16 Surprising Ways to Use Hydrogen Peroxide
1. Prevent Canker Sores
Swish a capful of 3% hydrogen peroxide in your mouth for a minute or two — then spit it out.
✅ Bonus: It also whitens teeth and fights plaque .
2. Sanitize Toothbrushes
Soak toothbrushes in hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria and germs — especially after being sick.
3. Disinfect Countertops
Spray or wipe with hydrogen peroxide after wiping with soap and water — it kills bacteria and leaves behind a fresh, clean scent .
4. Sanitize Wooden Cutting Boards
After rinsing your wooden cutting board, pour a bit of hydrogen peroxide over it and let sit for a few minutes — then rinse.
It kills salmonella, E. coli , and other foodborne germs — without drying out the wood.
5. Clean Produce
Soak fruits and veggies in hydrogen peroxide and water for a few minutes — then rinse well.
It removes pesticides, bacteria , and even bugs hiding in leafy greens .
6. Remove Mold and Mildew
Spray on bathroom tiles, shower grout, or laundry room corners — let sit, then wipe.
It bleaches and disinfects — without the harsh fumes of traditional mold sprays.
7. Soak Dentures
Soak dentures or retainers in a mixture of peroxide and water to remove bacteria and keep them fresh .
8. Clean Reusable Grocery Bags
Spray the inside of canvas or nylon bags with hydrogen peroxide before tossing in your produce.
It kills lingering bacteria and keeps your bags smelling clean.
9. Deodorize Shoes
Pour a bit of hydrogen peroxide into smelly sneakers or boots — then let them air dry.
It kills odor-causing bacteria and freshens up the inside of your shoes.
10. Soften Towels
Add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your next load of towels — it removes buildup , brightens whites , and softens fabric without harsh softeners.
11. Clean Toilet Tanks
Pour a cup of hydrogen peroxide into your toilet tank — let sit for 30 minutes — then flush a few times to clear it out.
It cleans, disinfects, and deodorizes — without scrubbing.
12. Remove Blood Stains
Hydrogen peroxide is a go-to for removing blood stains from fabric — especially on bedding or clothing.
Blot (don’t rub), rinse with cold water, and watch the stain fade.
13. Whiten Grout
Apply directly to grout lines and let sit for 10–15 minutes — then scrub with a brush.
It lifts stains and kills mold — without the bleach stink.
14. Freshen Up Dish Sponges
Soak sponges or scrub brushes in hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria and extend their life .
15. Treat Acne or Blackheads
Use a cotton pad soaked in diluted peroxide to wipe down acne-prone skin — it gently exfoliates and reduces bacteria .
16. Clean Refrigerator Crisper Drawers
Spray or wipe hydrogen peroxide on fridge drawers — especially after storing moldy produce.
It kills bacteria , removes odors , and prevents future mold .
🧼 Bonus: How to Store and Use It Safely
Keep in a cool, dark place
Prevents breakdown and preserves potency
Don’t mix with vinegar
Creates peracetic acid — not safe for skin or lungs
Use 3% strength for home use
Strong enough for cleaning, safe for surfaces
Label your spray bottles
So you don’t confuse it with vinegar or bleach
Test on fabric first
Some materials may fade or bleach
Also, expired hydrogen peroxide doesn’t hurt — but it loses strength over time. Test it by pouring a small amount down the sink — if it fizzes, it’s still active.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Best Cleaners Are Already in Your Home
Hydrogen peroxide might not be the flashiest item in your cleaning cabinet — but it might just be the most versatile .
It’s gentle enough for your skin.
Strong enough for your fridge.
And powerful enough to disinfect and deodorize nearly every surface in your home.
So next time you’re cleaning, cooking, or even brushing your teeth…
Don’t just reach for the usual suspects.
Reach for hydrogen peroxide.
Because sometimes, the difference between a clean home and a healthier one…
Isn’t in the fancy products.
It’s in the bubbling bottle you’ve been underestimating all along.
And once you start using it for more than just cuts…
You’ll wonder how you ever cleaned without it.