Arts &Crafts, How-To's, Upcycling & Repurposing

Here’s a tip-

Hydrogen peroxide comes in the dark brown bottle because it breaks down to plain water when exposed to heat, light, and air. The decomposition isn’t harmful, but if the “fizz” is gone when using it, it’s turned into plain water. For the best result, use the bottle within a month of opening. Hydrogen peroxide should be viable for six months after opening. 

1.- Sanitizing our manicure tools.

Tweezers, Nail clippers, eye lash curlers, etc overtime bacteria grows on them. Using Hydrogen Peroxide to clean them will help keep the bacteria at bay.

2.- Smelly Feet?

Soaking your feet in a mixture of 1 part Hydrogen Peroxide & 3 parts warm water for 10-20 minutes will help get rid of the odor causing bacteria as well as protect against athlete’s foot.

3.- Discolored nails

Mix one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts baking soda in a bowl to form a paste. It will foam a bit, but when it stops, spread the paste over and under your nails. Let it work for three minutes and then rinse with plain water.

4.- Kitchen sponges

Our Kitchen sponges can be a source for bacteria, including E.coli and Salmonella.⁴ Disinfect them daily with a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent hydrogen peroxide.

5.- Sanitizing your refridgerator

After you’ve cleaned out your refrigerator and before you add a new box of baking soda, spray the inside with hydrogen peroxide to kill any lingering bacteria. Let it sit for a few minutes then wiope it down with a wet cloth.

6.- Discolored cook ware

You can mix a paste of Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda and spread it on the ceramic coated cook ware. Rinse off with warm water. Not only will it bring the color to life of your cook ware, it will also get rid of any hidden bacteria that is growing.

7.- Your Reusable Grocery bags ( fabric bags )

Technically we should be washing these bags frequently between uses to the grocery store. If you don’t have time to wash it, give the bag a quick spray with hydrogen peroxide to kill potentially harmful bacteria.

8.- Sweat stains on shirts

Mix 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1/4 cup water in a bowl. Use a soft-bristled brush to work the solution into underarm stains and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. Give it one more final scrub with the brush and then wash as usual. Same with dirt & grass stains. Works great!

9.- Humidifiers

Dehumidifiers, humidifiers & diffusers are perfect breeding grounds for mold due to the moisture and heat they collect or generate.  Keep them clean by running a solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide through them monthly.

10.- Mattresses

Dust mites thrive on the small bits of skin we shed in our homes, particularly in the bedroom. Give your mattress a spray with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water to kill the insects. Allow the mattress to dry completely before remaking the bed with clean bedding.

11.- Helping Plants

That extra oxygen molecule in hydrogen peroxide boosts a plant’s ability to absorb nutrients from the soil.⁸ Mix one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with four parts room temperature water. Use it to fertilize your plants. It will also help protect your plants from root rot and any pests on your plant.

12.- Countertops

Unsealed marble tables, countertops, shelves, or cutting boards will likely be stained at some point. To get them looking new again, combine flour and hydrogen peroxide into a pasty mixture and apply it directly to the stain. Securely cover the paste and surrounding area with plastic wrap, and leave it to sit for at least 12 hours. When you clean the paste away, you should have no stain remaining (or at least a much lighter stain). You can repeat this process until the stain is gone. Always try it in a test area first.

13.- Cutting Boards

Hydrogen peroxide sanitizes and removes stains from wood and plastic cutting boards. To sanitize, pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto cutting board. Scrub with a clean sponge and let it sit until it fizzes. Rinse thoroughly.

14.- Skunk smell?

Have a run-in with a stinky skunk? Hydrogen peroxide to the rescue! To deodorize clothing that has been sprayed, mix one part of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide with six parts water (don’t make the solution any stronger, since hydrogen peroxide can damage textile fibers). Soak the stained clothing in this solution for an hour or two, rinse it thoroughly with cold water, and then launder it on a cold setting.

If your pet has been sprayed, you can If you or your pet has been sprayed by a skunk, combine a quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent. Using a rag, wipe your pet (or yourself) down. Then wash with soap and water.

15.- Seed Starting

Hydrogen peroxide can be a big help when you’re starting seeds for the garden. When seeds are soaked in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water, it can help to break down the outer seed coat, allowing the seed to absorb water more quickly and speed up the germination process. Hydrogen peroxide can also kill any harmful bacteria or fungi that may be present on the seed’s surface, thus reducing the risk of seed rot or disease.

To use hydrogen peroxide for seed germination, mix one ounce of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide with a pint of water and soak the seeds in the solution for up to 24 hours. After soaking, rinse the seeds thoroughly with clean water and plant them as usual.

DO-

• Use the correct concentration for the task at hand. Most household uses call for a 3-percent solution.
• Store it properly. Store hydrogen peroxide in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight and heat sources.
• Rinse the area thoroughly. After using hydrogen peroxide, rinse the surface or item with water to remove any remaining peroxide residue.
• Take safety precautions. Work in a ventilated area, wear gloves and rinse your hands, since hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin and eyes.