Dos and Don’ts with Hydrogen Peroxide

What exactly is hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is a common household cleaner known for its disinfectant, antiviral, and antibacterial qualities. Chemically, it’s represented as H2O2, composed of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. At room temperature, it appears as a colorless liquid and functions as a potent oxidizing agent.

Uses for hydrogen peroxide

Beyond its cleaning capabilities, hydrogen peroxide is also found in teeth-whitening products and used by hairdressers for lightening treatments. Here are a few practical ways to make use of it around the house:

Deep clean the toilet

Rather than using bleach, try hydrogen peroxide to sanitize your toilet. It combats a wide range of microbes—including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and spores—and helps brighten surfaces when diluted in water.

Sanitising your beauty tools

Tweezers, eyelash curlers, and similar items collect bacteria from skin contact. Wiping them down or dipping them in hydrogen peroxide can sanitize them effectively and help prevent contamination.

Remove armpit stains

Those stubborn yellow stains on white shirts? Mix hydrogen peroxide with detergent, soak the affected area for an hour, then wash with cold water. Often, that’s all it takes to lift the stain.

Teeth whitening

Many whitening kits contain hydrogen peroxide, and dentists use even stronger formulations. However, overuse can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Vincent Carrié recommends speaking with a dental professional before starting any whitening treatment at home.

Washing vegetables

A diluted hydrogen peroxide solution can be used to clean produce. For tougher-skinned vegetables like carrots or potatoes, soak for half an hour, then rinse thoroughly. This may help reduce bacterial growth and keep your veggies fresher longer.

Things that you shouldn’t do with hydrogen peroxide

Despite its many uses, there are situations where hydrogen peroxide should be avoided:

Don’t use hydrogen peroxide to clean cuts

While once a go-to antiseptic, it’s now fallen out of favor for wound care. Vincent Carrié explains that hydrogen peroxide can harm healthy cells around a wound and may actually slow down the healing process.

Don’t use hydrogen peroxide without wearing gloves

Direct contact with hydrogen peroxide can irritate skin and bleach your fingers white. Gloves are a simple way to protect your hands, and it's important to avoid any splashes into your eyes as well.

Don’t drink hydrogen peroxide

Though some alternative health circles promote ingesting hydrogen peroxide, medical professionals advise against it. Household hydrogen peroxide is typically 3% concentration. Swallowing small amounts may lead to mouth foaming, but high doses can cause stomach irritation or burns. Stronger forms, like hair bleach (6–10%) and food-grade peroxide (35%), are extremely dangerous if ingested and can result in internal damage.

Don’t mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar

While both can be used independently for cleaning, mixing the two creates peracetic acid—an irritant that can damage skin, eyes, and even lungs. If you use both, let the surface dry in between applications.

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