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What are Some Hydrogen Peroxide Uses?

Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Hydrogen peroxide is most known for its packaging and for its medical use. The brown bottle package is a familiar sight to almost everyone. Hydrogen peroxide is kept in a dark colored bottle to prevent light from weakening it. Even though it is most commonly used as a way to clean cuts, scrapes, and other minor wounds, there are a surprising number of alternative uses for hydrogen peroxide.

Unlike many chemicals, hydrogen peroxide doesn’t harm the environment. It even forms naturally, with some of it coming down every time it rains. Hydrogen peroxide even occurs naturally in our bodies. Of course, the hydrogen peroxide we buy in stores is a manufactured product, but it is made by mimicking a reaction that is a normal part of nature.

A bottle of hydrogen peroxide.
A bottle of hydrogen peroxide.

One of the best hydrogen peroxide uses is in the garden, as a fertilizer and plant spray. It can be used on sick plants, mixed with water and sprayed on, killing any fungus that might be harming the plant. Sprayed onto tree cuttings, it will keep them fresher longer. It can also help plants grow faster and healthier.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used in personal care for things other than scrapes. One of hydrogen peroxide’s uses is as a mouth wash. This can help treat bad breath, canker sores, and other problems in the mouth caused by bacteria. It also helps whiten teeth. Only use one capful of hydrogen peroxide, and don’t use it for long periods of time. Dentists warn that extended use could soften tooth enamel.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to kill Salmonella bacteria.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to kill Salmonella bacteria.

Acne can be treated with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide uses oxidation to clean bacteria. Germs are bubbled up and out of the skin. It works best with acne that has pus in it, cleaning the pimple out and allowing it to heal quicker. Dab peroxide onto the acne, leave it for a second, then wipe it back off. Leaving hydrogen peroxide on your face too long can damage your skin.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to brighten laundry.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to brighten laundry.

Use hydrogen peroxide to clean your personal care tools. Tweezers, combs, nail clippers, and other personal care products are a breeding ground for germs. Soaking them in hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes will kill these germs, and leave you with clean tools. Toothbrushes can also be soaked in peroxide to sanitize them.

There are many hydrogen peroxide uses in the kitchen. It can be sprayed on cutting boards after use to kill salmonella and other bacteria. It can also be sprayed on table tops and counters to kill germs and leave a fresh scent. It also works great as a disinfectant for sponges, buckets, and kitchen tools. Use it on fruits and vegetables to remove residues. Just be sure to rinse afterward.

Nail clippers sterilized with hydrogen peroxide.
Nail clippers sterilized with hydrogen peroxide.

Elsewhere in the home, hydrogen peroxide uses include brightening laundry and removing stains. Always dilute the peroxide before placing it directly on a stain, because peroxide can bleach clothes. It can also be used to remove and prevent mold growth. Hydrogen peroxide can clean toilets and carpets, too.

Hydrogen peroxide uses, besides for cuts and scrapes, are wide-reaching. There’s a lot you can do with it. It’s an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal product that is safe for the environment. In both personal and household care, 3% hydrogen peroxide is one of the best products for a multitude of tasks.

Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal TheHealthBoard writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal TheHealthBoard writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

minombre

Hydrogen peroxide seems to slow down the healing process, it is therefore not advisable to use it for cleansing wounds.

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    • A bottle of hydrogen peroxide.
      By: Jim Mills
      A bottle of hydrogen peroxide.
    • Hydrogen peroxide can be used to kill Salmonella bacteria.
      By: Lyuba Bunakova
      Hydrogen peroxide can be used to kill Salmonella bacteria.
    • Hydrogen peroxide can be used to brighten laundry.
      By: Kayros Studio
      Hydrogen peroxide can be used to brighten laundry.
    • Nail clippers sterilized with hydrogen peroxide.
      By: ibphoto
      Nail clippers sterilized with hydrogen peroxide.
    • Hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat canker sores.
      By: Antonio Gravante
      Hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat canker sores.
    • Hydrogen peroxide can be used to whiten teeth.
      By: sanneberg
      Hydrogen peroxide can be used to whiten teeth.
    • Acne might respond to dabbing hydrogen peroxide onto pimples.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Acne might respond to dabbing hydrogen peroxide onto pimples.
    • Mouth wash contains hydrogen peroxide.
      By: Lusoimages
      Mouth wash contains hydrogen peroxide.