Oxygen Peroxide (Hydrogen Peroxide) is a chemical compound with the formula H2O2 and is used as an antiseptic. However, hydrogen peroxide is not only used in medical field but also a versatile chemical. Below are some unexpected uses of hydrogen peroxide that once you know, you will immediately see it as a “trusted associate” to help you solve many problems.
Unexpected uses of hydrogen peroxide in household
You should buy a large bottle of hydrogen peroxide to have it ready in your house and use it in the following cases.
Disinfecting dish sponge
The dish sponge is one of the most bacteria-contaminated kitchen tools. Soak the sponge in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (50% water, 50% hydrogen peroxide) to kill disease-causing bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella, and prevent them from spreading to other cooking and dining utensils.
Cleaning cutting board
Wooden cutting boards are a shelter for bacteria through scratches on the surface. If we do not handle and clean the cutting board regularly and properly, using it will certainly affect our health. Spray hydrogen peroxide on the cutting board surface, then rinse it clean to make the board bacteria-free and safer.
One of the unexpected uses of hydrogen peroxide is cleaning bacteria on the cutting board. (Photo: The Spruce)
Cleaning refrigerator
The gaps in the refrigerator are hiding places for bacteria and mold. They will grow and multiply if not cleaned regularly.
After removing all the things from the refrigerator, use hydrogen peroxide to spray evenly into the corners, then wipe it clean with water to kill bacteria.
Regularly cleaning the refrigerator to eliminate bacteria and mold. (Photo: Reader’s Digest)
Removing lime and mortar
After renovating or building a house, stubborn lime and mortar stains can be a headache because you don’t know how to clean them. This is when the unexpected uses of hydrogen peroxide come in handy.
Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to make a paste. Apply this mixture to the lime and mortar and wait for about 30 minutes for it to take effect. Rinse with clean water, and you’ll be amazed at its cleaning effectiveness.
Eliminating mold on beds
The gaps of the bed are usually narrow and difficult to clean. Mix hydrogen peroxide with water at a ratio of 1:1, spray it on any suspected areas with microorganisms. After spraying, let it dry completely. Your bed will be clean and more hygienic.
Improving plant health
If the indoor plants in your house are losing vitality, feeling like they are not growing, showing signs of yellowing, immediately mix a cup of hydrogen peroxide (at a ratio of 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 4 parts water) and pour it on the plants. The additional oxygen molecules in hydrogen peroxide can enhance the plants’ ability to absorb nutrients. It will stimulate root development and make the plants healthy and vibrant again.
Additionally, you can also use hydrogen peroxide to clean gardening tools such as hoes, shovels, and pruning shears to prevent fungi, insects, and plant diseases from spreading from one plant to another.
Helping the roots of plants grow healthy is an unexpected use of hydrogen peroxide. (Photo: Bulk Peroxide)
Note: You should only mix the amount you need and use it immediately, do not store this pre-mixed solution for later use.
Unexpected uses of hydrogen peroxide in beauty care
Teeth whitening
Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water at a ratio of 1:1, then use this solution to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth every day. It will help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath and improve the color of your teeth, giving you a bright white smile.
Note: While hydrogen peroxide does not have a negative effect on tooth enamel, using it in high concentrations can affect other areas in the oral cavity such as the mouth, tongue, and gums; swallowing it is not good for the body.
Acne treatment
Acne can make you lose confidence in every interaction. Don’t worry, use a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide solution and apply it gently on the acne spots. After a few days, you will see the annoying acne dry up, flatten, and disappear.
Hydrogen peroxide helps eliminate acne, giving smooth skin. (Photo: ClearlyDerm)
Soaking feet with hydrogen peroxide
Our feet often come into contact with dirt, making them prone to bacterial and fungal infections. Soaking your feet in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution helps kill bacteria and fungus. Mix the solution at a ratio of 1:3 (1 part hydrogen peroxide to 3 parts warm water), then soak your feet for 15-20 minutes, and dry them afterwards.
Due to its ability to kill bacteria and fungal infections, this method also eliminates foot odor, in addition to softening calluses and removing dead skin. It also helps to whiten and naturally shine toenails.
Soaking your feet in warm water before going to bed also helps you sleep better and deeper.
Source: VTC.vn