Hydrogen peroxide, or H202, has been known as a mild household antiseptic used on the skin to prevent infection of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. People may also know it as being used as a mouth rinse to help clean teeth. But many of us are sleeping on the many uses of this household gem that could be used to help clean and heal.
But before we get into what you can use peroxide for, there are some safety rules you should learn first.
Safety and Risks of Hydrogen Peroxide
Concentration matters: The strength of the solution determines its uses and risks.
Corrosive properties: Higher concentrations can cause irritation or severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory airways.
Not for consumption: Drinking hydrogen peroxide, even household strengths, can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Reactive agent: Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer and can ignite combustibles. It also reacts violently with some substances, such as strong bases and finely divided metals.
Store properly: It is unstable and should be stored in a cool, dark place and away from sunlight, as light can cause it to decompose.
You May Also Like
8 Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide You Never Knew
8. Bring your nails back to life
Hydrogen peroxide is known to lighten yellow nails and bring them back to their natural, healthy state. Simply rub a soaked cotton ball over your nails and see the difference. It also helps in preventing any formation of nail fungus. Hydrogen peroxide uses the oxidative therapy, destroying the fungus formed on the nails by increasing the oxygen levels.
7. The cleanse your hair and scalp needs
Hydrogen peroxide will take care of any free radicals or germs in your hair, but not without taking your hair’s natural oils with them. Some experts recommend using it every six weeks and after use, ensure to take deep conditioning treatments to retain the natural shine of your hair. A mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide should lift the colour of your strands and the mixture will also dilute the harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide.
6. Deep clean your bed
To really rest easy, deep clean your mattresses about every six months. Strip the linens and padding and vacuum the mattress itself. For any stained spots caused by organic materials, such as food, drinks, bodily fluids, and even crayons, create a mild solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide. Using a clean, soft toothbrush, work this liquid into the stain, give it five minutes of dwell time, and repeat if needed. Once stains have faded, use a hairdryer to evaporate any excess moisture before making the bed.
You May Also Like
5. Sanitize Your Wooden utensils and cutting boards
Worried about built-up food and germs on your wooden spoons, utensils and wooden cutting boards? Your wood materials can develop breaks in the surface that trap unhealthy bacteria. But unlike plastic, wood is porous and will warp and even crack in the heat of the dishwasher. To clean and disinfect it safely, spray with white vinegar, wait five minutes, then wipe. Next, pour three percent hydrogen peroxide over the entire cutting board, distributing evenly with a clean sponge; let dwell for five to 10 minutes. Then sprinkle salt over the surface and rub it into the wood grain gently with half a lemon (this will soak up any remaining odors). Allow the lemony salt to soak into the wooden surface for at least 10 minutes or overnight, wipe with damp cloth, and air dry. For the best results, buff the wood using food-grade almond or walnut oil, and wait six hours before use.
4. Even out hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation or dark spots on the skin can be caused by a number of things. Depending on the cause, hydrogrgen peroxide may help. Hydrogen peroxide has also been used for many years to bleach dark spots from the skin. However, it must be used carefully, as it is more acidic than lemon juice, and can be more drying. It also helps to speed exfoliation, allowing new, lighter skin to emerge more quickly. use, dab it onto those dark spots, let it dry, then be sure to rinse well to avoid skin irritation. Moisturizing the skin after use can avoid some of the drying effects of hydrogen peroxide.
3. Treat or prevent mouth sores
Mouth sores, also known as oral ulcers, are painful lesions that can develop inside the mouth. They can be caused by various factors, including:
- Trauma: Biting the cheek, tongue, or lip
- Infections: Bacterial, viral (e.g., herpes simplex virus), or fungal (e.g., candidiasis)
- Nutritional deficiencies: Iron, vitamin B12
- Autoimmune disorders: Lichen planus, Crohn’s disease
- Medications: Certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs
- Stress: Emotional or physical stress
Symptoms:
- Small, painful sores that can be white, yellow, or red
- Swelling and redness around the sores
- Difficulty eating or drinking
- Bad breath
If you frequently get mouth sores, you can mix equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Swish it around the affected area. But please make sure to spit it out – don’t swallow it. Similarly, it may help with gum irritation. Some mouthwashes also contain hydrogen peroxide.
2. Treat seborrheic keratosis
Also called liver spots or sun spots, seborrheic keratosis is a common, benign skin growth that typically appears as small, raised, wart-like bumps.
Appearance:
Usually brown, black, or yellow
Can be flat or slightly raised
May have a waxy or scaly surface
Often has a “stuck-on” appearance
Location:
Can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, trunk, and arms
Causes:
The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an overgrowth of skin cells (keratinocytes).
May be linked to sun exposure, aging, or certain genetic factors.
How it can be treated:
A prescription of 40% hydrogen peroxide is available for doctors to apply to these spots with a special applicator tool. It’s a safe way to remove these spots.
1. Loosen ear wax
Using a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide (this is what’s most commonly available and recommended for home use), you can use a dropper to apply just a couple of drops of hydrogen peroxide and water into the ear. This can help loosen ear wax for easier removal. Some over-the-counter ear wax removal drops also contain hydrogen peroxide. Ear wax removal drops are a safer route than cotton swabs, which can potentially irritate or injure the ear.
