Did you know that hydrogen peroxide is a green cleaning product? Not only does it disinfect, but it also brightens dingy surfaces and removes stains. All of these benefits make it a great option to bleach, without the harsh fumes or risk of damage that comes with that chemical solution. Below, we explore stain removal and other household cleaning tips using hydrogen peroxide.
Stain Removal and Household Cleaning Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Next time you clean, try using hydrogen peroxide for these stain removal and household cleaning benefits:
- Grout brightening
- Mold removal
- Stain removal
- Surface disinfecting
- Soap scum removal
- Carpet stain removal
- Laundry stain removal
- Counter, door handle and microwave interior disinfection
- Tile, linoleum and some laminate flooring cleaning
How Hydrogen Peroxide Works for Stain Removal and Household Cleaning
Hydrogen peroxide’s chemical makeup is essentially the same as water plus an extra oxygen atom. This addition of oxygen makes it oxidize other compounds to break them down. When you apply hydrogen peroxide to soap scum, for example, it breaks down this buildup for removal. At the same time, it disinfects without being harsh to the environment, since it is made up of oxygen and water.
Hydrogen peroxide kills yeasts, fungi, spores, bacteria and viruses. But it is not harsh or damaging like bleach.
7 Ways to Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide
Although doctors no longer recommend using hydrogen peroxide for disinfecting cuts or sores, it works well to disinfect throughout your home. Besides the cleaning uses listed above, consider some of the following household cleaning and stain removal uses:
1. Sanitizing Your Cutting Boards
Cutting boards hold onto a wide variety of germs. This is particularly true of wooden and other porous boards. To disinfect your cutting board without risking your family’s health, spray the surface with hydrogen peroxide. Allow the solution to sit on the surface for five minutes before wiping it clean with a cloth.
2. Marble Stain Removal
Marble stains very easily when the surface is not sealed. Use a paste of hydrogen peroxide and flour to coat the stain before covering the paste with plastic wrap. Allow this material to sit under the plastic overnight. In the morning, wash the paste away to remove the stain. Some stains require multiple applications for complete removal.
3. Use in Laundry, Instead of Bleach
Marble stains very easily when the surface is not sealed. Use a paste of hydrogen peroxide and flour to coat the stain before covering the paste with plastic wrap. Allow this material to sit under the plastic overnight. In the morning, wash the paste away to remove the stain. Some stains require multiple applications for complete removal.
4. Wash Fruits and Vegetables
Using a 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide in a full sink of water makes a fruit and vegetable wash that removes pesticides and dirt. After washing each piece of produce, rinse well with cool water.
5. Disinfecting Sponges
Sponges are notorious for fostering germs. Easily disinfect your sponges by soaking them in one part peroxide and one part warm water for 10 minutes. After soaking, rinse thoroughly.
6. Add to Dish Soap and Detergent for Disinfection
To disinfect your dishes, add two ounces of peroxide to your detergent bottle or dishwasher. Wash the dishes as you normally would.
7. Removing Fungus from Houseplants
Indoor plants frequently grow fungus on their leaves. To prevent this growth, mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide with water in a spray bottle. Mist the leaves with this solution.
Brenda’s Cleaning for Fort Worth, Texas Stain Removal and Household Cleaning
Brenda’s Cleaning provides a range of services for your household, windows, carpet and tile. Our friendly professionals also specialize in commercial cleaning. Call us at (817)479-6590 for a free quote and to schedule your house cleaning or office cleaning services today.