by Thom W. Conroy

Created on: October 21, 2009

Back in the days of our grandparents, before a hundred different specially designed chemicals for each cleaning task became available, hydrogen peroxide use in the home was much more popular than it is today, Whether the value of hydrogen peroxide became diminished with each generation or commercial preparations just appear to be more attractive, hydrogen peroxide is one of the more under-utilized tools available in sanitizing a number of household areas. Over-the counter hydrogen peroxide is made up of about 97 percent water and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, and is little more than hydrogen and water with a molecular twist. However the ability of hydrogen peroxide to clean and kill germs and bacteria is undisputed, and every homeowner should have a bottle on hand not only to clean with, but because it is also useful in the area of personal care as well.

Perhaps the most prolific areas of the home in which hydrogen peroxide is used is in the kitchen and bathroom. In the kitchen, hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean cutting boards, counter tops, and appliances without streaking or the necessity of rinsing. It is an excellent disinfectant of trash cans, sponges, and brushes, and is wonderful for cleaning bacteria from the outer skins of fruits and vegetables. In the bathroom, hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean all flat surfaces, in soaking toilet bowls, and in preventing and removing mildew from shower walls. The germs that can accumulate on tooth brushes can be reduced or eliminated by simply soaking them in hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide serves as an outstanding agent in the cleansing of dentures when soaked in a weak solution overnight.

In other areas of the home, hydrogen peroxide is very good for cleaning wallpaper, and is especially good at killing bacteria in a cat's liter box. On carpets, hydrogen peroxide works very well on blood and pet stains, and a cap full placed into the clothes washer during the washing cycle makes clothes brighter. In personal use, hydrogen peroxide is great for cutting ear wax in a gentle manner. On acne, hydrogen peroxide has a drying effect, and can shorten the duration and severity of episodes.

When using hydrogen peroxide in the home it is important to remember to let the solution sit for a brief time to allow it a chance to work. The fizzing action viewed when using hydrogen peroxide is the chemical process taking over and working - by removing it too quickly, the process is interrupted and the outcome is not as positive.

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