Hydrogen peroxide, this product so common and yet so little known in its multiple domestic uses.
Often relegated to simple troubleshooting to clean small wounds, it also turns out to be a real ecological asset for home maintenance.
What is hydrogen peroxide?
Discovered in the 19th century by the chemist Louis-Jacques Thenard, hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), is a liquid chemical compound, colorless in solution and slightly more viscous than water.
Generally available in concentrations of 3 to 10%, hydrogen peroxide is known for its antiseptic, disinfectant and whitening properties.
The more concentrated it is, the more powerful it is.
This product, often used for medical purposes, also has excellent cleaning and whitening capabilities, making it ideal for various household applications.
You can buy hydrogen peroxide in pharmacies, supermarkets or online sites for household use.
What are the uses of hydrogen peroxide at home?
Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile ally for the home.
For laundry
Whitening white linen: add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your usual laundry detergent to revive the white of your clothes
Stain remover: it acts as a natural stain remover on fabrics, ideal for blood, red wine, grass or perspiration stains
To clean surfaces
Use it diluted to clean countertops, tiles and even mirrors.
It effectively eliminates bacteria and leaves surfaces shiny.
For plants
A slightly diluted solution can help control fungal diseases of houseplants.
You can use it to disinfect gardening tools, especially pruning shears, before cutting a stem, for example.
To wash certain tools and utensils
It is used to disinfect toys, sponges or beauty accessories such as hairbrushes or tweezers.
For washing fruits and vegetables
Your fruits and vegetables can be immersed for 5 minutes in a basin of tap water and 4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide.
They will thus be free of pesticides and other dirt.
Rinse them well with clean water afterwards.
Do not ingest hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide: what precautions to take?
Precautions must be followed when using hydrogen peroxide at home.
1. Buy your hydrogen peroxide in a pharmacy or drugstore
For greater safety, we advise you to buy your hydrogen peroxide in a pharmacy or drugstore.
Depending on the use chosen, you will be properly advised, because an incorrect concentration of hydrogen peroxide can be irritating or even corrosive.
Also pay attention to break times, hydrogen peroxide can cause the skin and hair to dry out.
2. Do a preliminary test
Always test on a small area before applying to larger surfaces or fabrics.
3. Store it well
Store your bottle of hydrogen peroxide in a cool, dark place, it decomposes quickly in the presence of heat and light.
4. Be careful of contact with eyes and skin
For your safety, avoid contact with eyes and prolonged contact with skin.
Above all, never ingest hydrogen peroxide.
It is therefore strongly recommended not to use it for oral and dental use, to whiten teeth or as a mouthwash.
In case of improper handling or incorrect dosage, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water.