13 Surprising Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide
Whiten your nails: Soak your nails in a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water for a few minutes. This can help remove stains and brighten your nails.
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Whiten nails with hydrogen peroxide
De-gunk tile and grout: Mix ½ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide in a sealable container. Add a teaspoon of liquid dish soap, apply the mixture to tile and grout, let it sit for at least 5 minutes, then rinse clean with water.
Freshen up your mattress: For mattress stains caused by food, drinks, bodily fluids, and even crayons, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the stained area and blot with a clean cloth. Test on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t bleach the fabric.
Clean your cutting board: Pour hydrogen peroxide across the surface of your cutting board, then use a fresh sponge to spread it evenly. Let it bubble up for a few moments, then wipe clean with a sponge.
Remove sweat stains: Pretreat sweaty clothes with a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water before washing.
Get rid of mildew in your humidifier: Empty the humidifier and fill it with a mixture of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and refill with fresh water.
Clean your fridge and dishwasher: For a quick clean, wipe down the interior surfaces of your fridge or dishwasher with a cloth dampened with hydrogen peroxide.
Whiten your clothes without bleach: Add ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide to your regular laundry detergent to boost whitening power. Only use on white or color-safe fabrics.
Clean your ears (carefully): Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water and put a few drops in your ear with a dropper. Let it sit for a few minutes and tilt your head to drain. Do not use cotton swabs, as they can push wax further into your ear canal.
Gargle with hydrogen peroxide for a sore throat: Mix 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup of warm water. Gargle for a few seconds and spit. Do not swallow.
Remove makeup stains: Dab a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide on makeup stains on clothes. Blot, don’t rub, and then launder as usual. Test on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t discolor the fabric.
Brighten blonde hair: Spray a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water on your hair to lighten it slightly. Be careful not to overdo it, as hydrogen peroxide can be drying.
Clean fishbowls and aquarium decorations: Empty the fishbowl and decorations and rinse them with clean water. Wipe them down with a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 10 parts water. Rinse everything thoroughly again before putting them back in the fishbowl. Never put undiluted hydrogen peroxide in your fishbowl, as it can harm your fish.