Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most versatile green cleaning products. It disinfects and brightens darkened surfaces. It is also less harmful than bleach, so there is no chance of discoloration or damage. Hydrogen peroxide produces a light, refreshing scent instead of the strong fumes produced by bleach.

How clean and simple hydrogen peroxide can be used in your house

We use hydrogen peroxide when cleaning our bathrooms to

• Remove mold and other stains from grout to brighten it
• Wash all surfaces
• Get rid of soap scum on tile, porcelain, and glass

We use peroxide as a cleaner in the kitchen to

• Clean counter tops, handles for refrigerator doors, interiors of microwaves, and more
• Tile, linoleum, or some laminate floors

How does it all work?

Hydrogen peroxide is a water molecule that has one additional oxygen atom. This is what makes hydrogen peroxide an oxidizer. It can be used to break down other compounds. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to dissolve soap scum or as a disinfectant. Hydrogen peroxide also decomposes into water and oxygen, making it an eco-friendly cleaning agent.

According to the CDC, hydrogen peroxide can kill a wide variety of bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores.

7 Household Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide cleaner is a good choice for many household chores. However, it is not recommended to treat cuts and scrapes as it can slow down healing times and lead to additional complications.

1. Sanitizing cutting boards

All cutting boards should be cleaned regularly, including those made of porous materials like wood. Spray the cutting boards with peroxide cleaner. Let it sit for 5 minutes before wiping it off with a cloth.

2. Removing stain from marble

These stains are easy to remove from unsealed marble. Make a paste by mixing flour and hydrogen peroxide. This paste should be applied to the stain. Cover it with plastic wrap. Let the paste sit overnight before washing it off the next morning. To completely remove the stain, you might need to do this several times.

Test your flour/peroxide mixture on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the rest of the body.

3. Using it in place of bleach in your laundry

Mix whites with hydrogen peroxide to remove staining (also great for eliminating musty scents from towels). Let it sit in the machine for at least 15 minutes before turning it on.

4. Using it to wash fruits and vegetables

To remove dirt and pesticides from fruits, add 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide to a large pot of cold tap water. Wash the produce in the sink, then rinse it with cold water.

5. Boosting the disinfecting effectiveness of dish soap and detergents

For dish soap or dish detergent that you use to disinfect dishes, add about 2 ounces of hydrogen peroxide.

6. Disinfecting sponges

After soaking the sponges in warm water and hydrogen peroxide for ten minutes, clean them thoroughly. After the soak, rinse well.

7. Keeping indoor plants clear of fungus

Use a spray bottle to add a little hydrogen peroxide and lightly mist the leaves. This will reduce the chance of plant leaves getting fungus.