What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is the chemical compound H2O2, made up of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. It is a strong oxidizer and mild acid. It is very effective at breaking down protein and plant-based stains including bacteria, fungi and spores.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a pale blue liquid in its pure form. NEWLIFE™ HYDROGEN PEROXIDE is a 3% H2O2 solution mixed with pure distilled water. This concentration works best for disinfecting, household cleaning and general use.
Here are some brilliant uses for H2O2:
Sterilising Enema Set
It is important that you keep your enema equipment clean to avoid infection. After each use, clean well, sterilise with H2O2 and hang the set to air dry.
First Aid
H2O2 is a mild antiseptic that can be used on the skin to prevent infection of minor cuts, scrapes, abrasion and burns. It releases oxygen when it is applied to the affected area. This release of oxygen causes foaming, which helps to remove dead skin and disinfect the area.
Clean the affected area before applying a small amount of H2O2 on the skin. Clean 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you apply a bandage after using H2O2, let the area dry first.
Dental Care
Soak toothbrushes, retainers and sports mouth guards in H2O2 for roughly 3-5 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with hot water. Store upright to air dry.
H2O2 can also be used as a mouth rinse to help remove mucus or to relieve minor mouth irritations (such as canker sores, cold sores, gingivitis). Mix H2O2 with an equal amount of water, swish the solution in the mouth over the affected area for at least 1 minute, then spit out. Do not swallow.
Ear Drop to Prevent Ear Infection
Earwax can trap water in your ear and cause infection. You can occasionally use H2O2 to remove earwax. Lie down on your side and use a 3-5ml syringe or a medicine dropper to fill up the ear with H2O2. Let it bubble and fizz in the ear for up to five minutes. Then turn your head to the side and pull back on the top of your ear to tip solution out onto a tissue and allow it to drain properly. Repeat the process for your other ear.
Breathe Cleaner
Air purifiers, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, diffusers and nebulisers can all be breeding grounds for moulds, yeast, fungus or bacteria. Without proper cleaning and care for your equipment, you may be inhaling harmful
organisms. Sanitise them at least once a month by running a solution of half water and half H2O2 through them.
Disinfect Toys
To kill germs and bacteria, spray plastic toys with H2O2. Allow it to sit on the surfaces for a few minutes and then rinse with plain water.
Make Your Own Fruit & Veggie Wash
Mix water and H2O2 in a 1-to-1 ratio to make your own fruit & veggie wash. Spray or soak the produce in the solution, rinse, dry and enjoy.
Get Rid of Smelly Feet
Smelly feet are caused by odour-causing bacteria and they may cause embarrassment. Make a foot soak with one-part H2O2 to three-parts warm water. The same treatment will help protect against spreading athlete’s foot fungus and even soften calluses and corns.
Whiten Discoloured Nails
Mix one-part H2O2 to two-parts baking soda in a bowl to form a paste. It will foam a bit. When it stops, spread the paste over and under your nails. Let it work for three minutes then rinse with plain water.
Kill Dust Mites
Dust mites thrive on the small bits of skin we shed in our homes, particularly on the mattress. Give your mattress a spray with equal parts H2O2 and water to kill the insects. Allow the mattress to dry completely before remaking the bed with clean bedding.
Sanitize Beauty and Manicure Tools
Each time you use tweezers, manicure or pedicure tools and eyelash curlers, they come in contact with bacteria. A dip or rub-down with a bit of H2O2 will sanitize the tools.
Freshen and Disinfect Kitchen Sponges and Cutting Boards
Kitchen sponges and cutting boards can harbour bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella. Disinfecting your kitchen sponges and cutting boards daily with a solution of water and H2O2 in a 1-to-1 ratio will keep them safe for use.
Sanitize Your Refrigerator
After you have cleaned out your refrigerator, spray the inside with H2O2 to kill any lingering bacteria. Let it work for several minutes and then wipe down with plain water.
Brighten Discoloured Cookware
Mix a few teaspoons of baking soda and some H2O2 to make a paste. Spread the paste on the interior of discoloured ceramic-coated cookware. This will help lighten stains and gently clean the surface.
Clean Tile Grout
Grout between the bathroom and kitchen tiles not only gets dirty, but can also get covered with mildew. One of the best ways to kill the fungus is H2O2. To whiten grout, mix a paste of baking soda and H2O2. Spread it on the tile (it will also help cut through soap scum) and let it work for five minutes. Wipe away with plain water to see the sparkle.
Clean and Sanitise Toilet Bowls
Pour a half-cup of H2O2 into the toilet and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then use a toilet brush to scrub any leftover stains or discolouration. Flush, and you are done!
Put a Shine on Mirrors and Windows
A spray of H2O2 and a wipe down with a lint-free microfiber cloth will give you streak-free mirrors and windows.
Safer Substitute for Chlorine Bleach
Instead of using chlorine bleach, add some H2O2 to a load of dirty white clothes. Add another cup of H2O2 to the machine before washing.