scrub before washing or tossing it in the machine.

Blood Stains

For blood and other stains, apply undiluted directly to the stain. After all the fizz, dab the blood stain with a clean cloth. Continue applying hydrogen peroxide and dabbing until the stain is gone. Remember, just dab and not rub. Never use it on colored clothes or use it together with other cleaning solutions to avoid any mishaps.

Washer

Clean, sanitize and disinfect your washing machines. All the gunk, excess detergent, and fabric softener will accumulate over time and cause mold and mildew. Once a month, pour 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide before running a hot water cycle to ensure your machines are free from germs.

Safety and Precautions

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong disinfectant that is safe even to disinfect kids’ and pets’ toys. Remember that it’s time to toss it out when the fizz is out.

The fizzing indicates that it is still working and doing its purpose. Keep out of reach of children because swallowing can cause mouth blisters, nausea, and vomiting. 

Always follow instructions on the label to avoid accidents. Immediately consult a healthcare professional if you experience anything unusual after hydrogen peroxide use.

Cleaning Services in River Forest IL

Call our team if you want to spare yourself time cleaning your home. At Helping Hands Cleaning Services in River Forest IL, we provide excellent cleaning services. Our professional cleaning experience has earned us the trust of many clients.  With our years of consistently outstanding services, you’ll be in good hands.