How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has long been used to treat minor cuts and scrapes. However, because it irritates the skin it is not recommended for first aid use anymore.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} Still, there are many other household uses for hydrogen peroxide. Find 3% household hydrogen peroxide at your local pharmacy and add this inexpensive, non toxic chemical to your health and beauty routine. You can also use it for cleaning, disinfecting, or stain removal.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Incorporating It into Your Health and Beauty Routine

Hydrogen peroxide gently whiten your nails. Soak a cotton ball in 3% hydrogen peroxide. Rub it on your nails and let it air dry. You can repeat the application every few weeks as needed.^{[2]XResearch source}
2
Fight a cold by putting a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ears. It might sound a bit strange, but hydrogen peroxide may help you fight a cold. Put a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide into each ear. Wait about 5 or 10 minutes. Then, place a tissue against one ear and tip your head to the side. This will help drain any excess liquid into the tissue. Repeat this with a new tissue on the other ear.^{[3]XResearch source}
- You may hear some bubbling and feel a slight stinging sensation, which is normal.
3
Use diluted hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash. Make a mixture of about half 3% hydrogen peroxide and half water to kill germs and whiten your teeth. Gurgle it in your mouth for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to swallow any of the mixture.^{[4]XResearch source}
- You can also add a few drops of peppermint or tea tree essential oil for a more minty-flavored mouthwash.
- This mixture may also help alleviate toothache and canker sore pain.
4
Remove ear wax with a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide and olive oil. Tilt your head to one side and drip 2-3 drops of olive oil in your ear with a dropper. Wait a few minutes, then add 3-4 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide to your ear. Have a towel handy to catch any liquid running out of your ear. Wait 15 minutes. You may hear a bubbling sound, or feel some mild stinging, which is completely normal. Drain your ear by placing a towel against it and tilting your head to the side into the towel. Some softened ear wax may drain out. Repeat with the other ear if necessary, then wash and drain your ears with warm water and a bulb aspirator.
- You can repeat this procedure as often as you would like. For especially impacted wax, you can even do it several times per day.
- To make the process more comfortable, try warming the olive oil and hydrogen peroxide by placing the bottles in a bowl of warm water before using them.
- If you only have a small amount of earwax, it may be enough to just dip a cotton swab in some hydrogen peroxide and use it to clean around your ear canal. Don’t push the cotton tip too deep in. This can also push the wax deeper.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Kitchen and Bathroom

Wooden cutting boards can collect bacteria, so it’s important to clean them thoroughly. Dampen a paper towel with vinegar and wipe the board. Then, dampen another paper towel with 3% hydrogen peroxide and wipe the board a second time.^{[5]XResearch source}
Fill a spray bottle with 3% hydrogen peroxide and mist over your fruits and vegetables to clean them and kill bacteria. Let it sit for about five minutes, then rinse off the produce and dry them with a clean towel.^{[6]XResearch source}
To clean and disinfect a smelly sponge, add equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and warm water to a shallow bowl. Soak your sponge in the mixture for about 15 minutes. Then, rinse the sponge thoroughly.^{[7]XResearch source}
4
Use hydrogen peroxide spray to disinfect in the kitchen and bathroom. Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide anywhere you would like to disinfect in your kitchen or bathroom. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off. It works great for countertops, sinks, bathtubs, appliances, or even toilet bowls.^{[8]XResearch source}
- This method works especially well for the inside of your refrigerator or dishwasher, too.
- If you are cleaning your toilet bowl with hydrogen peroxide, spray it on or pour it in the bowl and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes before scrubbing it clean.
5
Boost your dishwashing detergent by adding hydrogen peroxide to it. Add 2 ounces (57 g) 3% hydrogen peroxide to your regular dishwashing detergent. Then, run your dishwasher as normal. Your dishes will come out even cleaner and shinier thanks to the hydrogen peroxide.
- You can also boost your regular dish soap by adding 2 ounces (57 g) 3% hydrogen peroxide to the bottle.^{[9]XResearch source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Fighting Stains

Combine equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and your regular liquid detergent. Pour the mixture over the stain. Make sure the area is fully saturated. Blot the stain with a clean towel, then rinse with cool water. Repeat the procedure until the stain dissolves.^{[10]XResearch source}
Mix one part dishwashing liquid and 2 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide. Pour over the stained area. Let the mixture sit for about an hour. Then, rinse with cool water.^{[11]XResearch source}
3
Pour hydrogen peroxide on blood stains to dissolve them. Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on the blood stain. Let it sit for about five minutes. Blot the area with a clean towel and rinse with cold water. Repeat this process once or twice until the stain is completely gone.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Pouring undiluted hydrogen peroxide on your clothes can whiten them slightly because it has a mild bleaching effect. If you want to use hydrogen peroxide on darker clothes, try doing a spot test in an inconspicuous spot first.
Because hydrogen peroxide is a gentle bleaching agent, it can revitalize yellowed or dull white fabrics. To do this, pour 8 ounces (230 g) 3% hydrogen peroxide into your machine with your laundry detergent.^{[13]XResearch source}
5
Brighten light-colored carpets and rugs. Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide on white or light-colored carpets and rugs to remove stains from mud, food, or drinks. Simply spray it on and let it air dry.
- Because hydrogen peroxide has a gentle bleaching effect, you may want to test this on an inconspicuous area of your rug first.^{[14]XResearch source}
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Warnings

Not all forms of hydrogen peroxide are safe for home use. Stick to household 3% hydrogen peroxide for normal uses.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceU.S. National Capital Poison CenterIndependent poison control center providing resources to prevent poisonings and save livesGo to source}
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Household hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin and eyes, but is usually not dangerous if swallowed in small amounts.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceU.S. National Capital Poison CenterIndependent poison control center providing resources to prevent poisonings and save livesGo to source}
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Seek immediate medical care if you ingest large amounts of hydrogen peroxide.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceU.S. National Capital Poison CenterIndependent poison control center providing resources to prevent poisonings and save livesGo to source}
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