9 Refreshing Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide. It's that weird-smelling stuff that comes in the brown bottle that your dad used to dab on your skinned knees when you were a kid. It was kind of cool to watch it bubble up, but OUCH did it sting. And you had to sit still because it was a 'disinfectant,' whatever that meant.
Posted — UpdatedHydrogen peroxide. It's that weird-smelling stuff that comes in the brown bottle that your dad used to dab on your skinned knees when you were a kid. It was kind of cool to watch it bubble up, but OUCH did it sting. And you had to sit still because it was a 'disinfectant,' whatever that meant.
Well, guess what? Hydrogen peroxide is actually a majorly useful thing, and here's a rundown of some uses you might not have thought of for this super-handy natural compound.
You've probably seen baking soda and peroxide flavored toothpaste at the store, but let me give you a tip: skip the middle man. Just mix your own as needed. It's way less expensive, and, yes, it will help to eradicate unfriendly bacteria from your mouth in addition to helping whiten your teeth, because hydrogen peroxide is a natural oxidizer.
Remember how I mentioned that hydrogen peroxide can act like bleach? When you're talking a load of whites, that's an advantage. Throw a cup in with your laundry to make your whites brighter and crisper, without the strong odor of bleach.
Use food-grade peroxide to spray down fruits and vegetables. Allow them to sit for a few minutes before you rinse and dry them. The hydrogen peroxide will kill harmful organisms, making your food safe to eat. (Make sure, of course, that you use clean water for the rinse.)
Bad smells happen, especially if you have pets. For a quick deodorizing treatment, apply some baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to a problem spot. Allow the baking soda to absorb the odor, and then clean. As with textile stains, watch out for the bleaching potential, which can discolor carpets and furniture.
Sometimes dogs get into things they shouldn't. Hydrogen peroxide can make them vomit quickly, allowing you to get them to treatment, so it's good to keep a bottle around. However, always call your veterinarian before administering hydrogen peroxide, in case it's not an appropriate treatment.
Another one you'll want to consult your doctor on: a drop of hydrogen peroxide in the ear can soften earwax enough to allow you to remove a painful or irritating buildup. If your doctor gives you the green light, go for it!