The Many Uses For Hydrogen Peroxide

Though it's just a cheap and common household chemical, hydrogen peroxide has a wide ranges of uses. Hydrogen peroxide is technically an acid, and a very powerful one at that, even though it seems to only gently bubble when applied to a surface. The reason why it seems mild is because the hydrogen peroxide you can buy at the grocery store are only 3% strength. The other 97% is just water.

So you can imagine what a bottle of 50% solution would be like. Hydrogen peroxide is a very clean and effective chemical because its molecular makeup is so similar to water. Water, as everyone knows, is H2O. Hydrogen peroxide is H2O2 and when it reacts with things, it produces water and oxygen gas. That's what makes it such a clean, efficient chemical. There are many different uses for hydrogen peroxide, some of which are detailed below.

1. On Garden Plants. Hydrogen peroxide is perfect for the garden. Not only does it help eliminate pests, it also brings oxygen to the environment. Spraying it on the leaves of plants also helps support good health and strong growth by acting as an oxygen supplement. When used on the soil, it oxygenates it as well, which helps plant roots expand and grow.

2. Stain Remover. Hydrogen peroxide works as a great stain remover. If you spray it quickly on the stained area, it will take out even things like blood and wine. On clothing, spray it on the effected area and rub it together gently. Then wash as normal.

3. Fungus Remover. Fungus likes to build up in different places, especially the bathroom. Using hydrogen peroxide on bathroom surfaces helps to get rid of fungus. You can also soak feet in it to help eliminate foot fungus.

4. Bleach Replacement. Hydrogen peroxide helps to bleach things. That's why it's used in teeth whitening gels. Using it in your laundry instead of bleach is a cheap, safer alternative. It will help whiten clothing.

5. Spray on Fruits and Vegetables to Break Down Pesticides. Before you wash your fruits and vegetables, spray it on them to help break down the pesticides so they'll wash off easier.

6. As Mouthwash. To whiten your teeth, gargle some hydrogen peroxide in your mouth for a few minutes each night. This will help kill bacteria and also naturally whiten teeth.

Hydrogen peroxide comes in different strengths. Food grade strength comes at 35% instead of the standard 3%. It's used extensively for medical applications, and has many exciting experimental health benefits. Because of the high amount of oxygen it creates, it's used in the treatment of diseases and ailments that prefer anaerobic states inside the body. Things like cancer cells, even the aids virus, can't grow with large levels of oxygen present, and injecting it intravenously into affected areas can cause these diseases to die. This research is preliminary and hasn't yet been substantiated, but many people have very high praise for hydrogen peroxide therapy, also known as oxygen therapy. Other than for medical application, food grade hydrogen peroxide is also used as a household chemical, though you'll need to dilute it first. It is great for oxygenating and cleaning.

So before you reach for expensive grocery store chemicals which often are harmful, why not try using chemicals that are more natural, cheaper, and safer. Using chemicals like this and vinegar instead of the store bought varieties is a great way to save some money and have a safe and effective multipurpose chemical around the house. Home remedies aren't used as much as they once were, and it would be nice to see some effective safe chemicals back in wide use again.