Learn how hydrogen peroxide can be a game-changer for cleaning, disinfecting, and emergency preparedness.
Hydrogen peroxide is an invaluable addition to your emergency pack. With hundreds of practical applications, it is a powerful tool for cleaning and disinfecting in various situations. Let’s explore its uses both in emergencies and around the house.
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Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer commonly used as a bleach or cleaning agent. Beyond this, it has diverse applications like whitening clothes, fighting infections, and even making toothpaste.
Purchasing Hydrogen Peroxide
When purchasing hydrogen peroxide, you’ll find various grades:
- 3.5% Pharmaceutical Grade: Found in drug stores and supermarkets; not for ingestion.
- 6% Grade: Used for hair coloring in beauty salons; not for internal use.
- 30-32% Grade: Used in industrial settings, such as cleaning electronics and cars.
- 35% Food Grade: Used in food production but must be diluted for safe use.
- 90% Grade: Used in rocket fuel as an oxygen source; strictly not for household use.
Stick to 3.5% grade for most household applications.
Household Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide
Whiten Clothes
Add a cup of peroxide to your laundry to remove stains. For tough spots, pour peroxide directly, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse with cold water.
Foot Fungus
Combat itchy feet by spraying a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water nightly and letting it dry.
Infected Cuts
Soak cuts in a 3-5% hydrogen peroxide solution for 5-10 minutes, several times a day. This can help heal infections, gangrene, boils, and more.
Sinus Infections
Mix 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup of non-chlorinated water for a nasal spray. Adjust peroxide concentration for severe infections.
Toothpaste and Mouth Care
Create a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for an effective toothpaste. Be cautious if you have amalgam fillings.
Food Cleaner
Use ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide in a sink of cold water to clean vegetables and rinse meat before cooking.
Clean Mold
Spray hydrogen peroxide on moldy surfaces in the fridge or house to clean and prevent spread.
