I think it’s time to talk about the importance of the miracle cleaner – hydrogen peroxide – and it’s many household (and non household) uses. It stands to reason that because it’s is my all time favorite multi-purpose cleaner, I should explain why.
There can be a lot of confusion around how to use hydrogen peroxide, so I want to clear that up and simplify it for you all.
Everything You Need To Know About Hydrogen Peroxide & Household Cleaning
WHAT IS HYDROGEN PEROXIDE?
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid. It’s a combination of hydrogen and oxygen and is available in many strengths (indicated by the percentage of dilution with water).
DIFFERENT USES
People use diluted food grade hydrogen peroxide in home food preparation and storage, including:
- vegetable antibacterial wash
- lettuce preservative
Furthermore, when diluted with water, it can also be used in food-related home cleaning such as:
- cutting board disinfection
- countertop disinfection
- sponge and dish cloth cleaning
- refrigerator cleaning
- lunchbox disinfection
- floor cleaning
- bathroom cleaning
- stain removal (from just about anything and anywhere)
- odor removal from carpets or linens etc.
Looking for more information? Here is a website that goes in-depth about all things hydrogen peroxide.
What do the different concentrations mean?
- Read here to learn about what the different concentrations mean.
- However, please note that it’s harder to find 35% now in USA because it requires special arrangements to be shipped as a hazardous material. That is probably why you can’t find it on Amazon anymore. Look for 12% food grade hydrogen peroxide on Amazon.
What do the different Grades mean?
- First of all, what is Food Grade vs. other? Food grade means it is safe enough to use on food.
- Secondly, of importance to note, food grade hydrogen peroxide is a type of peroxide that does NOT contain stabilizers. That means it is JUST plain hydrogen peroxide, without any additives. Food Grade is the only type of peroxide that has NO stabilizers in it.
- Thirdly, this means it is more easily susceptible to breaking down.
- Finally, here is a great website that helps to clearly define the different grades.
Dilution Ratios:
- Here is the rule of thumb – you should be diluting everything higher than 3 percent concentration down to 3 percent. Click here to learn how.
- Having said that, if you have 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, you can use it straight with no dilution.
Dilution Ratio Calculator:
- Here is a calculator to help figure out the dilution ratios for 35% to 3% based on what bottle size you are using. There is even a conversion in metric for our non-US members.
Please leave me a comment below and let me know if this hydrogen peroxide tutorial was helpful. While I do use other non-toxic cleaners that can be found on my Amazon Store, hydrogen peroxide is my favorite go-to miracle cleaner.
To your health & happiness,
Muneeza
29 thoughts on “Hydrogen Peroxide – My Multi-Purpose Miracle Cleaner”
Dear Muneeza, thanks a lot for these great informations.
Is it safe for the body and the liver to put pure 3% hydrogen peroxide in the hair (without any other additives), for about 30 minutes, to bleach the hair a bit ?
Nora, yes that is totally fine to do!
great news :-), thanks a lot, Muneeza! ❤️
thank you for all these informations and the amazing work you do!
Is it safe for the body and the liver to put pure 3% hydrogen peroxide in the hair (without any other additives) to lighten the hair color and then wash it out again after 30 minutes?
Yes, its safe!
Hi Muneeza, what is the difference in the cleaning qualities between Hydrogen peroxide and Sovereign Silver? Are they both similar in killing bugs, removing fungus, general cleaning etc? Thanks Alex
Hydrogen Peroxide works by adding oxygen – and oxygen does the killing. With silver is the silver itself that is antiseptic.
What to think about the use of a 3% and lower peroxide solution in an inhaler for respiratory diseases? Is it safe to help the body in this way?
Hi Egle, there’s no evidence that shows inhaling peroxide is safe so I would not recommend doing so. It could be acidic in the body. -Muneeza
Hello! Thank you for sharing this information! Can it be used on granite countertops?
Marcie, yes it can!
Can you use it to clean the omega juicer and would you recommend it? 🙂
Yes totally! I use it for my own juicer often!
Thank you for the valuable information.
My Sana juicer is very oxidized from pressing celery.
Is it enough to spray on 3% peroxide, or do you need to soak the juicer parts in the liquid for a while to get them clean?
Hi Egle, soaking for 2-3 hours is usually best! You can also coat with a paste made from baking soda and water and allow to sit for several hours before scrubbing off. Hope this helps! – Team Muneeza
When washing fruits and vegetables in the sink, how much 3% Food Grade peroxide to mix in the sink full of water?
And for how long?
Thank you so much!
You don’t need to dilute the 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Is it best to buy the hydrogen peroxide without stabilisers? I can only find brands with stabilisers in local stores (in Australia).
Many thanks.
Yvonne – I do not know of any in Australia only in the USA. I use the one here: https://www.intothegardenofeden.com/35-food-grade-hydrogen-peroxide
Can i use this as a mouthwash?…when yes…how much %?….1%?
Yes, you can. 3% or less is good.
Hi I have read that the HP can leach metal from Mercury fillings when using as a mouth wash. Is this true?
With a low 3% – 12% I do not believe so. I think that only happens with the 35% direct but if you dilute it you will be OK.
Really helpful info. Thank you!!!! Have you ever tried using it on a carpet stain? I dumped a whole HMDS in the car!!
it works amazing on carpets (use it all the time) and clothing, linens etc. the only time I am careful and test if something has a strong color or its a very delicate material. Then I just make a weaker solution. But usually a 3% solution is perfect.
Thank you, Muneeza. You answered my question about the need (no) to dilute 3% H2O2.
Glad to help with that!
Thank you Muneeza. I will look to where to find this in Switzerland. I have been wanting to buy it for some time now.
Its such a great easy to use product! Hope you find it.