Hydrogen Peroxide Uses

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the easily available and inexpensive chemicals that is commonly found in almost every household. Right from disinfecting kitchens and bathrooms to remedying a common cold, this chemical has numerous uses. There are many ways through which, hydrogen peroxide can improve our everyday health and hygiene. It is claimed that this chemical is effective in curing everything from sinus infection to skin cancer. It can also be used to clean teeth instead of toothpaste and mouthwash. Some people use it as a humidifier and inhale the chemical to cure cold, flu and other respiratory diseases. If you are interested in knowing more about the uses of hydrogen peroxide, then, continue reading this article.

What is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Commonly used as a cleaning agent, hydrogen peroxide is said to have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. This clear liquid has a water-like consistency, with a pH of 6.2. So, it can be categorized as a weak acid. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is found naturally in rain and snow, due to the presence of atmospheric ozone. It is also formed in flowing and falling water, because of the continuous aeration. This chemical is produced in the body of almost all living things. So, hydrogen peroxide is simply a water molecule with an extra oxygen molecule. Though the extra oxygen molecule may not look significant, it makes the chemical much more powerful. First described during the early years of the nineteenth century, the chemical is now manufactured in large amounts, in different parts of the world. Apart from being used for cleaning and disinfecting, hydrogen peroxide has numerous medicinal and cosmetic uses too. Scroll down to know more about some common hydrogen peroxide uses.

Household Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide

• One of the most common uses of hydrogen peroxide is as a disinfectant. Spray some hydrogen peroxide on surfaces like kitchen counter top and wipe with a clean rag. You may even use it to disinfect your cutting board.
• Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a mouthwash too. You have to dilute the chemical with water and use it for rinsing the mouth. This mouthwash is also said to whiten teeth. Ensure that you do not swallow the liquid, while rinsing.
• Some farmers use hydrogen peroxide as an insecticide. They spray diluted form of this chemical, on plants, so that the pests and weeds get killed, without causing harm to the plants.
• You may also use diluted hydrogen peroxide for watering plants. Mix an ounce of this chemical with a quart of water and use it on plants. Apart from boosting the level of oxygen in the soil, this mixture is also said to prevent root rot.
• Some people soak seeds in hydrogen peroxide diluted with water. It is said that this will fasten the process of germination. For this purpose, you have to mix 1.5 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide in a cup of water.
• Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to wash vegetables and fruits, in order to get rid of germs and pesticides. Add some hydrogen peroxide to a bowl full of water (you may also add a few pinches of salt). Soak the veggies and fruits for some time. Remove them and rinse with cold water, before use.
• Hydrogen peroxide uses include its role as a stain remover, especially for blood and wine stains. All you have to do is to dab a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on the stains and let it sit for a while. After that, rinse the stains with water and soap.
• As it has bleaching property, hydrogen peroxide can be used as a bleach too. Use it to bleach your white garments. Some people use diluted form of this chemical to lighten hair (don't try unless and until you know the correct method).
• It is claimed that hydrogen peroxide can be added to water in fish tank, so as to check fungal infection in fish. If you want to try this, seek the opinion of an expert beforehand. This chemical is also used to purify water in swimming pools.
• Hydrogen peroxide can be an ideal skunk odor remover, when mixed with baking soda and soap. Mix these three ingredients and soak the clothes in it. Wash them as usual and there will be no odor.
• One of the hydrogen peroxide uses is tile and grout cleaning. It can be mixed with baking soda, for added efficiency. Even floors and windows can be cleaned with this chemical. It can also be used for getting rid of mold and mildew.

Therapeutic Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has long been used as a disinfectant. 3% hydrogen peroxide is applied over skin and mouth infections, insect bites, pimples, etc. However, it is not advisable to use this chemical on open wounds. Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide is said to be helpful in numbing the gums and relieving tooth pain. Some people use diluted hydrogen peroxide as a cure for chronic sinusitis, by putting some drops into the ear and nose. Even inhalation of this chemical is said to be useful for this purpose. Apart from sinusitis, this method is claimed to be good for curing common cold and flu. Gargling with diluted hydrogen peroxide is said to work wonders for relief from sore throat. Earwax removal is another among the numerous hydrogen peroxide medical uses. It is also used for treating acne. Veterinarians use this chemical as an emetic (a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting). It is claimed that when taken internally (hydrogen peroxide therapy), hydrogen peroxide may be effective in curing a wide range of ailments including diabetes, multiple sclerosis, liver cirrhosis, allergies, anemia, emphysema, prostatitis and even cancer. There is no scientific evidence to prove such claims.

Hydrogen peroxide is also used as a sterilizer in hospitals, especially patient rooms, surgical and other medical equipment, and even ambulances! This is a major breakthrough, because previously it was nearly impossible to completely sterilize the interior of an ambulance. In this procedure, the doors and windows of the ambulance are tightly closed, before using hydrogen peroxide (in vapor form) to sterilize the interior. The hydrogen peroxide separates into water and vapor all by itself. Only a little wiping is needed to clean the inner surfaces.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide

As stated above, it is always better to use 3% hydrogen peroxide. You must have a basic idea about how to use it properly, for different purposes. Extreme care must be taken when handling and using food grade hydrogen peroxide. Unlike 3% hydrogen peroxide, it is very important to keep the food grade one refrigerated. It must be diluted with water, before use. Care must be taken while handling a container of food grade hydrogen peroxide because in pure, undiluted form it can severely burn the skin. So, when carrying a bottle of food grade hydrogen peroxide, make sure the lid is secured and the bottle is upright. Keep any unopened bottle or container of food grade hydrogen peroxide, away from children.

The above said is only a brief overview about the uses and benefits of hydrogen peroxide. Many of these claims do not have any proof, but there are people who vouch for their effectiveness. So, you may try to find out on your own. As far as topical application of hydrogen peroxide is concerned, it will be better to seek the opinion of your doctor, beforehand. Internal application is not advisable, unless and until, your doctor suggests the same.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.