21 Awesome Hydrogen Peroxide Hacks That You Need To Know

Hydrogen peroxide has gotten a bit of a bad rap, as people can’t usually think of it without recalling the childhood pain of applying it to a scab. But it’s time to change those preconceived notions and learn the nifty secrets and hacks of this handy household item.

You’d be hard-pressed to think of another product that has the ability to clean your toilet, get ink stains out of your clothes, and assist with part of your beauty regimen. This inexpensive substance that you probably already own can enhance your teeth, garden, nails, food, skin, shower, dishes, and feet. Check out some of the amazing tricks hydrogen peroxide can do…

 Wash Away What’s On Your Produce

Unless you commit to buying only organic produce, which can be pretty costly, the fruits and vegetables you get from your local grocery store might still have plenty of pesticides and other chemicals on them. Clean up the produce you’ll end up consuming with hydrogen peroxide.

Organic farmers recommend using a 1/4 cup of the substance per gallon of water as a great soak to remove bacteria and dirt from vegetables. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes and get rid of any more surface grime with a gentle brush before drying them off and storing them in the fridge.

Remove Laundry Stains

Whether you have a lumberjack or little ones piling up laundry in your house, you’ve likely had to deal with your share of stains. The clothes have clear marks from food, grass, or even blood. Save on your laundry and dry cleaning expenses and salvage those shirts with a simple peroxide hack to whisk away those tough stains.

Use a sponge that’s been soaked in 3 percent peroxide and gently dab the stains. Then, rub fabric surfaces together to penetrate any of that mud, yogurt, or Merlot that may have gotten on those clothes. Very few stubborn stains can withstand the powerful effervescent action of this cleanser.

Soften Cracked Heels

Don’t spend all your money on expensive spa treatments for your feet when you can perform your own spa technique right at home for almost no cost. Dry, rough callouses on heels can be eradicated with the right combination of mixing hydrogen peroxide and water.

Dilute two cups of hydrogen peroxide in two cups of hot water and soak those tired dogs of yours for 30 minutes. After you dry them, scrub off all the dead skin from your heels. Lather your feet with your favorite oil or lotion, don a pair of snuggly socks, and watch your feet magically transform overnight.

 Get Cookware Scrubbed Clean

Baking and cooking enthusiasts, you now have no need to fret over seeing those unsightly brown, baked-on stains on your cookware. No longer do you need to settle for “it’s clean enough” when you wish more could be done for them. Your favorite cookie sheets and pie pans can shine as brightly as the day you first pulled them out of their boxes.

A little sprinkle of baking soda followed by a 3-percent hydrogen peroxide spritzer will effortlessly lift off that grime. Start this process when you have 1-3 hours of down time, and you are not in a hurry to cook, as it will take time for the solution to penetrate those layers.

 Lighten Up Your Hair

It’s best to clear this up right now. Do not attempt to lighten your hair with hydrogen peroxide unless you’ve had experience using this product in the past. Professional hairdressers have used peroxide for decades to get the perfect look for their clients, so let them handle the details.

Studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide is a very powerful bleaching agent, but it can actually end up causing damage to your hair if it’s used too often. Work out your perfect shade with your stylist, and watch the magic happen before your very eyes.

Remove Mold And Mildew

Mold and mildew not only look unsightly, but they also might be hazardous to your health. These fungi love to flourish in warm, dark places such as your shower and in your HVAC system. Inhaling them can lead to possible respiratory issues and allergies, so it’s best to eradicate them whenever possible.

Kick that mold and mildew to the curb with something as simple as a hydrogen peroxide spritz. In its undiluted form, it can be applied to surfaces, resulting in a fungi-free clean after as little as 30 minutes. There shouldn’t be any need for scrubbing, either.

Whiten Your Teeth

Everyone wants a vibrant and healthy smile, but that coffee boost you get every morning might be leaving your teeth pretty stained over time. Even with frequent brushing, it’s hard to turn them back into pearly whites. Many decide to give in and buy the costly teeth-whitening products at the drug store, unaware of a homemade solution you can whip up on your own.

Dilute 1 tsp of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide in 1 cup of water and mix it thoroughly. Swish it in your mouth for 1-2 minutes, then spit and rinse your mouth out thoroughly. Make sure not to swallow it. Repeat twice a day for about a week, but still only occasionally, and you should see those teeth resembling white again.

Make A More Tolerable Litter Box

Your cat may be your pride and joy, but that doesn’t make cleaning their litter box any more enjoyable. Effectively eliminate those strong odors and disinfect that litter box with some peroxide. Even the most diligent cat-owner can neglect giving a cleaning to the box from time to time, leading to a buildup of stains and pungent scents.

Freshen up that feline’s litter box by emptying out all the litter, then washing the container with soap and hot water. Spray thoroughly with full-strength peroxide and let it sit for fifteen minutes before rinsing, drying, and then replacing it with fresh litter. You’ll be thankful that you did, as will your cat.

Shine Mirrors And Glass Surfaces

Glass cleaners work as an effective means to clean those mirrors and polished surfaces in your home, but who wants the extra chemicals that accompany most store-bought solutions? Hydrogen peroxide can do the same superior cleaning job without the toxic additives.

Spray a 1:1 solution of peroxide and water onto any glass, polished chrome, or stainless-steel surfaces. Wipe the surface clean with paper towels, some newspaper, or a lint-free cloth. You should be able to see an impressive shine that you can truly be proud of.

Sterilize Makeup Brushes

Using the same makeup brushes on your face day after day is bound to clog them with dirt, grease, and bacteria that are living on our skin. If you aren’t up for the cost or hassle of replacing them every few months, consider a good soak to keep your old ones fresh and clean.

Wash any excess makeup off of those brushes with a simple hand soap or shampoo, then soak the bristles for at least ten minutes in a solution made of water and 1 tsp of hydrogen peroxide. Rinse and dry the them thoroughly before donning your favorite shade for a night out.

Get Rid Of Ear Wax Buildup

According to a 2015 study from Australian Family Physician, ear irrigation is necessary to remove stubborn wax deposits and promote better hearing and ear health. Q-tips aren’t recommended to be used for cleaning them, though they are common. Hydrogen peroxide is an inexpensive and easy way to flush those wax deposits at home.

Start by lying down onto one side. Place a few drops of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide in your ear that is pointed toward the ceiling. Wait about five minutes, then sit up, using a tissue to dab at liquid that may drain. Then repeat that process on the other side. You should be able to “hear” that it worked.

Induce Necessary Vomiting For Dogs

Dogs are infamous for managing to get into substances that are potentially toxic to them if swallowed. A variety of substances, such as medications, chocolate, alcohol, and even avocados can cause symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting for your canine. They can also seriously threaten your dog’s health.

If you can’t be proactive about preventing accidental ingestion or just don’t catch your pooch before it’s too late, keep some hydrogen peroxide on hand to induce safe vomiting for your dog. A quick clean-up of this expelled mess is much easier to deal with than an emergency trip to the vet.

 Freshen Up That Stale Indoor Air

Here’s a great way to clean up your indoor air supply and improve that air quality. Combining hydrogen peroxide, water, and diffusing it through a humidifier will help to re-oxygenate the air. This can end up reducing the number of bacteria that are floating around throughout your home.

If your hydrogen peroxide concentration ends up being too strong, dilute it to 3-percent before adding it to the humidifier. Consider also combining it with your favorite essential oils to infuse your house with seasonal or fresh scents that you love. 

Bleach Nail Beds

Age, housework, and fungi can all end up transforming your nails into cracked and yellowed shells of what they once were. While nail polish can hide this unsightly change from time to time, your nails will need a break from all substances at a certain point.

Simply mix 1/2 cup of hot water with one teaspoon of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide and soak your nails. For a little extra oomph, add 1 tsp of baking soda and let its effervescent action go to work removing stubborn stains and revealing those strong, beautiful nails.

Deep Clean That Bowl

Hydrogen peroxide happens to be a wonderful disinfecting and deodorizing agent when it’s used correctly. In fact, research has found that it’s quite effective at removing tons of different kinds of microorganisms including yeast, bacteria, and spores.

Deep cleaning your bathroom throne becomes a piece of cake with a simple peroxide solution. Add 1/2 cup of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide to your toilet bowl to kill those germs and brighten its surface. Let it rest for about 20 minutes or so, then scrub the toilet with a soft brush for some extra sparkle.

Sanitize Your Toothbrush And Mouth Hardware

Toothbrushes have the ability to be exposed to some truly heinous material just by being in the bathroom. According to the American Dental Association, toothbrushes can end up being covered in all sorts of other nasty bacteria, which can in turn, cause a host of potential health issues.

Do your part to keep any toothbrushes, dental floss, and retainers at least a few feet away from the toilet while taking steps to sanitize them on a regular basis. Rinsing your mouth hardware with full-strength hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and peppermint essential oil can reduce the bacterial count by almost 85 percent.

Disinfect Cutting Boards And Counters

A dirty kitchen can be a cesspool of accumulated bacteria that can live on hard surfaces long after you’ve finished cleaning up the nightly dishes. E. coli and salmonella are just some of the potential bacteria that can cause significant health issues if they’re not eliminated properly.

Clean up those counter tops and wooden cutting boards by saturating them with a 3-percent hydrogen peroxide solution for at least ten minutes at room temperature. Rinse them with hot water and dry them off with a clean towel to return your kitchen to ideal sanitary conditions.

Brighten Your Whites

Try as we might, it’s not always possible to keep those white clothes very white. Many passes through the wash, accompanied by the dirt and grime of daily living contribute to the dirty, yellowish, gray hue that makes us cringe as we pull out our favorite parts of our wardrobe.

Create your own oxy-bleach mixture by combining 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide. Start the cycle, allow your washing machine to fill up with water, and soak the clothing for a couple of hours before finishing the cycle. You should see them cleaned and whitened as if you used bleach.

Use As A Natural Deodorant

Traditional deodorants can end up being loaded with plenty of clogging additives, chemicals, and even scents that are detrimental to your body. Hydrogen peroxide’s anti-bacterial properties can eliminate offensive odors while simultaneously protecting your skin.

Apply or spray some hydrogen peroxide whenever you sweat if you are looking for some much-needed odor relief. Make sure you also have a towel on hand to dab at any excess sweat, as it won’t necessarily stop the flood gates, but you’ll remain odor-free.

Remove Carpet Stains

One of the drawbacks of having a nice carpet is the fear (and inevitability) of spilling something on it that will cause a permanent stain. The frustration and often fruitlessness of trying to get a carpet cleaned people are all too familiar with. Luckily, a simple concoction can put your mind at ease.

With a simple mixture consisting of five drops of lemon essential oil, one part hydrogen peroxide, and two parts water, a great cleaner is at your fingertips.  Just use a dark bottle similar to one that the peroxide comes in, shake the bottle up and spray it on the stain. After letting it sit for a couple minutes, brush out the stain. This nifty trick also works on upholstery, too. You’re welcome.

Freshen Up The Garbage Can

When it comes to keeping garbage cans clean and fresh, it’s usually last on the list of priorities. The receptacle  ends up becoming full of dirt, mystery liquids, and odors that you dare not speak of. From time to time, your kitchen garbage needs some cleaning and deodorizing.

After you wash the entire garbage can with soap and water, spray it with a 1:1 solution mixed of peroxide and water. After that, let the trash can air-dry in the sun for several hours, and as the solution evaporates, you’ll find that germs and bacteria will evaporate right along with it.

Remove Painful Canker Sores

Canker sores can be pretty painful. Everything from overzealous brushing to food insensitivities can spark a flare-up, and when these occur, it’s difficult to eliminate them. Try zapping the inflammatory bacteria that cause canker sores with some hydrogen peroxide.

Dilute 3-percent hydrogen peroxide with water, but don’t go more than a half-and-half solution for this. Apply topically using a cotton ball or swish the mixture in your mouth for several minutes, but be sure to take extra care not to swallow any of the solution. 

Make That Sink Sparkle

A kitchen sink takes a lot of daily abuse. Dirty dish water, potato peelings, and leftover pasta residue all threaten to wreak havoc on its stainless-steel surface. Those sponges sitting on the side of your sink aren’t as clean as you’d like them to be, either. Consider this next hack for a sparkling sink.

Wet the surface of your sink, then scrub it vigorously with baking soda sprinkled onto a clean sponge. When you have thoroughly scrubbed the surface, pour 3-percent hydrogen peroxide all over its surface and allow it to bubble before rinsing it with water. You may not recognize your spotless sink.

Clean Contact Lenses

Dirty contact lenses are a common contributor to many potential eye infections. Those who wear contact lenses don’t always clean their lenses daily even if they should. This can allow for a big buildup of debris and bacteria that can hurt the eye later.

With a little extra caution, hydrogen peroxide can be an effective and effervescent cleanser for lenses. Soak them in a 3-percent solution for an hour, then rinse and store them in a neutralizing solution for at least 4 hours to prevent stinging and burning.

Make That Porcelain Sink Glow

Nothing adds class to your bathroom like a statuesque, porcelain pedestal sink. Over time, hard water stains and rust can end up accumulating in your sink, causing some pretty unsightly yellow stains that you’d never want company seeing. They can also become hard to remove with regular cleaners.

Effortlessly lift that yellowed and aged look from your old porcelain beauty with a combo of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Scrub the dampened sink surface with baking soda, then scrub it with a sponge that has been soaked in 3-percent peroxide. Rinse it away for a sparkling revelation.

Get Rid Of That Soap Scum

Fiberglass showers and tubs have a remarkable talent for accumulating that gross soap scum. This dingy substance can dampen your most vigorous efforts to polish the bathroom and make it clean. Fortunately, a simple combo of household staples can lift that dreaded soap scum away.

Create a foaming paste mixture made up of 1 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, and two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Spray that on the unwanted residue, and once the bubbles subside, it’s time for a good scrub and rinse to complete the job.

Sprout Healthy Seeds

Amateur gardeners, rejoice. There’s a way to get a head start on the production of your favorite plants with a clever germination trick involving hydrogen peroxide. Anticipate jars of your favorite homemade salsa as you implement this seed starter trick.

Studies have shown that merely putting seeds in 1-3 percent hydrogen peroxide helps to soften seed coats and prepare them for effective germination. Soak your favorite seeds in the chemical for at least 20 minutes before planting to achieve the best results.

Remove Ink Stains

Ink pens have seen improvements in design in the past decade, so why haven’t ink removal systems? It feels nearly impossible to get that ink out of clothing. Fortunately, hydrogen peroxide saves the day again with its ability to remove tough stains so you don’t need to say goodbye to those shirts.

Try soaking a cotton ball in 3-percent hydrogen peroxide and dab it on the affected area. Leave it on for several minutes, then wash your clothes as normal. For more stubborn stains, mix a solution of half peroxide and half ammonia. Avoid using on silk and wool, for this strong concoction may end up eating right through the material.

Clear Algae From Pond Water

Landscapes can be beautiful when they are well taken care of. But all this need for maintenance can catch up to you quite quickly, with many homeowners finding themselves with ponds and water that have accumulated some pretty unsightly algae and pond scum.

Brighten up that dingy, dirty pond of yours with a 1/2 cup of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, and you’ll be able to see your beautiful koi again in no time at all. Make sure you remove the fish from your pond before starting any of your cleaning efforts.

 Keep Your Dishwasher Fresh

When you’re drained from a long day and have a pile of dishes waiting for you, a dishwasher can be a real lifesaver. But while it’s saved you countless hours of dirty dishes, the built-up water in the machine can develop into mold and mildew if it is not allowed to dry out in between cleaning cycles.

Eliminate any of that potential fungi and black mold by creating the ultimate dishwasher “bomb.” Simply combine some hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and your favorite essential oils to scrub it clean and keep this appliance smelling just as fresh as those sparkling dishes.

Reshine Rusty Tools

Household chores and handiwork don’t wait for anyone. Performing this essential work with rusty tools is no fun, however. Giving your favorite hammer and chisel a little bit of necessary TLC will help them work more effectively, and make them last longer.

Grab those rusty tools that you’ve been keeping in the garage and either mist them or submerge them in 3-percent hydrogen peroxide. Follow this step up with a vigorous scrub down using steel wool, and you’ll uncover strength and shine before you know it.

Remove Adhesive Or Glue

It can be quite annoying to remove the sticker label from a new pair of sunglasses. It becomes quite the chore to remove a price tag from a gift intended for a loved one, as it’s almost impossible to get it all off in one flick of the wrist. And forget taking off a sticker from something that’s already gotten wet.

Ease your adhesive pain with the use of hydrogen peroxide. Set your item on a flat surface and spray the label or sticker fairly liberally. Let it sit for about ten minutes before you try to remove it. With some minimal scrubbing and additional water, that sticker and any residue should be gone in no time.

Unclog Troublesome Drains

Dirt, hair, toothpaste, and even food residue can clog up any of your sink drains, making it a pain every time you run the water. Aside from the annoyance of the water buildup, bathrooms, and kitchens need free-flowing drains so the sinks can have sanitary conditions.

If your well-used sink keeps clogging, hydrogen peroxide can help clear the way. Pour one cup of 3 percent peroxide down the drain and let it sit for at least an hour. Run several cups of hot water through the line to encourage the passing of solid waste. Repeat this on a regular basis to prevent excessive buildup.

Treat Stubborn Acne

Over 30 million teens and adults nationwide are affected by acne, a common skin condition that causes pores to clog and form painful red pimples. The cause of cystic acne is stubborn bacteria that causes pores to flare up when filled with facial oil, dirt, and other debris.

Thanks to the magic of natural oxidation, the bacteria on your skin can be eliminated once hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with your face. Spot treat those unsightly bumps by saturating a cotton ball with 3-percent peroxide, then rinsing your face with cold water. Limit the use of this regimen to no more than three times per week.

Disinfect Sponges

Kitchen sponges can get gross awfully fast. These soft, pliable petri dishes are full of leftover dirt, food particles, and cleanser that form a fine film that’s hard to clean with after many uses. These little stinkers need to be cleaned and replaced regularly so as not to spread bacteria.

Place your favorite sponges in a container of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, and let them be submerged until white bubbles disappear. This is the best evidence that the bacteria are indeed dying. After about 15 minutes, remove the sponges, give them a rinse, and you’re ready to go.

Disinfect Children’s Toys

Those who are around young children know full well that their toys can be covered in an excessive amount of dirt and germs. Cleaning your precious little one’s favorite stuffed animal with a chemical cleanser isn’t really an option, so what can be a safe alternative?

Hydrogen peroxide comes to help yet again as a cleaning option different than regular chemical sprays. Be sure to remove any batteries, wipe off visible dirt, then either soak or spritz the toys with a solution of half water and half peroxide until you’ll be able to see some of those tiny fingerprints disappear.

Wipe Out Lunchboxes

Data from a recent study at reveals that 73 percent of lunchboxes and coolers contain bacteria that can potentially go on to cause food poisoning. It may be a good idea to try to get rid of some of that harmful bacteria by cleaning a child’s lunchbox pretty regularly.

First, remove all excess food debris with some soap and water. Then, fill your cooler or lunchbox with hydrogen peroxide and water. Leave it on for at least ten minutes, then rinse and dry the containers thoroughly before having them used again.

Treat Plants That Have Fungal Infections

Gardening can be a serious business. Attention to detail, regular maintenance, and a keen eye are required to nurse your vegetable and flower gardens to be in full bloom. Fortunately, hydrogen peroxide makes the process of tending your garden a little bit easier.

Remove unsightly mold and fungal infections from garden vegetables by spraying them with a simple hydrogen peroxide solution. Mix 4 teaspoons per pint of water and spray the plant daily until you see deposits disappear. This can also help prevent some herbs getting eaten by bugs in the summertime.