11 Ways To Use Hydrogen Peroxide In Your Home

Many people likely have a brown bottle of hydrogen peroxide under their bathroom sink. Long considered a good disinfectant to use on cuts and scapes—although doctors have walked back that recommendation—it can also be used in many areas of the home to disinfect.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a chemical compound that acts as an oxidizer. “Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful sanitizer and disinfectant that's nontoxic and environmentally friendly,” says Lisa Sharp, a cleaning expert and the founder of the Retro Housewife Goes Green blog in Oklahoma. “It can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, making it an excellent choice for maintaining a clean home without the use of harsh chemicals.”

Here are different ways to use hydrogen peroxide in your home.

In The Kitchen

Clean Grease Off Of Surfaces

Have a baking tray or cooking surface with food residue or grease? Reach for hydrogen peroxide to make cleaning easier. Alex Varela, former general manager of Dallas Maids, recommends mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together until you form a paste. Apply the paste to the area where there is grease or food remnants, and allow it to sit for eight hours. Then scrub away any gunk with a non-scratch sponge.

Remove Stains From Your China

Whether you inherited it from your grandmother, received it as a wedding present, or bought it at an antique mall, your fine china is precious. It doesn’t go in the dishwasher. But when your fine white china plates have yellowed from all the family dinners over the years or when tea has stained your cups, hydrogen peroxide is your best friend. Mix a paste of three parts baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide, and gently rub it onto the stain. Rinse it off and repeat if the mark doesn’t disappear. 

In The Bathroom

Disinfect Toothbrushes

We may not always consider that these essential brushes need cleaning too. Sharp explains that disinfecting them will help kill bacteria and germs that could be on the bristles. 

Ready to disinfect your toothbrush? “Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide into a cup or glass, submerge the bristles of your toothbrush in the hydrogen peroxide, let it sit for a few minutes [and then] rinse well when done,” says Sharp. “This helps kill bacteria and germs that may be present on the bristles.”

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

When it’s time to clean the bathroom, you likely have a specific toilet bowl cleaner on hand. But if you'd prefer to use a less toxic option or want to streamline your cleaning routine, hydrogen peroxide will work wonders. “Its disinfecting properties make it an effective cleaner for removing stains, mineral deposits, and odors from the toilet bowl,” Sharp says. 

And it’s easy to use. “Simply pour hydrogen peroxide into the bowl, let it sit for a few minutes, scrub it with a toilet brush, and flush,” says Sharp. “This method helps to keep your toilet clean and fresh without the need for harsh chemical cleaners.”

Grout Whitener

Are your tile and grout in need of whitening? Bring hydrogen peroxide to the rescue. “Its effervescent properties can help remove dirt, grime, and stains from tiled surfaces, leaving them clean and refreshed,” Sharp says. 

To get started, make a paste combining hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. Apply the mixture to the grout with an old toothbrush. Let that sit for half an hour before scrubbing in a circular motion, Varela says.

In The Laundry Room

Stain Remover

Let’s face it, there are so many opportunities in your day-to-day routine where stains can occur, whether it’s from your favorite soup, a slice of juicy watermelon, or even sweat or blood. Turns out, hydrogen peroxide is a great stain remover. “Hydrogen peroxide's bubbling action helps lift stains from fabrics, carpets, and upholstery,” says Sharp. “It can effectively tackle tough stains without the need for harsh chemicals.” 

But before you start using hydrogen peroxide as your new go-to stain remover, make sure to test it on an inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration. Hydrogen peroxide can bleach, so you'll want to avoid using it on colored fabrics. That said, it works great as a brightener for any dingy whites in your laundry pile.

Washing Machine Cleaner

Your clothes aren’t the only things that get dirty in the laundry room. Your washing machine can build up soap scum, mold, and mildew over time, and it’s a good idea to clean it every once in a while. To disinfect the drum of a front-loading washing machine, add two cups of hydrogen peroxide and run an empty load on the clean cycle. 

In The Bedroom

Refresh Bedding

While you can toss your polyester pillows into your washing machine, down and feather pillows are too delicate. Instead, wash them in your bathtub with a mix of water and hydrogen peroxide. You can a peroxide-and-water solution to spritz and refresh your mattress.

Clean Makeup Brushes

Surprise! You should be cleaning your makeup brushes at least once a month. Make this chore less of a hassle: Mix a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide and one part water, and let your makeup tools soak for a few minutes before rinsing them and letting them dry. 

Everywhere Else

Multi-Purpose Cleaner

“Hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect countertops, cutting boards, bathroom fixtures, and more,” says Sharp. Want to make your own all-purpose cleaner? Mix 50/50 peroxide and water. When your cleaner is ready, you’ll want to spray the surface of whatever you're cleaning and then let it sit for a minimum of five minutes. 

And if you want a cleaner with a nice scent, Sharp suggests adding a couple of drops of essential oil. But, she cautions, “Just be mindful that some essential oils can be harmful to pets and small children.”

Kill Mold

You can also use hydrogen peroxide to fight mold in your home. Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide on the moldy spot, like a shower curtain or bathroom corner, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Then scrub the spot with a sponge or brush until it's gone. Flush the spot with water and dry it, so you don't recreate the environment for mold to grow. Note: Mold is an allergen, so before you take it on, put on a mask and eye protection. And if it's a large spot, it's safest to call in a professional to take care of the issue.